What Has Happened to My Dental Implants? (photos)

Question

I had dental implant surgery 13 years ago, the two teeth on either side of the front teeth never grew in, my implants were and had been a sucess up until a few years ago. My crowns are significantly shorter than they were originally. I did all the wrong things. Smoking(quit), not seeing the dentist since I lost insurance, poor dental hygiene for awhile due to severe depression(better). Why have my crowns sinking into the top of my mouth? How often are crowns on implants supposed to be changed?

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

I assume you were young when you had the implants and crowns done.  It looks like they sank but in actuality it is more likely due to growth.   The best course of action cosmetically is probably to redo the crowns.  There is a reverse gum line as well but an easy to preform gingivectomy will make the adjacent teeth look longer and give a better shape.The point to remember is it is the entire smile appearance that is important.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Your crowns will need to be redone.  Although an x-ray would be needed to be certain, it appears that your implants are still in pretty good shape, but your crowns are just too short.  I know you probably went through a lot with the whole implant process 13 years ago, but the good news is that fixing your crowns should only take 1-2 appointments at a cosmetic dental office.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Bill Williams, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Likely the teeth elongated due to growth of the bone around them. This is called extrusion or supraeruption and occurs most often when there is nothing (as in an opposing tooth contact) preventing them from doing that. Implants tend to not do that so remain in their original place. Over 13 years, very conceivably, that can happen, particularly if you have a bit of an over bite or over jet.The best thing to do is either make new crowns and shape the gums on the natural teeth or go into orthodontic treatment and intrude the elongated natural teeth. The dentist would need to look at the smile and do an analysis to determine the ideal plane of occlusion and smile line for our lips, gums and face to decide your best option. Perhaps you could even use Invisalign to do the orthodontic correction to avoid braces.

What Has Happened to My Dental Implants? (photos)

Answers (3)

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.

What Has Happened to My Dental Implants? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.