Why Did a Dental Implant Fall Out?

She didn’t lose her implant… she lost the crown attached to it.  In this video, Dr. John Ku explains that this woman appears to have had a cement-retained implant crown. This type of crown is attached to the implant abutment using dental cement. If the cement weakens or fails over time, the crown can loosen or completely fall off.

At W Plus Dental, we use screw-retained implant crowns whenever clinically appropriate. Instead of relying on cement, the crown is securely fastened directly to the dental implant with a specialized screw. It is designed to remain firmly in place and can only be intentionally removed by a dental professional using the proper tools.

Cement-retained and screw-retained implant crowns can both restore the appearance and function of a missing tooth, but the way they are attached is very different:

• Cement-retained crowns rely on dental cement for retention.

• Screw-retained crowns are mechanically secured to the implant.

• Screw-retained crowns can be removed more predictably for maintenance or repairs.

• Screw-retained restorations also eliminate the risk of excess cement becoming trapped around the implant.

The way your implant crown is designed and attached matters. Careful dental implant planning and the right restoration can help reduce the risk of unexpected complications.

Looking for a dental implant dentist in Washington, DC? Schedule a consultation with Dr. John Ku at W Plus Dental to learn more about dental implants and implant-supported crowns.