Can the adjacent tooth near an infected implant be saved, and can the grafts and two implants be put back in after healing?

Question

I have an infection around my implant and extending towards the adjacent tooth. The implant is at a slight angle and may be touching the adjacent tooth root or nerve. I am on antibiotics and my periodontist believes that she might have to extract that adjacent tooth and remove the two implants. Can the adjacent tooth be saved and bone graphs put in again? Also, can I then have the implants replaced as well?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Without radiographs, it is hard to tell how extensive the damage is.  Perhaps more important is if the implants are too close, touching, or IN the adjacent teeth. If that is the case, the tooth should come out as well.  However, some xrays make things look worse than they really are, and a CBCT will show that the implant overlaps the tooth but there is plenty of bone in between.It may be more simple to remove the bad implants and teeth, graft, heal, then place new implants in the perfect position.  It will take time, but should pay off in the end by lasting a very long time.

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

It is very difficult to answer your question without atleast looking at xrays all depends. How much bone loss/ remaining between the implant and the tooth. How angled/ or close to the tooth  is this implant? One thing for sure is that the longer the infection present ,  the more damage to the bone surrounding  the implant and to the bone in between the implant and the tooth. .....

Victoria Veytsman, DDS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  We're sorry to hear about your infection but you bring up some good questions.  Without seeing an x-ray or scan of your infection and teeth surrounding it, it's difficult to determine what the most optimal prognosis would be for you.  However, if the implant is touching the adjacent tooth, the tooth should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further bone loss/damage and bone graft should be placed at the same time as the extraction.  The implant(s) that has an infection should generally also be removed and bone graft placed as well.  Depending on how the bone grafts heal over at least 4-6 months after being placed will then determine if you'll be able to place implants in the same areas again.  We hope this helps and wish you the best of luck into the future!

Herbert Veisman, DDS · Answer

That's a good question. Often times it is possible to replace implants that may have failed but bone grafting is necessary first. The same applies to extracted teeth. So once the implants and tooth are removed, the bone is grafted and left to heal for 4 months. Then, implants can be placed provided there is sufficient bone as per a 3D CAT scan which needs to be taken.

Can the adjacent tooth near an infected implant be saved, and can the grafts and two implants be put back in after healing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Replacing teeth and failed implants

Answer: Replacing teeth and failed implants

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Can the adjacent tooth near an infected implant be saved, and can the grafts and two implants be put back in after healing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Replacing teeth and failed implants

Answer: Replacing teeth and failed implants

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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.