Dental Implant Moving
In the years since their introduction into the world of dentistry, dental implants have become the most popular solution for people who are seeking to replace one or more missing teeth, thanks in large part to their comfortable feel, their natural appearance, and their longevity. It’s not uncommon for dental implants to last several decades, if not longer, when maintained and cleaned properly; in fact, it is estimated that about 98% of dental implants are successful over the long term. While loose or otherwise unstable dental implants are not a common problem, implants can loosen and may even fall out in some rare instances. If your dental implant is loose or mobile or just doesn’t feel right for some reason, prompt dental attention can often fix the problem, so call your dentist right away if you experience any issues with your dental implant moving.
Dental implants are unique among dental restorations in that they stimulate and support the growth of healthy bone tissue. Dental implants are tiny cylinders made of biocompatible material that are implanted directly into the jawbone, where the roots of the natural teeth once were, and are used to support dental restorations like dental crowns and implant-retained dentures. After the implants are placed into the jaw, they are given time to heal; during this healing process, called osseointegration, the bone grows into the implant, fusing with the implant post and anchoring it in place. It usually takes about three to six months for implant sites to fully heal and securely attach to the bone, and, once healing is complete, the dental implant should be firmly rooted in place. If the jaw didn’t fully heal or healed improperly, the implant is unlikely to remain anchored in the jaw and may loosen. It is also possible for dental crowns and the abutments that affix crowns and other dental restorations to loosen. Each of these issues requires a different solution and prompt dental attention is necessary to diagnose and fix the problem. Early attention and treatment could mean the difference between implant success and implant failure and save you time, money, and inconvenience down the road.
If you notice that your dental implant is wiggling or otherwise mobile, it is imperative that you leave it alone. Don’t use your tongue or fingers to move the implant or apply pressure to it, and don’t chew with the area where the implant is located, as these actions can destroy the bone that surrounds the implant, cause pain, and possibly damage the implant itself. If any part of the implant has fallen out of your mouth, make sure to keep that part safe and clean and take it with you when you go to the dentist. Your dentist will examine the area to detect any infection or inflammation and will examine the implant itself, possibly using x-rays or CT scans to see beneath the gum tissue, providing an accurate diagnosis and devising a treatment plan.
In some cases, the dental implant can be saved. If the implant is loose because it has been damaged, or because of infection, bone loss, or trauma or injury to the area, it is likely that the implant will need to be removed so that the issue can be treated before the implant is replaced at a later time. Dental implants can become loose due to infection of the tissues that surround the implant or if the patient grinds or clenches their teeth, and implants themselves can also be defective. Before dental implants loosen, there may be other symptoms that something is awry. If you notice any bleeding or swelling around your dental implant, or if the area surrounding the implant is painful or tender, even if the implant doesn’t seem loose, see your implant dentist as soon as you can; these early signs of infection can be treated with antibiotics. Such symptoms may indicate that the implant is failing, which occurs when the bone can’t effectively support the implant. When implant failure occurs, the implant is removed and the cause of implant failure is addressed; in many cases, a failed implant can be replaced in the future once the area has been restored to health, which frequently necessitates bone grafts in addition to treating existing infection.
While implants can become loose if the surrounding area is infected or traumatized, other parts of the dental implant could also loosen. Dental crowns are attached to dental implants with abutments, which are small screws that hold the crown in place. It is not uncommon for these screws to loosen, which results in the dental crown coming loose. This is not a medical emergency, though a dental visit is necessary to rule out any larger problems, and, in many cases, the dentist can simply tighten the screw that holds your crown in place and repair the problem. If your crown falls out, make sure to take it with you when you go see your dentist, and avoid chewing with that area of your mouth in the interim. If your implant is still healing and you are wearing a healing cap or other temporary dental prosthetic, this temporary prosthetic can loosen and fall out and should be replaced as soon as possible to encourage proper healing of the gum tissue that surrounds the implant. Excessive force could also cause the abutment or crown to fracture, which is rare but possible. In these cases, when the implant itself is still intact and only the prosthetic itself needs to be replaced, the solution can be costly, but it is far less costly, and less invasive, than replacing an entire implant. If the implant itself has been damaged, it will need to be replaced.
To prevent implants from loosening or becoming damaged, some dentists may recommend that patients wear mouth guards while sleeping. Properly caring for your dental implants and oral tissues is an instrumental part of maintaining the utility and appearance of your dental implants. Patients with dental implants should follow the same stringent oral hygiene practices as people with their natural teeth, brushing twice daily and cleaning between the teeth at least once a day; it is also important to clean the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the gums and tongue, to prevent the buildup of disease-causing bacteria and reduce the likelihood of gum disease. Dental implant patients should also expect to see their dentists regularly for professional checkups and cleanings, which help to ensure the long life and success of dental implants and the dental restorations they support.