A dental implant is the only treatment to recreate both the tooth root and the crown. Your jawbone will fuse to it, providing unmatched support and stability. After your bone has healed, it should never feel loose. If you’re experiencing any pain or your implant wiggles, it’s nothing to ignore. You should contact your dentist immediately. Here are the most common causes of dental implant failure and what your dentist can do to stop it.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
Traditional tooth replacement methods only recreate the portion above the gum line. A dental implant goes a step further. Surgically placing a titanium implant post into your jawbone serves as a new root. Your bone must fuse to it through a process called osseointegration for the procedure to be successful. A special fixture called an abutment secures your restoration to your implant.
Signs of a Failing Dental Implant
Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or more with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing. Although they are the most successful solution for missing teeth, complications can occur. It’s important to contact your dentist at any sign of a problem, including:
- Movement of the Artificial Tooth
- Pain When Chewing
- Sunken in Gums
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Discoloration of the Gum Tissue
Common Causes of a Loose Implant
Dental implant failure is rare, but it can occur for various reasons, which may include:
- Insufficient Stability
- Initial Overload
- Failed Osseointegration
- Peri-implantitis
- Teeth Grinding
Contact Your Implant Dentist Immediately
Contact your dentist right away if there are any changes to your dental implant. If you wait too long to see your dentist, your implant might need to be removed. They’ll get you into the office quickly to pinpoint the issue and create a strategy to prevent dental implant failure, which may include:
- Gum Disease Treatment: Peri-implantitis is an infection caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Gum disease treatment can stop the infection in its tracks.
- Bruxism Treatment: Grinding and clenching your teeth can break or loosen dental implants over time. A nightguard will provide a protective barrier between your upper and lower arches.
- Bone Grafting: If your dental implant doesn’t have enough support, a bone grafting procedure can strengthen your jawbone.
- Restoration Replacement: A damaged restoration can cause your implant to feel loose.
- Implant Removal: If your implant can’t be saved, it may need to be removed until the underlying issue has been resolved.
Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a big problem. Contact your implant dentist at the first sign of any complications.
About Dr. Dan Passidomo
Dr. Passidomo earned his dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like dental implants, endodontics, infection control, and periodontics. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call (937) 709-4038.