My Dental Implant is Moving – What Do I Do?
Dental implant treatment is incredibly popular, in part because dental implants offer a secure and permanent tooth replacement option. The secure placement of the dental implant in the jawbone is the primary reason for their effectiveness as a permanent tooth replacement option. Unfortunately, dental implants can become loose and in rare occasions, fall out. If you think your dental implant crown or your implant post has become loose, it is important you read the information below and take the suggested steps to have your implant fixed.
Why It Is Important Your Implant Doesn’t Move
You may think it is normal for your dental implant to move because your natural teeth move. Our natural teeth are attached to soft tissue called the periodontal ligament, that allows for slight movement. Implants, however, are attached directly to the jawbone, not to the periodontal ligament. This means dental implants should not move at all once they are installed and successfully fused to the jawbone. If a dental implant is moving, it may be a sign that the implant is failing, and steps need be taken before it falls out.
Signs of an Implant Problem
If a tooth implant is moving, there may be other signs of an implant problem. Below are some of the common signs your dentist will look for when identifying implant problems:
- A loose or wiggly dental implant
- Bone loss around your jaw
- Discomfort or pain in the gums around the implant
- Bleeding around the implant or the nearby gums
- An infection around the implant
- Swollen gum around the implant
- Discomfort during chewing
- Difficulty or discomfort during biting down
- The dental implant fell out completely
Dental Implant Crown Came Loose
Evidence shows that dental implants have an incredibly high success rate, around approximately 95-98%. However rare it may be, it is possible for implant problems to occur. If you notice your dental implant feels loose, you will want to determine if the implant crown is loose, or if the implant post is loose. Either way, do your best to not panic as the implant can likely be fixed. When an implant crown is loose, you will want to schedule an appointment with your provider who placed the implant. If the implant crown fell out, make sure you keep it to avoid needing a new crown to be made. If the crown is loose and has not fallen out, take precaution with eating and chewing until you are able to see your provider.
The Dental Abutment is Loose
The dental abutment is the small piece that connects the crown to the implant post. If the abutment has become loose, there is usually a simple solution. In most cases, the abutment can be tightened, or reconnected in a quick visit to the dentist.
Dental Implant Post is Loose
If you are concerned that it is not the crown or the abutment, but actually the implant post that is loose, you should contact your provider immediately. A loose implant post may be a sign that your dental implant is failing. Loose implant posts are a more serious problem because in order for implants to be successful they must be securely rooted in the jaw. While implant failure may be occurring, it also may not be. The important thing is to not panic until you see your dental provider. It is common for dental implants to loosen after 5-20 years of routine chewing.
Your Implant Feels Loose and You Cannot Get to the Dental Office
If you have noticed your implant feels loose and your provider is not able to see you right away, you should make sure to take steps to minimize damage. Making sure to eat soft foods will help to protect the implant from further damage. It is also recommended you keep up good oral hygiene and dental care while the implant is loose. It is important to keep the implant and the rest of the teeth in the mouth clean and healthy. In the meantime, it is common for the natural teeth around the implant to become sensitive to hot and cold.
Is A Loose Dental Implant an Emergency?
Yes, a loose dental implant is an emergency, but not an immediate emergency. Once you notice your implant is loose, you should try to get to your dentist within the next 48 hours. During this time spent waiting, you should stick to soft foods, reduce the chewing on that side of your mouth, and be patient. Chewing on a loose dental implant could cause further problems.
Implant Failure
Although dental implants are known for being highly successful, failed implants are possible. Often implant failure happens when the jawbone cannot support the implant anymore. A common approach to correcting implant failure is to remove the implant that is not secure and place a bone graft in its place. Unfortunately, there is no way to save the implant post once it is failing. However, if the bone graft is successful, it is possible to have another dental implant installed in the future.
See a Dentist and Get Treatment
Even if you’re not experiencing discomfort around your loose implant, it is still important that you schedule an appointment to see your dentist. Your dentist will want to take X-rays and explore which part of the implant is loose and what is causing it. Depending on the cause, possible treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection
- Tightening the crown or abutment if this is the component that is loose
- Removing all implant components to see if anything is broken or damaged
- Replacing the crown or abutment if they are damaged
- The insertion of a new dental implant – which will not happen immediately
If you notice your dental implant is moving, it is important you see your dentist as soon as possible. Your provider will help you determine which implant component needs to be fixed and then come up with a plan to fix it. If your dental implant is failing, it does not mean dental implant treatment is not right for you, you may just need to work with your dentist to make the treatment work.