Health Risks Of Dental Implants

Dehiscence

Individuals who have a dental implant installed assume the risk of alveolar bone loss on the facial part of the tooth or what is known as dehiscence. This complication leaves a root exposed defect below the gumline of the dental implant prosthesis. This defect appears as an isolated region where the root of the implant has become exposed and is not covered by bone. This type of defect can extend all the way down the root of the implant, or it can be limited to a few millimeters from the gumline. While the implant root is denuded of bone covering in the affected region, it is still covered by a thin layer of soft tissue. The implants placed in the canines and incisors are more susceptible to this complication.

The mechanism that causes dehiscence to occur around dental implants is thought to be related to the placement of an implant into bone tissue that is too thinned out or weak to support it. Additionally, an excessive burden on the implant over time can cause some individuals to develop this deformity after the installation of their dental implant. The replacement of the missing bone around the implant with specialized bone-like graft products by an experienced provider can help treat this complication. Ensuring there is a sufficient amount of bone to support the implant prior to the placement can lower the risk of dehiscence occurrence.