Your dental implant should feel like a real tooth anchored securely in the jaw. So, what happens if one day it starts feeling loose? This movement can also affect your bite and speaking abilities. So, you shouldn’t be dismissing it. That’s not something. A loose implant is often a warning sign, and it requires urgent attention.

Read this blog to learn the possible causes behind this issue and how you can deal with it without damaging your oral health.

Why Would a Dental Implant Feel Loose?

Here are some causes that might affect the stability of your dental device:

Incomplete Healing 

Do you know the actual reason behind the strength of this tooth replacement option? The titanium post fuses with your jawbone through osseointegration. Improper healing during this stage, insufficient bone density, etc might affect its fusion and stability.

Peri-Implantitis 

Gum disease affect your replacement tooth as well. Peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection around the operation site can jeopardize your nearby bone and tissue. Eventually, this can impair the support structure causing movement.

Pressure on Implants 

Too much pressure on your dental implants from biting and teeth grinding at night could loosen the attachment, especially if multiple implants were not placed to diffuse the force adequately.

Loose Abutment Screw 

Sometimes it’s not the original device that is loose but a small screw holding the post to the crown. This is actually a very simple problem and can usually be tightened by your dentist.

Bone Loss 

With time, factors such as untreated gum disease or a lack of regular check-ups can cause can make your deteriorate. Your replacement tooth needs a solid base, any bone loss can affect stability.

Signs That You Should Not Ignore

Here are some signs that there might be issues with your dental implants;

• The dental appliance might give a wobbly or rocking feeling when you touch it.
• You might also experience pain or tenderness surrounding the operation site.
• Other indications include Swelling, redness, or recession of your gums
• You might also have difficulty biting or chewing your food.

The earlier you take action, the better the options you have to protect your dental investment and oral health.

What Should You Do If Your Implant Is Loose?

Here are steps that you can take in case your replacement tooth does feel loose:

• You should see the dentist as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the greater the risk of permanent damage.
• Don’t chew on the affected side. Added pressure can worsen the situation.
• If there is swelling or slight irritation, rinsing with warm salt water will help prevent bacteria and infection.
• Not every loose implant is a failure. Some problems can be fixed without having to replace it all.

For infections, deep cleaning, antibiotics, or laser treatment can solve your problem. Bone grafting might help the device stability if you have suffered from bone loss in your jaw.

A loose dental implant is never to be taken lightly. Whether it is a small problem such as a loose abutment screw or a more significant complication such as bone loss, you must treat it promptly. The quicker you get professional assistance, the higher your chances of saving it.

Looking for a professional to fix your dental issue? Schedule a consultation today!