Loose Dental Implant: Urgent Problem or Simple Fix?

Loose Dental Implant: Urgent Problem or Simple Fix?

Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS

Reading time: Four minutes.

A loose dental implant is a serious issue that you should not ignore. While it may not always require immediate emergency care, it does need prompt attention from a dental professional.

If left untreated, a loose implant can lead to bone loss, gum recession, and complete implant failure.

In this blog, you will learn the reasons a dental implant becomes loose, whether it is a true dental emergency, and what steps you should take to protect your oral health.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

A loose dental implant is not something you should ignore. While it may not always require emergency dental care, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to bone loss, gum disease, or complete failure of the implant. If you notice movement, pain, or other signs of infection around your implant, contact your oral care provider immediately for a proper evaluation.

Why Is My Dental Implant Loose?

A dental implant should never feel loose. 

It is designed to integrate with your jaw bone, making it stable and secure. If you notice implant instability, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

  • Loose abutment or loose crown: The implant component itself may be fine, but the crown or abutment could have loosened over time. This is a fixable issue and does not always indicate implant failure.
  • Implant failure: If the implant post is moving, it has likely failed to integrate with the bone. This can result from improper placement, poor bone quality, or excessive stress on the implant.
  • Bone loss or gum disease: Periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, or poor oral hygiene can weaken the bone structure and gum tissue around the implant, causing it to loosen.
  • Trauma or excessive force: Grinding your teeth, biting hard foods, or experiencing direct injury can loosen an implant over time and put your bone health at risk.

Dental implants are one of the most reliable tooth replacement options, but they can still develop issues. 

When Is a Loose Implant an Emergency?

A loose dental implant does not always require an immediate emergency appointment, but certain situations demand urgent care.

Call your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain or swelling: Intense pain, redness, or swelling around the implant could be a sign of infection and requires emergency treatment.
  • Bleeding or pus: Signs of infection, such as pus or persistent bleeding, indicate a risk of complications and need prompt care.
  • Difficulty eating or speaking: If the implant moves when you chew or talk, it could worsen the damage and requires proper evaluation.
  • Visible bone loss or gum recession: Receding gums or exposed implant threads indicate insufficient bone density, which could lead to implant failure if not treated promptly.

What Should You Do If Your Implant Feels Loose?

If you suspect you have a loose dental implant, follow these steps before your dental appointment:

  1. Avoid putting pressure on the implant: Stop chewing on the affected side and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
  2. Maintain good oral hygiene: Gently brush and floss around the implant, but do not apply too much force. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
  3. Do not try to fix it yourself: Avoid touching or attempting to tighten the implant screw at home. This could cause further damage.
  4. Schedule an urgent appointment: The sooner a dental implant specialist evaluates the implant, the better your chances of saving it. Timely intervention can prevent the need for extensive treatment.

How Is a Loose Implant Treated?

Treatment options depend on the cause of the looseness. Your dental implant specialists will perform a proper evaluation and determine the best course of action:

  • If the abutment or crown is loose, your dentist can tighten or replace it without affecting the implant post.
  • If there is an infection, treatment may involve deep cleaning, antibiotics, or periodontal disease therapy to preserve the implant.
  • If the implant post itself is loose, it may need to be removed and replaced after healing. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary to restore bone density before placing a new implant.

To better understand how implants function, What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant? breaks down the components that make up a successful dental restoration.

Book a Dental Visit for Implant Care

If your dental implant feels loose, do not wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Young Dental SF Group for a thorough evaluation.

To book a dental visit, contact our dental office in San Francisco, CA, today at (415)-392-8611.

Visit our office at 490 Post Street Suite 830, San Francisco, CA, or explore our blog to learn more about your dental health!