When you get a dental implant to replace your missing tooth, the chances of that implant lasting for 30 years or longer are incredibly high. However, even though dental implant failure occurs in fewer than 5% of cases, it’s still a possibility that you need to be aware of. One of the most common signs is feeling that your implant is “loose.” If you’re currently dealing with a loose dental implant in Flower Mound, it’s important to act quickly in order to save your smile. Keep reading to learn why a dental implant might feel loose and how you can manage the situation.
Why Does My Dental Implant Feel Loose?
There are several possible reasons for a loose dental implant, but the two most common ones are:
- Failed osseointegration – After your dentist has placed the implants into your jaw, the surrounding bone starts to grow attached to them. Known as osseointegration, this process is critical to the long-term stability of your new teeth. It can take three to six months, and if the implant or jawbone is disturbed before that time, it might not be able to create a sufficiently strong bond.
- Gum infection – Following the completion of osseointegration, the leading cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease affecting the soft tissue surrounding the implant. Left untreated, bacteria could irreversibly damage the bone and gums to the point where they can no longer adequately support the post, making it loose and more likely to fail.
No matter the cause of your loose dental implant, it’s crucial to seek help right away.
How to Handle a Loose Dental Implant
Any sensation of looseness near your implant, however tiny, needs to be taken seriously. In fact, consider it a dental emergency, because it is! If you don’t receive the care you need quickly, you might end up losing your implant. The sooner you can see your dentist, the better the chances of your implant being successfully saved.
Your dentist will be able to tell whether the implant itself is loose, or whether the crown on top of it has become partially detached. If the latter, then all they’d need to do is tighten or re-seat the crown. But if the problem lies with the actual implant, you’ll probably need more extensive treatment. While the implant might need to be removed and replaced, your dentist may be able to treat the area surrounding the post without extracting it – especially if you catch the problem early enough.
If you feel even the slightest bit of looseness around your dental implant, contact your dentist. After all, when it comes to your smile, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song has been a dedicated implant dentist for 30+ years. In addition to earning a Fellowship with the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry, he has maintained active memberships in the International Congress or Oral Implantologists, the American Dental Association, and various other professional dental organizations. He can perform start-to-finish dental implant care under one roof at Bridlewood Dental and will do everything he can to save a loose dental implant from failing. If you need help right away, you can contact his office by calling (972) 906-9797.