Common Failures in Dental Implants
While single-tooth dental implants are one of the most successful things we do in dentistry, sometimes things do happen, and we do get failures. One of the most common failures for an implant crown is when the screw breaks, fractures, or loosens. This is a very common failure and probably the most common issue we see when implants fail.
Implant Structure Overview
So, a quick reminder on the breakdown of what an implant is and how this all works. You’ve got the implant, which is the titanium screw that goes down in the bone. Then you’ve got the custom abutment, which is basically a lab-fabricated piece that mimics the inside of a tooth. Next, there’s a screw that goes through that, down into the implant and tightens it. Finally, you’ve got the crown, which looks like a tooth that goes on top.
Causes of Screw Loosening
A lot of times, the forces and stress in the mouth can cause the crown on the implant to start to move around a little bit. These forces are distributed to the little tiny screw that holds the whole apparatus together. What can happen is that the screw can loosen up a little bit. We’ll have patients call in and say, “I have a crown on my implant, and it’s moving. What’s going on?”
Addressing a Loose Implant Crown
Simple Screw Tightening
Not a problem. Come in and see us. Basically, what we need to do is make a small access to that screw by cutting a little tiny hole through the chewing surface of the implant crown. In the best-case scenario, we can access that screw and just tighten it back down to the manufacturer’s suggested torque value. Then we seal that up, and you leave. The tooth is stable, the hole is sealed, and everything’s good to go, no worse for wear.
Broken Screw Removal
Sometimes, it’s a bit more involved. If the screw is broken, we have to go in there and drill that same hole to access the screw, back the screw out, take everything off, make sure it’s okay, and either order a new screw for the custom piece or use one we have on hand. We then put that screw in, tighten it down, and seal everything back up.
So, that’s the best-case scenario if you have an implant crown that’s a little bit loose.
More Complex Issues
Sometimes, if the failure is on a bigger scale, such as an issue with the implant in the bone or a fracture in the abutment piece, the solution is going to be more involved.
Timeframe for Complex Repairs
But generally speaking, when you have an implant crown that’s loose, the most common cause is a loose or broken screw. If it’s just a screw that needs tightening, the whole process can take less than an hour. We can get you in, access everything, tighten it back down, seal it up, and you’ll be back on the road, good to go.
If it’s something more involved that requires recreating a new crown or a new abutment, that process generally takes about three to four weeks.
Importance of Prompt Attention
The most important thing is as soon as you feel something’s off or that a crown on your implant doesn’t feel quite right, give us a call. We need to get you in as soon as possible to take radiographs, inspect your mouth, and see where the issue lies, whether the fault is with that tiny little screw or something on a bigger scale.
Conclusion
So if you have a screw loose, give us a call. Whether you’re in Miami, Kentucky, London, Asia, or wherever you are, give us a call. I would love to have you come in, we’ll take a look at it, and get you fixed up. If we can’t tighten it that day, we’ll come up with a solution to get you back to good.
I’m Dr. Brett Langston, prosthodontist and owner of Dental Implant Aesthetic Specialist here in Brookhaven, Georgia, and I’m here to help you watch your mouth.
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