Finding out that a dental implant feels wiggly can be a scary moment. You spent time and money getting a new tooth, and you want it to stay put. If you feel movement, it does not always mean the implant has failed. However, it does mean you need to see a dentist right away. If you have a dental implant in Vancouver, early care is very important.
Here is a guide on why this happens and what a dental clinic near you will do to help.
Is it the Implant or the Crown?
A dental implant has three main parts:
- The Post: This is the metal screw that goes into the jawbone.
- The Abutment: This is a small connector piece.
- The Restoration: This is the artificial tooth (crown) that people see.
Most of the time, the metal post in the bone is still solid. Usually, the part that feels loose is the crown or the tiny screw holding the connector piece. This is much easier to fix than a loose post!
Why Does an Implant Feel Loose?
There are a few common reasons why a dental implant may start to feel loose:
- Loose Screw: Just like a screw in a chair can loosen over time, the small screw inside the crown can also become loose due to repeated pressure from chewing and biting.
- Cement Failure: If the crown is attached with dental cement, the cement can wear away or break down over time, causing the crown to feel loose.
- Bone Loss: If the bone around the implant becomes weak, dental implant stability is affected. This is often linked to a gum infection called peri-implantitis.
- Injury: A hit or injury to the mouth or face can disturb the implant parts and make them feel loose.
Steps to Take Immediately
If a tooth feels loose, follow these steps to keep the area safe:
- Do Not Wiggle It: It is common to want to touch it with your tongue or finger, but avoid doing this. Moving it can damage the bone or the gum tissue.
- Stop Chewing on That Side: Eat soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes. Hard foods can make the problem worse.
- Keep it Clean: Gently brush the area. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to keep bacteria away.
- Call the dentist: Search for a dental clinic near you and ask for an emergency appointment.
How Dentists Fix Loose Dental Implants
When you go to the clinic, the dentist will take an X-ray. This helps them see if the metal post is still tight in the bone. Here is how dentists fix loose dental implants depending on the cause:
Tightening the Screw
If the post is fine but the crown is wiggly, the dentist will remove the crown. They will check the tiny screw inside. They often need to replace the screw and tighten it to the right level.
Re-cementing the Crown
If the glue failed, the dentist would clean the old cement off and use a fresh, strong layer to stick the crown back on.
Treating Infection
If the bone is the problem, the dentist in Vancouver has to treat the infection. They might deep clean the gums or use special medicine. Sometimes, a bone graft is needed to make the area strong again.
Can This Be Prevented?
The best way to keep a dental implant strong is to treat it like a real tooth. Brush twice a day and floss. Going to the dentist every six months is very important. During these visits, the dentist checks the dental implant stability to make sure nothing is coming loose before you even feel it.
If a tooth feels off, do not wait. Getting help early makes the fix much simpler and faster.
Regain Your Smile with a Dental Implant
At Cambie Broadway Dental, we use dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore normal function. We place the implant into the jawbone to support a crown, helping improve chewing, speech, and dental health. Our team plans each treatment carefully to ensure a proper fit and long-term stability. This option feels natural and helps support nearby teeth.
Book a visit with us at Cambie Broadway Dental today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a loose dental implant an emergency?
Yes. While it might not hurt, a loose part can cause permanent damage to the bone if it is not fixed quickly. It is best to call a clinic the same day you notice the movement.
2. Does a loose implant always mean it is falling out?
No. In many cases, only the top crown or the connector screw is loose. The metal post in the bone is often still very healthy and does not need to be replaced.
3. Will the repair process hurt?
Most repairs for loose crowns or screws are painless. The dentist usually does not even need to use numbing medicine to tighten a screw or re-glue a crown.
4. How long do dental implants usually last?
With good care and regular checkups, the metal post can last a lifetime. The crown on top might need to be replaced or tightened every 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.
5. Can smoking cause an implant to feel loose?
Yes. Smoking slows down healing and can cause bone loss around the implant. This makes it harder for the post to stay tight in the jaw.
