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Gray Gums by Dental Implants

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I’m a little worried I have some type of infection. I love my dental implants and they’re strong, but the gums around the implants seem to be turning a gray color. Am I developing an infection?

Sydney

Dear Sydney,

An illustration of three dental implants at various stages of crown placement
Depth of gum placement is important with dental implants

If you had an infection, you’d likely be experiencing some fever, pain, or discharge. You didn’t mention any of those. If any of those do creep up, it would be considered a dental emergency and you’d need to contact your dentist right away if you want a chance at saving your implants.

It’s more likely the depth of placement of your dental implants is the problem. If you have thin gum tissue, combined with metal (titanium) implants, it’s very likely the gray of the metal is showing through. This is especially true if your dentist didn’t consider your gum depth with placement.

If the implants are not properly placed, it can lead to gum recession. Just to be certain and to put your mind at ease about an infection, I’m going to recommend you get a second opinion by a skilled implant dentist.

Dental Implants with Thin Gums

These days, you don’t have to get the titanium implants. Zirconia is now being used with dental implants quite successfully. Their nickname is ceramic steel because they are so strong. You should have no problems with them holding up.

Not all dentists are comfortable placing them so you may have to call around. Because they’re white and metal-free, you don’t have to worry about them showing through thin gums.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Should My Dentist Refund My Dental Implants If I Can’t Eat?

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I don’t know what to do and I’m out of money. I went to a dentist because my teeth were bothering me whenever I ate. The dentist told me all my teeth needed to be removed. She said she could give me implant supported dentures and I’d be eating pain-free in no time. It’s been a complete disaster since day one. I’ve had the implants and dentures for over a year and have been in massive pain and haven’t been able to eat. I’ve lost 50 pounds. I’ve gone back to the dentist multiple times and they keep insisting nothing’s wrong. I’m distressed and don’t know what to do. I took out a loan to get these and have absolutely no money left. Is there a way to get a refund? I have to find another solution for my teeth.

Laverne A.

Dear Laverne,

Implant overdentures

I know hindsight is 20/20, but I sure wish you’d have gotten a second opinion before having all your teeth taken out. It’s always better to save as much natural tooth structure as possible.

I don’t have details about what exactly you’re feeling, but based on what you’ve said generally, I’d think either your dental implants were improperly placed or the dentures weren’t made well. No matter what the issue is, if you can’t eat and it’s been a problem from the beginning, your dentist should repair it free of charge. Because she’s not, you’ll have to take other steps.

I’d like you to get a second opinion from another dentist, preferably a skilled implant dentist. Don’t tell them the whole story or the dentist you went to, in case they’re pals. Instead, just mention your symptoms, let them look at the work, and give their opinion. They may need to take some x-rays to properly diagnose the problem.

When implants are done correctly, it’s like having healthy teeth in your mouth. You’ll be able to eat anything you want. If it turns out you just need a minor adjustment, then you can probably just go ahead and have that dentist do the work. If it’s more serious, then this second dentist can help you get a refund from your first dentist. Then you can get the work done properly without any additional cost burden to you. Hopefully, the new dentist can get you eating well fairly soon.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

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