Implant problems & complications
Assess symptoms, bone loss or unfavourable implant positions in a differentiated way
Implants can function very well for many years. When problems occur, however, their cause 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 to remove the implant, but to perform a structured analysis: What is the cause, what can be preserved and which options are sensible in the long term?
What does an implant problem mean?
Problems 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 determine the cause as precisely as possible. Not every problematic implant needs to be removed. Depending on the findings, options may include monitoring, professional maintenance, repair, surgical treatment, prosthetic adjustment or, in selected cases, implant removal.
Typical reasons for assessment
Bleeding, swelling or recurrent inflammation around the implant.
Bone loss visible on radiographs.
Loosening of the crown, screw or implant.
Gum recession, visible metal or an aesthetic change.
Difficult cleaning or food trapping.
Implants are unfavourably positioned for the planned prosthetic restoration.
Diagnostics before treatment
Depending on the question, we assess clinical signs of inflammation, probing findings, the bite, 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, implant removal may be the more appropriate biological or prosthetic solution. We discuss attempted preservation, surgical treatment, prosthetic correction and replacement as alternatives.
Further information
Do not decide too quickly. For implant problems, we first create clarity about the cause, prognosis and possible pathways – from preservation to replacement.
Note: This information is for guidance and does not replace an individual examination and consultation.
