Is A Loose Dental Implant An Emergency?

Loose dental implants are one of the problems that patients encounter. An implant may become loose, causing discomfort and worry for the patient. While a loose dental implant may not be an emergency, it can lead to more dental problems if not treated on time. 

Our Plano dental implants professionals shall help you and provide you with the perfect dental care if you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, or swelling in the area of the loose implant, or if the implant has become noticeably loose.

Look for immediate attention from a dental implant dentist. Sometimes, a loose implant can lead to infection or other complications requiring urgent treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Loose Dental implants?

The signs of a loose dental implant may depend on the cause of the problem and its severity. 

Some common loose implant symptoms that you may experience are as follows – 

• Movement

If your implant is moving or wobbling, this is a clear sign that it has become loose. You may feel the movement when eating, talking, or touching the implant.

• Pain or discomfort

You may experience uneasiness or pain near the implant. It can be mild to severe pain and may be felt when chewing or biting down on the implant.

• Inflammation or swelling

You may notice redness, swelling, or inflammation, near the implant. This can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the area.

• Difficulty chewing or speaking

You may have difficulty chewing or speaking properly if your implant is loose. 

• Changes in bite

A loose implant can change how teeth come together and affect the bite. Depending on the symptoms, your dentist may need further diagnostics to ensure what caused the implant to loosen before providing any treatment.

Can a loose dental implant be fixed?

Yes, a loose dental implant can often be fixed, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Your dentist will evaluate your implant and the surrounding areas to determine the root cause.

Here is how to fix loose dental implants-

• Tightening the abutment screw

Sometimes, a loose dental implant can be fixed by simply tightening the abutment screw that connects the implant to the restoration. This can restore stability to the implant.

• Bone grafting

If the implant has become loose due to bone loss, your dental specialist may recommend a bone grafting procedure to restore the surrounding bone tissue and provide a stable foundation for the implant.

• Gum treatment 

If the implant has become loose due to gum disease, your dental specialist may recommend gum treatment such as scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery to restore the health of the surrounding tissues.

• Implant replacement 

If the implant has become damaged or failed due to a mechanical problem, it may need to be replaced entirely.

These are some treatments based on the cause behind loose implants.

Why is my dental implant loose?

Many factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or a mechanical problem with the implant, can cause a loose dental implant. A dental implant loose after one week may indicate that it failed to form a bond with the jawbone during osseointegration. 

Some others are – 

• An infection around the implant can cause bone loss and lead to the implant becoming loose.
• If too much pressure is applied to the implant during or after it has healed, it may become loose.
• If the implant is not placed correctly, it may become loose over time.
• Over time, the bones surrounding the implant may naturally reabsorb, making it loose.

These are some reasons why your dental implant may feel loose. Consult the emergency dentist if your symptoms are severe to get prompt treatment.

Restore Your Smile’s Health and Function with Dental Implants

Pinnacle dental clinic provides various dental implant services customized to your specific needs. Our experienced dental professionals create a personalized treatment plan that meets your goals.

Contact our highly skilled emergency dentist in Plano anytime you find any problem with your dental implants.