Reasons Why Your Dental Implant Feels Loose and What to Do About It
December 12, 2018
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Consisting of three parts, they are meant to be permanently secure, although sometimes this doesn’t prove to be the case. There might be instances when your dental implant feels loose, raising concerns about its stability and effectiveness. As a result, they may begin to feel loose and the crown, abutment and implant fixture may all play a part in the movement of your dental implant.
Want to know why your dental implant feels loose? Keep reading to find out the potential reasons why your dental implant feels unsteady and the symptoms you should watch out for!
The symptoms of a loose dental implant
- Pain and discomfort around the implant
- Discolouration around your implant
- Bleeding upon touch
- Bleeding around the implant
- Bone loss and sunken gums
- Painful or swollen gums around the tooth
- Inability to bite or chew
- Sensation of the artificial tooth moving around
- A visible shift or misalignment of your prosthetic tooth
If you’ve been feeling any of the above (apart from the obvious – your implant feeling loose), it most likely means you have a loose dental implant or crown. You don’t want to leave this untreated in the hopes it’ll go away on its own as this can have terrible health repercussions!
An untreated loose implant runs the risk of a severe infection that could spread from your mouth and jaw to your face and neck! Why take a big risk? Reach out to our dental experts today!
What causes a loose dental implant?
There are a few reasons as to why you may be experiencing a loose dental implant. Our experts have outlined the most common factors below:
Loose Abutment
The upper part of your implant contains a hollow section where an attachment called an abutment is screwed in. This abutment protrudes from your gums and provides a strong foundation for the crown, which is cemented onto it. Occasionally, the abutment may start to unscrew from the implant, leading to looseness. Fortunately, this issue is a relatively simple one to fix and does not impact the actual implant. Visit our dentist to have the abutment checked and tightened.
Loose Crown
Since the crown is held on with cement, the seal can be broken causing the crown to become unglued. This is a simple solution that will just require more cement to be reattached. It will be back to normal after a quick visit to the dentist. If tightening the crown won’t solve the problem, we will have to replace the existing crown with a new one.
Gum Disease and Bone Loss
Getting gum disease around your implant (or more accurately put, a case of “peri-implantitis”) is a serious issue. The infection from gum disease eats away at the jaw bone that holds the dental implant in place. The bone can deteriorate to the point that the implant has nothing to hold it in place, which ultimately causes it to fall out. Some symptoms of an infection include fever, redness, swelling and discharge of pus. Seek emergency dental services immediately if you suspect an implant infection, as early intervention is crucial.
In order to prevent peri-implantitis, gum disease and bone loss, you’ll need to have an excellent home care routine and visit our Melton dentists for regular checkups and cleanings.
Osseointegration Problems:
Once the implant has been placed on to your jawbone, the process of healing (also known as osseointegration) should ideally have the surrounding bone growing over the implant in order to secure a more concrete bond. If this process is incomplete or fails, the implant may not be securely anchored and can cause discomfort. Osseointegration can fail to take place if:
- Your body has a weak healing system that’s jeopardised
- If the surgery occurs under undue pressure or if the implant forms an inadequate bond due to not having enough healthy bone to support it.
- Allergic reactions to the implant.
- You fail to properly care for your implant during the healing period.
You won’t have to wait long to notice the symptoms. However, if this happens soon after the surgery takes place, you can schedule a swift appointment with our dentist!
Trauma or Injury
An accidental injury or trauma to the mouth can lead to the dislodgment or loosening of a dental implant. This type of injury may occur during various activities, such as contact sports like football or basketball, where players are at risk of colliding with one another or with equipment. Additionally, accidents such as falls, car collisions, or even encounters with hard objects can result in significant force being applied to the mouth, affecting the stability of dental implants. These situations underscore the importance of protective gear and caution in high-risk environments to help prevent such injuries and safeguard dental restorations.
Overexerting the Implant
Putting too much pressure on the implant too soon, such as by chewing hard foods or grinding teeth (bruxism), can cause it to loosen. Carefully follow the post-operative instructions given by the dentist. Avoid hard foods and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. If the implant becomes loose, visit our dentist to discuss options for stabilisation or replacement.
What to do if your implant falls out
First things first, you need to keep the crown, screw or other part safely stored away in a container while you make an emergency appointment with your dentist. Immediate intervention heightens the likelihood of saving the implant. You can rinse your mouth out with a mouthwash in the meanwhile, but make sure this has NO alcohol in it. Also, avoid chewing food on this side of your mouth.
While immediate attention is necessary, please don’t attempt to reattach it yourself. If you do, it could lead to further damage, infection or complications.
Consult Our Dentist Immediately
The first and most crucial step is to see a dentist at Melton Dental as soon as possible. A loose implant is a dental emergency that requires prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.
Avoid Applying Pressure
Until you can see the dentist, avoid putting pressure on the implant. This means steering clear of hard or sticky foods and avoiding chewing on the affected side.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, but be gentle around the implant area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid using floss if it causes discomfort or irritation.
Follow the Dentist’s Advice
Treatment for a loose implant will vary based on the underlying cause. It may include cleaning around the implant, adjusting the prosthetic components, or more intensive procedures like bone grafting or even replacing the implant.
Consider Implant Maintenance Procedures
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are vital for the longevity of your implant. Your dentist might recommend specific maintenance procedures or products to help keep the area around your implant healthy.
How can you prevent this from happening?
For future reference, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of dealing with a loose dental implant.
- If you suffer from gum disease, make sure to have this treated by our dentists.
- Follow the after-care instructions outlined by out dentist at the appointment
- Make it a point to brush and floss regularly!
We Can Help!
A loose dental implant can be alarming, but understanding the possible causes and knowing what steps to take can help you address the issue effectively. Regular dental checkups and following the dentist’s advice are key to ensuring the longevity and success of your dental implants. When you’re a patient of Melton Dental Group, you’ll see why the local families have trusted our Melton dentist to take care of their oral health needs for over 25 years. We look forward to seeing you!