Fractured Ti-Base

Fractured Ti-Base

by | Mar 12, 2025 | Implant Complications

Diagnosing and Managing a Dental Implant Crown with a Horizontally Fractured Ti-Base: A Specialist’s Approach

Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. However, complications can arise, such as a horizontally fractured Ti-base (titanium base) beneath the implant crown. This article details how a dental implant specialist would diagnose and manage this issue, ensuring the patient receives the best possible care.

Step 1: Diagnosis

The process begins with a thorough examination to confirm the problem and determine the extent of the damage.

  1. Patient Symptoms:
    • The patient may report a loose crown, discomfort while chewing, or a visible crack in the crown.
    • In some cases, there may be no symptoms, and the fracture is discovered during a routine check-up.
  2. Clinical Examination:
    • The specialist visually inspects the implant crown and surrounding tissues for signs of damage or inflammation.
    • The crown is gently tested for mobility or movement, which may indicate a fractured Ti-base.
  3. Radiographic Imaging:
    • A periapical X-ray or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan is taken to assess the implant and Ti-base.
    • The imaging helps confirm the horizontal fracture and evaluate the integrity of the implant fixture and surrounding bone.
  4. Removal of the Crown:
    • The crown is carefully removed to inspect the Ti-base directly. A fractured Ti-base will typically show a visible horizontal crack.

Step 2: Management and Treatment

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the specialist develops a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

Option 1: Replacement of the Ti-Base and Crown

  • If the implant fixture is intact and the surrounding bone is healthy, the fractured Ti-base can be replaced.
  • Procedure:

    1. The old crown and Ti-base are removed.
    2. A new Ti-base is selected and attached to the implant fixture.
    3. A new crown is fabricated using digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology for a precise fit.
    4. The new crown is cemented or screwed onto the Ti-base.

Option 2: Implant Removal and Replacement

  • If the implant fixture is also damaged or the bone support is compromised, the entire implant may need to be replaced.
  • Procedure:

    1. The fractured Ti-base, crown, and implant fixture are removed.
    2. The site is allowed to heal, and bone grafting may be performed if necessary.
    3. A new implant is placed once the site is ready, followed by a new Ti-base and crown.

Step 3: Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent future complications, the specialist provides the patient with guidance on maintaining their implant and crown:

  • Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep the implant and surrounding tissues healthy.
  • Avoid Excessive Force: Do not use the implant crown to bite hard objects or open packages.
  • Regular Check-Ups: Visit the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings and examinations.
  • Night Guards: If the patient grinds their teeth, a custom night guard can protect the implant and crown.

How Digital Dentistry Enhances the Process

  • Digital Scanning: Intraoral scanners create precise 3D models of the implant site, ensuring accurate fabrication of the new Ti-base and crown.
  • CAD/CAM Technology: Custom crowns are designed and milled with high precision, reducing treatment time and improving fit.
  • CBCT Imaging: Provides detailed 3D views of the implant and surrounding structures, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Final Thoughts

A horizontally fractured Ti-base is a rare but manageable complication in dental implant treatment. With advanced diagnostic tools like CBCT imaging and modern techniques like CAD/CAM technology, a dental implant specialist can effectively diagnose and treat the issue, restoring the patient’s smile and function.

By addressing the issue promptly and using state-of-the-art technology, the specialist ensures the patient achieves a long-lasting and successful outcome.

If you are having problems with your dental implant crown, Contact Us today to see how we can help you.

 

Dental Implant Crown Dropped Out!

Dental Implant Crown Dropped Out!

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Implant Complications, Prosthetic Problems, Solutions

Regardless if you have a cement or screw-retained dental implant crown, a common complication is that the crown may sometimes come off. So what should you do if your dental implant crown dropped out?

In the case of cemented crowns, the problem could be due to one of four possibilities. The first is the cementation of the crown onto the dental implant abutment. Under normal usage, the forces exerted on the implant crown during function may lead to failure of the cement layer. This layer holds the crown onto the implant abutment. Assuming that the dental abutment and crown have been designed correctly, the crown and the implant can be cleaned. The crown can then be recemented.

Sometimes the implant abutments are not designed with sufficient retenton and resistance form. This is usually is due to the walls of the implant abutments being too short or too tapered. The implant crown cannot securely grip the implant abutment.

In these instances, if the crown is recemented, it will just fall out again. The implant abutments need to be properly redesigned and remade. A new dental implant crown will also be needed.

Another possibility is that the implant abutment screw connecting the abutment to the implant fixture may break. If the screw fragment can be removed from the implant fixture, and the dental implant crown and the implant fixture are not damaged, a new implant abutment screw can be inserted, and the implant abutment securely bolted to the implant fixture.

The last possibility is that the dental implant crown split into two or more parts. In this situation, a new implant crown will need to be fabricated and delivered to the patient.

For screw-retained crowns, the failure can also take place at one of three points. Firstly, the implant abutment screw can fracture, leading to dislodgment of the dental implant crown. Similar as to with the cemented implant crowns, if the crown and the implant fixture are undamaged, the implant abutment screw can be replaced.

If a titanium base is used, it may debond from the implant crown. If the crown is intact, the crown and the titanium base can be cleaned and bonded together again. If the crown has damaged, it will need to be remade.

Lastly, the implant crown may have suffered a catastrophic fracture. A new implant crown would need to be fabricated and inserted.

If you are experiencing a problem with your implant crown, Contact Us to schedule an appointment to learn what treatment options are available to you.

Abutment Screw Fracture

Abutment Screw Fracture

by | Nov 8, 2023 | Implant Complications, Prosthetic Problems, Solutions

The dental implant fixture is connected to the implant-retained crown or implant abutment with a retaining screw, know as the implant abutment screw. This is usually a titanium or stainless steel screw that is tightened to a particular torque value. This is known as the Preload or clamping force on the implant abutment screw.

After the dental implant and crown has been in function for a period of time, this retaining screw is subjected to vertical and lateral forces, that may result in the implant abutment screw loosening, or being damaged and breaking. If the implant abutment screw fractures, the implant crown will drop out.

When this happens, part of the implant abutment screw may be still embedded within the dental implant fixture. Sometimes this can be removed easily by turning the broken fragment with an explorer or ultrasonic scaler. If this does not work, most implant systems will have a screw removal kit that can be used to retrieve the fractured implant abutment screw that is custom designed for this purpose.

Fig. 1 Fractured Abutment screw in Implant Fixture.

Fig. 2 Implant Crown with Broken Abutment Screw

Fig. 3 Intact Abutment Screw

Fig. 4 Fractured Abutment Screw removed from Fixture

If the implant abutment screw can be removed without damaging the internal screw threads of the implant fixture, the dental implant crown can be reconnected to the implant fixture and a new implant abutment screw inserted and tightended to the appropriate preload.

However, if the screw threads are damaged, a replacement screw cannot be used. Some implant systems allow for the implant fixtured to be retapped, and a rescue implant abutment screw, which has a slightly larger diameter, can be used to secure the implant crown.

If such an option is not available, then a custom post can be fabricated, as is done with root canal treated teeth. This post is then cemented into the implant fixture, and a crown is cememnted onto it.

If this is not possible, the implant will need to be surgically removed. After a period of healing, a new dental implant fixture is inserted in the same position. Once fusion of the dental implant fixture to the jaw bone has occured, a new implant crown can be fabricated. This process usually takes 6-8 months to be completed.

If you are facing a similar issue with one of your dental implants, Contact Us for a comprehensive examination. We will assess your specific issue and inform you of the treatment options that are available to you.

Fig. 5 Cast Post Core in Implant Fixture

Implant Crown Chipped

Implant Crown Chipped

by | Nov 7, 2023 | Implant Complications, Prosthetic Problems

Imagine you are having lunch, you take a bite and your dental implant crown chipped! What do you do now?The good news is that you should not experience any sensitivity or pain as there are no nerves in the dental implant.

If the chip is relative minor, the sharp porcelain where the fracture occured can be trimmed down, either with a drill or a sand paper disc. This is a relatively quick and painless fix. You should be in and out of the dental office in no time at all.

If the porcelain fracture in your dental implant crown is larger, and you managed to retrieve the fractured ceramic, the fractured portion can be bonded back onto your crown. This is not the ideal option, but it can be done during the same dental visit.

The procedure can either be done in your mouth, without the need to remove the dental implant crown, or outside your mouth. The deciding factor would be how well the implant crown can be isolated to perform the bonding procedure.

The fractured porcelain is microetched, cleaned and conditioned. An adhesive bonding agent is then used to connect the two pieces of porcelain together.

If the implant crown chip is larger, or if you were not able to retain the fractured fragment, then things get a little more complicated. New porcelain can be added to your existing crown - if it can be removed without being damaged.

The restoration would need to be removed and sent to the dental laboratory. If you need to have a replacement tooth in that position, you would either have to use your old provisional crown or have a new one made.

Once the crown has been repaired, it is reconnected to the dental implants in your mouth.

The worst case scenario is the that chip is too large, or there has been a catastrophic fracture of the crown. In this situation, the broken crown  has to be removed and a new dental implant crown fabricated.

Please Contact Us if this is a situation you are dealing with and you need help resolving it.

Managing Broken Teeth

Managing Broken Teeth

by | Nov 6, 2023 | Biologic Problems, Solutions

If you find yourself with broken teeth, it can be a true dental emergency. Whether it's due to trauma or biting down on something hard, such as a small stone or bone fragment, the fracture may vary in severity.

In some cases, the tooth can be smoothened or restored with an adhesive restoration. But for more catastrophic fractures, tooth extraction may be necessary. This can be done at an emergency appointment or scheduled for a later date if needed. In situations where extraction is delayed, removing the tooth nerve may be required to alleviate pain and discomfort.

When dealing with a missing tooth, there are four treatment options to consider. While no treatment may suffice for back teeth, most patients prefer replacing a front tooth. Options include a removable partial denture, a dental bridge, or a dental implant. Of these options, the dental implant stands out as the optimal solution. It doesn't involve adjacent teeth and provides superior aesthetics and functionality.

Throughout the dental implant treatment process, the challenge lies in ensuring a suitable tooth replacement.

Fixed provisional restoration are the preferred solution as they afford greater comfort and are less disruptive. If the neighboring teeth are intact or have small fillings, they can be utilized to seamlessly support the interim restoration. If the clinical crown of the fractured tooth is intact, it can be adhered directly to the adjacent teeth. In more complex cases where the affected tooth is broken into multiple fragments, an impression will be taken to create a provisional restoration out of composite dental resin. It effectively fills the gap left by the broken tooth and restores both form and function.

For patients with higher aesthetic demands, the adhesive Maryland Bridge is recommended. Crafted with a metal framework overlaid with porcelain, this restoration allows for greater customization to achieve a natural blend in both shape and shade with the existing dentition.

In some cases, adjacent teeth with crowns can provide support for a provisional bridge with a cantilevered pontic or replacement tooth. Additionally, patients with existing implants next to the broken tooth can benefit from a provisional restoration connected to the implant with a cantilever pontic. However, if fixed provisional restoration is not feasible or cost-effective, a removable partial denture can be used.

After the broken tooth is extracted, a 3-month healing period allows for the assessment of available bone volume and the need for bone grafting. A minor surgery follows to insert the dental implant into the jaw bone. After another 2-4 months of bone healing, a definitive restoration is fabricated through an impression.

While the process of replacing broken teeth may seem complex, with multiple steps and stages, it typically takes around 6-8 months. If you require further information on broken teeth replacement options, feel free to Contact Us.

Something Came Out

Something Came Out

by | Nov 2, 2023 | Implant Complications

What would you do if you were eating and something came out from your dental implant?

This maybe something as simple as the filling covering the dental implant accesss hole dislodging, or part of the veneering porcelain of the crown shearing off. If the dental implant crown is a cemented one, it could be that the crown fractured or came off. The implant abutment screw could also have broken, resulting in the implant crown or implant abutment coming loose and falling out.

Finally, if the problem is at the level of the implant fixture, possible problems could be fracture of the implant fixture, or the entire implant fixture failing and losing intergration from the jaw bone and coming out.

Depending on what the underlying problem is, the solution could be from something as simple as replacing the filling over the dental implant access hole or smoothening the fractured porcelain surface, to having to remove a fractured implant fixture and do a bone graft, replacing the dental implant fixture after bone healing. If the cemented crown dislodged, it can simply be recemented, but if the porcelain fracture is larger, or the crown is broken in half, the implant crown would need to be remade.

If you have experienced something similar with your dental implant, Contact Us for a clinical examination to find out what treatments options are appropriate for you. We will discuss possible treatments in detail, to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision.