Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace one or more missing teeth; they can even be used to support a full denture on one or both arches. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have a success rate between 95% and 97%! The restoration may eventually need to be replaced due to regular wear or if it becomes compromised. While rare, dental implants can fail and the implant itself may need to be replaced with healing time in between removal and replacement.
A loose implant can be an indicator of a larger problem which could include bone loss, peri-implantitis, or an infection at the implant. Dental implants are considered a permanent restoration and are meant to stay in place forever. If an implant becomes mobile, it could be an indication that the implant is failing due to a structural problem with the implant or even a loss of bone structure.
Implant Surgery
You will be referred to an oral surgeon or periodontist to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, which will also be the doctor to perform your implant placement surgery. Your dentist will restore your implant with the dental prosthetic.
For a dental implant to be successful, sufficient bone structure is necessary to support the implant. Patients who do not have enough bone structure may require a bone graft surgery before the implant can be placed. A bone graft can be either a synthetic material, or a piece of bone that has been harvested from the patient or a donor cadaver. The bone graft is left to heal for a couple of months before the implant is placed.
For your implant placement surgery, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the area being treated and make a small incision in the gum tissue. They will then drill a small hole directly into the jaw bone in which they will place the titanium implant. The gum tissue is sutured together around the implant, with a small portion of the implant left protruding through the tissue. A temporary abutment, or healing cap, is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and prevent infection while you heal.
Once your implant is in place, it is allowed to heal for up to six months. During this time, the implant will become fully integrated with a jaw bone, creating a firm and stable base for your dental prosthesis. During your healing time, you will wear a temporary appliance to give you the appearance of a tooth and a complete smile, which will also provide an additional layer of protection to the implant. Osseointegration is the process in which the implant fuses to the bone structure. If at any time your implant becomes mobile, it may be an indication of an underlying issue or an infection at the implant.
Loose Dental Implant
If something feels loose, it may not necessarily be your actual implant. Dental implants are made of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the restoration. Any of these parts can become loose and need attention!
In addition to obvious mobility, other indications that your dental implant has become loose include:
* Bleeding at the implant site
* Painful and/or swollen gum tissue at the implant
* Inability to bite or chew properly
Abutment Mobility
While your implant is healing, a temporary abutment is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and infection. If it comes loose, it can fall off but is not necessarily an emergency. Get to your dentist as soon as you can to have it replaced.
Implant Crown Mobility
The implant restoration can come loose and is often an easy fix. Chances are strong that your dentist will simply need to tighten the screw securing your implant crown onto your implant.
Feeling something loose at your implant site is not necessarily an immediate emergency but it should be tended to by your dentist within 48 hours to avoid damaging the implant itself. Try not to chew on your implant until you have it fixed as chewing on a loose implant can cause further damage or even break one of the components.
When To See A Dentist
Any mobility at your implant site should be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible, even if you are not feeling any pain. Your dentist will remove your implant restoration in order to access your implant for inspection. They will also take an x-ray of the area to examine the underlying bone structure and ensure that nothing is amiss below the gum line. If you are noticing movement shortly after your implant has been placed, the jaw bone may not be healing properly. If you are unable to see your dentist within a couple of days, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the implant site.
Preventing Implant Failure
Good oral hygiene is important for all patients, especially those with dental implants, to avoid developing gum disease or peri-implantitis. If a bacterial infection develops at the implant, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up. In the event that your implant is not viable after the infection has cleared, the implant may need to be removed in order for a new one to be placed. A bone graft may also be necessary before a new implant is placed to ensure proper bone structure.
Implants have a success rate of about 95% to 97% with minimal risk of complication but there is always a chance an implant can fail. Poor oral hygiene, loss of bone mass, or other underlying medical conditions can all have a negative impact on dental implants. Even if an implant does fail, you may still be able to receive a new one after a bone graft.
To prevent problems with your implant, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and annual x-rays. Dental x-rays can help diagnose problems as soon as they develop and hopefully, they can be caught before they turn into a bigger problem. Bruxism, the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of us do in our sleep, can also cause an implant to become loose. Your dentist can make a custom night guard to help protect your implant and the rest of your teeth!