Dental Implant Fell Out
Dental implants are a permanent dental restoration and should remain fixed in the mouth, so if a dental implant becomes loose, this could be a significant problem. If your implant falls out, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately, and don’t try to reinsert the implant or fix it, as this could worsen the situation. Much of the time, an implant that has fallen out can be reinserted. A dental implant is made of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. The implant post is a tiny cylinder that is surgically implanted in the jawbone, where it serves as a titanium root for the dental crown, which is the artificial tooth or row of teeth. The crown is affixed to the implant post with an abutment, a fixture that serves as a platform for the crown, holding it nested into the gum line and creating a natural appearance.
If the abutment that anchors the dental crown to the implant post is damaged, or if the crown itself is damaged, the crown could fall off. This is actually the most common occurrence, and people may think their implant has fallen out when it was actually just the abutment or crown. Of course, it’s still imperative to see the dentist as soon as you can, since you can’t determine the complexity of the situation on your own, but abutments and crowns can usually be replaced relatively easily. If you detect movement in the implant post itself, below the gums, this could be the result of periodontal disease or a loss of bone in the area that supports the implant, which points to a larger concern. While periodontal disease can sometimes be reversed when it is detected in its earlier stages, it can be difficult to detect, and a visit to the dentist should be prioritized if you sense movement in an implant beneath the gum line. If bone loss has caused the implant to loosen, you can talk to your dentist about treatment options.
The only way to know why an implant fell out, and therefore the only way to know how to fix it, is with a clinical examination with your dentist. If periodontal disease has affected your implant, the dentist and dental hygienist can clean the area properly, increasing the likelihood of future implant success. Your dentist can take x-rays to pinpoint the cause of the problem and determine whether the implant can be safely reinserted; if it can’t be, you and your dentist can discuss alternative options. Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss if it isn’t treated, and bone loss can cause implants to loosen and fall out. One of the most important parts of the dental implant treatment process is the healing period when the jawbone heals around the implant post. In a successful healing period, the bone fuses to the implant post as it heals, anchoring the post firmly into the bone and forming a stable anchor for the dental crown. It’s important to maintain the health of the bone so that the implant remains anchored. Unfortunately, aging can lead to bone loss, and some elderly people may not be good candidates for dental implants if they have evidence of insufficient bone to support the implants. In some cases, dentists may recommend treatments for bone loss or lack of bone density, and, if treatment is successful, candidates may be able to successfully receive dental implants.
Dentists also recommend that dental implant wearers take care of their teeth and gums. Biting down too hard on crunchy or sticky food, habitual chewing of non-food items like pens or ice, or grinding or clenching of the teeth could put undue pressure on a dental implant and cause it to shift, potentially damaging the surrounding tissue. Food debris that gets stuck between the teeth could also irritate the implants and surrounding tissue, so be sure to floss your teeth daily, just as you would with your natural teeth, and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Professional cleanings and dental checkups are especially important for dental implant wearers, for two significant reasons:first, dental checkups can often reveal the first signs of periodontal disease, which can be reversed when treated early; and second, dental hygienists have specialized tools that can clean plaque and tartar off the surfaces of crowns and implants without damaging the delicate, luminous surface of the implant crown.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that precede a dental implant completely falling out. First, the implant will loosen. If a loose implant is detected early, it can help save the implant and keep it from falling out. Keep an eye out for any pain or discomfort in the area of your dental implant, and take note if your implant bleeds when you touch it or when you brush or floss. In some cases, the gum tissue around the implant can become noticeably discolored, and there may be bone loss that is clearly detectable. If any of these symptoms appear, contact your dentist immediately. If your implant does fall out, it can be very expensive to replace, and it can also lead to health complications that are dire. If an implant falls out or loosens enough to be noticeable, it leaves channels open for hundreds of different types of bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially travel to the brain or heart, which leads to potentially fatal medical conditions, but early detection and treatment can prevent this and might save your life.
If your dental implant does fall out, don’t panic, and definitely don’t try to fix the issue or manipulate the area where the implant was. Save whatever has fallen out and make sure to put it in a safe place so you can take it with you to the dentist, and then call your dentist immediately. While you’re waiting to see the dentist, don’t chew using the area where the implant was, and be cautious with that area in general. Rinse your mouth regularly with a mouthwash recommended by your dentist to keep the area free of bacteria. Implants don’t fail often, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of implant failure, and proper care of implants after your procedure can reduce these risks. To avoid complications with dental implants, make sure an oral surgeon with a long history of successful implant procedures places your dental implants. Avoid putting excess stress on your implants while they are healing, and provide your dentist with a complete medical history before planning a dental implant procedure. If medical conditions that can affect the success of dental implants are present, discuss and implement treatment options when they are available. Follow your dentist’s directions closely following your implant procedure, and plan your treatment with your dentist thoroughly and carefully; if you have a chronic health condition that could compromise the healing process, make sure to continue to treat that condition to maintain the integrity of the implants. Smoking and alcohol consumption can also adversely affect the healing of dental implants and should be avoided.