Dental Implant Moving
Dental implants are a form of tooth replacement technology that replace every part of a missing tooth, from the crown that is visible in one’s smile to the prosthetic root that supports it deep in the jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures, which operate only above the gumline, the structure and support provided by dental implants goes all the down into the bone of the patient’s mouth, providing an incredibly strong and resilient form of tooth replacement.
Given this deep structural support, it is rare for dental implants to move once they have been installed, and the success rate of dental implants is incredibly high (over 94%). Chances are good that if you have a dental implant that is moving within your mouth following implant placement, it is simply the prosthetic crown or attachment piece that has come loose, and not the entire implant. However, this article will discuss some of the various reasons that a dental implant could become loose, rare though those cases are.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are traditionally a three-piece system made of titanium, a highly biocompatible metal that is known for its strength and ability to integrate with human tissues. For those who suffer metal allergies, there are alternative systems made of the ceramic material zirconia, as well; these are usually constructed of two pieces rather than three but function essentially the same way.
During the initial placement procedure, a thin post called the implant fixture is first embedded into jawbone beneath the gumline, in the only surgical procedure required to place the implant. While the top of the implant fixture extends up above the jaw, it remains below the surface of the gums; following placement, the gums are then stitched up to so that the tissues can heal while the implant fixture fuses with the jaw.
Once this fusion process has taken place, which usually takes two to four months, the implant fixture is firmly rooted in the jaw just an organic dental root would be; only at this point can the connecting piece (aka abutment) be attached to the top of the implant fixture below the surface of the gums, which are opened up a second and final time to facilitate this connection. At this point, the implant crown (or denture, if the implant is being used to support an implant-retained denture) can be attached.
Possible Reasons for Dental Implant Failure
Dental implants enjoy a very high success rate – around 95% - but failure is not impossible. This is rare, though, and usually caused by improper placement, a lack of time provided for healing and osseointegration of the dental implant piece following placement, or a lack of healthy bone mass at the site of implantation, all of which can be traced back to improper placement or procedure.
If you are currently in the market for dental implants, please remember that it is very important to work with an experienced team of providers when investing in something as complex as dental implants; working with an experienced team will go a long way in helping to avoid these kinds of complications.
Signs and Symptoms of a Loose Dental Implant or Part
If your dental implant has been properly placed and you’ve observed the proper healing times throughout the process, rest assured that any loose dental implant you might be feeling is likely either the abutment or the implant crown, not the implant itself. If the abutment starts to come loose from the top of the implant fixture, you could notice some movement at the top of the appliance; likewise, a crown that has become loose will be noticeably loose in one’s mouth, as well. Happily, neither of these are signs of failure and both can be relatively easily fixed.
Some signs and symptoms of a loose dental implant (most likely a part of an implant) include the following:
- Noticeable movement of the implant in the mouth that becomes apparent while chewing, talking, or simply touching the implant crown
- The sensation that your bite pattern has changed in a certain area; usually felt when your mouth is closed and relaxed without food in it
- Bleeding, swelling, or discharge around the implant that is in excess of what is considered normal after surgical intervention
- Increasing rather than decreasing pain or discomfort at the implant site
- Difficulty chewing, drinking, or talking
What to Do if You Discover a Loose Dental Implant or Part
If you are experiencing one of the above signs or symptoms of a loose dental implant or simply a loose part, you should first take care to stop chewing on that side of your mouth or biting down with a lot of pressure.
You should then call your dentist’s office and explain the symptoms that you are experiencing. Your dentist will want you to come in for an evaluation of the problem, which they’ll be able to determine via an examination of the implant and its component parts. This is not necessarily an emergency and your dentist might ask you to wait a day or two before being seen; if this is the case, don’t worry, just take care to be gentle with that part of your mouth until you can be seen.
In the meantime, you can take over the counter pain medications like Tylenol or Advil or apply cold compresses to relieve any potential discomfort or swelling you may be experiencing; if you are experiencing any sharp pain, however, you should make this clear to your dentist, who may wish to see you sooner.
Repairing a Loose or Broken Dental Implant Part
Repairing a loose abutment or implant crown is as simple as tightening the connection between the pieces whose pieces have become loose; if a part has broken under bite pressure, for example, it may need to be replaced. The chances of the implant fixture itself having broken or become dislodged are very slim; in this case, it would need to be removed and later replaced entirely, but this is a rare occurrence if placement has been performed properly. Most likely, your dentist will simply tighten a connection and send you on your way. So don’t hesitate – if you’re worried about a loose implant, give us a call today!