What to Do If Your Dental Implant Feels Loose

A dental implant is the most reliable method of replacing a missing tooth, with over a 95% success rate. Dental implants are proven to last for 30 years or more with the correct care, which is why you might be alarmed if your implant feels loose. It can be a sign of dental implant failure. Here’s what you should do if your dental implant feels wiggly.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

A dental implant is unique from any other treatment because it replicates both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as a new root. It will be hidden below your gums while supporting your customized restoration. Your jaw will fuse with the implant through the process called osseointegration, allowing it to potentially stay in place forever. 

You’ll benefit from unmatched stability, regaining up to 70% of your natural biting force. Your dental implant should never feel loose after your bone has healed. If you notice changes to the stability of your implant, it’s wise to see a dentist right away.

Signs of Dental Implant Failure

Less than 5% of patients will experience dental implant failure. A leading cause of complications is a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. It is like gum disease and can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, including your jawbone. Initially, symptoms of the infection can appear as redness, inflammation, and bleeding near the implant. With no treatment, bone loss can occur, causing your implant to loosen over time.

Don’t Wait to Contact Your Dentist

Symptoms of peri-implantitis or a loose dental implant aren’t anything to ignore. Your dentist can treat the infection to stop dental implant failure if you don’t delay treatment. If your implant is loose, many things can be the cause, like a damaged restoration, which is easy to replace. However, it can also be a sign of a serious problem, like bone loss. Your implant may need to be removed and replaced after a bone grafting procedure. 

The sooner you receive treatment, the better the odds for a positive outcome. Your implant dentist will find the source of the instability to create the personalized plan you need to enjoy a complete, healthy smile.

About Dr. Mark Simeone

Dr. Simeone earned his dental degree from Temple University’s Kornberg Dental School and has continued his education regularly in various specialties, including full mouth rehabilitation, dental implants, and bone grafting. He is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Schedule an appointment through his website or call his office at (610) 364-5501.