What to Do If You Have a Loose Dental Implant

Dental implants are an incredibly popular way to replace missing teeth for a range of reasons. For one, they are incredibly lifelike and seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile. Implants are also very durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. The procedure also has a 95% success rate, meaning that complications are rare. Even so, that doesn’t mean that there’s zero chance of running into issues, such as loose implants. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential causes of a loose dental implant as well as what to do if this happens to you.

4 Common Causes of a Loose Dental Implant

Osseointegration is the process through which an implant fuses with the jawbone. If the implant is loose, this means that there has been an issue with this process. There are a few potential causes of a loose dental implant, such as:

• Overloading – This occurs when too much pressure is placed on dental implants. Overloading can impede osseointegration and may happen when a patient receives their restorations right after having the implants placed. Additionally, overloading may happen when the implants are disturbed during the healing process.
• Infection – Periodontitis is a gum infection that’s similar to periodontal disease. It occurs around the implant site and can happen right after implant placement or several months to years later. Periodontitis attacks the jawbone, which may cause the implants to loosen.
• Osseointegration failure – If osseointegration is interrupted, this may result in a loose dental implant. Smoking cigarettes, diabetes, poor oral health, and gum disease are all things that may impede osseointegration.
• Low-quality prosthetics – If therestoration attached to the dental implants – often dentures, crowns, or bridges – becomes unstable, the implants may loosen due to movement and shifting in the mouth.

How Your Dentist Can Help

As soon as you notice that your implant is loose, reach out to your dentist. They will help you make an emergency appointment and we’ll also give you instructions on what to do in the meantime. The sooner you receive care, the higher your chances of restoring your smile will be.

Your dentist will start by examining your mouth and determining whether the implant is loose. If it is, they will figure out what caused it to loosen and will work with you to come up with a treatment plan. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the issue has been fixed. Additionally, avoid bad oral habits and practice excellent oral hygiene to lessen your risk of a loose dental implant in the future.

About the Practice

Dr. Jason L. Kaopua and the team at Albright Family Dental aim to make visiting the dentist as hassle-free as possible. They administer a variety of treatments to encourage healthy beams, such as dental implants to fill in the spaces where teeth used to be for a complete, natural-looking smile you’ll love. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaopua or for more information on dental implants, visit Albright Family Dental’s website or call (425) 267-3333.