Dental Implant Moving
A dental implant can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, even an entire arch or both arches! A dental implant is a permanent dental restoration and is meant to remain in place. Implants are surgically placed directly into the bone so if an implant is mobile, this could be an indication that the implant is failing due to a structural problem with the implant itself or even loss of bone structure.
If you are looking to have a full implant supported dentures, you will need multiple implants placed throughout your mouth. If your dentist believes that you may be a candidate for dental implants, they will refer you to either an oral surgeon or a periodontist for further evaluation. If your implant surgeon determines that you are indeed a candidate for dental implants, they will schedule you for surgery!
Implant Placement Surgery
To begin, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the area or areas being treated. They will then make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a small hole directly into the jawbone in which they will place the titanium implant. The gum tissue is then stitched up around the implant, leaving a small bit protruding through the gum tissue onto it the implant restoration will be attached.
Dental implants can take up to six months to heal and become fully integrated with the jawbone. During this time, you will wear a temporary tooth that will not only serve to disguise your missing tooth but it will also provide an additional layer of protection to the healing implant. The integration of the implant and the jawbone are what provides a stable foundation for the restoration! In the event that an implant becomes loose, there may be an underlying issue or an infection at the implant.
Even with a success rate of 95%-97%, there is always a possibility that an issue can come about. A loose implant can be an indicator of a larger problem which could include bone loss, peri-implantitis, or an infection at the implant.
How do I know if I have a loose implant?
In addition to obvious mobility, other indications that you may have a loose implant include:
- Painful and/or swollen gum tissue at the implant
- Bleeding at the implant
- Inability to bite or chew properly
If something feels loose at your implant site, it may not necessarily be your actual implant. Dental implants are made of three parts and any of them can become loose.
Temporary Abutment
While your implant is healing, a temporary abutment is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and infection. If it comes loose, it can fall off but is not necessarily an emergency. Simply get to your Dentist as soon as you can to have it replaced. If you do not have the abutment put back on, your gum tissue can grow over your implant and would then have to be cut away to uncover the implant before it can be restored with your permanent dental prosthesis.
Implant Crown
The crown on your implant can come loose and is usually a simple fix! Chances are strong that your Dentist will simply need to tighten the screw securing your implant crown onto your implant.
Feeling something loose at your implant site is not an immediate emergency but it should be tended to by your Dentist within 48 hours to avoid damaging the implant itself. Try not to chew on your implant until you have it fixed as chewing on a loose implant can cause further damage or even break one of the components.
When To See Your Dentist
It is important that you see your Dentist as soon as you can, even if you are not feeling any pain. Your Dentist will take a look at your implant by carefully removing the crown to see the implant and will also take an x-ray to see the underlying bone structure and ensure that nothing is going on below the gum tissue. In some cases, the problem may be an issue with how your bone is healing, especially if you are noticing movement shortly after you had your implant placed.
In the event that you cannot get to your Dentist within a day or two, stick to soft foods and try your best not to chew on the implant site. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and dental care while the implant is loose to avoid developing gum disease or peri-implantitis.
If you have developed a bacterial infection that is causing your loose implant, your Dentist may give you a prescription for an antibiotic to clear it up. If your implant is not viable after the infection has cleared, you may need to have the implant removed before a new one is placed. You could also require a bone graft before the new implant is placed to make sure there is enough bone structure.
Preventing Implant Failure
Dental implants have a very high success rate and minimal risk of complication but there is always a possibility the implant will fail. An implant can fail due to poor oral hygiene, loss of bone mass, or other underlying medical conditions. Even if an implant fails, you may still be able to receive a new one after a bone graft! Zygomatic implants do not need a significant amount of jaw bone structure because they are actually anchored in the cheekbone, therefore, if you cannot have a new traditional implant placed, you may still be a candidate for a zygomatic implant.
To avoid problems with your implant, it is important to maintain a good oral care routine at home and to visit your Dentist regularly for professional cleanings and annual x-rays. X-rays can help identify problems as they develop and hopefully, they can be caught before they turn into a more serious problem. Your Dentist may also advise you to have a night guard made to protect your implant and the rest of your natural teeth from bruxism (unconscious clenching and grinding in your sleep).