Question:

My pano and x rays show that 2 implants (numbers 6 and 9)were placed at an angle where the tip of the implant almost touches the end of the root of Number 10 next to it. Some resorbtion of the tip of the number 10 permanant tooth root has occured. I am having discomfort in that permanant tooth and may lose it.Should I be concerned about putting crowns on the implants with such an angled placement or is this a common pratice? My Prosthodontist says that angled abutments can be used with these implants and then crowned. I could need future implants and wonder if I should continue using this Implant Dentist or should I seek another Implant specialist for future work? Thank You

Answer:

All good questions, but difficult ones to answer without seeing the x-rays or clinical result. Remember that Panoramic radiographs are a two dimensional representation of 3D reality, so angles can often appear distorted. However, if an implant has contacted an adjacent tooth root and the patient has discomfort in the tooth, it is not ideal but can often be corrected by a “root canal” on the tooth. Angled abutments are common practice for anterior implant restorations, so I would not be overly concerned there, as long as the esthetic result is acceptable to you.

Lastly, whenever you have any questions about your health care results, seeking a second opinion can be the best advice. Hopefully, in your case, this additional opinion will ease your mind that your treatment is within normal limits and you can continue on a path to completion with your original team.

For more information:

Go to the Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants health topic.