Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth, and they are successful in over 95% of cases. However, some patients run into problems with them. For example, one of their implants may begin to feel loose. Why can that happen, and what should you do if you ever encounter this issue? Find the answers in this blog post.
Why Do Dental Implants Become Loose?
Most often, a loose dental implant occurs shortly after the initial placement surgery. Following the procedure, the jawbone should begin to form a strong bond with the implant. Unfortunately, this biological process, called osseointegration, is not always successful. When it fails, a dental implant may move when it meets with any type of force.
If an implant begins to feel loose after it has already been in the jawbone for some time, the issue could be due to an injury or a unique type of gum disease called peri-implantitis. This condition can seriously damage the tissue around an implant, causing it to become loose. Poor oral hygiene is often (but not always) to blame for the development of peri-implantitis.
Another possibility is that the implant and the jawbone are perfectly fine. In some cases, a dental implant feels loose because the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) on top of it has suffered some damage, or it is no longer securely attached to the underlying implant.
What to Do About a Loose Dental Implant
As soon as you notice that your implant feels loose, call your dentist. They will schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should avoid doing anything that might worsen the damage to your oral tissues around the implant. For example, you should not chew on hard foods or wiggle the implant with your tongue or fingers.
When you arrive for your dental visit, your mouth will receive a thorough examination, which may include some highly detailed scans with a CBCT machine. Your dentist will then make a recommendation for your next steps. You might need something as simple as a new restoration. However, it is also possible that you will require a complex treatment, such as a bone graft. In some cases, a loose dental implant should be removed altogether.
If your implant must be removed, don’t be too discouraged. After you mouth heals, it may be possible to place a new implant so you can once again enjoy the remarkable benefits of this form of tooth replacement.
A loose dental implant requires prompt professional attention. If you ever encounter this problem, call your dentist as soon as possible. Your swift action may be able to prevent the implant from failing altogether.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Gary Nawrocki is a general dentist with more than 40 years of experience. In addition to his many other accomplishments, he is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. If you ever experience any problems with your dental implants, he would be pleased to help you. Contact our office at 321-783-7514.