I Chipped My Dental Implant – How Serious is it, And What Do I Do?

Dental implants are typically made of titanium and porcelain, to closely mimic natural teeth.

Just like your natural teeth, your implant can be damaged if you bite into something too hard, grind your teeth, or suffer trauma.

And dental implants are fairly expensive, so it is only natural to want to protect and fix them.

At Warner Lakes Dental, we have some information to share about implants, how they are damaged, and what we can do to treat them

How permanent are implants?

Dental implants are designed to be permanent restorations that look, feel, and work just like natural teeth.

However, also like natural teeth, they don’t necessarily last forever. They, too can, chip, break and even fall out, particularly if they are not well taken care of.

Luckily, unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not prone to decay or infection, so in some respects, they are hardier than natural teeth.

How are implants damaged?

A dental implant is constructed of three sections: a titanium device (“implant”) that is implanted beneath your gum line and into the jawbone, a permanent crown above the gum line, and an abutment that holds the crown to the titanium root.

In most cases, the implant is unlikely to be damaged, as it is tucked into the bone. In some cases, however, gum disease or improper implantation can lead to problems with the implant.

It’s much more likely the abutment will be damaged, or come loose, usually after trauma. Finally, some patients experience problems with the crown, which, like traditional dental crowns, can be cracked, broken, or loosened.

What to Do?

If a dental implant is knocked loose or broken, save the pieces in a secure container and call your Warner dentist immediately.

We may be able to reset to implant and/or created a new crown for the implant. If the actual implant is broken or out, we may need to install a new implant.

Causes of Broken Implants

Implants can break if they are under too much pressure, particularly during bonding General wear and tear can lead to the abutment, the piece connecting the implant to the crown, to break.

In some cases, the screw in the abutment can break. Finally, the crown itself, like natural teeth or other crowns, can break.

Most often this is due to eating hard foods, chewing ice, chewing on other hard objects, or using your teeth as a tool (e.g. to open containers).

How are implants fixed?

If the post is broken, it needs to be removed and replaced. In some cases, bone grafts may be needed before a replacement implant.

If you need a bone graft, it will be a few months before your replacement implant can be placed in your jaw.

In the case of an abutment or crown breaking, Warner Lakes Dental needs to replace the broken parts of the implant, not the implant (post) itself.

When a crown cracks or breaks, we’ll take a mould of your mouth in our office, to manufacture crowns that fit the space in your mouth and look natural.

Can you replace loose dental implants?

Yes, but the process is complicated by the fact the implant will normally need to be removed.

What is the replacement process?

You will likely need surgery to remove your implant. The area will also be cleaned, and jawbone grafted. This all takes place under anesthesia, so you will feel no pain and little discomfort.

Your recovery often feels very similar to the initial implantation, meaning there may be some discomfort, swelling, and soreness.

If you received a bone graft, you need to be careful not to apply pressure to the area. This may mean a more extended period of food restriction.

If one implant is loose or damaged, does it mean that my other implants are in danger?

Most likely not. Dental implants have a success rate of 99 per cent. It is rare enough for a single implant to break or fail, so if one is damaged, your others are likely fine.

If you had an injury or impact, causing an implant to fail, you should have Warner Lakes Dental examine all your teeth and implants, to make sure that the trauma did not affect them.

The best way to ensure your implants stay healthy and that any damage is caught before it can become serious is to see us regularly at Warner Lakes Dental!

The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience

Warner Lakes Dental gives you the quickest and most convenient dental experience available. From parking to treatment, we try to make the entire process as painless and straightforward as possible.

From routine check-ups and cleans to root canals, extractions, and cosmetic procedures, Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.

We want you and your family to enjoy life with a stunning smile and a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums!

Warner dentist also serves the local communities in Whiteside, Cashmere, Bray Park, Albany Creek, Brendale, Strathpine, Joyner, Griffin, Lawnton, and Petrie.

DENTAL EMERGENCY

Same day emergency appointment available

Single tooth dental implants at affordable price

Implant, Fixtures and Crown for only $2,798.

FOR FRONT TEETH – $2998

For more information, call us on (07) 3477 9925 or visit us at Warner Lakes Medical Precinct, 1185B Old North Road in Warner.