Abutment & Crown Fell Out – Risk of Leaving a Hole?

Dental Implant Cost Guide Dental Implant Forum – Ask an Expert Questions About Implants Abutment & Crown Fell Out – Risk of Leaving a Hole?

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #872
    Admin
    Keymaster

    I am posting this here for Deborah.

    Dentist: Dr. Lapore
    City: Narragansett RI

    I had a root canal and a dental implant done about 7 yrs ago. About 2 yrs ago the tooth fell out with the post attached. I had it put back in by a dentist, however I was advised to get it repaired. I do not have the money to get this procedure done. What are the dangers of leaving this undone?? Bacteria, infections?? Please advise.

    And for Frank:

    Hi, I’ve been reading quite a bit about implants. I have one scheduled for Jan. 6 with a good surgeon for the upper right where the 3rd tooth from the back was. (My wisdon teeth were pulled about 40 years ago.) I’m having 2nd thoughts about titanium. I have 6 gold crowns and 4 silver/mercury amalgams in other teeth. My question is: Can I just leave the hole?

    I don’t care if there is minor movement of the back teeth. I don’t want to lose any more teeth. What is the rate of bone loss, if any, of the neighboring teeth? What are the long term consequences of doing nothing? The tooth was removed because of a 14 year old root canal on that tooth that cracked in half and apparently the bone was disintegrating there. I’m 63 & retired. Other than peas getting stuck in the hole, I have no problems now. Thanks!

    • This topic was modified 8 years, 1 month ago by Admin.
    • This topic was modified 8 years, 1 month ago by Admin.

    #874
    Admin
    Keymaster

    What part of the restoration (post, abutment or crown) needs to be repaired? Is the implant secure or is it a little bit loose?

    If the implant was put in by a dentist who is familiar with implants and assuming you haven’t had any issues in 2 years since it was put back in, then the risk of infection is minimal. Keep an eye on the area and be sure to practice good oral hygiene.

    #875
    Admin
    Keymaster

    Deborah’s reply:

    I believe the implant itself is fine, however the post which is attached to the artificial tooth will not stay in the implant. I can easily remove the tooth,post attached, and when it is in place it has movement back and forth. It was cemented in once and that has failed. My concern is now that the artificial tooth is not secure and can be removed at any given time, is bacteria getting into the implant for the post and tooth?

    #877
    Admin
    Keymaster

    Thank you for providing the additional details.

    It sounds like the abutment (post that connects the implant and the artificial tooth) is the component that is coming loose while it is still attached to the crown/artificial tooth. Please reference the image below to confirm that this is the problem you’re describing.

    Next, make sure the implant isn’t loose. As long as the implant isn’t, the bone and gum tissue around it forms a tight seal that prevents any bacteria from seeping down and getting stuck between the implant and your bone and causing bone loss and implant failure. If it is, you should see your dentist ASAP.

    Food can get easily get trapped down inside the “hole” that has been left behind by the abutment/crown. If it isn’t removed completely from inside the implant or between the gums, bacteria will grow and you could develop an infection. Your situation isn’t necessarily high risk (you’ve been fine for 2 years), but definitely there is always a chance and you’re at a higher risk than if you had an abutment/crown properly in place.

    An abutment/crown that is poorly positioned or loose can also provide a space for food to be trapped in and cause an infection. For this reason, I would suggest not trying to re-attach and use the artificial tooth yourself even though it seems intuitive to try to put it back in when it falls out.

    To reduce the risk of infection, be sure to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist on a consistent basis to get them to check on the status of your implant. Make sure you gently and thoroughly clean all food particles from in and around the “pocket” so that there is nowhere for bacteria to thrive.

    If you notice swelling, bleeding, receding, discolouration or pain in your gum tissue, consult your dentist immediately as you might be developing a peri-implant disease. If left untreated, the bacteria will start to damage the gum tissue and eventually cause bone loss around the implant. Damage to the gums may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early on, but damage to the bone structure requires surgery to correct. See: http://www.perio.org/node/509

    Finally, it is important to note that your jawbone needs constant stimulation in order to maintain its form and density. The hundreds of chewing-related stresses that a tooth experiences every day prompt the bone beneath it to continually rebuild and change. Since you are missing an active tooth/implant, you’ll start to lose the width and height of alveolar bone in the area. An average of 25% of width is lost in the first year after a tooth is lost and 4mm in height is lost in the next few years.

    Please note that I am not a professional on the matter and that this is for informational purposes only. Please consult your dentist if you notice any problems.

    #888
    Admin
    Keymaster

    Reply from Deborah:

    Thank you so much for your information. I will be seeking the treatment of a dentist in the near future. I am not feeling any movement in the implant, however, the crown and the post still are not as one with the implant. The tooth is easily removed, and that is not how it should be. Once again, you have been very informative. The tooth in question is right in front, so I do keep it in, and replace it when it falls out. I am vigilant about brushing and flossing, so that is a plus on my side. I just wish I could afford regular dental care as I did when I was working. Sigh. Have a great day.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.