It’s not uncommon for people to lose one or more of their natural teeth. However, missing teeth that are ignored over a long time can cause problems. In some cases, a dental implant may be the ideal replacement tooth to restore lost tooth function.
However, what happens if the implant becomes loose? Can it be repaired? Or is it time to replace the implant altogether?
This blog post will explore these questions and provide some answers. Keep reading to learn more!

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What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Feels Loose?
To become stable and secure, a dental implant should fuse with the bone tissue through osseointegration. However, in some instances, a dental implant can become loose.
If your dental implant feels loose or displays mobility, it’s important to take action immediately. While it’s possible that the loose implant is simply due to a loose implant screw, it could also be a sign of implant failure.
If you’re not sure what to do, stay calm and follow these first-aid tips:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will help clean the area around the loose implant.
- If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
- If you are in pain with noticeable swelling, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- If you have bleeding, apply pressure with a clean gauze pad or handkerchief.
- In the meantime, avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy food until your dentist or oral surgeon has assessed the loose implant.
- Do not try to remove the loose implant yourself. This could cause further damage and make it more difficult for the implant to be successfully removed or replaced.
- Call your dentist right away to schedule an emergency appointment. Explain that your implant feels loose.
- During the appointment, your dentist will examine the implant and determine if it needs to be removed or if the abutment needs to be tightened.
- If the implant needs to be removed, your dentist will do so and discuss options for replacement. If the abutment is loose, your dentist will tighten it or replace it as needed.
- Follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon after the initial visit to check if the implant is healing properly.
Dealing with a loose dental implant can be stressful, but following these tips can help you handle the situation easily.
What Causes a Loose Dental Implant?
A loose dental implant is a cause for concern. If an implant becomes loose, it may eventually fail. There are many possible causes of a loose dental implant, including:
- Poor quality dental implants: Some types of implants tend to loosen more than others. Cheaper, lower-quality implants are more likely to loosen over time.
- Improper implant placement: If the screw is placed in the wrong position, it will be under more stress and is more likely to loosen over time.
- Loosening of the implant screw: The screw that holds the implant in place can occasionally loosen on its own. This usually happens due to poor-quality materials or improper installation.
- Poor oral hygiene: Plaque and tartar can build up around loose implants, making them even looser and difficult to clean properly. This can lead to infection and gum disease (periodontal disease), causing further damage.
- Trauma to the mouth or face: A blow to the mouth or face can damage the false tooth and cause them to loosen or even fall out completely. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.
- Disease or illness: Certain diseases and illnesses can weaken bones and tissues, making them more susceptible to loosening or failure of dental implants. Cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes are all diseases that can put patients at risk of loose implants because they can delay the healing process.
If you have a loose dental implant, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine the cause and provide you with proper dental treatment. If not addressed immediately, a loose dental implant could eventually lead to more serious complications, such as infection or even complete loss of the implant.
Can Dental Implants Be Repaired or Replaced?
If you have a loose implant or an implant that has failed, you may wonder if it can be repaired or replaced. The good news is that thanks to advanced technology, dental implants can be repaired or replaced.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist or an implant specialist. They will then evaluate the damage and determine the ideal course of action.
In some cases, the implant screw may need to be tightened. In other cases, the entire implant may need to be replaced.
The solution depends on the cause of the problem. Regardless of the situation, your dentist will help make your implants functional again.
Can a Damaged Implant Be Replaced Immediately?
If you’ve ever had a dental implant, you know that they’re a huge investment – both in terms of time and money. So, it’s no surprise that many people are concerned about what would happen if their implant fails or becomes damaged.
The good news is that, in most cases, a damaged implant can be replaced immediately. Implant failure is usually caused by one of two things: either the implant screw comes loose, or the implant itself becomes damaged. Either way, your dentist will remove the old implant and put in a new one.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. In rare cases, the bone around the implant may be too weak to support a new implant. In these cases, your dentist may recommend waiting a few months for the bone to heal before placing a new implant. However, this is usually only necessary in very extreme cases.
So, if you’re ever concerned about a damaged implant, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. Chances are, it can be replaced immediately, and you can get back to enjoying your smile.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are the preferred way to replace missing teeth and prevent bone loss among all other tooth replacement options. However, dental implants can become loose over time. In some cases, the implant can be repaired. In other cases, the implant will need to be removed and replaced.
If you are experiencing any problems with your dental implants, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you resolve the issue as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Our team of dentists at Darch Dental Centre possesses years of experience in dealing with dental implant issues, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
For dental implant concerns and other oral health issues, please visit our website or call us today to book an appointment with our dental team. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Frequently Asked questions
There are three main parts to a dental implant: the implant screw, the implant abutment, and the implant prosthesis.
- The implant screw, or the actual implant, is placed into the jaw bone. This implant post acts as an anchor for the artificial tooth.
- The abutment is a connector piece that attaches the implant screw to the crown.
- The implant prosthesis is the artificial tooth visible above the gum line. It could either be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
All three parts must be made from high-quality materials and regularly checked by a dentist for proper functioning. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are a popular choice for those looking to replace one or more missing teeth. In addition to providing a restoration that looks and feels like natural teeth, dental implants can also help to preserve the health of the surrounding teeth.
However, one downside of dental implants is their cost. On average, dental implants can range from $5,000 to $7,000.
Several factors can influence the final cost of implant treatment, including:
- The type of implant: There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly into your jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed under your gum tissue but on top of your jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are usually more expensive than endosteal implants.
- The number of implants needed: If you need multiple implants, the overall cost will be higher than if you only need one.
- The location of the implant: Implants placed in the front of your mouth are more expensive than those placed in the back. This is because placing an implant in the front of your mouth is generally more difficult and technique-sensitive.
- The need for additional procedures: If you need a bone graft or sinus lift, this will add to the overall cost of your treatment. Dental procedures that may be recommended by your dentist include gum grafts and tooth extraction.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost of dental implants, while others may not provide any coverage at all. If you have insurance, check with your provider to see what coverage they offer for dental implants before you undergo treatment.
The success rates of dental implant procedures are between 90% and 95%. However, several factors can influence the success of your dental implant, including the following:
- The health of the patient: Generally speaking, patients who are in good overall health have a higher success rate with implants than those who are not. This is because healthy patients are less likely to experience complications during dental implant surgery or to develop infections afterwards. Additionally, patients should have no oral health issues such as active gum disease.
- The quality of the implant: Not all implants are created equal. Cheaper implants made from lower-quality materials are more likely to fail. High-quality titanium implants have a more positive outcome.
- The surgeon’s experience: It’s important to choose a surgeon with significant experience placing dental implants. Surgeons who have placed many implants are likely to have a higher success rate than those less experienced.
- The condition of the jawbone: For an implant to be successful, it must be able to fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s more likely to occur in patients with healthy, dense jawbones. Those with weaker or thinner bones may still be able to get implants, but the success rate may be lower.
- Post-operative care: Once an implant is placed, patients need to take good care of it. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, attending all follow-up dental appointments, and avoiding habits that could damage the implant (such as smoking). Patients who follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully are more likely to have successful implants than those who do not.
Dental implants have become the treatment of choice for those looking to restore their smile after tooth loss. However, taking care of them properly is important to prevent dental implant loosening and failure.
Here are eight tips on how to care for your dental implants:
- Implant patients need to practice good oral and dental care. This means brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene, just like natural teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage the implant.
- Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of implant failure.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
- Be careful with over-the-counter whitening products, as they can sometimes damage dental implants.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritating the gums around the implant site.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.
- If you have a loose implant, contact your implant dentist right away.
Following these tips can help make your dental implants last for many years.