The Implants in My Overdenture Keep Breaking

Posted by AllSmiles

Three of the six dental implants I received in June 2020 have broken. When the first one broke, my dentist said that few things last like they used to. After removing the first broken implant, I had to wait a while to replace it. Since that time, two more have broken. When I agreed to implants for a fixed denture, I thought that I would get better results than having a removable denture. But this is so disappointing and time-consuming that I believe that getting implant dentures was a mistake. How common are broken implants? Is it too late to switch back to a removable denture? Thank you. Doug from Akron, Ohio

Doug,

Thank you for your question. It is unusual for dental implants to break. We recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training in implants. Dr. Goebel would need to examine your implants and take a 3-D CT scan to identify the source of the problem. But we will discuss potential causes of the problem.

What Causes Dental Implants to Break?

Dental implants may break if the implant fixtures are inferior, or the implants or replacement teeth are not in the optimal position. Also, if you lack enough bone volume to place the implants, they may weaken and break.

1. Inferior Dental Implant Fixtures

Cheap dental implants can help a dentist save money. If an overseas manufacturer makes the implants, a dentist can purchase them for a few dollars, compared with high-quality, regulated implants from the U.S. that can cost hundreds of dollars each. Cheap parts break. Broken dental implants should be a warning signal to a dentist to change their supplier.

Continued use of low-quality implants reflects a lack of concern about your oral health. If your dentist replaces the broken dental implants and uses the same cheap fixtures, they will likely break again.

2. Poor Implant Placement

A dentist must place implants precisely for them to integrate with your bone and last. Just like tooth roots, implants must be strong enough to withstand the forces of biting, chewing, and grinding when you eat. An implant can only withstand the pressure if a dentist places it precisely. Skilled dentists use 3-D technology to make a digital model of your mouth and a surgical guide for precise placement.

Inadequate diagnostic studies or lack of diligence during implant surgery can cause a dentist to place implants precisely. Even a durable implant in the wrong location can loosen or get infected.

3. Position of Replacement Teeth

When replacement teeth are not in the optimal position, they put extra stress and pressure on your dental implants. After repeated pressure, your implants may weaken and break.

4. Lack of Jawbone Volume

Your jawbone is the foundation of dental implants. If a dentist places your implants in shallow bone, they can weaken and break. A 3-D CT scan is essential for planning where to locate implants for maximum support. A trained dentist will recommend bone grafting before implant placement if you lack bone volume.

No doubt, your dentist has taken shortcuts. Please do not let this dentist replace any more of your implants. Although your dentist may have saved money, you are paying the penalty with broken implants compromising your oral health. Start searching for a skilled dentist with a good reputation and good record of success. Look for dentists with extensive post-graduate training in implantology. A dentist with advanced implant training can help you avoid switching back to a removable denture.

 

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.