Implants and titanium

[ashley]

I had three dental implants fitted approx 9 years ago and these were to be reused alongside further new dental implants. Unfortunately when a temporary titanium post and crown was placed on one of the older implants it snapped off! My dentist accepts that a titanium post should not have snapped but is at a loss to explain it.However having tried unsuccessfully to remove the remaining titanium and effect repair he now tells me that the implant is no longer viable so I will have to have a bridge which I am very unhappy about and wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience with titanium snapping? Also my dentist says it would be impossible to remove and replace the damaged implant has anyone here had an implant removed and replaced?

[Nilesh]

Dear Ashley,

Sorry to hear whats happened. May i ask, where is the implant in the mouth, how long has it been there, and which system was used?

There are documented cases of abutments and implants snapping. Although very rare as they are usually made of Grade 4 titanium.

As for removing it, it is possible, but sometimes it involves disturbing alot of sound tissue around the implant, I have seen cases where the implants are just buried under the gum and left alone until/if they cause problems.

Based upon what you've said its very difficult to answer your questions without some more detail.

Regards