Dental implants can change your life, restoring confidence you may not have had in years. Now you can smile bigger, eat better, and live life to the fullest. So, if you’re eating lunch at your favorite diner and feel your implants start to wiggle, you might panic. It may seem like all these changes are going to be undone.
Fortunately, if you live near Selbyville, loose dental implants don’t have to mean the end of the world. This guide will let you know what to do about loose implants, and how your dentist can help you.
How can an implant fail?
Dental implants are incredibly reliable, boasting an over 95% success rate. However, there are a few reasons an implant can fail.
The most common occurs due to a failure in osseointegration, i.e., the process of the jawbone fusing to the implant. This is common in people who are putting pressure on their abutments, who don’t have enough bone, or who have a pre-existing issue that makes healing difficult.
Another way an implant can fail is an infection known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis occurs when bacteria attack the gum layer around the implant. The infection can happen during the surgery itself or later on due to poor oral hygiene.
What should I do about my loose implant?
First, it’s best to be aware that implants can fail, however rare that might be. Be on the lookout for any issues with your implants, especially if you’re at risk for one of the conditions mentioned above. As soon as you notice your implant may be coming loose, contact your dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll be able to perform screenings that can catch these issues early. The sooner peri-implantitis or osseointegration failures are detected, the easier those problems will be to address.
What happens next?
After your dentist determines the underlying issue, they will be able to tailor your treatment to your exact situation. If the problem is detected early, it’s possible that the implant can be saved. If not, the implant will be removed and replaced after the area is allowed to heal. In cases of extreme decay, a bone graft may be necessary to replace the implant.
In any case, these issues are rarely permanent. If your dental implant feels loose, your Selbyville dentist should be able to help you find the right treatment. You’ll be able to smile again, eat again, and live to the fullest again in no time.
About the author
James K. Kramer DMD, MAGD has served his community for over 30 years and is an expert in many areas of dentistry, including dental implants. He is also a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by less than 5% of all dentists. Dr. Kramer loves his work and takes pride in restoring his patients to good oral health. If you have more questions about dental implants, Dr. Kramer can be reached at his website, or by phone at (302) 436-5133.