Dental implants are unlike any other form of tooth replacement. Their success rate remains at 95% upon initial placement and in many cases, stays around the same even after 10 years. While most patients never experience issues with these permanent teeth, others may discover their custom tooth replacements begin to loosen over time. Why does this happen, and what can be done to address it? Keep reading to find out.
Why Do Dental Implants Become Loose?
Dentists who have treated loose dental implants often attribute this problem to a few different reasons:
- Peri-implantitis: Similar to gum disease, peri-implantitis forms when bacteria attack the gum tissues surrounding the dental implant, causing it to become inflamed and loose.
- Failed osseointegration: If the implant does not fuse with the bone and surrounding tissues, it will not form a firm foundation to support customized teeth. This can be caused by smoking or poor oral hygiene.
- Autoimmune disorder: Compromised immune systems make it harder for the body to heal, which can make osseointegration significantly more difficult.
- Poor initial placement: If a dentist places the implant but does not position it correctly or deep enough, it will likely fail.
Of all of the reasons mentioned, peri-implantitis is the most likely reason for implant failure. When a person refuses to take proper care of their teeth and gums, real and artificial ones can be impacted, resulting in extensive treatment to try and alleviate the problem.
What Should You Do About a Loose Implant?
If a loose dental implant exists, visiting an emergency dentist right away will improve one’s chances of fixing the problem and restoring their smile for a healthier future.
After a dentist thoroughly examines the problem tooth, a fabricated treatment plan will be presented, discussing what kind of service is necessary to produce effective results.
If peri-implantitis is the problem, the dentist will likely administer gum disease treatment to remove existing plaque and tartar. Depending on the severity, a bone graft may be required before reinserting the dental implant.
Failed osseointegration, poor placement, and an autoimmune disorder may require seeking help from a reliable implant dentist who has experience with this type of treatment or talking to your physician about how to better manage your health condition so that dental implant failure doesn’t occur in the future.
It’s also possible that a loose dental implant may just be the crown or restoration that is not secured as tightly as it should be. If this is the case, a dentist will either need to replace it with a new one or recement the crown, bridge, or denture for a more secure fit.
Just because a dental implant becomes loose doesn’t mean all hope is gone concerning a patient’s future smile. The inconvenience of a failed prosthetic can mean a more durable, stronger, and longer-lasting smile that a person can enjoy for a lifetime.
About the Practice
Indy Dental Group consists of a host of qualified and knowledgeable dentists who fully understand the complexities associated with tooth loss and dental implants. Providing the entire procedure in-house for greater convenience, we help patients maintain healthier smiles during and after treatment, working diligently to prevent potential failure. However, should it happen, we encourage patients to contact us at (317) 846-6125 for an appointment.