Dental implants are designed to be a stable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, it should feel just as secure as a natural tooth. So, if your dental implant suddenly feels loose, it’s important not to ignore it. Although the problem isn’t always with the implant itself, a loose implant or restoration should be evaluated by your dentist as soon as possible.
Here’s what you should do if your dental implant feels loose.
Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself
If your implant feels wobbly, resist the urge to wiggle it or tighten it yourself. Applying pressure to the area can make the problem worse and potentially damage the implant, surrounding bone, or restoration.
In many cases, what feels like a loose implant is actually a loose dental crown or abutment (the connector that attaches the crown to the implant). These issues often require professional adjustment, but they should never be repaired at home.
Contact Your Dentist Promptly
The sooner you schedule an appointment, the better. Your dentist will examine the implant, take X-rays if necessary, and determine the source of the problem.
A loose restoration is often a relatively straightforward fix. However, if the implant itself has lost stability due to bone loss, infection, or another issue, early treatment offers the best chance of preventing further complications.
Prompt care can make a significant difference in preserving your implant.
Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
Until your appointment, try not to chew with the side of your mouth where the loose implant is located. Stick to softer foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky items that could place additional stress on the implant or restoration.
Keeping pressure off the area may help prevent further movement while you wait to be evaluated.
Continue Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Even if your implant feels loose, it’s still important to keep the area as clean as possible. Brush gently around the implant and continue flossing carefully unless your dentist gives you different instructions.
Good oral hygiene helps reduce bacteria that could contribute to inflammation or infection around the implant.
What Causes a Dental Implant to Feel Loose?
Several issues can make an implant seem unstable. Common causes include:
- A loose implant crown or abutment screw.
- Excessive biting forces or teeth grinding.
- Trauma or injury to the mouth.
- Peri-implantitis, an infection affecting the tissues around the implant.
- Bone loss that reduces support for the implant.
Only a dental examination can determine the exact cause and the appropriate treatment.
A dental implant should never feel loose. Whether the issue involves the crown, the connector, or the implant itself, timely care is essential to protect your oral health and your investment. If you’ve noticed movement, discomfort, or changes around your dental implant, contact your dentist right away.
About the Practice
The gold standard in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth is dental implants, and if you’re interested in them, we would be happy to serve you on your journey to a brand-new smile. For your convenience, we handle the entire process, start-to-finish, under 1 roof, so there’s no need for a referral to a specialist. To make your treatment affordable, we offer flexible financing so you can focus on your care, not paying for it. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment online or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.