Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Is It Too Late for Me to Get Dental Implants?

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I’ve been in dentures for about ten years. I wanted to get dental implants originally, but they were so expensive. I’ve saved up, but when I went to see my dentist about switching out the dentures for dental implants, he said it was too late. Apparently, my bone shrank. Did it really take me too long? Is there any way around the bone thing or am I stuck with removable dentures?

Paulie

Dear Paulie,

Dental Implant Diagram

If they only issue is the shrinking jaw, then, no, it is not too late for you to get dental implants. You will just need an additional procedure first. I don’t know why your dentist didn’t tell you about it.

When you removed your teeth, your body recognized that and began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone in order to use your body’s resources as efficiently as possible. This has the side effect of slowly shrinking your jawbone. This is known as facial collapse. That bone is essential to help you retain your dentures. Without it, your dental implants will fail and fall out.

What you need is a bone grafting procedure that can build back up the bone. Once that has healed, then you are safe to get dental implants. Dentures can be anchored to them, giving you a secure smile. These are known as implant supported dentures. You won’t have to worry about losing any more bone structure because the dental implants signal to your bone that you have teeth which need to be secured.

Don’t pressure your dentist to do this. It sounds to me like he either hasn’t kept up with the field or doesn’t know how to do it. You will be better off finding a dentist who is trained in the procedures you need.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Dentist Placed Implant Knowing It Would Fail

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I had a dental implant placed. Before the surgery, my dentist assured me that we were good to go. However, when the surgery ended, the dentist told me that after he went in there he discovered that there was not enough bone support for the dental implant. He went ahead and placed it, but said my best option is to remove it and get a dental bridge. Why in the world would he place the implant knowing he would just tell me to take it out? Should I have to pay for this? Am I able to still get a dental implant or am I stuck with a bridge? I could have saved myself a lot of time and money if I would have gotten a dental bridge in the beginning, but my dentist assured me that I was a good candidate for implants.

Corrie

Dear Corrie,

Dental Implant Diagram

I am beyond puzzled how your dentist thinks this is acceptable. I want you to imagine ordering a stove that you have been told by the store that it is a fantastic stove that will be perfect for your house and will cook delicious food. Then, it charges you for the stove, delivery, and installation. But, after it is installed in your home, they turn right around and tell you, “Oh, by the way. This one doesn’t work. Why don’t you pay me to take it out and then I’ll get you a grill or something.” This is beyond the pale. Your dentist not only needs to give you a refund, but he should remove the implant without a fee.

In reality, if your dentist would have done the proper diagnostics to begin with, he would have noticed the condition of your bone and whether or not you had adequate support for the dental implant. Then, preparation could have been made to build up the bone, which would have enabled you to get the dental implant.

All you can do at this point is remove the implant. The good news is that, as long as you are in good general health, you can still get a dental implant. You will need some bone grafting done. Then, after a period of healing, you can start over with the dental implant. It goes without saying that I am going to suggest you see a different dentist to place the second implant.

I’m sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.
Click here to learn about facial collapse.

Dental Implant Perforated My Sinus

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I’m not sure what to do. I had implant surgery, but the oral surgeon seems to have perforated the sinus. He noticed this six months later, when the implant still hadn’t integrated. He removed the implant, started me on Flonase and told me not to blow my nose until he gives me the all clear. He said this was normal and happens all the time. He also said it only perforated a few millimeters and we can try again when I’m ready. My questions are as to whether I should try again if this is normal. Would I be better off with a dental bridge?

Sara

Dear Sara,

A side by side comparison of a dental bridge and a dental implant

While some oral surgeons may consider it normal, it is preventable. I’m also quite concerned he said “only a few millimeters.” Really? In dentistry, that is a significant amount. When a dental implant is removed, it leaves a deficit of the bone necessary to support a dental implant. In order to have an implant successful, you’ll have to have bone grafting done.

Dental Implants versus Dental Bridge

You asked if you should try again or get a dental bridge. It would help to know the differences between the two so you can know what each requires.

With a dental bridge, both adjacent teeth have to be ground down to fit dental crowns. Then, a false tooth is suspended between the two crowns. If one (or both) of those teeth need crowns, then it makes sense to get a dental bridge. However, if those teeth are healthy, you may not want to grind them done unnecessarily.

With dental implants, as you know, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. It does require surgery, but it is most like having your own natural tooth again.

Getting this Dental Implant Done Right

It’s up to you which procedure you decide on. If you decide to go with a dental implant again, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the oral surgeon you used last time. My suggestion is you find a good implant dentist and ask them for a different surgeon. It is always better to see the implant dentist before the surgeon anyway. This way you can make sure they communicate with one another clearly so you know the oral surgeon will properly place the implant where the dentist needs it. They should also do adequate x-rays, including three-dimensional ones. This will help prevent sinus perforation.

This blog is brought to you by Glenpool Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Why is My Face Shrinking?

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I’ve heard you can get smaller as you age, but lately, it seems like the lower half of my face is shrinking as well. I don’t know what’s going on. My dentures barely fit anymore. I’m afraid to go out in public because there’s no room for them and they slip out. Is this typical?

Avery

Dear Avery,

An illustration of the damage done by facial collapse using two pictures of a woman, one before and one after

Wearing Dentures for Too Long Causes Facial Collapse

What you’re suffering from is known as facial collapse. This occurs when you’ve been wearing dentures for a number of years. When you remove your teeth, your body realizes that you no longer have teeth roots in your jaw. Because our bodies are incredibly efficient (I mean what other pieces of equipment holds up for 80 years living mostly off burgers and fries?), it resorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere, perceiving they’re no longer needed.

This is why your jaw is slowly shrinking. It’s also why your dentures no longer fit properly. Eventually, you will be unable to keep them in your mouth at all, leaving you a dental cripple stuck on a liquid diet. I’m concerned your dentist neither warned you about this nor recognized what was happening to you.

A Solution for Facial Collapse

There are two solutions for you. Both will include getting bone grafting done. This is where a surgeon builds back up the bone you’ve lost. After that, you can choose to have your dentures remade to fit the new structure. Just bear in mind, you’ll face the same issue of disintegration that your original dentures caused.

Another option is for you to replace your teeth with dental implants. This uses prosthetic tooth roots, usually made out of titanium, to help your body to know the bone is still necessary to hold in the new roots of your teeth. They have other benefits as well.

Advantages of Dental Implants

  • They are permanently secure. Once they’re placed, it’s like having healthy, natural teeth back. There’s no slipping. No sliding.
  • Your chewing capacity will increase dramatically.
  • They protect you from developing facial collapse.

The key is to communicate with your dentist and let him look and advise.

This blog is brought to you by Glenpool Dentist Dr. Noah Ryan.

Do I Need to See an Emergency Dentist for Implant Pain?

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I’m about halfway through the healing phase of my dental implants. I’ve been so excited about this and hadn’t had any problems until recently. Yesterday, it felt tingly and spongy. Today, I woke up with the area swollen and painful. I haven’t eaten.  Can I wait until I can get in to see the implant dentist or do I need to see an emergency dentist?

Sylvia P. – South Dakota

Sylvia,

This requires you get seen immediately. I’d let your implant dentist know what it going on. If he or she can’t see you right away, then go to an emergency dentist.

It sounds like you’ve developed an infection at your implant site. You don’t want it to settle in or you’ll lose your implant. If they have to remove the implant, you’ll have to get bone grafting done in order to re-start the procedure.

Even without the worry about the implant, you don’t want a tooth infection to spread. It’s close to your heart and brain. People still die from tooth infections.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.