Dental implants are famed for their incredible durability. They regularly last over 30 years, and many last a lifetime if you take care of them properly. With them being as strong as they are, it’s easy to feel like they’re invincible.
So if you notice that your dental implant feels loose you may scarcely be able to believe it. Here’s what that could mean for you, and what your immediate next steps should be.
What Does It Mean If Your Dental Implant is Loose?
If you find that your dental implant is moving unnaturally, this is a sign that it isn’t secure in the jaw. This means that it will likely fail soon if nothing is done. This is especially true if this feeling is associated with pain, bleeding, or other signs of infection.
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant is Loose?
The moment you notice that something is amiss with your dental implant, you should call your dentist. They’ll be able to give you a thorough exam to determine the integrity of your dental implant, as well as the strength of your jaw. They could also treat any minor issues that could be contributing to this problem.
In some cases, you may need to have the dental implant removed or replaced. However, only a professional will be able to give you a sense of when this is necessary.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
While dental implants succeed at incredibly high rates, there are two things that could potentially cause them to fail.
The first is a failure for the dental implant to integrate properly with the jawbone. This happens sometimes for patients who have an impaired healing factor, or who put too much pressure on their implants’ abutments during healing.
The other is infection. This is typically due to neglect, though it may happen in conjunction with poor osseointegration as slow healing can make disease more likely. In either case, bacteria can seep under the gumline and ravage the bone tissue, compromising its integrity.
This is part of why it’s important to deal with a loose dental implant quickly. If you don’t, the disease may spread and worsen, infecting other teeth. If you find that your dental implant is ever in poor condition, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to ensure that you get the best outcomes.
About the Author
Dr. Rob McVety derives enormous pleasure from his work. He thrives in the constantly evolving field of dentistry, which allows him to accumulate broad knowledge of his field and use that to produce better outcomes for his patients. Dr. McVety received his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He has pursued advanced education courses with the Advanced Implant Educators and the Spear Faculty club.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (207) 517-7008.