LEARN ABOUT OUR SAFETY COMMITMENT
Menu
- New Patients:
- 727-219-1369
- Current patients:
- 727-494-7179
Menu
Experiencing a loose dental implant is quite common among those who have opted to replace their natural teeth with implants. There are various reasons why an implant might become loose, and many of these reasons do not indicate a failure of the implant itself.
If you feel that your dental implant is loose, it could be indicative of other oral health issues, and it’s crucial to discuss this with your dentist.
Knowing how to fix loose dental implants and when to schedule an appointment with your dentist can help you deal with the situation proactively and protect the investment you have made for your smile.
Dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots meant to support or replace missing teeth, thereby restoring oral functionality. Approximately 56.3% of people choose implants as their treatment option among various alternatives.
Despite being securely placed by your dentist, implants can occasionally become unstable due to factors such as improper integration, poor bone quality, or excessive biting force on the implant.
When an implant becomes loose, it is a worrisome sign that requires attention. This typically happens due to implant failure or improper attachment to the abutment. Ignoring this instability can lead to discomfort, tissue irritation, and even infection.
Consequently, simple activities such as speaking or chewing can become more difficult and painful.
Before finding out how to fix loose dental implants, it is important to know what the causes are behind them.
An infection can arise when bacteria infiltrate your gums, sinus, or jawbone, resulting in an abscess around the dental implant area. This situation demands prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading and to avoid potential future complications with the implant.
Accurate positioning and proper sizing are crucial for implants to successfully integrate with surrounding structures. Any deviations from the optimal fit can result in instability over time, leading to you finding solutions on how to fix loose dental implants.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is vital for the health of dental appliances. Failing to brush, floss, and get professional cleanings regularly can result in plaque buildup and bacterial infections, which can cause the appliance to become unstable.
Similar to natural teeth, dental implants endure wear and tear, especially when exposed to excessive pressure from chewing and biting. Over time, this can weaken the connection between the implant and the bone, causing the implant to loosen.
Gum disease often leads to loose dental implants by damaging the bone and surrounding tissue where the implant is situated. Without consistent good oral hygiene habits, the risk of developing periodontal disease increases.
Sufficient bone density is essential for the long-term success of dental implants. Lack of adequate bone support can jeopardize stability, often due to bone loss
Schedule a visit to your dentist when you notice a dental implant feeling loose. It’s particularly urgent if you are experiencing signs of infection, such as bleeding, pus, or swollen gums. If left untreated, the infection could worsen and impact your overall health.
At your appointment, your dentist will assess the implant and try to determine the cause of the looseness. You may simply need a new restoration. However, if issues like failed osseointegration or jawbone damage are identified, it might be necessary to remove the implant. This could be followed by a bone graft and treatment to address any infection.
After these procedures, you may need to wait several months for your jawbone to integrate the grafted material and for your body to recover from the infection. Once healing is complete, your dentist may then consider placing a new implant.
Sometimes, the implant becomes loose due to issues with the abutment or dental crown. Adjusting or replacing these components can often resolve the problem.
If the implant itself is loose but the surrounding structures are intact, the dentist may be able to re-tighten it to restore stability.
If the issue is related to inadequate bone support, a bone graft may be performed to build up the bone and improve the implant’s stability.
If the implant has failed or cannot be stabilized, it may need to be removed and replaced with a new one after addressing any underlying issues.
If an infection is present, antibiotic treatment can help eliminate the infection and reduce inflammation, which can help stabilize the implant.
If you are looking for ways how to fix your loose dental implant, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as you notice that your dental implants have become loose to ensure they are repaired promptly and properly. Your dentist will evaluate the situation and decide if the implants need to be tightened, removed, or replaced.
In the meantime, be cautious when eating and try to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods until you can see your dentist.
If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for dental implants or are looking for solutions on how to fix a loose dental implant, schedule an appointment with Precision Dental.
Fixed, not removable
Costs an average of around $2,500+ depending on the type of material chosen and the number of teeth required- another factor is the type of bridge
Requires 2 or more appointments over the course of a few weeks
Usually requires replacement after about 10 to 15 years, may last about 10 with proper care and maintenance
Fixed, not removable
Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration. Hybrid options cost an average of $12,000 per arch
Requires multiple appointments over several months to a year or more
Implant screw should last a lifetime but the restoration may need to be replaced after about 20 years
Friday (Good Friday)
9 AM–2 PM Hours might differ
