Dental Implant Problems

Understanding Dental Implants: When Well-Laid Plans Go Awry

Dental implants are a game-changer for people with missing teeth, offering a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. They boast an impressive success rate, especially when placed by experienced specialists who follow meticulous planning and proven techniques. Implants don’t always work as intended, though. They do sometimes fail, particularly when someone places them with little experience.

But because dental implants are a precise surgical procedure, the expertise of a specialist ensures the highest level of safety, accuracy, and long-term success. That’s why, while many general dentists offer implant placement, the expertise of a periodontal specialist like Dr. Ovadia or Dr. Tanur is often crucial in avoiding future implant problems. Drs. Ovadia and Tanur are Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, an award earned by only a fraction of periodontists.

Why a Specialist's Skill Matters

Here are a few potential problems that highlight why specialized expertise is so critical:

Improper Placement: This is a significant issue that can lead to long-term complications. While an implant might seem securely in place initially, poor positioning—off just slightly—can cause long-term bite problems, excessive pressure on the implant, or difficulty with the final restoration. For example, if an implant is placed too close to a nerve, it can cause pain or numbness in the affected area. A specialist, with extensive training in jaw anatomy, uses advanced imaging and planning to ensure precise placement, significantly reducing these risks.

Peri-implantitis: This is a form of gum disease that occurs around the implant. Just like your natural teeth, implants are susceptible to bacterial buildup. If not properly controlled, this can lead to inflammation and bone loss around the implant, ultimately leading to implant failure. A specialist like Dr. Tanur or Dr. Ovadia has the expertise not only to place the implant but also to thoroughly assess your oral health beforehand and design a follow-up care plan to prevent these infections.

Compromised Bite (Occlusion): The way your top and bottom teeth come together is called your “bite,” and it’s a very delicate system. An implant that isn’t positioned perfectly or a crown that is not designed appropriately can throw this entire system off balance. A general dentist may create a standard crown that doesn’t fully account for the unique pressure points of your bite, which can cause excessive force on the implant and lead to loosening or failure over time.

The Other Half of the Equation: A Flawless Crown

As critical as the implant’s placement is, it’s only half the story. The final tooth or crown that attaches to the implant is equally essential. Many patients, driven by insurance coverage or lower costs, opt for cheap dental implant crowns. Choosing a high-quality crown is necessary. Dr. Tanur and Dr. Ovadia partner with trusted dental labs to ensure crowns that are both beautiful and durable.

A lower-cost crown might seem fine at first, but a custom design ensures every crown matches your bite precisely, preventing discomfort and supporting long-term implant health. This is where a skilled dentist comes in. Drs. Ovadia and Tanur work closely with your dentist and use expert dental labs to design a crown that is not only cosmetically perfect but also contoured to fit your unique bite. This meticulous attention to detail ensures your new tooth functions in perfect harmony with the rest of your mouth, protecting your significant investment for a lifetime.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

If you had implants placed elsewhere and are experiencing issues, Dr. Tanur and Dr. Ovadia provide solutions. Their advanced training allows them to restore health and stability to your smile. If you are experiencing problems with an implant, please contact us promptly for a consultation. We can assess the situation and recommend solutions to get your oral health back on track.