What to Do When an Implant Restoration Breaks
An implant restoration can restore a missing tooth and feel much like a natural one. However, even a well-made restoration can crack, loosen, or break over time. A broken restoration can be frustrating, particularly when it happens without warning. Fortunately, knowing what to do next can help protect your implant and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
Do not panic
A broken implant restoration does not always mean the dental implant itself has failed. In many cases, the problem affects the crown or another part attached to the implant. First, patients will need to avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can make the damage worse. If a piece of the restoration has come loose, they can keep it in a safe place and bring it to the dental appointment.
Call the periodontist
A broken restoration needs a professional check, even if there is little or no pain. A periodontist can examine the area and determine what caused the problem. The dental specialist may take an X-ray or other images to check the implant, abutment, and nearby bone. This helps rule out issues that may not be visible during a visual evaluation. An immediate appointment also helps prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one. A loose or damaged restoration can change the way the teeth meet and may put extra pressure on the implant.
Skip DIY repair
It can be tempting to fix a loose crown with household glue or an over-the-counter dental adhesive. However, patients should not attempt an at-home repair. Glue can damage the restoration, make removal difficult at the periodontal office, and interfere with professional treatment.
Until a periodontist can check the area, the patient should keep it clean and avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth. The periodontist can decide whether a temporary fix is appropriate or if more extensive treatment is needed.
How a periodontist can repair a broken restoration
Treatment depends on which part of the implant system has a problem. If the abutment is loose or damaged, the periodontist may replace or adjust it. Fortunately, a damaged implant restoration does not automatically mean the entire implant must come out. If the implant fixture remains healthy and stable, replacing the restoration may be all that is needed.
However, if the dental implant itself is damaged or has lost stability, treatment may be more involved. The gums and bone around the implant also need a careful examination if there is pain, swelling, or a history of trauma. In some cases, the periodontist may need to replace the post, restarting the osseointegration and restoration process.
Get your implant restoration fixed today
A broken implant restoration can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily mean the dental implant has failed. With the right treatment, a damaged restoration can be repaired or replaced, allowing your implant to continue to support a comfortable, functional smile. Call our Boca Raton office today to schedule an appointment and get your restoration fixed.
Request an appointment here: https://bocaperio.com or call Boca Perio at (561) 763-1066 for an appointment at our Boca Raton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Implant Restoration in Boca Raton, FL.
Related Posts
All-on-4® implants offer patients a practical and effective solution for full-arch tooth replacement. When considering these implants, it can be beneficial to seek the expertise of a periodontist. Periodontists have the training and experience to install these implants, offering numerous benefits to those looking to improve the health and aesthetics of their smile.All-on-4 implants are…
Periodontics focuses on gum health. Keeping your gums healthy is the main goal of every treatment. Detecting any problem early leads to early treatment. You can also do your part in caring for your gums. Here are some tips from dental professionals who work in periodontics on how to have healthier gums.Bad bacteria in the…
A smile makeover may begin with the gums rather than the teeth when the gumline affects the balance, shape, or health of the smile. Teeth can, for example, appear too short, uneven, or long when the gum tissue does not frame them evenly. A periodontist assesses the relationship between the lips, teeth, gums, and supporting…
Periodontists are the dental care professionals to call if you have periodontal disease. These professionals also studied for three more years. So, they focus more on periodontal health aside from the basic dentistry course. The knowledge, training, and experience they have can help you regain your oral health. If you want to find out how…