My Implant Crown Fell Off — Is That Normal? What to Do Next

Loosing a dental implant crown is more common than most people think, and the good news is, it’s usually treatable without needing to start the whole implant procedure again. First of all, take a deep breath. It’s probably not the dental catastrophe it may feel like right now.

Wherever you are, whether you’re down in Plant City near Walden Lake or off S Alexander Street, or just in the middle of a regular weekday in Hillsborough County, what matters is that you have a plan for the next few hours. This guide will tell you exactly what to do in simple terms.

Why Does an Implant Crown Fall Off?

The crown is the visible part of the tooth placed on top of the dental implant, which is usually attached by means of a screw or by means of dental cement. It is not permanently bonded to the implant on which it is positioned because the design allows the crown to be repositioned.

The cause is typically one of the following:

• Loose abutment screw: The abutment screw can become loose over time with clenching or grinding.
• Cement failure: The cement used to bond the crown to the abutment can deteriorate over time.
• Chewing and biting forces: Repeatedly high forces at the joint can fatigue the abutment screw.
• Normal wear: Crowns are strong and long-lasting, but they are not impervious to wear and tear, and their fit can become problematic over time.

While these scenarios aren’t ideal, they’re all treatable by your dentist. It’s important to recognize that losing an implant crown is not something to feel embarrassed about. It happens, and your dentist can help you get it back in place with professional implant restoration in Plant City, FL.

So, Is It an Emergency?

Not necessarily, but it should be addressed without delay.

The easiest way to determine this is:

Call the dentist the same day if:

• If the area is painful or sensitive
• If the surrounding gum tissue looks inflamed or is swollen
• If you can move the implant post and feel that it is loose, not just the crown itself

Schedule an appointment with your dentist in a few days if:

• The crown came out intact without bleeding or any discomfort.
• You know where the crown is located, and it appears undamaged.

Even in that case, the condition should be treated promptly; an exposed abutment can collect bacteria, and nearby teeth can begin to shift if the gap remains open for too long.

What to Do Right Now?

1. Locate and save the crown. You shouldn’t throw it out; it may simply be recemented or reattached, saving you both time and expense.

2. Do not attempt to reattach it with dental cement purchased from a pharmacy. These products are not manufactured for dental purposes, can prevent professional refitting of the crown, and may cause tissue irritation.

3. Eat on the opposite side of your mouth. Consume only soft foods until you see a dentist.

4. Rinse with warm salt water. It will keep the area clean without disturbing anything.

5. Call your dentist immediately. Most dental offices can see you the same day for a loose or dislodged crown, so you will not have to wait long.

Will I Need A New Crown?

It’s not always necessary. If the crown itself is undamaged or broken, and the implant post is stable in your jaw, reattachment is usually relatively simple. The dentist will:

• Examine the abutment for damage or looseness
• Check the crown for cracks or other signs of wear
• Recement or reattach the crown according to the method of its original placement

It may be necessary to custom-make a new crown if the existing crown is cracked or no longer fits properly due to changes in your bite or surrounding teeth. In this case, a new implant restoration in Plant City, FL, will have to be started over.

What If The Implant Post Feels Loose?

A loose titanium post in your jawbone indicates a different, more serious problem. While uncommon, implant failure may be caused by:

• Bone loss surrounding the implant (due to gingivitis, periodontitis, poor oral hygiene)
• Untreated infection around the implant
• Excessive pressure on the post or crown

A wobbly implant post should always be addressed by a professional. The implant may need to be removed, or other corrective measures may be implemented.

How to Avoid Having This Happen to You Again?

Once the crown has been repositioned, there are just a few simple things to keep in mind:

• Schedule regular dental checkups: Visiting your dentist twice a year will help your dentist catch any loose parts before they come completely off. If you’re near South Alexander Street or elsewhere in Plant City, FL, it’s easy to find your local dental practice and visit it.
• Wear a night guard: Bruxism is a leading cause of early implant failure of an implant crown. Bruxism can also cause a crown to break or fail by wearing down the chewing surfaces and weakening the abutment connection. A custom night guard can save your crown and implant posts.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush at least twice per day, and floss all the way around your implant. Using an interdental brush, if your dentist recommends it, is a good idea. It is important to clean the implant base as well, as bacteria at this site may lead to bone loss over time.
• Steer clear of very sticky or hard food: Foods like ice cubes, hard candy, chewing gum, and more can cause undue force on the abutment and crown connection point.

Single tooth restorations, implant-supported bridges, or full mouth implant-supported restoration, they all share the same requirements for maintenance. A higher level of care will offer you a longer life and better performance from your implants.

The Next Step In Managing This Issue Isn’t Difficult At All

You do not have to face this issue alone. A dislodged dental crown is one of the simplest procedures for dentists to rectify, provided you seek a dental opinion and a procedure to get the crown fixed as soon as possible.

Ready To Get Your Dental Implant Crown Back In Place? 

We can help at Horizon Dental Designs to maintain your implant restoration in Plant City, FL. The team at Horizon Dental Designs understands that your crown coming off may have been unexpected, but we will help you get back to feeling normal and looking great. We pride ourselves on our ability to make an emergency visit seem routine and help you understand the cause, process, and solution – without complications or the need for you to wonder what to do next.

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