My Dental Implant Is Loose – What Should I Do?

Dental implants are a preferred tooth replacement option thanks to their numerous benefits. This includes having a success rate of over 95%! However, in rare cases, dental implant failure is still possible, so it’s important to know how to handle it. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential causes of dental implant failure and what you should do if you find that your implant is becoming loose.

How Can Dental Implants Become Loose?

There are quite a few reasons why this can occur. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Osseointegration Failure: When dental implants are placed in the jawbone, the surrounding bone is expected to grow over the surface of the implant to create a physical bond. This process is called “osseointegration.” However, problems can occur and prevent this from taking place.
• Infection: Another common cause of dental implant failure is an infection known as “periodontitis” – the most severe stage of gum disease. This is a severe gum infection that develops around the teeth and attacks the surrounding gum tissue. This can happen right away after surgery or many months or years down the road. In the end, this can attack the jawbone surrounding the dental implant, therefore causing it to become loose.
• Overloading: This occurs when dental implants are placed under too much pressure. This impacts the osseointegration process. Overloading can occur when patients receive their replacement teeth at the same time that their dental implants are placed, or when the dental implants are disturbed during the healing process.
• Low-Quality Restorations: If your crown, bridge, or denture becomes unstable, this can cause the dental implants to loosen as a result of the shifting and movement in the mouth.

What to Do If Your Implant Becomes Loose

If you notice that your dental implant is loose, give your dentist a call. Make an emergency appointment. The quicker you are able to see your dentist, the greater the chance that your dental implant can be restored. This way, they can examine your smile to determine the underlying issue with the implant that needs to be addressed. In the meantime, you should make an effect to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid putting pressure on your implant.

By seeking dental attention right away, you can get to the root of the issue. Your smile will be good as new in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her dental doctorate from the UConn School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. She has completed advanced training focused on dental implants, TMJ therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. If your dental implant is loose, she’d be happy to take a look. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment at her office in West Hartford, visit her website or call (860) 236-4249.