Dental implants are intended to mimic the strength and stability of natural teeth. They should remain firmly in their places! When you notice movement or instability, therefore, it is a sign that something is not right. Addressing this concern quickly is important for protecting your oral health and your investment in your smile. In this informative blog post, you will discover why a dental implant may feel loose and what steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Why Does Your Implant Feel Loose?
There are a number of reasons why your dental implant may feel loose:
- Loose abutment screw: The screw connecting your implant to the crown might loosen, leading to movement in your restoration (the prosthetic tooth on top of the implant).
- Crown problems: Sometimes, the restoration attached to the implant becomes loose or sustains damage, even if the implant itself remains perfectly healthy and secure.
- Bone loss: If the bone supporting your implant deteriorates, the implant may lose stability and start to move. This could happen due to injury, degenerative conditions, or other factors.
- Gum infection: Infection or inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding your implant can threaten its stability and even compromise your bone health.
Any of these issues can affect the function of your implant and constitute a reason to seek help right away.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your dental implant feels loose, prompt action is crucial. Acting quickly may mean the difference between a simple fix and a more complex (and expensive!) solution. The first thing you should do when you notice a loose implant is contact your dental team to request an appointment. They can determine the cause of the issue and propose a treatment plan.
Prior to visiting your dentist, you can reduce the risk of additional harm to your implant by taking these steps:
- Avoid chewing on the affected implant: Refrain from using that area for eating, biting, or chewing to help prevent further damage.
- Keep the area clean: Brush and rinse gently to lower the risk of infection, but take care not to disturb the implant.
- Do not attempt self-repair: Avoid touching, tightening, or removing the implant or crown on your own, since this may worsen the situation.
- Monitor for additional symptoms: Watch for pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus, and inform your dentist of any new developments.
How Your Dentist Can Help
When you visit your dentist, they will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the problem. Treatment options may include a simple repair, such as replacing or tightening the crown. If the issue is more severe, you may need to have the implant removed and replaced after the area heals.
Remember, you do not need to panic if your dental implant feels loose — but you do need to act quickly! Hopefully, you will soon be back to enjoying a strong, sturdy, and confident smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Robert Saphner is a highly skilled implant dentist. Under his leadership, our team offers a broad range of services, including implant placement and maintenance. If you are concerned about a loose prosthetic tooth, we are ready to evaluate the situation and advise you on your next steps. To request a consultation or learn more about how we can serve you, contact our La Crosse, WI, office at 608-668-6415.