What to Do If Your Dental Implant Becomes Loose

Expert Author
Dr. Marielaina Perrone Dentist Henderson, NV

Meet Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS – Henderson’s Trusted Expert in Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dental Care Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS is a highly respected and experienced cosmetic dentist proudly serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson, NV. A graduate with honors from the prestigious Stony Brook University School of... more

Expert Advice from Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dental implants, renowned for their reliability and longevity, stand as one of the most enduring solutions for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, they can endure for decades. However, in rare instances, an implant may feel loose, sparking concern for the patient. Understanding the steps to take in such a situation can safeguard your oral health and prevent further complications.

Understanding Dental Implant Structure

To understand what it means when a dental implant feels loose, it’s important to review how implants are built. A typical implant consists of three components:

  1. The implant is – surgically placed into the jawbone and serves as an artificial root.
  2. The abutment – connects the implant post to the visible crown.
  3. The crown – the prosthetic tooth that sits on top of the implant.

“When a patient reports a loose implant, it’s not always the implant itself that’s failing,” explains Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, a cosmetic and implant dentist based in Henderson, NV. “Often, the crown or abutment has become loose, which is much easier to fix.”

What Causes a Dental Implant to Feel Loose?

A variety of factors can lead to the sensation of a loose implant, including:

  • Loose crown or abutment screw
  • Bone loss or poor integration of the implant with the jawbone
  • Gum infection (peri-implantitis)
  • Trauma to the area (from grinding teeth or accidental impact)

“Not every loose implant is a sign of failure,” says Dr. Perrone. “But it’s important not to ignore the symptoms, as even minor issues can escalate if left untreated.”

What to Do If Your Implant Feels Loose

1. Do Not Attempt to Fix It Yourself

Avoid touching, twisting, or biting hard on the implant. While it may be tempting to reposition the crown, doing so can worsen the problem or damage surrounding tissue.

Professional intervention is crucial when a dental implant feels loose. Dr. Perrone advises, “If something feels off, the best course of action is to call your dentist immediately. Delaying treatment can result in more serious complications.”

2. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist Promptly

Your dentist will perform a clinical exam and take diagnostic X-rays to assess the implant's condition. They’ll determine whether the issue lies with the crown, abutment, or implant.

“In most cases, we can tighten or replace a loose abutment or crown without surgery,” Dr. Perrone notes. “However, if the implant post has become unstable, we’ll need to evaluate for bone loss or infection.”

3. Follow Post-Appointment Instructions Carefully

Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend:

  • Tightening or replacing a loose crown or abutment
  • Deep cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria
  • Antibiotics for infection
  • Bone grafting if there is significant bone loss
  • Removal and replacement of the implant (in rare cases)

4. Take Preventive Steps Moving Forward

To help ensure the long-term success of your dental implant, consider these recommendations:

  • Practice excellent oral hygiene (brush twice daily, floss once daily)
  • Visit your dentist for routine checkups
  • Avoid smoking, which can compromise healing and implant stability
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Eat a balanced diet to support bone and gum health

“Implants are incredibly durable, but they rely on healthy gums and bone to stay secure,” says Dr. Perrone. “Preventive care is key to making your investment last.”

When to Seek Immediate Care If you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to a loose implant, it's crucial to contact your dentist immediately: Swelling or pus around the implant Persistent pain or throbbing Bleeding when brushing Movement of the entire implant post Changes in bite or alignmentIf you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to a loose implant, contact your dentist right away:

  • Swelling or pus around the implant
  • Persistent pain or throbbing
  • Bleeding when brushing
  • Movement of the entire implant post
  • Changes in bite or alignment

“These may be signs of infection or implant failure, and they should never be ignored,” Dr. Perrone emphasizes.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants, with their high success rate, are a testament to the advancements in dental technology. While no dental treatment is completely immune to complications, it's comforting to know that most cases of a “loose implant” are not true implant failures. Many issues can be resolved quickly and effectively with prompt care and professional guidance.

Dr. Perrone concludes, “The most important thing a patient can do is listen to their body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait—schedule a visit. Most problems can be corrected easily when caught early.”

About Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dr. Marielaina Perrone is a highly experienced cosmetic and implant dentist in Green Valley, Henderson, NV. She offers comprehensive dental care, including dental implants, full mouth restorations, and cosmetic smile makeovers. Her mission is to help patients achieve beautiful, functional, and long-lasting smiles.