Dental implant placement has a high success rate of around 95%. This makes it one of the most popular and worthwhile forms of tooth replacement. Because they are known for their stability and longevity, millions of Americans are currently enjoying life with a newer, permanent smile. But there is a slight chance that a problem can occur, resulting in a loose dental implant or failure altogether. Should this happen to you, discover what might be the cause as well as what you can expect from your dentist when it comes to saving your smile.
My Dental Implant Feels Loose, What Should I Do?
Before determining how you should handle this situation, it’s important to understand what can cause a dental implant to loosen over time. In most cases, this is likely to occur during the osseointegration process; however, it can become a problem years later.
Some of the most common reasons for loosening dental implants or failure include:
- Peri-implantitis (infection) is similar to gum disease, as bacteria attack the gums surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation and negatively impact the structure and stability of the implant post, causing it to loosen over time and eventually fall out.
- Failed osseointegration because of unhealthy habits like smoking, incorrect placement, or lack of jawbone density that cannot adequately support the implant post.
- Same-day teeth placement, as the positioning of new teeth immediately following dental implant surgery can cause too much pressure to be applied to the posts. This results in overloading and the inability of dental implants to fuse with the bone tissues.
- Ill-formed prosthetics that are made from cheaper materials and do not allow for maximum stability when put into place.
If you begin to notice any of these issues, or if you discover something just doesn’t feel right, don’t delay in scheduling an appointment with your local dentist.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Once you’ve made an appointment with your dental team, it’s imperative that you undergo treatment as soon as possible to avoid the potential of failure or further damage to your mouth.
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination using digital imaging to see if the real problem exists with the post itself. It might be that the crown or abutment is loose, in which the problem can be easily fixed. However, if this is not the case, and the implant is damaged or loose, your dentist will need to determine the cause to recommend the appropriate treatment.
If caused by peri-implantitis, it may be necessary to remove the implant, administer appropriate periodontal treatment, and fill in the deteriorating bone with grafting materials. Then, you and your dentist can discuss the prospect of placing another implant post.
No matter how your dentist chooses to address the problem, you can expect that the issue will be resolved as quickly as possible, using the most reliable techniques. With the right dental team, you can continue to enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile for decades to come.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Are you looking for a qualified dental group to take care of your oral healthcare needs? At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we have three expert dental professionals who have years of experience and are committed to learning more about the field through continuing education. Offering comprehensive services designed to improve smiles and ensure optimal oral health, patients can trust us to repair, rebuild, and restore smiles of all types and ages. If you’re looking to replace a few missing teeth with dental implants, call our dental office today.