When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are a very sturdy and reliable option. A post that has successfully joined with your jaw should stay in place at all times; as such, if it ever feels loose, something has gone wrong. Are you prepared to deal with a seemingly loose dental implant? Here’s a look at why this issue might occur and what you should do about it.
Why Might a Dental Implant Feel Loose?
Oftentimes, it might not even be the actual implant post that’s at fault. It could be that the prosthesis serving as your replacement tooth or teeth has come loose. This is generally a minor issue that can be corrected relatively easily.
In other cases, however, the implant post itself may indeed have come loose, which is likely a sign that the dental implant has failed. In order to be successful, the implant post needs to fuse with the surrounding bone in the jaw. Thus, if the post is loose, it’s a sign that it has become unfused (or perhaps that it never properly fused with the jaw to begin with).
What Should You Do If a Dental Implant Feels Loose?
Upon noticing a seemingly loose dental implant, you should get in touch with your dentist. While a same-day appointment may not be necessary, you will want to schedule a visit as soon as possible; ignoring the problem for too long can have serious consequences.
Your dentist will closely examine your mouth, paying especially close attention to your dental implant and the area around it. Once they’ve identified the true cause of the problem, they can explain your options for treatment.
If there’s a loose prosthesis, it can be taken off the implant post. It may be possible to simply reattach it if it’s still in good condition. However, a damaged prosthesis will likely need to be replaced.
A loose implant post must be taken out of the jaw. What happens after that depends on the situation. For example, if bone loss has occurred in the area where the implant was, you might require a bone grafting procedure. Once your mouth has fully recovered from this treatment, you may be eligible to have a new implant post placed.
Even if your dental implant seems to have come loose, it’s important to remain calm. As long as you take the right steps, you can resolve the problem and start the process of restoring the health of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres went to the New York University School of Dentistry for his dental degree. He is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and other notable dental organizations. He’s able to provide start-to-finish dental implant procedures at Rockville Family Dentistry. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Modarres, visit his website or call (301) 816-9400.