One reason that dental implants are considered the pinnacle of tooth restoration is that they have a success rate higher than 95%. However, some patients will find that their implants have begun to feel loose. While this is a serious problem that requires professional intervention, it is not the end of the world. Here are a few reasons why your implant might come loose and what to do if that happens.
Why Would My Implant Start to Feel Loose?
A loose dental implant is a fairly common problem, and it does not always lead to the implant’s failure. In some cases, the implant feels wobbly not because of any problem with the implant itself, but because the artificial tooth, denture, or bridge attached to it is not completely secure. This can happen due to a screw coming loose or weakening of the cement holding the restoration in place. In these cases, your dentist can probably repair the issue in the office.
However, in some cases, the implant feeling loose can be a sign of impending failure. If the implant is moving around in the gum tissue, this most likely means that the body has rejected it, probably due to poor hygiene or chewing habits. In these cases, a loose restoration is likely to be accompanied by:
- Difficulty chewing
- Inflammation of the gums
- Recession of the gums
- Swelling of the gums.
- Unusual pain or discomfort
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Feels Loose?
If you find that your implant feels loose, the first order of business is to call your dentist. A loose dental implant is not typically considered an emergency, but it is an urgent matter, so leave a message if you call them after business hours. Your dentist will probably want to know details such as how loose the implant is, whether the implant is secure inside the gum or not, and if you are in pain.
If the problem is with the screw or cement holding the artificial tooth in place, your dentist can usually tighten or replace it. However, if the implant itself is loose because it is no longer or has failed to become fused to the jaw, the implant has failed and will need to be removed. Your implant may be able to be replaced after you have some time to heal and care for the affected tissue, and you may require procedures like bone grafts to create a sturdy foundation for the new implant.
Once your dentist has the information they need, they can schedule you for an appointment to address the issue. The sooner you have your loose implant inspected by a dental professional, the better the result will be.
About the Practice
Turning Leaf Dental delivers excellent and personalized dental care to the community of Boston, MA. Led by Drs. Qian Lin and Daliah Salem, the staff is dedicated to providing a boutique experience with state-of-the-art technology and flexible payment options. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. If your dental implant feels loose, contact the office online or dial (617) 536-5182.