Dental implants can become loose or fail right after your surgery or years later. There are a variety of factors that could cause this problem, and although it rarely happens, it’s still a good idea to be prepared. Armed with the right preventive precautions and knowledge to prevent loose implants from failing, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your restoration and minimize any further damage to your mouth. Read on to learn what could be causing your loose implants and how to handle the situation.
Possible Causes of Loose Dental Implants
The dental implant procedure utilizes the latest and greatest technology and techniques in dentistry to provide patients with strong, durable replacement teeth. While over 95 percent of placed implants are a success, without the proper care or because of complications, they can become loose or even fail. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Loose Restoration. It may not be your dental implant that is loose, but the restoration itself. If this is the case, it’s nothing serious, just be sure to have your implant dentist take a look at it as soon as possible.
- Bone Loss. A loose implant can also be a sign that the titanium post hasn’t properly fused with your jawbone, resulting in bone loss. This is a sign of a failed implant and typically would occur within the first year of your procedure.
- Peri-implantitis. Without good oral hygiene or if you’re taking certain medication, you may notice early signs of gum disease. Because of this, your dentist may need to remove the implant, treat your gums to restore their health, and replace your restoration to keep your mouth from sustaining even more damage.
Identifying a Loose Dental Implant
Knowing what signs to look out for can help you know when to contact your dentist and reduce your risk of experiencing severe oral damage. If the implant is loose, moving around in your mouth, or has completely fallen out, call your dentist immediately. Some other signs that you may notice include:
- Oral pain or discomfort
- Changes to your facial structure, often a result of bone loss
- Bleeding gums when they’re touched
- Discoloration around the implant site
Reducing Your Risk of Implant Failure
Keeping your implants looking and feeling healthy is a lot easier than you may think. With routine preventive care like semi-annual checkups and cleanings with your implant dentist paired with a good oral hygiene routine, you should be able to enjoy your new teeth for decades to come.
When it comes to identifying signs of failing implants, the sooner you contact your dentist about the issue, the better. Remember that early treatment for these problems could save your restorations and keep you from needing invasive or costly dental treatments down the road!
About the Author Dr. Thomas Gromling’s dental career has spanned over 40 years. He brings the latest advancements and techniques to his patients by providing them with modern solutions such as dental implants. He regularly takes continuing education courses to sharpen his skills and keep up-to-date with recent findings in his field. He is also an active member of over 10 professional organizations, allowing him to give his patients the high-quality and trustworthy dental care they deserve. For questions or to schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit his website or call 540- 869-4377.