implant dentistry Archives

Ugly brown line on my dental implant.

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My dental implant has functioned great. I have had it for several years now and have been very happy. But several months ago, I started noticing what looks like a brown line that is showing up. When I was in for a cleaning last, I totally spaced it. I meant to talk to the hygienist about it. And I was actually hoping it would come off from the polishing during the appointment. I didn’t notice it afterward, but then it has reappeared. Is there a problem all of the sudden? If it’s not a big deal, than I don’t want to go back into the dentist. But how can a stain come up out of nowhere. Have you heard of something like this?

– Daniel in Ohio

Daniel,

The porcelain crown that is on top of the dental implant is made of porcelain. This material is highly stain resistant. But, as time goes in, it may have a blemish, crack, or imperfection that is picking up some staining. If there are any crevices than you may notice that area will retain stains more than a smooth area. They hygienist may have polished the discoloration off during your routine hygiene visit, but it sounds like it has resurfaced.

If it is strictly an aesthetics issue, than you really don’t need to schedule another appointment. That is, unless it is bothersome and noticeable when you smile. But a stain isn’t a functional issue. Although, if it is a crack, than it is something that you would want to have examined. It is hard to tell without having seen you in person, but a crack can turn into something more, which could end up compromising the durability of the crown. Or it could even break or shatter if left untreated.

It’s probably better to be safe than sorry. So you should probably go back in and have it checked out. If need by, the crown can be replaced. But you will not need to replace the entire dental implant, so you won’t have to go back through the surgical phase or anything like that. Just a crown replacement. Good luck!

Beware of Mexico and affordable dental implants.

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My cousin researched affordable dental implants. He couldn’t justify the costs here. So, he went to Mexico. He raved about the dentist. Apparently, he studied in the United States and had a bunch of positive reviews. Eventually, we decided to go through with it to save a buck. It took over a year for the whole process. He felt like the cost of traveling was offset by the cheap implants. Well I was skeptical from the beginning. Now, now he’s starting to pay for it. First, he had a gross infected implant, which cost him an extra trip. They sent him home with a course of antibiotics. But, that didn’t fix it. His entire face swelled and he was in terrible pain. Now, the implant dentist wants to redo it and start over. Is this normal? I was seriously considering this approach to saving some money on dental implants.

-Jim in Arizona

Jim,

You’re not alone in searching for ways to save money on dental implants. But, your instincts are correct to proceed with caution. Here’s the deal. The United States is very stringent when it comes to medical and dental care. We regulate everything, which in the long run means higher fees. So, it is definitely tempting to cross the border to Mexico. As your cousin experienced, you’re pretty much out of luck if something doesn’t go according to plan.

Implant dentistry requires extensive training and expertise beyond dental school. When implants are placed by an excellent implant dentist, they tend to have a 98% rate. But, you have to take a step back and consider why dental implants are more affordable in Mexico.

It could be due to many factors. For example, the dentist’s skill (or lack of it), skimping on quality materials, or simply not caring, since they know you aren’t from Mexico. These types of practices also have a bad reputation of changing their practice names frequently. So, you may see stellar reviews for a dentist online. Then, when things get bad, they shut down and re-open a new clinic.

You would be best served by a reputable implant dentist here in the States. They are held to higher standards and are only a phone call away for any questions or complications. With something as intricate as dental implant surgery and the placement of the restoration, you don’t want to chance your health. The risk is incredibly high to end up paying more in the long run.

So, if your budget is an issue with dental implants, be honest. Tell your dentist your limitations. There are many other affordable dental implant options.

Mini implants are more affordable and can work well in the right situation. Or, your dentist may be willing to phase out treatment over time, to make the cost of implants more manageable. It is also possible to consider alternate treatment options, like a dental bridge or other affordable implant options. Or, you can look at other supplemental insurance plans or finance options.

Thank you for your question. We have no shortage of dental implant horror stories when it comes to cheap dental implants from Mexico.

Dental implants on Groupon – too good to be true?

September 6, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been putting of getting a dental implant because let’s face it, I simply can’t afford it. I have been into see three different dentists and I couldn’t afford any of them. Then, what do you know, the best Groupon deal ever from a local dentist came up. His affordable dental implant offer has me ready to go. It is literally 50% off the other dentists fees. How can this be? I mean, I’m sure it’s too good to be true. But is it??? There has to be a catch.

– Michelle in New Jersey

Michelle,

Dental implants are expensive. There is not secret there. But here’s why. The expertise and advanced training required to successfully place dental implants is extensive. There are so many factors involved in the success of a dental implant including the oral surgery, the exact placement of the implant to avoid nerves and puncturing the sinus cavity, as well as the restorative porcelain crown that is directly placed on the implant post. There are also laboratory fees involved. All of these steps influence the fees involved.

So if you are seeing a deal that is half the fee of the other implant dentists you have visited, proceed with caution. Far too many patients are in search of affordable dental implants and end up with a negative experience. Many dentists will lure patients in with these deals and may not have the required expertise or may cut corners on the materials used. This is a red flag. If you end up with an infected dental implant or issues in any part of the process, you may end up spending so much more than the original fee to have everything fixed. That coupled with the risk to your oral health, simply isn’t worth it.

Be careful with deals on Groupon, Living Social, or other Deal of the Day sites. They have reached you with their targeted advertising, but it may cause more heartache than it’s worth in the end.

Trust is key with dental implants. You need to find a qualified implant with the appropriate training and credentials. The right dentist may offer affordable payment plans or work with you on payment as you go. Also, CareCredit is a third-party financing company that has excellent payment options, no-money down, and zero percent financing options. Check them out before you jump at Groupon!

With dental implants – is the lab or dentist that does them more important?

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been researching dental implants for months and have seen multiple dentists on the subject. I have asked the question of multiple implants dentists, is the lab or the dentist more important? There doesn’t seem to be a consensus here. I assume the skill of the dentist is absolutely important, yet I can see how the laboratory plays an important role too. Would you be able to give me a straight answer?

-Cal in Wyoming

Cal,

Thank you for your question. This is a topic that you won’t likely get a clear answer on because there are conflicting viewpoints and of course, it simply depends who you ask. There are many professionals involved in delivering successful dental implants to the patient. These include the periodontist, oral surgeon and of course the dentist must be highly skilled and experienced. So, again this is a difficult question since there are so many doctors and professionals involved.

If forced to choose, the skill of the dentist is imperative for the outcome. Ultimately he or she, selects the laboratory and the oral surgeon used. That is, unless they provide all of these services in-house. Selecting a highly skilled dentist can increase your success rate by five percent, according to some studies.

There are also so many factors involved in the success of the dental implants. The surgery must be precisely done to avoid complications with vital nerves and in the sinus cavity. The bone must heal properly, as well. The laboratory is responsible largely for the aesthetics. That said, there role does play into how successful the fit will be too.

Another way to look at this question is that no matter how beautiful a restoration as the ceramist makes at the laboratory, if the implant isn’t stable and fails to function properly, then the procedure is a failure. If the dentist chooses a laboratory that does mediocre work, it can be considered a failure as well if you aren’t happy with how it looks.

If someone was to swear one way or the other was more important, they may be looking to point fingers. Finding an implant dentist you can trust and that has a high success rate and successful portfolio of work is what you should be focused on.

My Dental Implant Keeps Breaking- Any Way to Ensure Success Next Time?

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

A little over a year ago, I had to have a tooth pulled that was part of a dental bridge. Because two of my molars would then be gone, my dentist said the best solution was to get dental implants. I went through a whole ordeal of bone grafts and surgery and many months of healing before he could put the tooth on top. Then, within about two weeks, one snapped off. The whole screw part broke right where it came out of my jawbone. My dentist said it was a fluke and that there was space to do another and offered to do it at no charge. While that one was healing, the other broke off. So then I finally get the teeth put on top of those a couple months ago and one has already snapped off in the same place. My doctor said he’s not sure what’s happening, but he offered to fix it again. I don’t think I want to. This has been horrible. Is there any way to ensure success if I have the dental implant replaced again?

Thank you,

Moira in Iowa

Dear Moira,

Dental implants are quite an undertaking, and it’s disheartening when things go awry. However, they generally have a high success rate, and cases like yours are very rare.

Generally when a dental implant fails, it’s because of an infection, difficulty healing, or failure to integrate into the bone. Because most of them today are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, they’re incredibly durable and instances of actual breakage are mostly unheard of. However, there are a few dentists who purchase low-quality parts in an effort to save money. In reality, there are only a handful of reputable companies that make high-quality materials and the post alone can cost hundreds from one of them. At the same time, manufacturers in other countries have less stringent guidelines and can therefore sell a low-quality piece for under a dollar. It’s worth asking your dentist who his supplier is and researching the company. It may be a known issue with the dental implant parts he used. On the flip side, one would think that he would have taken note of this after the first two broke, and he would have switched companies.

The fact that you’re still having trouble strongly suggests that there is something wrong in the way he’s placing them. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in dental implants. He can troubleshoot and may be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for sure.

Will bleaching my dental implant change the color?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

The dental implant on my front tooth doesn’t match the others anymore. I have had it for a couple years now. It used to blend in with my teeth but now that I have been bleaching my teeth, I am not seeing the implant change color. So now the implant appears much darker than the surrounding teeth. Is there a special teeth whitening formula I can use to whiten the implant?

– Margie in Nebraska

Margie,

Sorry to have to inform you that no amount of tooth whitening or bleaching product will change the color of your dental implant. Ideally, you should have done any teeth whitening prior to the implant being placed.

The porcelain crown that is attached to the implant post is highly stain resistant. So the original color will remain in place because of the seal used. A cosmetic dentist may be able to add staining to darken the crown, but lightening it is not an option at this time. The whitening products you used at home, remove surface stains and the oxygen in them penetrates deep into the tooth to whiten them. But on an artificial tooth like the restoration on your dental implant, the oxygen will not be able to penetrate. Therefore, it will not lighten.

Most cosmetic dentists will inform you of this at the time when the dental implant is placed. The only way to have the restoration match the surrounding teeth is to have the porcelain crown replaced. If this is the route you decide to go, whiten your teeth first. Then, let the color stabilize before the crown is placed. That way the cosmetic dentist will be able to successfully make a match so it look natural and blends in perfectly.

Can dental implants stop my mom’s pain?

August 30, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My mom is disabled following a stroke and has some cognitive issues, so I help take care of her. She recently complained of a toothache, which was no major surprise because she avoided the dentist before her stroke and never really took care of her teeth. I took her to a local school for dentists and much to our surprise, we discovered she didn’t even have a tooth where she was complaining of tooth pain. They surmised that, because her back two teeth were missing, her top tooth had come down and was hitting on her jawbone every time she bit. We’re at the point where she pretty much needs all her teeth pulled and dentures, but she wants to know if dental implants can be put in the place where her other tooth is hitting. Are dental implants a viable option here, is there another option, or should we just plan to have the “long tooth” pulled?

Sincerely,

Karen in Georgia

Dear Karen,

It sounds like you’re dealing with a fairly unique situation here. It’s difficult to know what options are available, without knowing your mom’s full dental diagnosis.

Teeth rely on their biting partners to stay in place. When the partner is gone, a tooth will begin to protrude because there’s no opposing biting force, but this generally takes years to occur to the degree your mother is experiencing. If dental implants had been placed back when those teeth were initially lost, they would have prevented the problem. Going forward, it’s not quite so simple.

First, dental implants need a healthy mouth in order to be successful. Based on your assessment of your mom’s oral health, it’s questionable that one would heal properly. Periodontal disease or severe gum disease, is a contraindication for treatment. This is because the risk of infection is higher and the body is less able to heal the bone around the dental implant. It’s also likely that the tooth causing the discomfort is already decayed or has severe root exposure, which would mean it needs additional treatment in order for dental implants to be an option.

Secondly, with the tooth above the spot already connecting with the bone below it, there isn’t room for any type of device, be it a dental implant or appliance, to stop the two from connecting.

What she really needs is a full-mouth evaluation, to gauge her overall oral health and to diagnose what, if anything, is happening with the tooth that’s causing the pain. Dental implants may be part of the solution, but it’s important to look at her overall health and the diagnosis for each tooth. But a full assessment and exam is necessary in order to provide her with treatment options that will offer her the best results in the long run.

Why Did My Friend’s Old Dental Implants Fail?

August 29, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been considering getting dental implants, but what my friend is going through right now terrifies me. I’m seriously reconsidering it. She had her dental implants done more than a decade ago and has had no problems with them whatsoever. She’s one of the reasons why I wanted to get my own- she was always raving about them and has a great smile. Well, a few weeks back, she said she felt a lump on her gums beneath one, so she looked up the name of a local dentist and went in to get it checked. He said that her dental implant failed. Not only that, but she had an infection and bone loss, so she couldn’t just get a new one. It’s going to be a whole big thing for her. My dentist told me there was some risks, but that they were on the onset of treatment, not ten years down the road. What happened to hers and how can I be sure it doesn’t happen to me?

-Devon in Indiana

Dear Devon,

Your friend has what’s known as peri-implantitis and it’s rare. Usually, if someone is going to have an issue with theirs, it occurs early, during the healing phase or right after the porcelain crown is placed. Peri-implantitis can occur years down the line, often without the patient being aware that anything is happening at first, but there are some tell-tale signs, such as bad breath or a bad taste in one’s mouth, which both come from the infection. As the infection remains unchecked, the bone around it starts to dissolve away, causing big problems.

You said that your friend had to look up the name of a dentist. This is the first red flag. It means she probably wasn’t getting her regular checkups, which would have likely detected the problem much earlier. Additionally, she wasn’t getting her teeth cleaned, which probably means she had some form of gum disease, if not periodontal disease. When you go forward with dental implants, it’s imperative to get these checkups and cleanings, so you can be sure you’re maintaining your oral health. This story would probably not have ended the same way if she had done this.

There are a few other things that can signal someone might be at risk for peri-implantitis. Smokers are more prone to it, which may be because of the constricted blood vessels and the high incidence of periodontal disease seen in them. There are also other conditions related to healing and bone density that could cause trouble as well.

When you work with an experienced implant dentist, he’ll take these things into consideration and will tell you if you’re at risk for it and if you’re not a good candidate for dental implants. Between this and making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, you’re well on your way to keeping your smile beautiful for many years to come.

Is my child teenager enough to get dental implants?

August 27, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My son is in high school. You know how it goes. The teasing, self conscious years we all want to forget. Well, he is becoming more and more embarrassed about his teeth. He still has some baby teeth because his permanent teeth never developed properly. The dentist keeps telling us it’s no big deal and that if the baby teeth are well cared for, they will last his entire life. Well, that’s good to know from a functional standpoint, but cosmetically it stinks for him. He’s getting made fun of and the dentist made us feel like he will just get over it eventually. I was wondering if the baby teeth can be removed and replaced with dental implants? My son is 15 years old.

-Layla in Arizona

Layla,

The dentist is correct that the primary teeth can functionally serve your son into his adult years. But, you have every right to explore your options, if it means giving your teenage son his self esteem back.

Since your current dentist has made himself clear, it may be time to try a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentistry practice puts a much higher emphasis on aesthetics in dentistry. They truly understand how a beautiful smile plays into how you look and feel about yourself. He or she will be able to help you explore some cosmetic dentistry options that will address your concerns.

That said, dental implants are not the ideal treatment option for your son at this time. For dental implants, it is best to wait until the jaw is completely developed and done growing. In some cases, that may not be the case until much later into the twenties. Dental implants may be a possibility down the road.

At this time, your son may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. These very thins shells of porcelain are adhered to the surfaces of the teeth. When the porcelain veneers are bonded in place, they can be made to mimic the size and shape of permanent teeth. They will blend in beautifully and naturally with the surrounding teeth and no one will ever know they aren’t the real thing. Since your son isn’t done growing yet, the porcelain veneers may need to be redone in a couple years so they continue to look lifelike. Be sure you ask the cosmetic dentist to see examples of work that are similar to your son’s case.

Best of luck! Hopefully, a cosmetic dentist will enable your son to love his smile once again.

Is there a designation required to place dental implants?

August 27, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My teeth are in bad shape and it sounds like I am going to need dental implants to restore my smile. I know it is best to replace missing teeth with dental implants and I have done a lot of research. The timing if finally here for me to consider moving forward. Do I need to be looking for an implant specialist or a certain designation in order to find the best dental implant dentist?

– Rod in Arizona

Rod,

You are correct that dental implants are the best solution to replace missing teeth. They are natural-looking, they function just like your normal teeth, and they also prevent facial collapse. It is also great to hear that you are doing your homework and asking the right questions as you consider making this investment.

It can be confusing when you start investigating dentists. What you may not realize is that implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty area within dentistry. That means that any dentist can make the claim to place dental implants with little advanced training on the subject. So how do you know you have found the best implant dentist in your area? Well, you need to find an implant dentist that has pursued extensive coursework and continuing education in implant dentistry. They will be able to have a thorough portfolio and patient testimonials available. A well-known and reputable organization is the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). This group is an excellent resource to help you located a reputable dentist in your geographic area. Yet, just because a dentist is on the AAID site, doesn’t guarantee their work. So don’t skip the step of personally interviewing and investigating a dentist’s experience and credentials. Yet AAID dentist’s are members because they are typically passionate and have undergone additional training in the area. Another prestigious implant affiliation is the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).

Hopefully this information is beneficial as you continue your research.