Melissa asks:
I am recovering from a removal of a 20 year old implant. I was 19 when 2 were placed in the front. One of them started to move and hurt. It turned out it wasn’t a loose screw but the implant itself cracked and fractured in 1/2. They removed the old implant last week and I have to wait 6 months for the bone grafting to work.
My concern: What are my real chances of the grafting to work to hold a new implant in the place? Is this more risky now? I am 39 going on 40 so bridge work using my front teeth is risky. But, how much strong bone can grow to hold the new implant? I read you have to use a wider one. Please let me know your thoughts.
Answered by: Dr. Ken Ross Lighthouse Point, FL
Website: http://www.SouthFloridaSmileRestoration.com
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Hi Melissa,
Implant & bone grafting technology has come a long way in 20 years. Implant surface technology and sophistication of the grafting material has greatly improved (think of how much cell phones and cars have changed during that time!). There is no reason to think that a simple bone graft could not be performed in the site where the fractured implant was removed that could easily support a dental implant.
The key is the periodontist/oral surgeon who does the removal/graft and the system that specialist uses to replace the implant.
This treatment is not more risky based on age. Tooth supported crown & bridge fails 50% of the time in 7-8 years. Dental implants are successful 96%-98% of the time.
So you are correct in thinking that replacement of the implant is more predictable. When the grafting is mature and healed you should not have to consider a “wider implant” because you will have good new bone into which to place the implant. A wider implant would have been necessary if they had tried to place the new implant the day the fractured implant was removed. Actually for a front tooth you don’t want a “wider implant” placed!
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