Can my Failed Implant be Salvaged? - Bone Loss From Improperly Performed Implant Surgery
When an implant fails due to bone loss, careful grafting, digital planning, and surgical guides can rescue the site for a successful replacement.
Bone Loss from Improperly Performed Implant Surgery When an implant is improperly placed at the wrong angle or outside of the bone, the bone can be irreparably damaged. Another implant was planned without repairing the failed site - and it, too, would have failed.
Mr. O presented after his general dentist’s implant failed and intended to place a new one at the same damaged site (Fig. 1). We first placed a bone graft with growth factors to rebuild the defect, allowed healing, then used “virtual reality” planning and a custom surgical guide to place the replacement implant with pinpoint accuracy.
Fig. 1: Bone Graft Placed at Failed Implant Site
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a failed implant site be reused?
Yes - if the bone is rebuilt with a graft, the site can support a new implant.
How long after grafting can I get an implant?
Typically we wait 4-6 months for graft maturation before placing the implant.
What is virtual reality planning?
Specialized software lets us position implants in 3D before surgery for optimal results.
Do surgical guides help accuracy?
Yes - guides translate the digital plan to your mouth, ensuring perfect angulation and depth.
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