A diagram of dental implant at Periodontal Associates.

Dental implants are a highly effective solution for lost teeth. Crowns mimic natural teeth in their form and function and titanium posts bond with and stimulate your jaw bone, allowing the Dental Implants to act just like a natural tooth would.

Unfortunately, implants can occasionally fail, and if this happens we will need you to come in so we can repair or replace them.

The Structure of an Implant

Most dental implants are made of a titanium post that is embedded in the jaw bone, a ceramic crown that acts as a replacement tooth and an abutment that connects the post and the crown. If one of these parts loosens or breaks, all three can become compromised.

Titanium is usually chosen for implants because it bonds with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration. If this process doesn't occur properly then you'll end up with an implant that isn't firmly in place. This will lead to problems later on.

Signs that an Implant May Fail

If the bone doesn't grow around the implant in the right way, mobility is often the primary signal that the implant may fail. This mobility is often very slight at first and usually only a dentist can see it, but as time goes on an implant that hasn't integrated properly can shift when you chew or speak. Implants that have failed completely with frequently.

Other warnings signs of impending failure include pain, inflammation, and infection, but these do not always occur. If Dr. Eshraghi notices that your implant is moving, he may conduct an x-ray to make sure the bone is growing. If the implant is failing, the x-ray may reveal considerable bone loss around the metal area.

Repair and Replacement

In cases where the implant crown becomes cracked or detached, it is an easy matter for us to attach a new, or make any other repairs if necessary. However, if the damage to the implant is too severe, we will need to remove and replace it.

It is easy for us to remove a failed dental implant, but we will need to use a local anesthetic for this procedure. Once the implant is removed Dr. Eshraghi will carefully clean the area. Then we can begin the process of inserting a new implant, making careful note of what went wrong the first time. If there is enough healthy bone in the same area, we won't need a bone graft.

However, in cases of significant bone loss, we may need to place a bone graft to improve the site of the removed implant before placing a new one. Once the bone graft is complete, your mouth may need several months to heal before we can put in a new implant. During the healing period, Dr. Eshraghi may ask you to quit smoking, postpone cancer treatment or make other lifestyle adjustments that will reduce the risk of the next implant failing as well.

Always remember to take good care of your implants by brushing and flossing daily. Also take care to eat a balanced diet and abstain from using your teeth as tools, as this can chip them. If you experience any problems with your Dental Implants, contact us right away.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (971) 317-8414.

Beaverton Tualatin NE Portland Locations

(971) 317-8414Call Us Request an
Appointment

4 Myths About Gum Recession

Posted on 4/1/2025 by Periodontal Associates

An older woman with glasses smiling in a dentist chair, ready for her first dental visit.

Gum recession is a common dental problem that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when the gum tissue around your teeth recedes, exposing the root surface. This can lead to several problems, including tooth sensitivity, root cavities, and even tooth loss. While gum recession is not always preventable, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk and protect your oral health.

In this article, we will debunk four common myths about gum recession:

Myth 1: Gum recession is a normal part of aging.

This is one of the most common myths about gum recession. While it is true that gum recession can occur as you age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, many people maintain healthy gums throughout their lives.

Gum recession is often caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions. By taking good care of your oral health and avoiding these risk factors, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum recession.

Myth 2: Gum recession is not a serious problem.

This is another dangerous myth. While mild gum recession may not cause any immediate problems, it can lead to more serious issues down the road. As gum tissue recedes, the root surface of your teeth becomes exposed. This root surface is not as hard as the enamel that covers the crown of your teeth, and it is more susceptible to decay.

Additionally, the exposed root surface can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet and sour foods. In severe cases of gum recession, the bone that supports your teeth can also be damaged, leading to tooth loss.

Myth 3: There is nothing you can do to prevent gum recession.

This is simply not true. While there are some risk factors for gum recession that you cannot control, such as genetics and certain medical conditions, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk.

The most important thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, and your overall health. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease, which is a major cause of gum recession.

Myth 4: Gum recession can only be treated with surgery.

While surgery is sometimes necessary to treat severe gum recession, there are many non-surgical treatment options available. Depending on the severity of your gum recession, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.

In some cases, your dentist may also recommend a gum graft. This procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and grafting it onto the area where the gum recession has occurred.

Prevention Dentistry is Key

The best way to deal with gum recession is to prevent it from happening in the first place. By practicing good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and avoiding risk factors such as smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this common dental problem.

If you are concerned about gum recession, talk to your dentist. They can assess your individual risk and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

Beaverton Office
17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150
Beaverton, OR 97006

Tualatin Office
18753 SW Martinazzi Ave
Tualatin, OR 97062

NE Portland Office
2530 NE Oregon St
Portland, OR 97232

Email Us

(971) 317-8414

Request an Appointment

Contact Us

Dental Implants Beaverton & Tualatin • About Us
Periodontal Associates are World-class Board-certified Periodontists in the Portland Area & welcome the opportunity to help when dental needs arise. (971) 317-8414
Periodontal Associates, 17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150 Beaverton, OR 97006 : (971) 317-8414 : portlandimplantdentistry.com : 4/25/2025 : Related Terms: dental implants Beaverton OR :