Washington DC Cosmetic Dentists

How Long on Soft Diet After Implant?

I am a 48 year old woman in good health. I had one implant to address a fractured root (old root canal). The implant was 6 months after bone graft. The doctor provided care guidelines suggested 6 weeks on soft food. This seems out of line with other recommendations on the internet suggesting one to two weeks at most on a soft diet.

If implant was done as single stage (the temporary cap placed at same time) then it is good to be cautious for 6 weeks and chew with other side as much as possible. If it was submerged under gum tissue, 10-14 days is more than adequate for gentle and soft diet.

Dr. kazemi

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD

Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Need Implant on my Front Tooth, Worried About Matching Previous Crowns, What to Do? (photo)

I had 2 root canals &then 2 crown on my front teeth. One crown came loose and i'm being told i will need an implant on front too I'm worried it will not match the other crown as it is now 7 years old.On top of that i had veneers put on on side teeth because the two crowns looked too large next to my natural teeth. Is it possible to replace my other crown when putting in the implant? and what about the venners, can they be replaced so i can have a uniform smile?Worried and depressed, please help

Hi

Your dentist can replace the veneers if they present with poor aesthetics currently and also other crowns on natural teeth. Then he can make the implant crowns, veneers, and other crowns at same time to match everything and get a more color and form consistency. If existing crowns and veneers are somewhat acceptable, then he or she can try to match the implant crown as best as possible. This may be more difficult to perfectly match, but if they work with a master ceramist, it can be done.

Dr. Kazemi

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD

Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

The Screw in my Dental Implant Has Broken Twice, What's Causing This?

What might be causing this? My dentist and oral surgeon were able to get the first screw out and replace it and now a few years later it has happened again. I am so upset about this and don't know what I should do. The implant looks good and sturdy in xrays though.

Hi

Screws break or become loose because of undesirable occlusal (bite forces). I recommend to have your team of dentist evaluate the following:

1. Your bite scheme and adjust as necessary

2. The size of crown in relation to implant diameter- Is it an oversized crown?

3. Clenching habits?- consider a night guard

4. Follow up every 3-4 months to check for any crown loosening (that is the first sign screw is getting loose and tighten before it breaks)

5. Make sure your dentist torques the screw with proper instrumentation.

Hope this is helpful

Dr. Kazemi

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD

Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon