6745 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 200
Duluth, GA 30097

(770) 279-8800

A Case of Dental Incompetence

Posted on by .

I had a dental implant placed. A few weeks after it was finished I noticed it felt a bit loose. I went back to the dentist. He felt that it was just the crown that was loose and all it needed was to be re-bonded on. That sounded like good news to me but he started having trouble getting it off. Then, he tried with this special tool. When he pulled on the crown, the entire dental implant came out. Is this normal? Is there a way to fix this?

Danny

Dear Danny,

metal and zirconia dental

I would love to hear how your dentist explained that! No, that is not normal. It was obviously not your dental crown that was loose, but the dental implant the whole time. When the crown did come off when he first tried, he HAD to know that it was really the dental implant that was loose. The amount of incompetence it would take to not realize that is almost unfathomable. Fixing a loose crown is simple. Fixing a loose implant is not. The thing to figure out is why was the dental implant loose to begin with.

Some Causes of a Loose Dental Implant

I don’t know the exact timeline of when your dental crown was placed, but one cause of a loose implant is from what is known as premature loading. This is when the dental crown is placed before the bone has had time to integrate with the dental implant fixture.

Another reason would be an infection. There would usually be pain and/or fever with that. You did not mention either so I tend to think that is not the problem.

Fixing this issue will not be as simple as just replacing it with another dental implant. Instead, you will need some bone grafting done first in order to build up the bone that was lost when the implant was pulled out. After that, then you have to start over with the implant procedure.

In your place, I would demand that your dentist pays to have this repaired, including the bone grafting. You should be the one to pick the dentist to do the repairs. Make sure you get an expert implant dentist to do the work. Take a peek at Dr. Marion’s bio to get an idea of the type of post-doctoral training and expertise you want in an implant dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.

Hockey Players and Dental Implants

Posted on by .

My son is a hockey player and recently had a tooth knocked out during a practice. I want to get him a dental implant but his teammates said it could get knocked out again and to not replace it with an implant. What do you recommend? Would a Maryland Bridge be okay?

Cathey

Dear Cathey,

Hockey player with missing tooth

I have a colleague that worked with the official team dentist for a hockey team in Minnesota. He also mentioned this problem. What happens is if the tooth gets knocked out with the implant it can rip the bone. I would listen to his teammates. Yes, a dental implant is the top of the line in tooth replacement options, but not while he is at high risk like this.

Here is my recommendation. First, you can go ahead and get the root form of the implant placed. Doing that will help preserve the bone structure for after his time with hockey is over. Just don’t place the dental crown yet. Instead, use a temporary tooth replacement.

I’m going to nix the Maryland Bridge idea as well. This attaches to two other teeth. If that gets knocked out, it has the potential to take two other teeth with it.

What he can get is a dental flipper. This will make a nice temporary replacement. It doesn’t cost that much money and won’t cause any harm to either his other teeth or any bone structure if it takes a hit with a hockey puck.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.

Type 1 Diabetes and Dental Implants

Posted on by .

I recently lost my first tooth. I find it quite upsetting. I’ve been told that a dental implant is the best replacement for a tooth. However, I have type 1 diabetes. Will that keep me from being a candidate?

Tammy

Dear Tammy,

dental implant diagram

I’m sorry you lost a tooth. I certainly understand why it is upsetting. You made a good choice in wanting to get a dental implant. They are the closest to have a healthy natural tooth. While having type 1 diabetes does not necessarily keep you from being a candidate for getting a dental implant, it is a significant risk factor.

You will need special diagnostics to help pinpoint any additional possible risk factors. You’ll also want to be certain you go to a dentist who has done extensive training in the dental implant procedure. It is a complicated, advanced procedure and your situation makes it even more complicated.

Look at some of Dr. Marion’s qualifications to get an idea of the type of dentist you want to do your dental implant procedure.

Cosmetic Considerations

A dental implant procedure is done in two different stages. The first is the surgical stage, where the implant is placed to mimic your tooth root. The second is the restorative stage. This is where your dentist will create a dental crown to replace the tooth itself.

If you have never had a dental restoration you should know that whatever color your dentist makes it will be permanent. A dentist with good cosmetic skills will match the crown perfectly to your tooth. You’ll want to be certain your teeth are the color you want.

If you want to upgrade the brightness of your teeth, do the teeth whitening before you have the crown made. This way you can have the crown the color you will want permanently.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.