Top of Implant visible: Should I worry

Question

Today is the 8th day since having 2- 12mm X 4.1 placed ( please see my other post regarding two implants side by side , I think I have a better understanding of that now and feel more comfortable although I'll have some other questions which I'll post tomorrow hopefully )

On the left implant site it seems like the suture disappeared sooner than expected and the top of the implant is plainly visible when I open my mouth and look at it. It was kinda sorta partially visible when I saw the oral surgeon for a follow up today and he also told me I could wear my cushioned lower partial only no clenching and better to leave it out of my mouth for another week, at least as much as I can. He didn't say to worry about the partially exposed implant top.

I used a little bit of fixodent on the lower denture to hold it in place better as the surgeon also told me I could start to eat soft things with the parial in place. However when I removed it tonight it gave quite a bit of resistence which obviously stung a little as it was detached from the gums especially where the gum was opened to grind the jawbone point down. I noticed at that point the head of the implant, now plainly visible to the eye and don't know if I should worry or not. The other side is completely covered as the suter held longer.

Should I worry? What's the downside if any as it's going to be another 3 1/2 months before he determines if they're good or not although I do have another appointment in a month from now as another follow up.

Thank you in advance

Answer 1

Hi,

An exposed implant is usually not a problem. Unless it is painful or there is puss around it, it should not be a problem. The partial denture is more than likely causing the gum to be pushed away and the denture might need an adjustment. I have my patients swab the exposed area with peridex.

Dr. Michael Tischler
Woodstock, NY
www.tischlerdental.com

Answer 2

As Dr. Tischler said, the exposure of the cover screw is usually not a problem, and it happens often when the patient wears a denture that may exert pressure on the soft tissues while they need to heal.

Unfortunately not many patients are willing to not use their denture.

Swabbing the exposed area with peridex is a good idea.

Have your dentist check the denture to adjust for any pressure on the implant sites.

Dr. Carlos Boudet
West Palm Beach , FL
(561) 968 6022
boudetdds.com