Loose teeth might be cute when you’re a kid, but once you’re an adult, they should stay firmly rooted in place. However, if you’ve lost one or more teeth as an adult, you know that’s not always the case. Once you’ve gotten your teeth replaced with dental implants, they should stay in place, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always how things work. There are a few different reasons why your implant might come loose. To learn what you can do about it, read this guide on loose dental implants.
How to Recognize a Loose Dental Implant
If your implant is wiggling around, then that’s an obvious sign that it’s loose. However, there are more subtle symptoms that your implant isn’t as firm as it could be. These include:
- Bleeding when touched
- Pain
- Discoloration in the area
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Even if these don’t sound familiar to you, be sure to schedule a dental checkup if you haven’t already. Regular appointments can help your dentist make sure everything to do with your implant is going smoothly.
Why Your Dental Implant Might Be Loose
It might not be your dental implant itself that’s loose. It could just be the crown that’s on top of the implant. Your dentist may just need to screw the crown on tighter or replace it. This is certainly easier than replacing the entire implant.
One reason your implant might be loose is that it failed to integrate fully with your jawbone. You might not have had enough healthy jawbone tissue to support the implant. If your implant feels loose within the first year, it’s likely that failed integration is to blame.
Another reason might be peri-implantitis, the most common form of gum disease associated with dentures. If you notice red, tender, or receding gums early enough, then proper oral hygiene and a round of antibiotics might be all that’s needed to treat the condition. However, if the disease has progressed, your implant dentist may need to remove the implant and treat the area before replacing it.
If you think your dental implant has come loose, contact your dentist right away to have them look at it. Learn to recognize the signs of a loose implant so it has a higher chance of being saved.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell loves helping nervous patients feel calm in the dental chair, which is why she received a Mastership in the College of Sedation Dentistry. If you’re apprehensive about getting your dental implant looked at, or if you need dental implants in Jonesboro, AR, contact Dr. Yarnell by calling (870) 932-8488.