Advances in minimal invasive treatment have improved outcomes for implants and bone regeneration. Sinus augmentation or grafting to gain bone support is now much simpler for the recipient and the surgeon. What used to require a window and access from the side of the jaw and more extensive surgery, now is almost a laparoscopic procedure. A small opening and the use of hydraulic crystalline (non-donated or non-human bone) regeneration materials are used to increase the volume of bone support needed to provide implant support in sinus areas without enough bone. Less trauma, pain and a quicker return to health are some benefits.
There are hundreds of implant manufacturers and many different implant issues that require some type of attention months if not years later. Preventive maintenance and periodic evaluation is one way to minimize potential issues.
Maintenance of implant dentistry is different than general dentistry. Tightening a screw and resealing the access made in the crown to service the retention screw is one maintenance issue that can occur after the implant crown has been in place for a while. Retention screw loosening is one of the more likely reasons an implant crown has movement. This type of issue may occur 2-5% of restorations. The longer the time and the more the wobble, the more the screw issues can re-occur in the future. The sooner the better for retightening or replacing the retention screw. Usually the implant itself, is ok.
All-on-4® or implant hybrid fixed bridges have maintenance costs. Implant support of a whole arch is dependent on healthy implant support and the solid attachment of the bridge to the implants. If one or two screws become loose or the bridge is becoming uncemented in an area, the system of support is compromised and requires immediate attention to reduce the likely hood of expensive remakes or remediation. Cleaning of these structures is more difficult for the person and the clinical team/hygienists. Usually 3-4 month professional supportive cleaning appointments help with this. For people with good home care and timely visits, the hybrid bridge or fixed hybrid denture/removable by dentist, are often removed every 2 years and 650.00 is often the cost to do so. Dental code 6080 is usually the procedure for removal and maintenance of the fixed prosthesis and cleaning of implants with evaluation. This is one way to minimize premature loosening of screws, provide direct cleaning and adjustment of prosthesis and determine how frequently the recipient should be seen for other supportive care.
All implant systems periodically should be evaluated. Whether one implant-supported crown or several, implant dental restorations need periodic attention. One portion of the evaluation is the bite or occlusion. Teeth bite (occlusion) is important because the implant crown(s) should not be first to contact when biting. Natural teeth can wear over time or other dental work might have been done around the area. Changes can leave the implant supported crowns tall and first to strike. Regardless of the implant brand, type, who placed it or where placed, monitoring and addressing these changes is necessary preventive maintenance. Some minor bite adjusting can be done if the bite no longer is correct on the implant crown.
More technology and research advances implant dentistry are benefiting patients. Currently Dr. Rooney is using the MegaGen AnyRidge implants and implant system. It has been shown to be more minimal invasive, quicker to integrate (be ready to restore) and provide people with a functional tooth/teeth sooner. Loosening of screws or wobbly crowns has not been seen due to an internal fitted interface, described as a morse taper fit, as well as a retention screw to secure the crown/abutment.
Our office is available to answer your specific questions and could even schedule a phone consultation with the doctor. Reach out to us today at 913-491-9119 to make your appointment!