Out of all the tooth replacement options out there, dental implants offer the most successful and long-lasting solution you can find. That said, there’s always an incredibly rare chance that they can fail. In some cases, one of the indications of this is that your restoration can start to feel loose. Keep reading to learn why this might happen and what you should do to preserve your treatment results.
Why Is My Dental Implant Loose?
Some of the most common reasons for dental implants to become loose include:
- Failed Osseointegration: This is the process when the titanium post fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for your restoration. If this isn’t completed properly, it can cause your implants to either feel wiggly or fail altogether.
- Low-Quality Restorations: Your custom dental crown, bridge, or denture may be loose or unstable, which can then cause your metal post to loosen because of all the movement.
- Infection: A major culprit of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, which is a kind of gum disease that attacks the gums and connective tissue holding the post in place.
- Overloading: If under excessive pressure from chewing, clenching, or grinding, your dental implants may not be able to undergo osseointegration correctly. This can happen when patients get their restorations placed too early after the implant placement process and aren’t allowed time to heal effectively.
How to Treat a Loose Dental Implant
Should you notice that your titanium post is beginning to feel loose, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you’re able to get the treatment you need, the higher the chance of saving your dental implant. During your visit, your team will evaluate your mouth to determine the root of the issue before creating a plan to resolve it. While you wait to be treated, make sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth so that you don’t put pressure on your implant.
Notify your dentist right away if you think your metal post is starting to fail. With salvage treatment, you can return to enjoying your brand-new smile!
About the Author
A graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, Dr. Vincent Lam strives to provide comprehensive and reliable dental care for every patient. He’s undergone extensive training in various areas of dentistry, including dental implant placement. If you’d like to know more about this treatment or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our team at 206-589-8556.