Dental implants are one of the longest-lasting forms of replacement for missing teeth out there, but that doesn't mean that they're invulnerable to damage. The crown on top, for example, may be vulnerable to breaking off if it's under extreme force or has gotten old. If the crown has broken off of your dental implant, here's what you should do about it.

Precautions

There are no two ways about it: this condition requires that you see a dentist. However, there are some steps you should take while you're waiting to see one to ensure that your mouth remains as healthy as possible.

For starters, avoid chewing food directly onto the dental implant. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth as much as possible. Dental implants are strong, but they're not meant to be chewed on directly, and this could damage it.

Next, make sure to clean carefully around the top of the implant. While the crown is off, food can get stuck around the edges of the implant which can irritate your gums. Use gentle, circular motions while brushing to loosen and remove any debris.

Temporary Crown

Once you visit a dentist, they'll assess your dental implant for damage. This will require dental x-rays so that they can look at the implant in its entirety. If the implant is fine, your dentist can start fixing it up right away.

To start, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the implant. This crown may not perfectly resemble your neighboring teeth, and it may feel a little odd when you bite down on it. But this is just a short-term fix. The temporary crown will protect your gums and the implant until a custom one can be ordered and is ready for you.

Permanent Crown

Once your custom crown has been delivered to your dentist's office, you can come back in to have it put on. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean up any adhesive, and will clean the area for sanitary purposes. Then, they'll mount the permanent crown on top of the implant. With that, you're back in business. You can immediately go back to chewing and eating normally and can expect the crown to last for a very long time if you treat it well.

It's not uncommon for aging dental crowns to fall off of dental implants. Thankfully, though, the majority of the work you underwent to get an implant should still be intact. You'll just need a replacement crown. So contact a dentist for help right away.

To learn more about dental crowns, reach out to a local dentist.