Whether you’ve recently had a dental implant, or you’re interested in getting a dental implant in the near future, you may be wondering if it’s possible for dental implants to come loose. In this blog from Central Periodontics, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know.
Dental Implants Can Come Loose, But It’s Very Rare
Can dental implants come loose? The answer is “yes.” It is possible for dental implants to come loose, but this is quite rare. Dental implants have a very high success rate, and implant failure rate is very low. It’s estimated that over 90% of all dental implant placements are successful, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have to worry about a failed implant or a loose dental implant.
As long as your mouth is healthy and free of issues like gum disease, you do not have extensive bone loss in your jaw, and you are approved as a candidate for dental implants from Central Periodontics, you are unlikely to have any problems with a loose implant.
What Can Cause A Loose Dental Implant? Understanding The Basics
Whilst a loose implant is very rare, it still may affect some patients. And it is important to understand that all of these problems are not the same. There are a number of different issues that can result in a loose dental implant or loose crown.
- Loose Crown – If your implant feels loose, it may simply be due to a problem with your dental crown. The crown, which looks and feels like a natural tooth, is screwed or bonded to your implant to restore your smile. While this isn’t the most severe issue for why a dental implant feels like it’s moving, you’ll want to see a periodontist to inspect it. The dental implant could have been not attached properly or has loosened. It is possible to tighten the crown or replace it.
If your dental implants feel strange and the crown itself feels loose and is moving, it may be possible to simply remove and replace the crown, or tighten it to ensure that it’s properly secured. - Implant does not bond with bone – If the dental implant feels loose, it may be possible that it has not bonded with the bone properly. There are a couple of reasons as to why this can happen. You may not have had a strong enough jawbone to support an implant, which can inhibit the proper bonding of your implant with the jawbone. Having excellent bone support is critical for making sure an implant can be properly integrated to the jawbone. Strong bones are crucial to support the implant, and it’s the reason why patients without adequate bone support must undergo bone grafting to increase bone growth. Typically, a dental implant will fail within the first year after having it placed if this is the problem.
It’s also possible that you may not have cared for your implant properly, while recovering. During the initial 2-4 weeks of recovery, you need to avoid moving the implant around. Don’t push it with your fingers or tongue, even if your implant feels loose.
You should also avoid accidentally biting hard foods with your implant until it’s healed, and minimize risk of dental trauma to that part of your mouth. Excessive movement of the implant can inhibit its ability to bond with the bone properly, resulting in implant failure. - Peri-implantitis – It’s very important to practice good oral hygiene after your implant has been placed. Implants should be treated just like natural teeth, and brushed twice a day for at least two minutes. You should also floss twice a day.
If you don’t brush and floss the implant crown properly, you may develop “peri-implantitis”, which can lead to implant failure. Essentially, this is a type of gum disease that affects the gum and jaw tissue around your implant and artificial tooth. As the disease progresses, it can damage the tissue and loosen your dental implant.
Nevertheless, it’s usually possible to save the implant. The affected area can be cleaned and disinfected, and unless extensive damage has been done by peri-implantitis, the tissue around the implant should be able to heal.
In the rare event that your dental implant feels loose, it’s very important to follow up with Central Periodontics & Dental Implants right away. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that we will be able to save your implant.
What happens if gum disease is too far advanced?
If this medical condition is severe, your periodontist may need to remove the implant, treat the area that’s inflamed, and replace the implant.
What happens if a loose dental implant is left untreated?
If you notice pain and discomfort in the upper jaw or lower jaw and a wiggly implant, you’ll need to contact your dental specialist ASAP. Scheduling a checkup needs to be your priority to save the implant and maintain oral health. An untreated implant can have drastic consequences on your overall health and medical condition.
Untreated dental implants can cause severe, life-threatening infections that can impact the entire mouth, upper and lower jaws, neck, and even the brain. Bacteria from an infection in the mouth has the perfect opportunity to enter the bloodstream and impact other bodily systems quickly. Sepsis, a severe blood infection, can occur. Patients with weaker immune systems are at even higher risk of these medical complications if their loose implants are untreated.
If your impact falls out, don’t panic. It’s most likely not the implant but a piece of the prosthesis that’s come loose. If you think your implant has fallen out, do this:
- Save the part that’s fallen out
- Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment
- Avoid hard, chewy, and hot foods.
- Rinse your mouth two or three times per day with a non-alcoholic mouthwash
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol
Interested In Dental Implants? Central Periodontics & Dental Implants Is Here To Help!
At Central Periodontics & Dental Implants, we specialise in implant dentistry in Canberra. If you are interested in dental implants, our team of specialists can provide you with the care you need, to restore your smile. We don’t require referrals, and are always accepting new patients. Give us a call at 02 6247 6555, or contact us online to get started.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.