Can bone loss around implant be reversed? (Photo)

Question

I have a 3 year old implant. No bone grafting was performed. I have gum disease. Scaling and root planning is performed every 6 months. Dentist performed curettage around implant last August and second one in April. The x-rays show bone loss since august. My dentist says nothing can be done to reverse bone loss. I read about Emdogain for tissue regenaration. Could it be used for an existing implant? Are there really no options other than scaling and curettage?

Fadi Yassmin, BDS, MSc · Answer

The dental literature is quite clear and the evidence is, that it can’t.  It can certainly be slowed down, to the point where it doesn’t progress at the rate but, in terms of reverse, there’s been no substantial evidence to show bone regeneration around an implant, post peri-implantitis.  Often areas where there’s a peri-mucositis or more like a gingivitis type scenario that can be reversed but where the bone has been lost around implant this can’t.

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Bone loss around implants is usually due to peri-implantitis. It is unfortunately not possible to reverse or regenerate. Various techniques and materials have been tried with poor results. Typically, if the bone loss is significant and advancing with local evidence of inflammation, pain, or infection, the only treatment option is to remove it, graft the site, and replace with a new implant later.Dr. kazemi

Can bone loss around implant be reversed? (Photo)

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Can bone loss around implant be reversed? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.