I wonder if you could tell me what the typical warranty is on dental implants? I had an implant done over a year ago.  I’ve had to clean it after every meal because food gets caught in the top of the crown. Now the crown is cracked and the food goes deeper inside. What should I do?

Brian from Minneapolis

Brian,

Dentists don’t generally have warranties on their implants because there are so many factors involved in successful dental implants, including whether the patient properly cared for them. However, dentists do have integrity. Many are willing to stand behind their work. A porcelain crown should not crack after one year. Your dentist should be willing to replace it free of charge, though he or she is under no legal obligation to do so.

So you know for next time, food should not have gotten trapped in it to begin with. If that ever happens again, I’d get back with your dentist right away.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.