Garak Market Station Dental Clinic - How to Avoid Implant Reoperation

Hello. I am Shin Seung-hwan, the chief director of the Garak branch of Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic, near Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, and Garak Market Station.

Today, at Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic near Exit 4 of Garak Market Station, I’d like to talk about dental implants.

Dental implants are a great treatment option because once they are placed, they can be used for a semi-permanent period. However, in some cases, a reoperation may be necessary.

Today, I’ll explain in a little more detail why an implant may need to be redone, and what should be watched carefully after the initial surgery to help prevent needing a reoperation.

Many people simply think of implants as “a treatment that screws a bolt into the bone,” but in reality, it is a much more delicate process.

If you think of hammering a nail into a wall, it becomes firmly fixed from the beginning and can be used right away. But an implant is the opposite.

Right after surgery, it may look firmly in place from the outside, but in reality, the bone and implant have not yet completely fused into one. A healing process, during which they gradually and firmly bond over time, is absolutely necessary.

This healing period varies from person to person, but it generally takes about one and a half to two months, and in some cases it can take three to four months.

For people with strong, healthy bone, recovery tends to be faster, so it is usually sufficiently stable after about two months. On the other hand, if the bone is weak or a bone graft is needed, a longer waiting period is necessary.

Because grafted bone is not your own bone, it takes more time to fully harden and become strong. However, if you are not careful during this period, the bone and implant may not properly fuse, and problems such as loosening or falling out can occur.

For example, soon after surgery, chewing hard food, frequently touching the implant with your tongue, or pressing on it with your hand can cause such problems.

Especially if, within a month after surgery, you feel that “something is uncomfortable” or “it feels a little loose,” there is a high chance that repeated stimulation occurred while the implant was still not fully bonded.

If this situation continues, the implant may not bond to the bone at all, and a reoperation may eventually be needed.

Therefore, to make an implant last a long time, it is very important not to put stress on it during the initial stabilization period. Right after surgery, please chew on the opposite side as much as possible, and be careful not to touch it with your tongue or hand.

It is also essential to check through regular follow-up visits whether the bone and implant are bonding well.

In summary, the most common cause of implant reoperation is excessive stimulation during the initial healing period. If you manage it carefully for just the first few months, the implant can remain strong for a long time, almost like your own tooth.

After an implant is placed, do not rush things; remember that it is most important to allow enough time for the bone to settle firmly and gradually.