Implant Problems & Complications
Assessing symptoms, bone loss and unfavourable implant positions individually
Implants can function very well for many years. When problems occur, however, the causes and prognosis can differ considerably. Inflammation, prosthetic overload, screw loosening, fracture, tissue loss or an unfavourable three-dimensional position require different strategies.
Our first step is therefore not implant removal, but a structured analysis: What is the cause, what can be preserved and which options make sense over the long term?
What is an implant problem?
Symptoms around an implant may have biological, technical or prosthetic causes. These include tissue inflammation, bone loss, loosening of screws or crowns, unfavourable implant positions and aesthetic or hygiene-related problems.
For implant problems in Basel, we therefore first try to identify the cause as precisely as possible. Not every problematic implant needs to be removed. Depending on the findings, options may include observation, professional maintenance, repair, surgical treatment, prosthetic adjustment or, in selected cases, implant removal.
Common reasons for assessment
Bleeding, swelling or recurrent inflammation around the implant.
Bone loss visible on X-rays.
Mobility or loosening of the crown, screw or implant.
Gum recession, visible metal or aesthetic change.
Difficult cleanability or food impaction.
Implants positioned unfavourably for the planned prosthetic restoration.
Diagnosis before treatment
Depending on the clinical question, we assess signs of inflammation, probing findings, the bite, the prosthetic restoration and radiographs. CBCT is used when the three-dimensional bone or implant position is relevant to the decision.
Preserve, revise or remove?
Not every compromised implant needs to be removed. In other situations, explantation may be the more appropriate biological or prosthetic solution. We discuss attempts at preservation, surgical treatment, prosthetic correction and replacement as alternative pathways.
Further information
Do not decide too quickly. With implant problems, we first create clarity about the cause, prognosis and possible pathways – from preservation to replacement.
Note: This information is intended for general guidance and does not replace an individual examination and consultation.
