Dental Implant Crowns: When Repair or Replacement May Be Needed

A rough edge you can feel with your tongue or a crown that shifts when you chew can make you wonder whether you’ll need another dental implant. The crown is the visible tooth. The implant is the post that anchors it in your jaw. At our Santa Monica office, we check both because a healthy, stable implant can often stay in place even when the crown needs work.

Signs Your Implant Crown Needs Attention

Call us if you notice any of these changes, even if the area doesn’t hurt.

• The crown clicks or moves when you bite down.

• A piece of porcelain has chipped off, leaving a sharp edge.

• The crown touches before your other teeth when you close your mouth.

• The gum around the implant bleeds, swells, or feels tender.

If the crown feels loose, avoid chewing on that side until we can examine it. If it comes off, keep it in a clean container and bring it to your appointment. Leave it off until we check the fit.

When We Can Keep the Existing Crown

We may be able to polish a shallow chip so the edge feels smooth against your tongue. Location matters, too. A small chip along the side may leave the chewing surface intact, while a break on the part of a molar you bite with can be harder to repair.

If the crown looks intact but moves, we check the small screw that connects the restoration to the implant. We may be able to tighten or replace the screw and keep the crown. If dental cement has come loose, we check that the crown still fits securely before reattaching it.

When We Recommend a Replacement Crown

A deep fracture or a large break across the chewing surface can leave too little material for a lasting repair. If the crown has loosened more than once, we also check how your teeth meet. Finding an area that takes too much pressure helps us plan the shape of the replacement.

Before we fit a new crown, we examine the surrounding gum and may take an X-ray to check the bone supporting the implant. If the post itself moves, we coordinate care with an oral surgeon or periodontist. If the implant is stable, we can design a new porcelain crown to fit your bite and match the surrounding teeth.

If your implant crown feels loose, chipped, or uncomfortable, call Wilshire Dental in Santa Monica, CA, at (310) 829-5181 to schedule an exam.