How To Fix A Dental Implant That Fell Out?

What are Dental Implants?

Functioning as a steadfast foundation for replacement teeth, dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone to provide a permanent solution for individuals with missing teeth. These implants offer a natural and functional substitute for dentures and bridges, significantly enhancing both chewing ability and speech.

While they are perfectly fitted and fixed onto your teeth, there are rare instances that they may become loose or even fall out.  If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s important to take immediate action to address the issue. Here’s a guide on what to do if your dental implant falls out.

Why do Implants Fall Out?

• Poor oral hygiene contributes to implant failure as healthy bacteria-free gums are essential for proper healing and implant accommodation.
• Bone density loss can cause implants to fall out due to improper integration with the jawbone.
• Loose abutment from it gradually unscrewing.
• The cemented seals of the crown can break
• Grinding, biting and excessive pressure can loosen or dislodge the crown.
• Gum Disease also known as Periimplantitis can affect dental implants.
• Medical conditions such as Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis may hinder successful implant treatments although well-planned procedures can mitigate the risks. 
• Antidepressants and Heartburn Medications may lead to bone loss and implant instability. 

Is a dental implant falling out an emergency?

Yes, a dental implant falling out is considered an emergency. Immediate action is crucial because the exposed area is susceptible to infection and further damage to the surrounding bone and tissues. Promptly contacting your dentist ensures that you can address potential complications and receive the appropriate care to mitigate pain and discomfort. Immediate contact with our dentists at Melton will get you to our emergency dentistry services to receive careful medical attention.

What are the Signs of a Loose Dental Implant?

• Pain and swelling: Experience pain in the gums or notice inflammation around the dental implants. Inability to bite and chew due to pain.
• Redness or bleeding: Gums around the implants may bleed during brushing or flossing, indicating a potential issue with implant stability.
• Visible bone loss: Inspect your mouth for signs of bone loss, particularly around the implant area, by visually checking the integrity of the jaw bone.
• Moving implant: Touching the implant with fingers or tongue reveals movement, suggesting a loosening of the dental implant.
• Discolouration: Detect early signs of a loose implant through visual examination, particularly noting any discolouration of the implant.

How do you fix a Dental Implant that Fell Out?

If you find yourself wondering what to do if your dental implant falls out, keep reading as we walk you through some quick and essential steps to take in case of a dental implant emergency. 

Looking for the best dentist in Melton to get your loose implants fixed? Give us a call and book an appointment today!

Keep Calm and Assess the Situation 

Although loose dental implants may be a distressing experience it is important to keep calm as panicking will not help the situation. First, examine your mouth for any bleeding or pain. Minor bleeding and discomfort are common, but excessive bleeding or severe pain may require urgent care. Gently assess the area and try to determine if the implant has completely detached or if it is loose. Is it the entire implant or just the crown (the visible part of the tooth)? Understanding what has fallen out can help you communicate more effectively with your dentist.

Don’t Try to Reattach it Yourself 

As this is a delicate procedure that requires the attention of a professional dentist, don’t attempt to reattach it yourself as this may lead to further damage, infection or complications. Try to preserve the implant until you can seek the help of a dentist. 

Preserve the Dental Implant 

If your dental implant has completely fallen out try to handle it with care by picking it up by the crown. Avoid touching the root. Then, gently rinse it with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris. Refrain from using any cleaning aids such as soap, toothpaste or any chemicals. Place the implant in a lean container with milk to keep it moist as this is crucial for preserving the integrity of the implant. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.

Contact your Dentist 

When dealing with a loose or dislodged dental implant, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Be sure to explain the situation in detail, including any pain or symptoms you’re experiencing and schedule an emergency appointment. Your dentist may ask you details about when the implant fell out if there was any trauma involved and about the level of pain you are in. Specific instructions will be given on how to care for your mouth until you can be seen.

Looking for the best emergency dentist in Melton South? Our expert team of dentists are here to take care of you. Schedule your appointment today.

Avoid Eating 

Refrain from eating or drinking as this can help prevent further damage and reduce the risk of infection. If you must eat, try to stick to soft foods that will not put any unnecessary pressure on the affected area.

Take Some Over the Counter Pain Medication 

If you are experiencing significant pain, consider taking pain relief medication as recommended by your dentist.

Go for your Emergency Appointment 

Once you get to your emergency dental appointment, the team will conduct a thorough assessment of the condition of your implant and the surrounding tissues using X-rays and scans. Diagnostic imaging will be used to assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding tissues. This will help determine the extent of the damage and figure out the best course of action. Your dentist will either choose to reattach the implant or replace it. 

Follow Post Appointment Medical Advice 

After your dental appointment, make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by your dentist. This may involve taking prescribed medications, adhering to dietary restrictions and adopting specific oral hygiene practices. Be sure to go for any follow-up appointments to get an update on your recovery progress. 

Find Long Term Solutions 

After resolving the dental emergency, discuss with your dentist about long-term solutions. Depending on the cause of the implant failure, your dentist may suggest further treatments such as bone grafting. 

What are the Risks of Not Having Your Loose Dental Implants Fixed?

While a slightly loosened dental implant may not be alarming unless it has completely dislodged, it’s important to promptly arrange a dental appointment for a thorough examination. Neglecting a loose implant can result in unfavourable treatment outcomes, and there is a risk of the crown or implant becoming lodged in the throat during sleep.

Infections may rise and potentially spread to other organs leading to severe, life-threatening consequences in extreme cases. Therefore, it is imperative to contact your dentist promptly and schedule an appointment for proper evaluation and necessary action.

A dental implant falling out can be worrying, but with prompt and appropriate action it can often be resolved. The key is to stay calm, seek immediate dental care, and follow professional advice to ensure the best outcome. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are essential for the longevity of your dental implants.

Looking for the best emergency dentistry in Melton South to fix your loose dental implants? Give us a call today.