Bryanna- I was speaking with my husband in more depth about his implant. He did not have monthly x rays. He only had one at the beginning and end of the procedure from the periodontist. Then he had one at the beginning and end at the dentist(who did the cap). I guess that means(from your explanation about sources of infection) that he probably got the infection from the dentist not securing the cap properly. I am assuming that is the correct reason since the perio. did an xray and so did the dentist prior to the cap. Luckily he is very healthy and can handle another one.
Re: root canals. Many of the patients my dentist (facial pain specialist) sees are root canal patients. They have constant pain from root canals. For some people the root canal disturbs the nerves resulting in chronic pain. Patients return to the dentist and he usually denies the pain because the nerves are removed and also because he/she knows nothing about facial pain. I believe the condition is called - deafferentation neuralgia. My former dentist (a facial pain specialist also-now deceased) taught me a lot as he was the leading researcher in facial pain in the country and shared many of his research articles with me. His research showed 5% of patients will have pain following root canals. My new dentist said recent research said it is 10. Unfortunately, my local dentist (who is very reputable) never even heard of deafferentation neuralgia. That is typical unfortunately.
Just rambling - as I know you are into the dental field and are really very serious about your profession. You are such an asset to have on this forum. Thanks for starting it. Great idea. I have a question later on "biforcation" but my hands hurt now from typing. I have RSD and Fibro - full body - constant chronic severe pain.
Thanks
Sydney