Key Takeaways
- A loose dental implant is an urgent dental issue that can lead to pain, difficulty eating, infection, and further damage if left untreated.
- If your dental implant feels loose, contact your dentist right away; avoid chewing on the affected side; and rinse with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.
- Common causes of a loose dental implant include incomplete healing, gum disease, teeth grinding, bone loss, and a loose abutment screw.
- Treatment for a loose implant may involve tightening or replacing the crown or screw, deep cleaning, antibiotics, bone grafting, bite adjustments, or, in severe cases, implant replacement.
- Dental implants have a high success rate, and with prompt treatment, many loose implants can be stabilized before permanent damage or implant failure occurs.
A loose dental implant is an urgent dental situation that requires a prompt appointment, as it can cause pain, difficulty eating and drinking, and even infection and damage to the mouth. At Dental Brothers, we are proud to be one of the top choices for comprehensive dental care in Mesa. Our experienced team has the expertise to tackle any dental situation, including loose dental implants. If you are dealing with a dental issue, contact the team at Dental Brothers to get started with an appointment.
Immediate Actions To Take When Your Dental Implant Is Loose
If your dental implant is coming loose, there are a few steps you should immediately take to avoid further damage and protect your smile. The first thing you should do is call your Mesa emergency dentist. Depending on the part of the implant that’s coming loose, your dentist might be able to quickly tighten or replace the implant, and in other cases it requires a more thorough evaluation, but waiting to see a dentist can cause damage to worsen. Seeking dental care swiftly is an essential first step if you notice your implant coming loose. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, as adding pressure to the tooth can cause further damage. If you notice any swelling or irritation, you can rinse with warm salt water to gently clean the area and protect against bacteria and infection.
What Causes a Dental Implant To Get Loose?
There are a few reasons a dental implant might become loose, including:
Incomplete Healing
Improper healing after the implant is placed can cause implant failure within a few months. This may occur due to insufficient bone density or another issue that affects the stability of the implant post-placement.
Pressure on Implants
If you deal with biting or grinding your teeth at night, it is possible this pressure on your dental implants could loosen the attachment and cause failure.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can affect a tooth implant, especially infections around the operation site, which can cause damage to the nearby bone and tissue. Eventually an infection could impair the support and cause implant failure.
Loose Abutment Screw
In some cases, a small screw holding the post to the crown of your implant will come loose. This is a very simple fix, and your dentist can easily tighten the screw when you visit their office.
Bone Loss
Over time, issues like gum disease or lack of oral hygiene can cause deterioration and bone loss, which can negatively impact the stability of your implant.
Potential Treatment Options for a Loose Dental Implant
The treatment for a loose dental implant will depend on which part of the implant is affected and the underlying cause of the issue. In some cases, only the dental crown or abutment is loose, which can often be tightened or replaced without disturbing the implant post itself. If mild bone loss or gum recession is contributing to the looseness, treatments like deep cleanings, antibiotics, or bone grafting may help stabilize the implant and protect the surrounding tissue. In more severe cases, where the implant post itself has become loose due to failed bone integration, the implant may need to be removed and replaced after the area has healed. Your dentist may also recommend adjusting your bite to reduce excess pressure on the implant or using a nightguard if teeth grinding is causing additional stress. With prompt treatment, many loose dental implants can be successfully restored, but delaying care can increase the risk of permanent damage or implant failure.
Contact a Mesa Emergency Dentist If Your Dental Implant Is Loose
If you are dealing with a loose dental implant, it is essential to seek swift dental care to avoid any further damage to your smile. The team at Dental Brothers is proud to be one of the top providers for comprehensive dental care in Mesa, including emergency dentistry. Don’t wait to seek treatment for a loose implant. Contact Dental Brothers to get started with an appointment.
Loose Dental Implant FAQs
How Often Do Dental Implants Become Loose?
Dental implants have a very high success rate, but in some cases they can fail, with studies showing implants have a failure rate between 5% and 10%. Implants are designed to be permanent, but they can fail early due to poor healing after the implant is placed, an infection, bone loss, or severe gum disease.
Can a Dentist Tighten a Loose Implant?
A dentist can usually fix a loose dental implant, depending on which part of the implant is loose. If the crown or the connecting support is loose, a dentist can either tighten or replace these pieces, which is a very common and routine fix. If the implant post itself is coming loose, it could indicate a larger issue, such as bone loss or infection. In this case a dentist will need to conduct an evaluation of the area and it may require more serious intervention or removal.
What Does a Loose Implant Screw Feel Like?
If you have a loose implant screw, you might notice the implant feels wobbly or rocks back and forth when you touch it. You might experience difficulty biting or chewing your food as a result of the moving implant, and you might also be experiencing pain or tenderness around the implant. If you notice these symptoms, or any swelling, redness, or recession of the gums around your implant, it is a sign that you should seek dental care, as it is possible your implant is coming loose.