Straight Teeth in Less Time
What To Do When Your Dental Implant Breaks
Lois Murray
Dental implants are sturdy and durable and will last for several decades when maintained properly. Due to any number of external or internal issues, however, sometimes these dental appliances do break. Here's how to handle this situation so you can restore your smile as quickly as possible:
Save All the Pieces
In most cases, dental implants will show warning signs there is a problem. You may feel pain or discomfort in the area, the gums may look and feel swollen, or the tooth may feel loose. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your dentist right away so he or she can inspect the area and possibly save the tooth before it breaks.
If the tooth breaks before you can get to your appointment, save all the pieces you can and show them to the dentist. This can help the doctor determine what caused the problem, how severe the damage is, and whether the tooth can be repaired. A broken crown can easily be replaced, while an implant that snapped in half must be completely redone from scratch, for instance.
Check for a Warranty
Dental implants cost up to $4,500 per tooth, but you may be saved from paying the full amount if your teeth are still under warranty. Most implant manufacturers will replace teeth for free if they broke because of defects introduced during production. These warranties range from a few years to a lifetime, depending on the company.
It's a good idea to look over your paperwork to determine whether your implant is covered and how to submit a claim if it is. Be aware, though, getting the manufacturer to pay will typically require you to get a statement from the dentist or other knowledgeable party saying the implant was defective and that was the cause of the break, so be sure to save your records so you can submit them with your claim.
Unfortunately, things aren't so straightforward if the break was caused by something other than a manufacturer's defect (e.g. dentist error). Some dentists guarantee their work and some don't, and those that do typically limit how long you have to submit a claim (e.g. 1 year after installation).
Again, review your paperwork and the dentist's website to determine what the doctor's policy is. If the dentist doesn't offer a guarantee or it has expired, don't be afraid to ask for a discount on a replacement. Some dentists may be willing to cut customers deal on a new implant to keep their loyal clients happy.
For help with your broken implant or to discuss the pros and cons of having them installed, contact a dental office like Webster Cosmetic Dental LTD.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.