Dental implants are successful in more than 95% of cases. However, they are not completely risk-free. In rare cases, a dental implant can begin to feel loose. Why does that sometimes happen? What should you do if you find that a dental implant feels loose? This blog post provides answers to those important questions.
Reasons for Loose Dental Implants
Some reasons why a dental implant may feel loose include:
- Its restoration has a problem. It is possible that the dental implant itself may be perfectly fine. The crown on top of it, though, might be damaged. It is also possible that the mechanism that holds it in place is not functioning properly.
- An infection has developed. A loose dental implant can occur when harmful bacteria invade the tissue around the implant. Eventually, the infection can cause so much damage that the jawbone can no longer support the implant. This may occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, or other factors.
- Osseointegration was unsuccessful. Osseointegration is the biological process that allows the human jawbone to bond with a dental implant. In rare cases, it is unsuccessful due to a pre-existing medical condition or other issues. Failed osseointegration typically becomes apparent during the first few months after implant placement.
What to Do About a Loose Dental Implant
As soon as you notice that one of your dental implants feels loose, call your local dental office and let them know what happened. They will schedule your appointment for as soon as possible. When you arrive for care, your dentist or prosthodontist will examine your mouth. They may also order some X-Rays or a CBCT scan so they can see beneath your gumline.
Next, they will design a treatment plan, which will be customized to your unique circumstances. In some cases, repairing a loose dental implant is as simple as placing a new crown. In other cases, such as if there is a serious infection, it might be best to remove the implant altogether. Later, after a healing period and any other necessary procedures, it might be possible to insert a new implant.
Keeping Your Dental Implants Where They Belong
Here are some tips to help patients reduce the risk that a dental implant will become loose:
- Stick to a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.
- Visit your dentist or prosthodontist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
- Always wear a mouthguard when you play sports.
- Be alert for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), and wear a nightguard if necessary.
- Do your best to manage your overall wellness.
A loose dental implant can be a scary problem. If this issue ever happens to you, contact your dentist right away!
Meet the Dental Implant Expert
Dr. Vrajesh Shah is a dentist and prosthodontic specialist who uses his extensive training and state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive dental implant services. If you are ever concerned about the health of your implants, give our team a call at 732-906-0077. We will arrange to see you as soon as possible.