Dental Implant Moving
Once a dental implant is placed and completely healed, it should remain in place and should not move. If a patient starts to notice any amount of movement, they should avoid pushing it with their tongue or adjusting it with their fingers. Moving a loose implant could result in it coming out completely and creating a dental emergency. This article will review why dental implants may move and how to handle this type of movement.
Dental Implant Movement
While dental implants have an impressive success rate which is around 98%, there can be a risk for complications or issues. In the event a dental implant is loose, patients should schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. If possible, the patient should follow up with the dentist who oversaw the procedure and placed the implant.
In the event the dental implant cap fell out, it is important to secure the crown and avoid losing it. If the crown is misplaced, a new one will be required and is expensive to replace.
Loose Implant Crown
In the event an implant is moving, it is important to remain calm as it can most likely be repaired. Various types of issues can cause implants to become loose. Use extreme caution with chewing and biting down on the loose tooth to avoid additional damage.
Internal Screw
The internal screw differs from the actual implant. A small screw connects the crown to the implant. It is possible for the screw to become loose and fortunately is a quick and simple fix. The dentist will drill a small hole in the crown to obtain access to the screw. In some cases, the implant crown is designed to have a screw hole which is covered with filling material. A loose internal screw can quickly be tightened in a short 10 minute appointment.
Healing Cap
For patients who have had the implant surgically placed, but are waiting for the mouth to heal, it is possible for the healing cap to fall out. If this occurs, the healing cap should be replaced right away to ensure the gums do not grow over the implant and cause additional issues.
Metal Fracture
It is also possible for a portion of the implant, the abutment, or the crown to break. While dental implants are made from titanium and it is quite rare, it is still possible to break from the extreme forces of biting.
When the crown or abutment of the implant is broken, it is fortunately a simple fix. Although the repair can be quite costly. In this case, the dental implant is still good and the crown or abutment simply needs to be remade and installed. If the dental implant is fractured, it unfortunately cannot be repaired. The dentist will need to remove the fractured implant and place a new one.
Moving Implants
Unlike implants which should not move, it is perfectly normal for the natural teeth to move slightly. This occurs because the natural teeth are connected to the periodontal ligament which is a piece of soft tissue. The soft tissue is quite stretchy and naturally allows for some movement. Movement greater than a hundredth of an inch suggests that gum disease may be present and the patient should follow up with the dentist for further evaluation.
Implants are secured to the jawbone and are not attached to the periodontal ligament. As a result once they have healed, there should not be any movement. Implant movement suggests there may be failure from a structural issue or perhaps a problem with the bone tissue.
Avoid Movement
Rocking the implant or moving to push it back into place places additional pressure on the jawbone where the implant is connected. Just the slightest movement of the implant, even when done unintentionally with the tongue, can result in the loss of bone tissue surrounding the affected area. This can ultimately result in additional movement.
When a loose implant is moved, it becomes even less stable. Patients should also never remove the implant as this could create additional problems. If a patient attempts to remove their implant on their own, it can cause damage to the healthy teeth, bone where the implant is attached, affect the soft tissues, and other problems.
Signs of Implant Issues
If an implant is moving, it may be a sign of another serious issue. Below are various issues that may occur along with a shifting or moving implant:
- Bleeding in the implant area
- Discomfort near the implant site
- Infection of the implant or implant area
- Bone loss in the jaw
Apply Ice
While waiting to see the dentist, it can be helpful to apply ice to the cheek or loose implant to help alleviate the pain. When ice is applied, it can help to reduce inflammation in the swollen tissues around the implant. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin by wrapping it in a towel.
Any time a patient experiencing an implant which is moving or loose, they should schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. The dentist can carefully remove the crown and look at the implant to determine the cause. Most dentists will also take X-rays to determine the cause of the issue. Some patients experience issues with how the bone heals. This is especially common when the issue occurs shortly after the implant is placed. Treatment for a loose or moving implant will typically include:
- Antibiotics if an infection is present
- Tightening or securing the crown
- Removing all implant components to identify damage or a break
- If damaged parts are identified, they are replaced
- Removing the damaged implant and placing a new one
While implant failure is uncommon, it can happen and should be taken seriously. When the implant needs to be removed, the implant site is thorough cleaned and will typically heal for a few months prior to placing the new implant. It is critical to schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible when an implant is moving. Prompt treatment can help prevent long-term damage and can help preserve the implant, the supporting bone, and the natural teeth.