Restoring Multiple Old Dental Implants That Had Either Fractured or Failed

A Complex Challenge: Multiple Failing Implants and Compromised Dentition

Mr. T, a vibrant 87-year-old from Potomac, Maryland, came to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry seeking to improve his smile. However, his situation was significantly complicated by the presence of multiple old dental implants that were either fractured or failing. These failing implants had caused his original prosthesis, the restoration that had been built upon them, to break.

Implant failure can occur for various reasons, including inadequate bone integration at the time of placement, progressive bone loss over the years, mechanical failure due to excessive forces, or problems with the materials used in the original restoration. When implants fail, they often cannot simply be repaired. Instead, they must be removed and replaced, which requires careful surgical planning and management.

Compounding Factors: Fractured Lower Teeth and Compromised Bite

Beyond the failed implants, Mr. T’s lower teeth had fractured and his bite had become severely closed. When the vertical dimension of the bite closes, it means the amount of space between the upper and lower jaws has decreased. This not only impacts function, including the ability to bite and chew properly, but it also dramatically impacts facial appearance. A severely closed bite can make someone look prematurely aged and can distort facial proportions.

These compounding problems, combined with Mr. T’s age, made this a highly complex case requiring expertise in several areas of prosthodontic treatment. A less experienced team might have deemed this case too difficult or recommended less comprehensive solutions.

The Solution: Comprehensive Implant Restoration and Reconstruction

Dr. Marlin and his team developed a comprehensive treatment plan that addressed all of Mr. T’s problems simultaneously. The process began with careful assessment of which implants could potentially be salvaged through restoration and which would need to be removed and replaced.

For the failed and fractured implants, the team worked to locate parts that would be compatible with the old implant systems. Some implants are no longer manufactured, which can present significant challenges when trying to restore or replace them. In cases where compatible parts could not be found, the failed implants were extracted and replaced with new ones.

This required not just the removal of failed implants, but also careful planning regarding optimal implant positioning to support the final restorations. New dental implants were strategically placed to provide the necessary support for comprehensive restorations.

Restoring Form and Function

Once the implant therapy was complete and the new implants had been properly integrated with the bone, the team fabricated custom restorations to restore Mr. T’s complete function and aesthetics. The restorations were designed to open his bite to the proper vertical dimension, which immediately improved his facial appearance and support.

The comprehensive nature of this restoration meant that Mr. T’s smile was not just restored but transformed. His ability to bite and chew properly was fully restored, his facial appearance was dramatically improved, and his confidence in his smile was completely renewed.

Life After Implant Restoration

Following the completion of his treatment, Mr. T’s life improved substantially. He now travels to Florida every winter with complete confidence in his smile. The ability to smile naturally and without concern about the appearance of his restorations has restored his quality of life and his willingness to engage fully in social situations.

Implant Restoration for Failing or Failed Implants

If you have dental implants that are failing, fractured, or causing problems, you may not need to accept poor function and appearance. Dr. Gerald Marlin at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry has the expertise to manage even the most complex implant cases, including removal of failing implants and replacement with new ones that will provide a lifetime of function and beauty.

Contact us today at 202-244-2101 to discuss your failing dental implants or repairing failing implants. We serve patients from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond who seek expert prosthodontic care.