Dental implants in Cambridge are the most successful solution to treat tooth loss. They are unlike any other dental prosthetic because they replicate the entire tooth structure, including the root. This provides unmatched benefits, like a 95% success rate. Your investment can last for decades and will feel like your real teeth because your posts have the support of your jawbone. As a result, you probably never expected one to feel loose. Although it might not seem alarming, it’s a red flag indicating something is wrong. Here’s what to do if your implant is loose.
Causes of Loose Dental Implants
Your jawbone fused to your implants through a process called osseointegration, so your replacement teeth are held securely in place to regain 70% of your natural biting force. If a dental implant ever wiggles or feels loose, it’s a sign of failure. Although the risk is generally less than 5%, implants can fail for several reasons, such as:
- Poor implant placement
- Bone loss
- Peri-implantitis
- Facial trauma
- Grinding and clenching teeth
- Loose restoration
Whether your implant loosens a few months after your placement surgery or several years down the road, don’t ignore the problem. Your implant dentist in Cambridge may be able to save your smile if you act quickly.
Fixing Loose Dental Implants
Your first step should be to call your implant dentist for an appointment to pinpoint the cause of the instability. Your dentist will perform a visual examination and review diagnostic images to determine what’s causing the complication. Based on their findings, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan to rehabilitate your smile, which might include:
- Periodontal Therapy: If the infection is caught early, periodontal therapy can stop it in its tracks to prevent causing irreversible damage.
- Replacements: If the wiggling is from a loose restoration or abutment, your dentist may be able to tighten or replace it to restore your smile.
- Nightguard: A custom-fit oral appliance provides a cushion between the upper and lower arch to absorb the pressure of grinding and clenching.
- Bone Grafting: Your dentist can repair weakened areas of your jaw with bone grafting. Your dental implants will likely need to be removed before they can repair your bone.
- Removal: In severe cases of infection, bone loss, or trauma, your dental implants may need to be taken out. Your dentist can reinstate the solid foundation they need to succeed before replacing them.
Don’t Wait to Call Your Dentist
If you have a loose dental implant, time is of the utmost importance. Don’t wait until it’s too late to save your smile. Contact your dentist right away.
About Dr. Jeff Lee
Dr. Lee continued his training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery after earning his dental degree. He can perform complex oral surgery procedures, like bone grafting, tooth extractions, and dental implants. As a faculty member in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, you can feel confident your smile is in good hands. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.