Like your natural teeth, dental implants are meant to stay firmly in place in your jaw. If they ever come loose, it’s an issue that you can’t afford to ignore if you want to preserve your newly rebuilt smile. Are you prepared to deal with a loose dental implant? To make sure that you are, here is a quick look at what can potentially cause this problem as well as what steps can be taken to resolve it.
What Can Cause a Dental Implant to Come Loose?
Dental implants are meant to bond with your jawbone via osseointegration, which keeps them anchored in place at all times. However, sometimes osseointegration does not occur; this can potentially be a consequence of smoking or osteoporosis. The result is a failed dental implant that feels loose.
Another possible cause of a loose implant post is gum disease. When the infection goes untreated for too long, it can damage your gum tissue as well as the underlying jawbone, weakening them to the point where they can no longer give your implants the support that they need.
It’s worth noting that even if an implant feels loose, it may not always be a problem with the post itself. In some cases, it may simply be an issue with the crown. If it has suffered damage as a result of physical trauma or repeated grinding of the teeth, it could end up moving on the implant post.
What Should You Do About a Loose Dental Implant?
A loose dental implant should be brought to your periodontist’s attention right away. You need to schedule an appointment as soon as you can so that you can have the true source of the problem properly identified and resolved.
In the case of a loose crown, the solution is often as simple as reattaching it. Of course, if it has been badly damaged, replacing it altogether may be the more viable option.
Loose implant posts are trickier to deal with. Oftentimes, they need to be taken out of your mouth altogether so that the underlying issue can be treated. Said treatment may involve bone grafting in order to reverse any bone loss that may have occurred. Once your mouth is healthy again, you can discuss the possibility of having new dental implants placed with your periodontist.
It’s not common for dental implants to come loose, but it is a possibility that you need to be prepared for. Getting in touch with your periodontist as soon as possible could make all the difference for your dental implants as well as the rest of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a well-regarded member of the periodontal community and has been named a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he can fill in the gaps in his patients’ smiles with reliable dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
