If you have an accident that results in a facial injury, there's always a risk of a tooth getting knocked out. In this instance, it's important to keep the tooth safe if possible, and see an emergency dentist as soon as you can to see if it can be reinserted or repaired.
But what if you have dental implants? Is there the same risk? And what should you do if your implant does get knocked out? Here's everything you need to know about this situation.
Can implants be knocked out?
Because implants are firmly attached to the jaw and embedded deeply, they can't be knocked out in the same way a natural tooth root can. In fact, they're so strong that it's extremely unlikely. Even with a lot of force, an implant won't simply fall out – it's more likely that the jawbone would break.
What problems can occur?
Despite the strength of the implants themselves, the remaining parts of the tooth structures are not quite as durable. The abutment, which joins the tooth crown to the implant, can break in some circumstances. And the crown itself might crack or snap if it's subjected to force or pressure.
What should you do if something happens to your implants?
First and foremost, try and recover any parts that have been broken off. If they can be replaced in your mouth rather than needing complete new ones, you may be able to save yourself some money. Put them in a sealed container and cover them with water to keep them safe and moist.
If you're concerned about the injury to your mouth or jaw, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the damage.
How can broken implants be avoided?
Although, of course, it's not possible to completely eliminate any risk of accident, there are some things you can do to reduce the severity of any damage that does occur. If you play contact sports or undertake any other activities where there's a particularly high risk of injury to the face and mouth, make sure you wear a good quality mouth guard. It's worth getting one custom made, as it will give you a much greater level of protection.
Since implant procedures don't come cheap and repairs can also be costly, you might want to look into getting insurance that specifically covers you for damage, especially if your lifestyle makes it a particular risk.
Share20 July 2017
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