Case Study – Bone Loss Around a Dental Implant

Titanium dental implants have been used in patients for about 50 years and they generally work very well. However, we have learned a lot about the main reasons for implant problems. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of dental problems:

1. Biological: this essentially means that there is gum disease around the dental implant.
2. Mechanical: this is when screws may break, tooth may chip etc

In this case, this patient was referred to see me because there was gum disease around the dental implant. When I examined the implant, I noted that the implant did not have the right kind of gum around the implant. When there has been severe bone loss like this, the most predictable treatment option is to remove the implant, do a bone and gum graft whilst placing a new dental implant. After extensive discussion with the patient, she accepted my advice and I am sure you will agree that the results look beautiful. The patient was delighted