When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are considered to be the “gold standard.” That’s because no other form of tooth replacement attaches at the jawbone level like dental implantation. The procedure has a 95% success rate, but a small percentage of patients will experience a loose dental implant. What causes this, and what can be done on these rare occasions? Continue reading to find out.
The Typical Causes of Early Dental Implant Failures
For most patients, if an implant loosens, it will happen within the first few weeks after its placement. This is due to the implant failing to form an initial bond (the first stage of the osseointegration process).
The following can further contribute to an early failure:
- Jawbone loss – An inadequate amount of existing bone can hinder the osseointegration process.
- Improper placement – If an implant is placed into an area where there is insufficient healthy bone to support it, it can fail quickly.
- Overloading – This can happen when newly placed implants are subjected to too great a pressure. This typically occurs when patients receive their overdentures at the same time as implant placement.
- Using the teeth as a tool – Teeth are only designed to chew food. Using them to pry open packages or in other capacities can cause an implant to fail.
- Attempting to eat hard foods – During the first few months after an implant is placed, it’s best to avoid harder foods. The extra force required to chew them places additional pressure on the implant.
Why Dental Implants Fail Later
For a smaller percentage of patients, implants loosen months or years after being placed. In these situations, the following can contribute to the failure:
- Infection – An infection called peri-implantitis can develop and cause the implant to unseat. The chances of developing the condition are higher among people who smoke or chew tobacco.
- Bruxism – Also referred to as teeth grinding, bruxism places an unusual amount of pressure on the teeth and implant.
- Facial trauma – A sudden blow to the face or a bad fall can possibly jar an implant loose.
- Poorly constructed prosthetics – An improperly made prosthetic can shift and allow extra pressure to be applied to the implant, causing it to fail.
What You Can Do About a Loose Dental Implant
If your dental implant feels loose, you should immediately reach out to your oral surgeon to make an appointment. The sooner you can get in to be examined, the better the chances of preventing any further damage.
In some cases, cleaning beneath the implant will help to restore it. The surgeon will remove the prosthetic to examine it and the implant, and to determine whether an additional surgery is necessary. If the implant isn’t salvageable, the only option will be a new placement.
The more expeditious you are, the better your chances of preserving your current implant. By taking swift action, you could very well save yourself time and money.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry, where he was also a member of the periodontal, endodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics honor societies. Dr. Kramer has since gone on to earn a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. A member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he places and repairs dental implants at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.