Dental implants are designed to provide a stable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Although implant treatment has a very high long-term success rate, problems can occasionally occur. In some cases, patients may notice that the implant restoration feels loose. Determining whether the implant itself, the crown, or the connecting abutment is loose is essential because the treatment differs for each situation. Dental implants procedure in some patients do experience problems with their dental implants loose overtime.
Who Is This Article For?
- Patients with dental implants
- Individuals experiencing implant movement
- People considering implant treatment
- Patients wanting to prevent implant complications
- Anyone interested in long-term implant care
When do Dental Implants Loose?
Loosing an implant is when the implant moves from its original position. It may become loose or even dislodged from the surrounding bone. After dental implant surgery, there is the potential for an implant to become loose. However, if this happens, it can be treated. Loosing an implant is different to an abutment being loose. An abutment helps the implant to stay in place.
There are a number of reasons why dental implants might loosen or even come out completely. The first thing to understand is that loosening of the implant is more likely to occur in the first year after implant placement, when the bone is still forming around the implant. This is a normal part of the healing process; however, if the implant comes loose before that first year is up, this indicates a problem.
How Often Can Dental Implants Come Loose?
Dental implants are designed to remain firmly integrated with the jawbone. The implant fixture itself should not normally become loose once healing and integration have occurred. However, patients may sometimes feel movement because the implant crown, bridge, abutment or connecting screw has loosened. These technical complications are generally more common than movement of the implant fixture itself and may often be repaired without removing the implant. A systematic review of single implant crowns reported abutment-screw loosening in approximately 4.6% of cases and crown loosening in approximately 4.3% over the evaluated follow-up period. The actual risk varies according to the implant system, restoration, bite forces and maintenance.Β
What to do if your implant is coming loose?
If you think your dental implant is coming loose, there are a few steps you can take to try and prevent the problem from worsening. First, you should seek advice from your dentist. He or she should be able to examine the implant and determine whether the problem is serious and what, if any, action should be taken.
Your dentist may advise you to increase your flossing routine or change your brushing technique. In certain cases, you prescribe antibiotics to help fight any potential infection. If the problem persists, your dentist may recommend that you see an orthodontist or an endodontist. These specialists may be able to help you keep your implant in place.
Which Part of the Dental Implant Is Loose?
A dental implant restoration normally contains several components:
- The implant placed inside the jawbone
- The abutment connecting the implant to the tooth
- A retaining screw or dental cement
- The visible crown, bridge or fixed teeth
When a patient says that an implant is moving, the problem may involve any one of these components.
Loose implant crown
The crown may move because the cement has lost retention or the connecting screw has loosened.
Loose abutment or prosthetic screw
The screw joining the restoration to the implant may loosen because of repeated bite forces, an unsuitable bite, component wear or excessive loading.
Loose implant fixture
When the implant inside the bone moves, it may indicate loss of integration, infection, progressive bone loss or implant failure. This requires prompt clinical assessment.
What Are the Signs of a Loose Dental Implant?
- Movement while chewing or touching the tooth
- Clicking or rocking of the implant crown
- Pain while biting
- A change in the bite
- Food repeatedly becoming trapped around the implant
- Bleeding, swelling or pus around the implant
- A bad taste or persistent bad breath
- Gum recession or visible implant components
- Difficulty chewing on the affected side
Tips to prevent your implant from becoming loose
- Make sure you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and oral examinations. This way, any potential problems picked up and treated early.
- Be careful about what you eat and drink. Avoid foods or drinks with a high impact on your teeth. – Stay healthy. A healthy body equipped to fight off bacteria and infections, which could exacerbate any dental implant issues.
- Donβt smoke. Smoking may increase your risk of gum disease and make the bone around your implant weaker.
- Be wary of other oral health products you may be using. Products like mouthwash or dental floss may increase your risk of gum disease and other issues.
- If you have loose teeth, fix them. Loose teeth are more likely to come out completely, which could result in more serious dental issues.
Dental implant removal and replacement
If the situation severe, then a dental implant removal may be recommended. In some cases, the surrounding bone removed to remove the existing implant. The bone removal procedure is osteotomy. If gum disease is a factor, the teeth above the implant to be removed so that the gum tissues treated. After the gum tissues have healed, a new implant placed.
Final Words
Dental implants do not commonly become loose when they are properly integrated, restored and maintained. However, implant crowns, bridges and connecting screws can occasionally loosen over time. The most important step is to identify whether the movement comes from the visible restoration or from the implant inside the bone. Early examination may allow a relatively simple repair and help prevent further damage.
FAQs
Is slight movement of a dental implant normal?
No. The implant fixture inside the jawbone should not move. A small amount of movement may instead be coming from the crown, bridge or connecting screw and should be examined.
Can a loose implant screw be tightened?
It can often be tightened or replaced, but the dentist should first determine why it became loose. The bite and fit of the restoration may also need correction.
Can a loose implant heal again by itself?
A loose crown or screw will not normally tighten by itself. A mobile implant fixture also requires professional assessment and should not be expected to reintegrate without identifying the cause.
Does a loose implant always need to be removed?
No. A loose crown, bridge or screw may often be repaired. Removal may be required when the implant fixture itself has lost integration, fractured or developed extensive surrounding bone loss.
Can teeth grinding loosen a dental implant?
Grinding and clenching can place additional stress on implant screws and restorations. A bite adjustment or night guard may be recommended in suitable patients.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for patient education only. Dental treatment should be planned after clinical examination, medical history review, and X-rays or scans where required. Treatment suitability, cost, timeline, healing, and results vary from patient to patient.
