Godeok-dong Dental Clinic: Does an Implant Also Have a Replacement Cycle? What Is the Standard?

Hello,

I’m Ju-ri Lee, the chief director of Seoul Bardi Dental Clinic.

“People say implants have a lifespan... so when should they be replaced?”

Those were the first words from a patient in their 60s who recently visited from Godeok-dong.

They said that because of their age, treatment might be difficult later, so they wanted to take care of anything they could while they were still in good health.

They were wondering whether preventive replacement might be necessary.

Today, based on an actual patient visit, I’ll carefully explain when an implant should be replaced,

and what standards a dental clinic in Godeok-dong uses for diagnosis.

Does a dental implant in Godeok-dong also have a replacement cycle? What is the standard?

Many people think that once an implant is placed, it can be used for life,

but an implant is also, to some extent, a consumable.

An implant is broadly divided into three parts.

1. Implant fixture (the part placed in the bone)

2. Abutment (the post that serves as a pillar above the gums)

3. Prosthesis (the visible tooth-shaped crown)

Among these, the fixture that replaces the tooth root

is fused with the bone, so if there are no special problems,

it does not need to be replaced.

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Even if you do not feel discomfort,

you still need a checkup with an X-ray every six months.

Even if everything looks fine on the surface,

early inflammation may cause absolutely no discomfort at all.

If you take an X-ray, as in the photo,

you can observe the gum bone around the implant having been resorbed.

It is necessary to keep following up to see whether the gum bone continues to resorb,

and whether the area around the gums becomes swollen or bleeds.

Second, the abutment (post)

The abutment post is the middle part that connects the implant fixture

and the prosthesis.

It is secured in a screw form to make the connection,

and that screw can loosen.

At that time, you may feel the prosthetic crown wobble or rotate.

This part can be easily resolved by tightening it,

but the problem is when it loosens again not long after being tightened.

In such cases, screw fracture should be suspected.

Fractured screw

Because the screw is a consumable,

implant components may need to be replaced.

Lastly, the prosthesis

In the case of the prosthesis,

a mid-use adjustment may be needed

due to food getting stuck, and so on.

Although the implant is fixed in place,

adjacent natural teeth may move and cause food to get trapped.

If food gets stuck every time you eat,

that would be very uncomfortable, right?

You need repair when you feel discomfort.

In this way, all three components of an implant

need inspection and replacement over time.

If this applies to you, an implant checkup is absolutely necessary!!

• When there is frequent inflammation or bleeding around the gums
• When the implant area feels loose, as if a screw has come undone

Because implants have less sensation than natural teeth,

many people do not realize when a problem has occurred.

It is safest to confirm through regular X-rays and oral examinations.

Today, at a dental clinic in Godeok-dong,

I talked about whether implants also have a replacement cycle.

The common traits of patients who use implants for a long time are simple.

Regular checkups every 6 months to 1 year

Scaling and the use of interdental brushes

Visiting the clinic as soon as you feel even slight discomfort

If you want your implant to last a long time, get it checked now.

Implants can last 10 or even 20 years if they are properly cared for. The secret lies in maintenance.

Wouldn’t it be a good idea to check today whether your implant is in good condition?

Thank you for reading this long post!

#ImplantReplacement #Godeok-dongDentalClinic