Dental implants are the most secure replacement option out there today. They have three main parts: the titanium post that anchors to your jawbone for maximum stability, the visible and cosmetically pleasing crown, and the abutment that fastens the two together. The vast majority of the time, these pieces remain interlocked for the duration of your implant’s lifespan.
However, it’s not unreasonable for you to wonder if your dental implant could ever become loose. It’s a very rare occurrence, but not impossible. Keep reading so that if your precious replacement ever starts wiggling, you’ll know why and what to do!
Why Dental Implants Might Go Slack
When things go wrong, it’s human nature to wonder why. Here are some reasons why a dental implant might feel detached:
- The parts and pieces that make up your implant could be less-than-stable.
- Sometimes, excessive teeth grinding or bite misalignment can put too much pressure on your dental implant, and gradually wiggle it loose.
- If the oral supports that hold your implant in place become weak or thin due to gum disease or an oral infection, it could start to slip out of socket.
- There are rare cases where a dental implant failed to fully integrate with the jawbone in the first place.
It’s important to note that your dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly before placing a dental implant. Part of the reason this treatment has a 95% success rate is dentists are diligent about taking care of preexisting conditions like gum disease and thin jawbones first.
Actions to Take for Loose Dental Implants
The very first thing you should do is call your emergency dentist! They’ll help you arrange an appointment for fixing your implant, of course, but they can also walk you through first-aid steps over-the-phone. Here are other actions you should take:
- Investigate your wiggly replacement, looking for signs of bleeding, loose parts, or damage.
- Avoid using your implant – try not to touch it or chew with it!
- Carefully and gently brush your implant and the surrounding area. The last thing you want is an infection on top of a slack prosthetic, and this will help mitigate that risk.
When you arrive for your problem-solving appointment, your dentist will see you as soon as possible and conduct their own investigation of your implant. This might involve taking X-rays to check on your oral supports. Whatever they find, they’ll be sure to review with you in detail. Then you and your dentist can focus on developing an effective dental implant salvage plan.
Shakey prosthetics are nerve-wracking, but you can take comfort in the fact that dentists are often able to solve the underlying issue. Modern technology and a skilled hand can conqueror a lot of complications!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong has an impressive and interesting list of hands-on dental experience that make him well-suited for solving loose dental implants. Perhaps the most notable is that he has completed advanced dental implant training with Nobel Biocare, who are known for quality education. Whether you require A.S.A.P. help with your dental implant or are just wanting a checkup, you’ll be in good hands with Dr. Brong! To contact his office, call 507-288-1066.
