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. 

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.
• 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. 

What are the Signs of a Loose Dental Implant?

• Pain and swelling: Experience pain in the gums or notice inflammation around the dental implants.
• 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. 

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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. Gently assess the area and try to determine if the implant has completely detached or if it is loose. 

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. 

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 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. 

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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. 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.

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