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When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have been considered the “gold standard” for quite some time. These nifty posts are capable of replicating the entire structure of lost teeth, which is something that traditional restorations cannot do on their own. Better yet, they can last for decades under the right care – but this doesn’t mean they’re entirely invincible. Unfortunately, certain circumstances can cause dental implants to feel loose or even fail entirely. If you have dental implants or are planning to get them in the future to replace your missing teeth, here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Dental Implants Become Loose?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are capable of fusing with a patient’s jawbone – so what causes them to become loose after they’ve integrated with the jaw? It can be a number of things, but the most common cause involves gum disease. Unchecked gum disease can compromise the tissue supporting the implant posts, causing them to loosen and fail over time. Osseointegration, which is the term for when the implants fuse with the bone tissue, might also not occur properly, resulting in implant failure.
In some cases, the crown portion of the implant can become loose due to biting down too hard on something, or due to physical trauma. It’s also possible for your implants to become loose if they weren’t properly placed, or if the implants themselves are made from less-than-adequate materials.
How Do I Know If My Dental Implant Is Loose?
A few common signs of dental implant looseness include:
- The crown portion of the implant is moving or falling out
- You experience pain, especially when chewing
- Your gums are inflamed, swollen, or bleed easily
- Your gums are receding or appear sunken-in
- There is discoloration in the affected area
What Should I Do If My Implant Feels Loose?
As soon as you notice that your dental implant feels loose, you should contact your dentist at once. A loose dental implant isn’t usually an emergency, but it is something that needs to be addressed urgently since the implant will likely fail without professional intervention. When you speak with your dentist, let them know how loose the implant feels, when you first started noticing the looseness, and whether you’re experiencing pain.
They’ll be able to take X-rays and look more closely at the area of concern and then come up with a customized treatment plan. In some situations, dental implant salvage is possible, such as if only the crown portion is compromised, but if things have become severe, implant replacement might be the only viable option.
In all cases, taking great care of your smile will do much to mitigate dental implant looseness and failure. This includes daily brushing and flossing combined with routine preventive dental care – though implants replace your teeth, they do not replace the need for diligent oral hygiene!
About the Practice
Here at Salmon Brook Dental, we proudly serve families in the Granby, CT community, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. We’re also thrilled to offer dental implants and can complete the entire process in-house! If you have any questions about the blog or you’re curious about receiving dental implants, feel free to visit our website or call us today for further information or assistance. Telephone: (860) 653-4551.