Even though dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, they sometimes come loose, which might pose a worry.

Dental implants are placed into the mandible to replace lost teeth. They include a screw anchor, a metal fixture, and an artificial tooth; they are usually provided together. What would happen then if this metal screw anchor came loose? Or what if something else happens, causing your implant to come loose? Contact Tulare cosmetic dentistry if you face such a problem.

What to do next if your dental implants feel loose?

For people who have lost teeth as a result of wear, trauma, or periodontal disease, dental implants are a great option. Complications with dental implants usually show up soon after the treatment and can be treated before they become serious problems.

The following factors may cause dental implants to loosen:

1. Infection. 

Bacteria that penetrate your gums, sinuses, or jawbone can cause an infection and result in an abscess around the dental implant. Antibiotics must be given as a way to stop the infection from growing and to avoid any possible implant-related problems in the future.

2. Facial Trauma

Your dental implants could come loose or break if you suffer a facial trauma or fracture. Over time, a cracked or broken bone around an implant may cause it to get loose, unsteady, or even fall out. To prevent additional issues from infection and loss of bone, loose implants must be taken out right away after face trauma.

3. Periodontal disease. 

Because gum disease damages the bone and surrounding tissues where the implant sits, it is often the cause of loose dental implants. You are more vulnerable to periodontal disease if you fail to practice regular good oral hygiene practices.

4. Inadequate healing or placement. 

Depending on how they were inserted into freshly formed or growing bone, dental implants may not endure. It can be challenging for an implant to get a good hold when it is inserted into new bone because there are fewer blood vessels for it to attach to. As a result, there is mobility between the implant and socket because the bone around the implant fails to heal properly.

5. Uneven Bite Force

As we age, our site may occasionally vary. Uneven stresses acting on the implant and bone loss around the implant can occur if the dental crown is not properly positioned in relation to the opposing arch. It is essential to schedule routine periodic visits with your dentist for evaluation. 

What to Do in the Case of a Loose Implant?

Loose dental implants should be checked immediately. Ignoring the issue could result in tooth loss. Lack of bone support to keep the implant securely in place is the most common reason for loose dental implants.

If you have found that your dental implants have come loose, you need to see your dentist immediately so that they can be swiftly and effectively repaired. After examining the issue, your dentist will decide if they need to be tightened or taken out entirely and replaced.

How can a loose dental implant be fixed?

To determine the cause of the looseness, the dentist will conduct a clinical evaluation of your dental crown or abutment during your appointment. An X-ray may be taken to find any undetected issues that might have contributed to the crown or abutment’s looseness. After a few years of repair, crowns, and attachments often lose their durability. It is very easy to fix if this is the case.

1. Loose dental crown

A screw or luting cement is used to attach the dental crown, which is what is visible within the mouth, to the tooth implant. But in time, it can become less stiff. The dental professional will clean and repair the crown if it comes off intact.

2 . Loose abutment

The component that links the dental crown and implant is called the Abutment. Screws are used to fasten it to the dental implant.

3. Loose dental implants

When the implant itself comes loose, this is the worst situation. You may have discomfort, gum discomfort, or pain in close proximity to the dental implants. You should visit your dentist immediately if a dental implant falls loose.