A dental implant crown is an artificial tooth that connects to the embedded post in the patient's jaw by means of an abutment. The crown is the visible part of the three-piece implant used to replace a missing tooth through a surgical procedure. The dental crowns used with implants are usually made of porcelain but can also be constructed of other materials. Although these crowns are tough, strong and resilient, it is still possible for them to get chipped or broken through an accident, sports injury, constant teeth grinding or biting down on a hard object.
Whenever individuals experience a problem with an implant crown, whether it is a crack, chip or unusual looseness, they should seek professional help. Since the crown provides protection for the titanium implant, it is important to address the issue immediately.
If the dentist who performed the implant procedure is available, contact the office, explain the situation and make an appointment as soon as possible. If this dentist or an associate is not accessible, get in touch with a dental professional who works with implants and request an emergency appointment.
Immediately after a dental implant crown breaks, avoid eating anything on the side of the mouth where the broken crown resides. Chewing could cause further damage, as well as pain from the broken pieces. It may be necessary to adjust to soft food or a liquid diet until the crown is repaired. Try to restrict the food intake to soups, smoothies or other soft items, such as mashed potatoes or cooked vegetables, to ensure that further damage does not occur.
One of the most important things to do when a dental implant crown breaks is to rinse the mouth with saltwater. Mouthwash can be harsh on the tissues of the mouth and gums, especially if there is something broken. Saltwater is safe and gentle enough to keep the mouth clean but also remove any debris from the damaged implant crown. Rinse gently and spit out the saltwater immediately after to ensure that nothing is swallowed or left behind.
In some instances, the patient may be able to see or feel the pieces from the damaged crown. It may be helpful to collect these pieces carefully and preserve them. In the event the dentist can salvage the current implant crown, these pieces could become useful. Whether the crown needs replacement or not, any retrieved pieces can be beneficial to the dentist when determining the course of action.
A dental professional should immediately address any issues with cracked, chipped or broken dental implant crowns. If you are experiencing problems with a damaged crown or would like to consult a dentist about the possibility of an implant, call our office as soon as possible for assistance. Our team of dentists will be happy to help.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Pinhole gum surgery is an exciting, minimally invasive method for the treatment and correction of receding gums. To help inform those who may be good candidates for this type of technique, we have prepared the following information.When gums recede, a portion of the tissue of the gum that normally covers and protects parts of the…
A dental emergency can definitely be scary, but the good thing is that you can easily find an emergency dentist at any time. This can be your regular dentist, an emergency medicine provider or another oral health care provider. Most dental providers reserve time in their schedules for emergency procedures. This ensures that patients can…
In spite of the popularity of over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional whitening in a dentist's office still remains the gold standard for results. The products and techniques used by a dentist are carefully balanced to produce a natural level of whiteness without damaging tooth enamel. Patients seeking whiter teeth should consult with a dentist to…
Oral health conditions like gum recession can alter the appearance of person’s smile. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing its roots and forming a gap. Not only does gum recession have the potential to cause serious issues like tooth decay and infection, but…
Pinhole gum surgery is an exciting, minimally invasive method for the treatment and correction of receding gums. To help inform those who may be good candidates for this type of technique, we have prepared the following information.When gums recede, a portion of the tissue of the gum that normally covers and protects parts of the…
A dental emergency can definitely be scary, but the good thing is that you can easily find an emergency dentist at any time. This can be your regular dentist, an emergency medicine provider or another oral health care provider. Most dental providers reserve time in their schedules for emergency procedures. This ensures that patients can…