Without a doubt, dental implants are some of the most effective replacement teeth out there. It’s to the point that they have a ten-year success rate of over 95%! Still, you’ll want to stay prepared; these metal posts can feel loose at times and fail as a result. That’s why your Burlington dentist is here to provide crucial dental advice. So, please keep reading to learn what to do if your dental implant feels loose.
What Makes Dental Implants Loose?
Loose dental implants usually stem from one (or more) of the following:
- An Implant Overload – If a dental implant receives excessive pressure, it may not fuse with your jawbone properly. This poor fusion could trigger implant looseness.
- Damaged Restoration – A working dental implant will connect to a denture, dental bridge, or dental crown. If any of these restorations get damaged, the implant can feel loose.
- Failed Osseointegration – When a patient’s jaw lacks bone tissue, it usually won’t fuse with a dental implant. The result is often implant looseness.
- Peri-Implantitis – Bacteria could infect the gums beneath your dental implant after surgery. If that happens, your new tooth may feel loose.
Why a Loose Dental Implant is Risky
Since it’s not a “real” tooth, a loose dental implant may not seem like a big deal. Even so, the problem could harm your treatment results and oral health.
The problem is that the causes of loose implants (see above) are usually serious. A very common one is an infection, which would destroy your gum and jaw tissue if left unchecked. Poor fusion is another worrying cause, as it could make your jawbone erode. Any of these factors would also lead to implant failure if they aren’t addressed.
How a Qualified Dentist Can Help
Thankfully, your local dentist can help if your dental implant feels loose. Their training and skill ensure they can fix it with various methods.
If it’s just a loose crown or abutment, your dentist can replace either part. They’d just set the replacement down once they’ve unscrewed or detached the old piece. Granted, you may have to wear a temporary restoration while waiting for the new one.
When the implant itself is loose, your dentist must replace the whole prosthetic. That seemingly severe step is the only way to set down a new and secure implant post. In fact, you may even need a bone graft after the initial removal.
If your dental implant feels loose, please don’t ignore it. See your dental provider for help in fixing it!
About the Practice
Complete Dental Care is based in Burlington, MA. Led by Drs. Kostas and Pereira, our practice is always raring and ready to provide you with comprehensive dentistry. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, all tailored to your smile and its unique oral needs. Our team will even place dental implants in-house, quickly restoring your full grin. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (781)-272-0441.
