Dental implants in Crown Point offer a comfortable, lifelike, and permanent solution to missing teeth. However, what should you do if yours begins to feel loose? While dental implants are designed to stay securely in place for decades to come, they can sometimes begin to lose their grip in your smile. Here’s what you need to know about loose dental implants and what you should do if you find yourself in this uncommon situation.
If My Dental Implant Is Loose, Does That Mean It’s Failing?
Dental implants have an astonishing success rate of around 98%, which means that failure is relatively unlikely if your implant is loose. Instead, it’s more likely that it’s a problem with the dental crown that sits on top of the titanium post in your jaw. However, you should always see your Crown Point dentist if your dental implant doesn’t feel right in any way. They’ll be able to confirm that your implant isn’t failing and restore your smile as soon as possible.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Loose Dental Implant?
Aside from your dental implant feeling loose, you may also notice symptoms like:
- Painful, swollen, or bleeding gums around your dental implant.
- Difficulty chewing or biting down properly.
- Discoloration around your dental implant.
Why Is the Crown on My Implant Tooth Loose?
There are only a few factors that can cause the crown on your dental implant tooth to loosen. These include:
- The screw can loosen: Your new tooth is held together by a small screw. On rare occasions, it can loosen and lose its grip on the titanium post that is firmly integrated with your jawbone. Thankfully, your dentist will typically be able to tighten it quickly and easily.
- The implant can break: While dental implants are designed to be incredibly durable, they’re not indestructible. Prolonged bad chewing habits, a blow to the face, or a powerful biting force can break the crown or metal abutment and cause it to loosen. While these components cannot usually be fixed, they can usually be replaced within a few weeks. However, if the titanium post breaks, it will need to be removed and you’ll need a new dental implant.
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Comes Loose?
The first thing you should do whenever you experience unusual or uncomfortable dental symptoms is call your dentist. They’ll be able to assess your situation over the phone and help you decide what steps you need to take next. If you are not asked to come into the office right away, be very careful not to chew on the side of your mouth with your dental implant and only eat soft foods. In some cases, your dentist may recommend buying a dental cement from your local pharmacy or grocery store to keep your implant crown in place temporarily.
Thankfully, it’s very uncommon for a dental implant to come loose. However, knowing what might cause this unsettling situation and how to react to it can help keep your smile healthy and your mind at ease!
About the Author
As a native of Crown Point, IN, Dr. Joe Ornelas is dedicated to the wellbeing of his friends, neighbors, and community. He is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and completes countless hours of continuing education in an array of topics. As a result, he is proud to offer the newest, most-effective dental treatments and services, including dental implants. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental implant, he encourages you to reach out via his website or at (219) 663-2892.