While dental implants are considered to be the finest form of tooth replacement available, they can come loose or fall out in rare cases. A dental implant that has become loose or dislodged can lead to major problems such as pain, increased risk of infection, and requiring the implant to be replaced. Here’s why your dental implant may have come loose and what you can do to address the situation.
Why Did My Dental Implant Come Loose?
A dental implant may loosen due to damage during chewing, aging components, or oral infections such as gum disease. Dental implants generally come loose in one of two ways:
Loose crown
Sometimes, the implant itself is completely healthy and sturdy but the artificial tooth attached to it has come loose. This usually means that the crown or the cement binding it to the implant has deteriorated. This is the most common way for implants to come loose and can usually be addressed simply by cementing the crown back in position or placing a new crown entirely.
Loose implant
An implant coming loose from the jawbone is a more serious problem. Dental implants are designed to fuse to the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, and a loose implant suggests that it has not healed properly or that it is failing. The patient may have to receive bone grafts before a new implant can be placed.
What Should I Do if My Implant Comes Loose?
If you find that your dental implant feels loose, the first thing to do is to call your dentist. If you reach the office after business hours, leave a message with your contact information and an explanation of the situation. It’s important to say how loose the implant is, whether the crown or the implant itself is loose, and if you are in any pain. While a loose dental implant is an urgent situation, it isn’t considered a dental emergency and can usually wait until the next business day.
While a loose dental implant is troublesome, it isn’t an immediate threat to your oral or overall health. Getting dental care when you need it can help your implants stay in great shape for life.
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and regularly furthers his training through advanced education courses. He is proud to be a member of the Louisiana Dental Association and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His office in New Orleans, LA offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. If you think your implant might be loose, contact his office online or dial (504) 584-4225.