Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth or even an entire arch or both arches or tooth. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone and a fake tooth is secured in place on the implant. Dental implants are considered a permanent restoration and are meant to stay in place forever. If an implant becomes noble, it could be an indication that the implant is failing due to a structural problem with the implant or even a loss of bone structure.
Even with a success rate of 95%-97%, there is always a possibility that an issue can come about. A loose implant can be an indicator of a larger problem which could include bone loss, peri-implantitis, or an infection at the implant.
Your Dentist will help determine if you are a candidate for dental implants before they refer you to either an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist for further evaluation. If your implant doctor agrees that you are a candidate for dental implants, they will schedule you for implant placement surgery.
How are dental implants placed?
For a dental implant to be successful, it is vital to have sufficient burn structure to support the implant. For patients who do not have enough bone structure, they may require a bone graft surgery before the implant can be placed. A bone graft can be either a synthetic material, or a piece of bone that has been harvested from the patient or a donor cadaver. The bone graft is allowed to heal for a couple of months before the implant is placed.
When it is time for your implant placement surgery, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the area being treated and make a small incision and then come to issue. They will then drill a small hole directly into the jaw bone in which they will place the titanium implant. With a small portion of the implant left protruding through the gum tissue, the tissue is sutured together around the implant. A temporary abutment, or healing cap, is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and prevent infection while you heal.
Once your implant is in place, it is allowed to heal for up to six months in order to become fully integrated with a jaw bone to create a firm and stable base for your restoration. During your healing time, you will wear a temporary appliance to give you the appearance of a tooth and a complete smile and which will also provide an additional layer of protection to the implant. Osseointegration is the process in which the implant fuses to the bone structure. If at any time your implant becomes mobile, it may be an indication of an underlying issue or an infection at the implant.
How do I know if my implant is loose?
If something feels loose at your implant site, it may not necessarily be your actual implant. Dental implants are made of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the restoration, any of which can become loose.
In addition to obvious mobility, other indications that your implant has become loose include:
- Bleeding at the implant site
- Painful and/or swollen gum tissue at the implant
- Inability to bite or chew properly
Loose Abutment
While your implant is healing, a temporary abutment is placed over the implant to protect it from damage and infection. If it comes loose, it can fall off but is not necessarily an emergency. Simply get to your Dentist as soon as you can to have it replaced.
Loose Implant Crown
The crown or denture on your implant can come loose and is usually a quick fix. Chances are strong that your Dentist will simply need to tighten the screw securing your implant crown onto your implant.
Feeling something loose at your implant site is not necessarily an immediate emergency but it should be tended to by your Dentist within 48 hours to avoid damaging the implant itself. Try not to chew on your implant until you have it fixed as chewing on a loose implant can cause further damage or even break one of the components.
How do I know if I need to see my Dentist?
If you feel any mobility at your implant, it is important to see your dentist as soon as you can even if you are not feeling any pain. Your dentist will remove your implant restoration in order to access your implant. They will also take an x-ray of the area to examine the underlying bone structure and ensure that nothing is amiss below the gum line. If you are noticing movement shortly after your implant has been placed, your bone may not be healing properly. If you are unable to see your dentist within a couple of days, stick to soft foods and do not chew on the implant site.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for all implant patients but if the implant is loose, it is especially crucial to avoid developing gum disease or peri-implantitis. If a bacterial infection is because of your abuse implant, your Dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up. In the event that your implant is not viable after the infection has cleared, the implant may need to be removed in order for a new one to be placed. A bone graft may also be necessary before a new implant is placed to ensure proper bone structure.
How can I prevent implant failure?
Implants have a success rate of about 95% to 97% with minimal risk of complication but there is always a chance an implant can fail. Poor oral hygiene, loss of bone mass, or other underlying medical conditions can all have a negative impact on dental implants. Even if an implant does fail, you may still be able to receive a new one after a bone graft.
To prevent problems with your implant, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and annual x-rays. Dental x-rays can help diagnose problems as soon as they develop and hopefully, they can be caught before they turn into a bigger problem. Bruxism can also cause an implant to become loose. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of us do in our sleep. Your Dentist can make a custom night guard to help protect your implant and the rest of your teeth.
It is important to understand the risks as well as the benefits of dental implants. Your Dentist will help you learn how to care for your implant and how to know what might indicate a problem.