I Got a Dental Implant 5 Years Ago, and It Broke Off! What is my Recourse?

It is rare for an Implant to break.  Most likely the screw holding the abutment to the implant has fractured. If the implant itself has broken the implant manufacturer will replace the implant at no cost to the surgeon if it is a reputable company.  There are several fly by night companies that offer cheap implants to doctors and they will will not warrenty their product. The companies I use in my office offer lifetime replacement on their products.  If the implant itself truly broke, it should be replaced free of charge to the doctor.  Most surgeons and restoring doctors will work with you even if it has been 5 years. I dont charge my patients additional if there is a failure, albeit a rare occuance of any failure

In general, dental implants do not break.  The actual implant is securely fixed to the bone prior to final restoration.  The abutment, or implant extension, rarely fails.  It is possible for the screw which holds the abutment to the implant to fracture. 

Some implant systems were designed to have the retention screws replaced periodically.  If the screw was not tightened properly, it may loosen.  This can result in separation of the abutment from the implant or screw fracture.  If the screw was torqued beyond manufacturer recommendations, a screw fracture can also result.

Implant manufacturers have specialized instruments available to easily remove and replace a fractured screw.  Implant abutments can also be easily replaced.  If the implant has indeed fractured, the manufacturer will usually cover it's replacement.