AboutJoseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com Expertise Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".
Experience Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.
Organizations American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society
Education/Credentials I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.
Question If bone deterioration has occurred around the top of an implant due to a problem with an adjacent absessed tooth that was rectified, can bone be added around the top sides of an implant to strengthen it?
Answer Hi Vicki,
Thank you for your question, it is a great question! Bone grafting as well as gum grafts can be done around old implants. However, the results are sometimes unpredictable. The reason for the difficulty is that once an implant is exposed to an infection, or is exposed into the mouth, bone will not regrow around it unless the bacteria and the bacterial toxins are removed. this is very difficult to do to an implant since the surface is rough. However, a laser can be very effective in disinfecting the implant better than other methods. Once the laser has decontaminated the implant surface, bone grafts can be placed with good success. I personally use the "Waterlase" laser and have done this procedure many times with excellent results. I recommend that you look for an implant specialist who uses a laser and has done this procedure with good success.
