What Should You Do if One of Your Dental Implants Feels Loose?

Without a doubt, dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They’re sturdy, they can prevent bone loss, they imitate natural teeth in many ways, and they can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, there is always a small risk that dental implants will fail. What if one of your implants starts to feel loose? Does that mean it’s failing? Before you panic, take a look at this information regarding why your implant might not feel as secure as it once was.

The Implant Might Not Be the Problem…

In many cases, what feels like a loose implant actually has nothing to do with the titanium post that your surgeon placed in your jaw. The problem might have to do with the artificial tooth that got attached to the top of the implant. Sometimes, these crowns can become loose, perhaps because of an impact or because of everyday wear and tear.

If a loose crown is the issue, your dentist may be able to repair it, but it’s also possible that you’ll need a new crown altogether. In either case, you won’t have to worry that the implant itself is failing.

… But Sometimes, Something More Serious Is Going On

It is very rare for implants to fail, especially among patients who are non-smokers. If implants do fail, it usually happens within the first year after surgery. If you’re a recent implant recipient, it’s important that you follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for caring for your mouth so your new titanium tooth roots have the best chance possible of properly integrating with your bone. When an implant feels loose, contact your dentist as soon as possible so you can get an appointment.

If you’ve had your implants for a while and one of them starts to feel lose, the problem may have to do with bone loss. Sometimes, an infection sneaks into your jaw and eats away at the bone, which can cause the implant to move around. The infection might be because of gum disease or peri-implantitis (an inflammatory disease around the implants).

Catching the problem early is important. Your dentist might be able to treat you and save the implant. In some cases, however, the implant has to be removed so a dental professional can stop the infection. It might be possible to reinsert the implant after the infection heals.

Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks

If one of your implants feels loose, don’t assume that the problem is just that the crown is damaged. The best thing to do is make an appointment with your dentist and get an x-ray so you know exactly what is going on. Hopefully, all of your teeth will soon once again be secure in your mouth!

About the Dentist

Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri is your friendly California dentist. He wants your dental implant journey to be a successful one, so if you have any concerns or questions about your implants, please contact our office at 626-446-1679.