So you went long to catch a pass and ended up with a football to the face? Maybe you’ve missed your step and taken an unexpected tumble? No one is ever expecting an accident to happen, but when they do, the results can spell trouble for your mouth and body.
If you’ve spit out a broken implant or noticed a chipped in your dental implant, the first step is not to panic. Implants are durable, but are still susceptible to damage just like natural teeth!
Here’s everything you need to know about a broken dental implant and your restoration options from our certified periodontists!
What causes a dental implant to break?
Your dental implants are made up of 3 parts—the implant, abutment, and crown. The two pieces most vulnerable to damage are the crown (top) and abutment (connector). While dental implant crowns can last up to 15 years without replacement, the porcelain or zirconia crown can break from trauma or poor oral hygiene. A broken crown is easy to spot as you’ll notice a crack in the tooth-colored crown. But if your dental implant feels loose, the culprit is usually the abutment. This small piece that holds your crown to the implant is subject to normal wear and tear.
In rare cases, your implant itself may break. This can happen from excessive pressure right after you’ve had your dental implant placed and before it’s had the time to fully fuse with the jawbone.
Broken Dental Implant Repair
So how does a dental implant get fixed? There’s only two options to getting a broken dental implant fixed—repair or replacement. Which restoration option is best for you depends on where the damage has been done.
If your implant crown is broken, Dr. Stilley, Dr. Mashkouri, or Dr. Medina will perform a thorough exam of your implant site to ensure the integrity of your dental implant. Then our talented periodontal team will take a digital impression of your mouth in order to create a new custom crown as a replacement. If possible, we will provide you with a temporary crown to help protect the implant from further damage. If your abutment is broken, we’ll simply replace the part if we discover no further damage to your dental implant.
In the extreme case that your implant itself is broken, replacement is your only treatment option. One of our experienced periodontists will extract your implant and replace it with a new one. Depending on the state of your jawbone, they may need to perform a bone graft to reinforce your jawbone for your new implant.
Broken Dental Implant Care
After first getting your dental implant, our periodontists will provide you with a packet of information on your post-op care. They’ll be able to walk you through how to care for your dental implants and tips for relieving discomfort after your dental implant surgery. Our experienced periodontists want you to have a successful and comfortable experience before, during, and after your dental implant placement.
Here’s what to do if you find yourself with a broken dental implant.
- Gather all the pieces of your broken dental implant and place them in a container or bag.
- Call our Tampa or New Port Richey office to schedule an appointment to have your dental implant repaired or replaced.
- If you’re experiencing severe discomfort, use a cold compress on your implant area.
Get Your Broken Implant Fixed with the Best Implant Dentist in Tampa and New Port Richey!
With the proper care and maintenance, your dental implant can last a lifetime! Be sure to establish a strong oral hygiene routine, keep regular dental check-ups, and receive a dental cleaning every 6 months!
While broken dental implants are rare, they require prompt care. Please don’t hesitate to call us immediately to schedule your appointment! Our team will make every attempt to see you that same day. We’re here to help alleviate your discomfort and restore your beautiful, healthy smile—from your teeth to your gums!
If you’re considering getting dental implants and are looking for the best implant dentist in Tampa or New Port Richey, we’d love to meet you! Request your appointment for a dental implant consultation today.
