Like natural teeth, dental implants shouldn’t feel wiggly or loose. In fact, one of the advantages they have over traditional dentures is superior stability – they aren’t supposed to slip out of place! A loose dental implant typically means something is wrong with your oral health or the restoration itself. Here’s what you should do.
Request An Appointment & Be Careful with Your Implant
Call your implant dentist immediately and explain the situation in as much detail as possible. Did your implant become loose suddenly, or did you experience an accident or injury? Do you feel discomfort in addition to the looseness, or are you otherwise fine? Information like this will help your implant team understand the severity of your circumstance and provide effective guidance.
It’s also important to:
- Avoid chewing with the side of your mouth that has the loose implant
- Pay close attention to symptoms like swelling, bleeding, and pus (and call your dentist if they worsen)
- Refrain from touching the implant or attempting to repair your restoration
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing
How Dentists Treat Loose Implants
Identifying the reason why your dental implant is loose is essential to providing effective treatment. The very first thing your dentist will do is examine your restoration and take X-rays of your mouth. Depending on what they find, they might recommend removing the implant, repairing the restoration, or addressing your oral health. For example:
- Damage to the dental implant itself can loosen the connection between it and the crown, bridge, or denture it’s attached to. The best solution in this scenario is often to remove and replace the implant.
- Similarly, a damaged restoration can break free of the implant. The implant might be perfectly fine, but your crown, bridge, or denture will need to be repaired.
- Gum disease can wreak havoc on the gums, to the point where the tissue is unable to support your dental implant. As a result, the implant comes loose. Before you can receive a replacement, the gum disease will have to be eliminated.
While uncommon, it is possible for a loose dental implant restoration to become unsalvageable. If this happens, you may have to consider an alternative tooth replacement option. Whatever the situation, though, your implant dentist will make sure you’re well-informed. They’ll review their findings with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Call them ASAP, and you’ll be taken care of promptly!
About the Practice
At Valer Dental & Braces, we have a top-notch team of experienced orthodontic and dental professionals, including Dr. Erika Belle, who has advanced training in dental implant treatments. If your implant feels loose, contact our Coors office at 505-458-4888 or our Eubank location at 505-544-2054. We’ll guide you through any necessary first-aid and make sure you’re scheduled for the next available appointment!