Dental Implant Specialists in Atlanta

Many people believe dental implants are only for older patients, but this is not true. Age is less important than overall health and the condition of the jawbone. Another misconception is that bone grafting is always required, when in fact it is only necessary if there has been significant bone loss. Patients also sometimes assume implants are painful, but discomfort after surgery is usually mild and responds to over-the-counter pain relief.

Dental implant replacements refer to removing a failed or problematic dental implant and placing a new one. Dental implants are artificial structures placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth or bridges. They are considered a long-term solution for tooth loss but can sometimes fail or require replacement due to various reasons:

• Implant Failure: Dental implants can fail to integrate with the jawbone properly, a process known as osseointegration. This failure can occur soon after the implant surgery or years later and might be due to infection, insufficient bone density, or the patient’s health conditions.
• Mechanical Problems: Components of the implant, such as the abutment or the crown, can sometimes break or become damaged, necessitating replacement of the part or the entire implant.
• Infection: Peri-implantitis is an infection that can occur around the implant and the gums, leading to bone loss and the potential failure of the implant. Treatment might require removing the implant, treating the infection, and placing a new implant.
• Aesthetic Concerns: An implant may need to be replaced for aesthetic reasons, such as improper alignment or dissatisfaction with the appearance.
• Bone Loss: If there is significant bone loss around an implant, it may become loose and require replacement. In such cases, bone grafting might be necessary before a new implant can be placed.

1. Removal of the Failed Implant: The first step is to carefully remove the failed implant to minimize damage to the surrounding bone.
2. Evaluation and Treatment of the Site: Once the implant is removed, the dentist evaluates the site for infection or bone loss. Treatment may include bone grafting or infection control.
3. Healing Period: After the removal and site preparation, a healing period is usually required to allow for bone growth and healing.
4. Placement of the New Implant: A new dental implant is placed once the site has healed sufficiently.
5. Restoration: After the new implant has integrated with the bone, it is topped with an abutment and a new crown or bridge.

The success of dental implant replacement depends on various factors, including the reason for the initial failure, the patient’s overall health, and the quality of post-procedural care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for the longevity of the replacement implant.

Implant screw rescue addresses issues related to the loosening or fracturing of the screw that holds a dental implant’s components together. Dental implants consist of several parts: the implant post that integrates with the jawbone, the abutment (which connects the implant post to the replacement tooth), and the prosthetic tooth (such as a crown). A small screw typically holds these components together. When this screw becomes loose or breaks, it can compromise the stability and function of the implant, necessitating a rescue procedure.

1. Diagnosis: The first step is identifying the issue, which usually involves clinical examination and possibly imaging studies to assess the integrity of the implant and the position of the screw.
2. Access: The dentist or oral surgeon must carefully access the screw. This often involves removing the prosthetic crown or bridge to reach the screw that connects the abutment to the implant post.
3. Removal: Using specialized tools, the dentist will attempt to remove the loose or broken screw. This step must be done with great care to avoid damaging the internal threading of the implant or the implant itself.
4. Evaluation: Once the screw is removed, the dentist evaluates the implant, abutment, and prosthetic components for any damage. They also assess whether the internal threads of the implant are intact.
5. Replacement: If the threads and components are undamaged, a new screw is typically inserted and tightened to the proper torque specifications. If there is damage to the threads or other components, further corrective procedures may be necessary.
6. Reassembly: After addressing the screw issue, the abutment and the prosthetic tooth are reattached securely, ensuring that the implant’s functionality and aesthetics are restored.
7. Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the stability of the implant and the integrity of the new screw placement.

Implant screw rescue procedures are vital for maintaining the longevity and functionality of dental implants. They address immediate problems while helping prevent potential complications, such as implant failure or infection. Given the complexity and precision required for such procedures, they should be performed by experienced dental professionals specializing in implant dentistry.

The cost of a dental implant depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed first, and what type of restoration sits on top of the implant. Dr. Langston will go over your options and what they cost before any work begins.

Dental insurance treats implants differently than it treats fillings and crowns, and coverage varies between plans. Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists’s front desk will verify your benefits before you commit to treatment.

For the best in dental implants and restorative dentistry, visit Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists. Call our office in Brookhaven, GA at (404) 321-4588 to schedule an appointment!