Dental implants are designed to act like natural teeth; they should feel strong and sturdy in your mouth. Therefore, any movement or instability is a sign that something is not right! This situation requires prompt attention to protect your oral health. In this blog post, you will gain practical insight into why an implant may feel loose and what you can do to address the situation.
Why an Implant May Feel Loose
There are several reasons why your dental implant might feel loose:
- Loose abutment screw: Sometimes, the screw connecting the implant to the crown may loosen, causing movement.
- Crown issues: The artificial tooth (crown) attached to the implant could be loose or damaged, rather than the implant itself.
- Bone loss: Loss of supporting bone around the implant can lead to instability and movement.
- Gum infection: Infection or inflammation in the surrounding gums can compromise the implant’s stability.
All of these issues can compromise the function of your implant, and they should be evaluated by a qualified professional.
Steps to Deal with a Loose Dental Implant
You should act quickly if you notice that one of your implants is loose! The sooner you receive care, the greater the chances that the problem can be addressed via relatively simple and conservative means. Here are the steps you should take:
- Contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to assess the cause and severity of the issue.
- Avoid chewing on the implant: Try not to use the affected area for eating, biting, or chewing. This helps prevent further damage.
- Keep the area clean: Gently brush and rinse your mouth to reduce the risk of infection, taking care not to disturb the loose implant.
- Do not attempt to fix it yourself: Avoid touching, tightening, or removing the implant or crown on your own, since this might worsen the situation.
- Monitor for additional symptoms: Watch for signs such as pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus, and communicate these to your dentist.
How Your Dentist Can Help
When you arrive for your appointment, your dental care professional will examine your mouth in order to gain a better understanding of the situation. Then, they can recommend a course of action. You might need something relatively simple, such as a new crown. If the damage is extensive, though, you might have to get the implant removed. Later, after any necessary restorative procedures and a healing period, you might be able to receive a new one.
If your dental implant feels loose, do not panic. Many implant issues are treatable when they are addressed early. Taking quick action will help protect your smile and your investment in your oral health.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Benjamin Keyser is a highly skilled oral surgeon. In fact, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Under his leadership, our team offers a range of advanced dental implant services, including implant placement and salvage. If you are concerned about a loose implant, we are ready to help! Contact our Medford, MA, office at 781-628-2268.