Dental implants are usually successful, but complications may arise after the procedure. One of the common complications is a loose dental implant.
A loose dental implant is a dental emergency that needs urgent attention to avoid further complications or damage. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe problems like implant failure, infection, and bone loss, making it more difficult to place a new implant in the future.
Understand the symptoms of loose dental implants
Symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and implant movement can identify a loose dental implant. These can be redness and swelling around the implant. Other symptoms are as follows.
- Movement: The implant may feel loose or wobbly when touched or chewed.
- Swelling: The area around the implant may appear swollen or red.
- Difficulty eating: You may have difficulty eating or feel like the implant is getting in the way.
- Gum recession: The gums around the implant may start to recede, exposing more of the implant.
See your dentist in the first place if you feel these problems with your dental implants to prevent more severe problems.
Can a loose dental implant be fixed?
Yes, a loose dental implant can be fixed. However, the cure for a loose implant depends on the problem’s severity. If the implant is only slightly loose, the dentist may be able to tighten it by simply adjusting the abutment. However, if the implant is significantly loose, it may require more extensive treatment.
How to fix loose dental implants?
The treatment for a loose dental implant involves removing the crown and abutment to access the implant. The dentist will then evaluate the implant’s condition and surrounding bone.
If the implant is stable and the bone is healthy, the dentist may be able to tighten it by cleaning it and adjusting the abutment. However, if the implant is unstable, the dentist may need to remove it completely and start the process again.
Sometimes, patients may need a bone graft to build up the surrounding bone before placing a new implant.
What if a dental implant loose after 1 week?
If your dental implant feels loose just one week after the procedure, it could be due to a few different reasons:
Poor healing
The implant may fall free if the titanium implant post does not correctly integrate with the jawbone during healing.
Infection
An infection around the implant site may lead to a loose implant. Infection can happen due to a lack of proper oral hygiene after the surgery or improper implant placement.
Overloading
Chewing hard or sticky foods or grinding your teeth can put excessive pressure on the implant, causing it to become loose.
Implant failure
An implant may fail due to poor bone quality, or inadequate surgical technique can lead to a loose implant.
If your implant feels loose after just one week, consult with the emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will better identify the root cause of the issue and suggest the best course of action to resolve it.
Smile confidently again with the best dental implants
Once you have received your dental implants, it is important to maintain them properly to ensure their longevity and functionality. Our Emergency Dentist, offers implant care services to help you keep your implants healthy and strong.