If you’ve invested in a dental implant to treat your tooth loss, you’ve made an excellent decision. With over a 95% success rate, it can be quite alarming if your dental implant feels loose. Don’t panic! Here’s what might have caused the instability and what you can do to save your investment.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
A dental implant is unique because it replicates both the tooth root and the crown. Your dentist inserted a titanium post into your jawbone to support your custom-made restoration. Your bone should have fused to the post through a process called osseointegration, allowing your implant to last for 30 years or longer with the right care, like brushing and flossing. Once your bone has integrated with the post, it should never feel loose.
Causes of a Loose Dental Implant
If your implant is loose, it isn’t something to ignore. Although many things can cause implant instability, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. Delaying treatment can lead to dental implant failure. A few common causes of complications include:
- Failed Osseointegration: If your bone didn’t integrate with the post correctly, it will need to be removed.
- Bone Loss: Your jawbone must have enough density to support your implant. If you’ve suffered bone loss, your dentist can strengthen your jaw with bone grafting.
- Infection: The biggest threat to dental implant success is an infection called peri-implantitis. It is like gum disease and can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, including your jawbone.
- Damage: Damage to your restoration or the implant can cause instability. Sometimes, all you need is a new restoration.
Managing a Loose Dental Implant
Not all hope is lost if your implant is loose. Contact an emergency dentist right away. While you wait for your appointment, resist the urge to wiggle it with your tongue or finger. Eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Carefully brush and floss to keep your mouth clean. If you have any pain, take an OTC pain reliever and rinse your mouth with salt water.
Although dental implant failure only occurs in less than 5% of cases, don’t ignore any signs of a complication, like redness, inflammation, or pain near the implant. A feeling that your implant is loose also indicates there’s a problem.
You can lessen your risk of complications by committing to good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss every night. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a nightguard. Break any habits that can harm your dental health, like smoking or chewing on your fingernails, to get the most from your investment.
About Dr. Erin M. Prach
Dr. Prach earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and continued her education in oral surgery in Guatemala. She is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you have signs of dental implant failure, request an appointment through her website or call her office at (307) 224-9887.