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A broken dental implant is a rare but serious issue that needs professional care. Whether the crown, abutment, or implant itself has failed, prompt care protects your oral health and saves your investment.
In this blog, you will learn the possible causes of a broken implant, what part may have failed, and how oral surgeons at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists can help restore your smile with the right treatment plan.
Table of Contents
- Is the Dental Implant Broken Or Just a Component?
- What to Do if You Think Your Implant Is Damaged
- How to Protect Your Implant
- Schedule an Implant Evaluation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs About Broken Dental Implants
Key Takeaway
A broken dental implant does not always mean implant failure. Identifying which part is damaged and getting timely care from a dental professional is the key to saving your implant and avoiding more serious complications.
Is the Dental Implant Broken Or Just a Component?
A dental implant has three parts: the titanium screw (implant body), the abutment, and the dental crown. Each can break in different ways and compromise the function of your artificial tooth.
- Broken Implant Crown (Visible Tooth)
This usually refers to the crown detaching or breaking from the abutment. You may still feel the metal post in your gum, but the visible tooth is gone.
Causes may include:
- Biting down on hard foods
- Excessive pressure or wear and tear
- Poor cementing or a loose screw
- Undiagnosed grinding (bruxism)
- Broken Abutment (Connector Piece)
The abutment is the part that connects the crown to the implant post. When it breaks, the crown may loosen, gum tissue may become irritated, or the implant body may become exposed.
Common causes include:
- Stress from misaligned biting forces
- Damage during crown placement or removal
- Corrosion or metal fatigue over time
- Trauma to the mouth or jaw
- Broken Implant Body (Titanium Post)
This is the most serious type of implant damage. It involves a fracture of the titanium screw embedded in the jawbone and usually results in full implant failure.
Common causes include:
- Significant bone loss around the implant
- Improper placement or angulation during surgery
- Chronic overload from clenching or bite misalignment
- Infection or untreated peri-implantitis
In these cases, the implant must be removed. Bone grafting is often needed before a new implant can be placed.
What to Do if You Think Your Implant Is Damaged
A dental implant shouldn’t feel loose, painful, or unstable. If something doesn’t seem right, take these immediate steps to protect your mouth and get the right care:
Step 1: Stop using the area
Avoid chewing or biting on the side of your mouth where the implant is located. Even if there’s no pain, pressure can make the issue worse.
Step 2: Check for symptoms
Take note of what you’re experiencing, movement, discomfort, swelling, or a missing crown. This will help your provider understand what may be happening beneath the surface.
Step 3: Don’t try to fix it yourself
Skip the dental glue and temporary repair kits. These are not designed for implants and could cause more damage or trap bacteria.
Step 4: Call the provider who placed your implant
If possible, contact the oral surgeon or dentist who performed your implant surgery. They’ll know your case and be able to evaluate the issue quickly. If they are unavailable, seek care from an oral surgeon who can assess the implant and surrounding bone.
Prompt care can make the difference between a simple fix and a more complex replacement.
Treatment Options for a Broken Dental Implant
Depending on what is broken, solutions may include:
- Replacing the crown only: If the implant and abutment are intact.
- Replacing the abutment and crown: If the abutment or screw broke but the post is stable.
- Full implant replacement: If the post fractured or infection is present.
- Bone grafting and implant delay: If the jawbone is compromised, grafting is done first, followed by a healing period before new implant placement.
How to Protect Your Implant
Dental implants are durable, but they still need consistent care to stay healthy and functional for the long term.
These daily habits can help protect your implant and prevent damage over time:
- Use a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth.
- Avoid biting or chewing on hard foods like ice, hard candy, or bones.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine including regular professional cleanings.
- Get regular checkups to catch early signs of stress or loosening.
Schedule an Implant Evaluation in Deer Park, IL
If you are concerned about a dental implant or experiencing signs of a possible problem, our team is here to help. At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, we will evaluate the area, identify the issue, and recommend the most appropriate next step.
To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs About Broken Dental Implants
Yes, but it depends on which part of the implant broke. Crowns and abutments can be replaced without removing the implant.
A broken dental implant is not always an emergency, but it should be evaluated as soon as possible. Even if there is no pain, damage to the crown, abutment, or implant post can lead to further complications if left untreated. If you notice movement, discomfort, or a missing part, contact your oral surgeon promptly to assess the situation and prevent additional issues.
The timeline depends on which part of the implant is damaged. A broken crown or loose abutment can often be repaired or replaced in one or two visits. If the implant post has failed, the process may take several months and include removal, bone grafting, and healing before a new implant can be placed. Your oral surgeon will outline the steps based on your specific case.
