Dental implants are one of the most advanced tooth replacement options out there. They have all sorts of different benefits, and they have a success rate of upwards of 95%! However, dental implant failures are still possible, and they happen from time to time. Continue reading to learn a few reasons why dental implants can become loose and what you should do if this happens to you.
Why Do Dental Implants Become Loose?
There are numerous reasons why your implant could be loosening. Here are a few of the most common causes:
- Osseointegration Failure: When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, the surrounding bone is expected to grow over the surface of the implant in order to create a physical bond. This process is known as osseointegration. However, problems can occur and prevent this from taking place.
- Infection: Another common cause of implant failure is an infection known as periodontitis. This is a gum infection that occurs around your teeth and attacks the gum tissue. This can happen immediately after the surgery or several months or years down the road. Ultimately, this can attack the jawbone surrounding the dental implant and cause it to loosen.
- Overloading: This occurs when dental implants are placed under too much pressure. This impacts the osseointegration process. Overloading can occur when patients receive their false teeth at the same time that their dental implants are placed, or when the dental implants are disturbed during the healing process.
- Poor Quality Prosthetics: If you have prosthetics, like dentures, bridges, and crowns, that become unstable, they can cause dental implants to loosen as a result of the shifting and movement in the mouth.
What Should You Do About a Loose Dental Implant?
The first thing you should do if you have a loose dental implant is give your dentist a call. Make an emergency appointment. The quicker that you’re able to be seen, the greater of a chance that your dentist will have to restore your smile to health. Ultimately, they can determine whether the crown has become loose or if you have an underlying issue with the implant that needs to be addressed. This way, it can be taken care of as soon as possible. In the meantime, be careful to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid putting pressure on your implant.
By seeing your dentist right away, you can get to the root of the issue. This way, your smile will be good as new in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania of Dental Medicine and served as a Naval Dental Officer. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and New Jersey Dental Association. If your dental implant feels loose, he’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Spring Lake, visit his website or call (732) 974-2288.
