Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth. But even though they are made to last, they are not indestructible. Yes, dental implants can break, and if it happens, it needs quick attention.
In this blog, you will learn what causes broken dental implants, what to do if your implant breaks, and how our team at Legacy Surgery can help restore your smile and support your oral health.
Legacy Surgery offers dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental implants can break due to pressure, infection, or injury, affecting the crown, abutment, or implant post. Knowing the signs of damage and acting quickly helps your oral surgeon determine the cause and recommend the right repair or replacement strategy during a consultation.
What Is a Dental Implant and How Can It Break?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to your jawbone. It supports the function and appearance of natural teeth.
It is made of three parts:
- Titanium post: Acts as the artificial root placed in the jawbone.
- Abutment: Connects the post to the crown.
- Dental crown: The visible part that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Although implants are built to withstand strong forces, damage can still happen due to:
- Excess pressure or grinding
- Poor bone integration (failed osseointegration)
- Trauma or injury to the mouth
- Infection around the implant
- Wear and tear on the dental crown or abutment
- Low-quality materials or improper placement
A broken implant affects neighboring teeth, the surrounding bone, and long-term dental health if left untreated.
Signs You May Have a Broken Dental Implant
The damage is not always obvious at first. Watch for these signs:
- The implant suddenly feels loose or begins to move.
- You experience pain or discomfort, especially when chewing.
- The gums around the implant appear swollen, red, or bleed easily.
- You notice visible damage, such as chips, cracks, or fractures in the crown.
- You have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, which could indicate an infection.
- There is pus or discharge around the implant site, which may point to peri-implantitis or a deeper infection.
Common Types of Implant Damage
There are different ways an implant can fail. Knowing the type helps determine the right restorative treatment.
1. Fractured Crown
The porcelain or ceramic crown may chip, crack, or break. This is often due to biting on something hard or long-term wear. It may be replaced with a new dental crown to restore appearance and function.
2. Loose or Broken Abutment
The small piece connecting the crown to the implant post can break or unscrew. You may feel the artificial tooth is wobbly. This issue requires quick action to stabilize the implant.
Check out this article for more information: What To Do If Your Dental Implant Feels Loose
3. Implant Post-fracture
Rare but serious. This means the titanium screw inside the bone has cracked, often due to poor placement, overloading, or severe grinding. This may require full removal and replacement after bone grafting and healing.
4. Peri-implantitis or Infection
Infection in the gums or bone around the implant can weaken support and cause failure. This infection can lead to bone loss, jaw pain, and damage to surrounding tissues.
What To Do If Your Implant Breaks
If your implant is damaged, do not try to fix it at home. Call a qualified oral surgeon immediately.
Here is what to do:
- Stop using the implant and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria and swelling.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if you notice swelling or pain.
Prompt action helps protect the implant site, reduce risk to neighboring teeth, and maintain your healthy smile.
Treatment Options for a Broken Implant
At Legacy Surgery, we offer comprehensive restorative dentistry procedures based on the type of damage. Our dental team uses advanced imaging to assess the situation and recommend the right restorative option.
Minor Issues
- A crown replacement may be needed if only the top part of the implant is cracked. A new crown can restore both function and appearance.
- If the abutment (the connector piece) is damaged or loose, we can tighten or replace it to reinforce the implant’s support.
Major Issues
- Implant removal may be necessary if the post is fractured or if there is an infection that cannot be resolved.
- Bone grafting may be recommended to rebuild the jawbone in cases where there has been bone loss due to failed integration.
- After the area has healed, we can place a new implant or consider other tooth replacement options, such as a dental bridge or partial denture.
If multiple implants or teeth are affected, we may recommend full-mouth rehabilitation. We provide personalized dental care to rebuild your smile and protect your long-term dental health.
How To Prevent Implant Failure
You can reduce the risk of implant damage with proper care and routine dental services.
Follow these tips:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily to help prevent infection around the implant.
- Visit our office for regular checkups so we can monitor the health of your implants and natural teeth.
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping to protect your implant and surrounding teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or hard candy, as they can crack the implant crown.
- Do not skip follow-up visits, as regular exams help us catch early signs of damage before they become serious.
Our team will help you maintain a beautiful smile and strong dental restorations with consistent follow-up care.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Staunton
Whether you have concerns about an existing implant or are exploring tooth replacement options, a consultation is the best place to start. Dr. Kesecker, DDS, will evaluate your oral health and discuss the right solutions for your smile.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110-C Mactanly Pl., Staunton, VA 24401.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
FAQs About Broken Dental Implants
Can a broken implant be fixed?
Yes, depending on the type of break. Dental crowns and abutments are often repairable. A fractured implant post may need to be removed and replaced.
Is a broken implant an emergency?
It depends on which part of the implant is broken. A cracked crown or loose abutment is not usually an emergency, but it should be repaired soon to prevent further damage. However, if the implant post is fractured, there is severe pain, or signs of infection like swelling or discharge are present, it may require urgent attention. When in doubt, contact your oral surgeon to determine the appropriate next steps.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. While the implant post is intended to be permanent, the crown may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, implants can remain healthy and functional for many years.
If my dental implant fails, can I get another implant in the same spot?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. If the area has healed well and there is enough bone to support a new implant, replacement is often possible. In situations where bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be needed before placing a new implant. Your oral surgeon will evaluate the site and recommend the best course of action.