What to Do If Your Dental Implant Screw Is Exposed Through the Gum

What causes the dental implant screw to become exposed?

• Gum Recession: When gum tissue recedes from the implant, it exposes the screw. Gum recession can result from poor oral and dental hygiene, genetic predisposition, aggressive brushing, or periodontal disease.
• Inadequate Bone Support: Dental implants require sufficient bone support for stability. Insufficient bone density or quality at the implant site can hinder proper integration, leading to screw exposure over time.
• Implant Placement: Precise implant placement is vital for long-term success. If the implant is positioned too close to the gum surface or at an incorrect angle, it can cause exposure.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral hygiene can contribute to gum disease and recession, raising the risk of implant screw exposure. Plaque and bacteria accumulation around the implant can cause inflammation and tissue loss.

Is it Normal for the Implant Screw to Show Through the Gum?

• Immediate Post-Surgery Period: It’s not uncommon for a small portion of the implant screw to be visible during the immediate post-surgery period. This visibility is typically temporary and part of the healing process as the gum tissue adjusts to the presence of the implant.
• Temporary Healing Cap: During the healing process, a healing cap or abutment may be placed on the implant to assist with tissue shaping and healing. This cap can sometimes stick out slightly above the gum line, causing temporary visibility of the implant screw.
• Implant Type and Location: The type of implant used and its location in the mouth can also influence visibility. In some cases, such as with certain types of temporary or transitional implants, slight visibility of the screw may be expected and not necessarily indicative of a problem.

When is Screw Exposure Abnormal?

• Persistent Visibility: If the implant screw remains consistently visible beyond the initial healing period and shows no signs of improvement, it could indicate underlying issues such as gum recession or improper implant placement.
• Pain or Discomfort: Discomfort around the exposed implant screw may indicate inflammation, infection, or tissue irritation. Your Southeast Calgary dentists should evaluate these symptoms promptly to prevent further complications.
• Loose Implant: Increased mobility or instability of the implant can occur when the screw becomes exposed due to inadequate bone support or implant failure. This requires immediate attention to prevent implant failure and potential implant loss.
• Inflammation or Swelling: Swelling, redness, or inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the exposed implant screw may indicate an inflammatory response or infection. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further tissue damage and implant failure.

Potential Risks of Exposed Implant Screws

• Infection Risk: Exposed screws allow bacteria to enter, increasing infection risk and potentially leading to peri-implantitis.
• Tissue Damage: Exposed screws can irritate gum tissue, causing inflammation, recession, and even bone loss, affecting smile aesthetics and overall oral health.
• Implant Failure: Untreated exposure can lead to implant failure due to infection, bone loss, or mobility.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Visible screws can impact smile aesthetics, affecting self-confidence.

Minimizing Screw Exposure

• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene reduces gum disease risk, minimizing screw exposure.
• Regular Check-ups: Routine dental visits allow early exposure detection, preventing complications.
• Customized Treatment: Tailored treatment plans address individual needs, whether surgical correction, grafting, or repositioning.
• Habit Modification: Avoiding habits like smoking and excessive force protects implants from complications.

Treatment Options

• Soft Tissue Grafting: Augmenting gum tissue covers exposed screws, enhancing aesthetics and protecting implants.
• Implant Repositioning: Correcting improper placement conceals screws, improving alignment and aesthetics.
• Bone Grafting: Augmenting bone support stabilizes implants, preventing exposure recurrence.

Conclusion

Need Help with Your Dental Implant? Schedule Your Appointment Today!