Dental implants are the best tooth replacement solution that modern dentistry has to offer. They are successful in over 95% of cases, and they can provide decades of stable, strong, and attractive smiles. Unfortunately, however, there are some rare cases where something goes with dental implants. They might even begin to feel loose in the mouth. Below, you will find information about what can cause a loose dental implant and what you should do if experience this problem.
What Can Cause a Loose Dental Implant?
There are a few reasons why a dental implant might feel loose:
- A damaged restoration. The bridge, denture, or crown on top of your implants should be firmly set into place. However, if the restoration suffers damage or was not properly attached to begin with, it can feel loose.
- Failed osseointegration. Osseointegration is the biological process through which a dental implant bonds with the jawbone. If your new dental implant feels loose, it is possible that osseointegration is not occurring as it should. This may happen in individuals with underlying medical conditions or those who smoke.
- Damage to the surrounding tissue. An infection called peri-implantitis can eat away at the bone around an implant, causing it to feel loose. Missteps in oral hygiene are often the cause of peri-implantitis. Physical trauma to the bone can also affect an implant’s stability.
What You Should Do
Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice that a dental implant feels loose. Seeking care is especially urgent if you are experiencing signs of an infection, such as bleeding, pus, or swollen gums. Without treatment, the infection can continue to worsen and affect your overall health.
During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate the implant and strive to determine exactly why it feels loose. You might simply need a new restoration. However, if failed osseointegration or damage to the jawbone is at the root of the problem, it might be necessary to remove the implant altogether. Next, you might have to undergo a bone graft and treatments to get rid of any infection that you might be suffering from.
After your procedures, you may have to wait at least a few months while your jawbone integrates the grafted material and your body has a chance to recover from the infection. Then, your dentist might determine that it is safe to attempt placement of a new implant.
Most patients are able to prevent loose dental implants with a few simple precautions, but in a few rare instances, problems are inevitable. If your dental implants are ever suffering, seek help as soon as possible. Your dentist will do everything they can to preserve your smile.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group in Branford is proud to have an experienced team of dentists and specialists. They have decades of combined experience and are able to provide comprehensive dental implant services, including dental implant salvage. If you have any questions about tooth replacement, loose dental implants, or anything else that relates to your oral health, our practice would be pleased to assist you. Contact us at 203-437-9112.