Not Every Dental Implant Can Be Restored the Same Way
Most dental implants are straightforward.
A single implant is placed where a missing tooth once was, heals for several months, and then receives a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. See the example below.
Occasionally, however, patients are referred to our office with implant situations that are far more complicated.
This was one of those cases.
The Problem: Two Implants Where Normally Only One Is Needed
This patient was referred to our prosthodontic practice after two very narrow dental implants had been placed in the space of a single lower molar. See picture below.
Although the implants were healthy, they were positioned extremely close together and angled toward each other. This unusual placement made it nearly impossible to place a conventional implant crown.
For many dentists, this type of case can become frustrating because standard implant components simply won’t fit.
Instead of replacing the implants, we developed a customized solution designed specifically for this patient.
Why This Was So Difficult
Think of trying to place a lid onto two jars that are leaning toward each other.
If the jars aren’t parallel, the lid won’t fit.
The same concept applies to dental implants.
Because these implants were angled differently, a traditional implant crown could not seat properly.
Without advanced prosthodontic planning, the patient may have required extensive additional treatment—or even implant replacement.
Our Solution: Custom Implant Engineering
Rather than removing healthy implants, we designed two custom implant abutments.
These precision-made components corrected the angulation of the implants and created a common path that allowed a single implant crown to fit accurately. See the X-ray below showing the tapered, custom abutments.
Everything was designed, and fabricated with exceptional precision in our in-office dental laboratory.
This approach allowed us to preserve the existing implants while creating a restoration that is both functional and attractive.
The Final Result
The completed implant crown:
- Looks like a natural molar
- Feels comfortable when chewing
- Allows the patient to floss between the implants
- Provides excellent long-term function
- Preserves healthy surrounding tissue
Most importantly, the patient left with a tooth that functions naturally without requiring additional surgery.
Before:
After:
Why Experience Matters
Complicated implant restorations require far more than simply placing a crown.
They demand:
- Advanced prosthodontic treatment planning
- Digital implant design
- Knowledge of implant biomechanics
- Custom laboratory fabrication
- Attention to esthetics, function, and long-term maintenance
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Adam Geach specializes in restoring complex implant cases that many general dental offices refer for advanced care.
Our practice treats challenging implant restorations every day, including:
- Dental implants with poor angulation
- Failed implant crowns
- Broken implant restorations
- Worn implant prosthetics
- Multiple implant restorations
- Full-mouth implant reconstruction
- Cosmetic implant rehabilitation
Why Our In-Office Dental Laboratory Makes a Difference
Unlike many dental offices that outsource laboratory work, Geach Dental has its own in-house ceramic laboratory.
This allows us to:
- Design restorations with greater precision
- Improve communication between doctor and ceramist
- Verify fit before delivery
- Achieve exceptional cosmetic results
- Deliver consistent quality control
For complex implant cases, this collaboration often makes the difference between an average result and an outstanding one.
Looking for a Specialist to Restore Your Dental Implants?
If you’ve been told your implant restoration is difficult—or you’ve had a loose, broken, worn, or unattractive implant crown—you may benefit from treatment by a prosthodontic specialist.
At Geach Dental, Dr. Adam Geach provides advanced implant restoration and cosmetic dentistry for patients throughout:
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills
- Pasadena
- Orange County
- Newport Beach
- Irvine
- Laguna Niguel
- Southern California
Call (213) 622-3339 or schedule a consultation to learn how even the most complicated implant restorations can often be successfully restored.
