Implant care and repairs
Replacement teeth need looking after like natural ones. This is for anyone with implants, crowns, bridges or dentures, here or elsewhere, who needs a checkup or a repair.
What happens
Most repairs take one or two visits.
- 01
Step 1: Call us
Tell us what has happened. If a crown has come off, keep it safe.
- 02
Step 2: A look and a clean
We examine the teeth and gums, check the bite, and clean around implants with tools that don't scratch them.
- 03
Step 3: Repair or a plan
A small repair may be done in the visit. Anything larger gets a written estimate first.
- 04
Step 4: Keeping it in order
We tell you how often to come back, which depends on your mouth and your habits.
Replacement teeth from another office are welcome. We'll tell you if we need more information first.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Most checkups need no numbing. If a repair does, the area is numbed, and you can ask for a break.
If you wait
A loose crown or screw can damage the tooth or implant under it, and gum infection around an implant can start quietly. You can also choose to wait; we'll tell you what to look out for.
Risks and after-care
Gums around an implant can become inflamed and bleed. Cleaning well, and coming to checkups, matters. Call us if a tooth moves, hurts or looks different.
How it's billed
A checkup and each repair are quoted before we begin. Many dental plans pay for part of a repair.
How fees work
Questions about implant care and repairs
How often should I come in?
Dr. Durham or your dentist decides from your exam. Some people come twice a year, some more often.
Can you check an implant placed elsewhere?
Yes. Bring any records you have, and tell us the brand if you know it.
What do I do if a crown comes off?
Call us. Keep the crown, and don't use glue. We'll tell you whether to come in right away.
Provided by a general dentist
Care here is provided by Dr. Shilpa Ganguly, DDS, a general dentist licensed in Washington, or by Dr. Mabel Durham, DDS, who completed a residency in prosthodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.