If you have a dental implant, you may feel confident it’ll last a long time. That’d certainly be a warranted reaction. After all, the treatment has a ninety-five percent success rate! However, you should keep in mind that some implants come loose or even fail. That said, it’d be wise of you to prepare for that possibility. Fortunately enough, your local dentist has ways you can do so. Read on to learn how to handle a loose dental implant in Chesapeake.
Why Do Implants Come Loose?
The truth is that implants come loose for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Failed Osseointegration: Sometimes, a patient’s jaw doesn’t produce new bone tissue around an implant. When that happens, the fusion between your prosthetic and jaw might not occur. This failure can also stem from improper placement or a lack of bone support.
- Tooth Infection: Following treatment, bacteria might attach to the gum tissue supporting your implant. This outcome could develop into an infection called peri-implantitis, which would loosen your artificial tooth.
- Overloading: If a freshly-placed implant endures too much pressure, it might loosen and fail to fuse with your jawbone. Such can occur when a patient receives false teeth at the same time as the placement surgery.
- Poorly Made Prosthetic(s): Prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and crowns can loosen an implant if they become unstable. Should that happen, the resulting movement can put pressure on the restoration and loosen its bond with the jaw.
How to Help a Loose Dental Implant
If your implant starts feeling loose, make an immediate appointment to see your dentist. They’ll probe the issue to find its source and fix it effectively.
If the problem lies with the implant (rather than an abutment or crown), immediate treatment can save it. Still, most loose implants require removal because they can otherwise damage the jawbone. If the dentist decides your implant has to be removed, it’s not too big a deal. The prosthetic can usually be placed again after a healing period, though you may need a bone graft for added stability.
By keeping track of the causes and proper responses, you can give a loose dental implant the help it needs. If you have any other dental restoration questions, talk to your local dentist.
About the Practice
Troisi Dentistry is based in Chesapeake, VA. As led by the titular Dr. Lucia Troisi, the practice provides comprehensive dentistry in one convenient location. To that end, its staff can perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, including emergency procedures. Whether it’s a checkup for your child or an implant for your senior parent, the dental team has you covered. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them on their website or by phone at (757)-548-1611.