The success rate of dental implants really can’t be understated. Studies give them a rate of 90%, sometimes more. In the vast majority of situations, you can rely on dental implants and expect them to stand the test of time for several decades.
However, if your dental implant does come loose, you’re going to want to know what you should do! Keep reading so you can be prepared.
Signs You Need a Fix
A wiggly dental implant is definitely a sign it needs to be fixed by a qualified professional, but there are other indications you should watch out for as well. Here’s a general list:
- Discomfort while chewing
- Inflamed, recessed, or bleeding gums
- Discoloration around the area
Basically, if your oral health seems to have taken a negative turn, or if you have oral discomfort, you should request a dental appointment promptly.
Why Your Dental Implant Might Be Loose
There are several reasons why your dental implant might have come loose. Physical trauma, injury, improper osseointegration with the jawbone, infection, and gum disease name just a few. In cases of infection or gum disease, the condition will have to be taken care of before you can receive new implants. Otherwise, you’ll likely encounter another round of complications!
Your Dentist’s Solutions
Ultimately, your dentist has three options for salvaging and repairing your dental implant, depending on which parts need to be adjusted or replaced. For example:
- If the crown is loose, your dentist may only need to re-cement it in place, or they may need to provide you with a new one.
- A faulty abutment makes up about 33% of loose dental implant cases, making it the most common reason for wiggly false teeth. It will likely need replaced, and to access it, your dentist will also have to unscrew and temporarily remove the crown.
- When the implant post is the cause of the problem, it’s a bit trickier to fix. This is the part that’s supposed to fuse with the jawbone, so if it comes free, you might need a bone graft or other additional treatment to give the post sufficient support.
Only a qualified dentist is able to diagnose the reason behind your loose implant and provide treatment. That makes it important to contact your dentist as soon as you notice an issue with your prosthetic! Fill them in on the situation, and they’ll help you as soon as possible.
About the Practice
Dr. Keith Lisonbee and Dr. Dan Henry are highly experienced dentists that make a fantastic team! Dr. Lisonbee has completed advanced dental implant training at Implant Pathway and has a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Henry, meanwhile, is skilled with oral surgery and is an active member of the American Academy of Operative Dentistry. Together, they’re able to perform the entire dental implant process in-house at Patriot Dental – including salvage and repair. If you’re concerned about your dental implant or simply want to know more about this prosthetic, contact their office at 850-477-1120.