Dental Implant Moving
A dental implant is designed and positioned to remain firmly in place. In fact, it should never move at all. If you do notice any type of movement with your implant, avoid pushing it with your tongue or trying to adjust it with your fingers. This might cause it to come out of place totally, which is now a dental emergency. The benefits far outweigh any negative issues with a dental implant. Following are some facts on dental implants on why they should not move, and the treatment to correct a dental implant moving.
Why Your Dental Implant Should Not Move?
Before addressing a course of action if your dental implant does move when it not supposed to, let us review the reasons it should not happen. Your natural teeth actually do move ever so slightly. This is because your natural teeth are attached to soft tissue called a periodontal ligament. It is a material that stretches and sometimes allows for very slight movement. Any movement more than about a hundredth of an inch is a sign of gum disease and should be the reason for you to visit your dentist.
Dental implants are not attached to the periodontal ligament. They are secured directly to your jawbone. This simply means there should be no movement at all once the dental implant has been placed and the fusion or bonding to the jawbone has been successful. If there is some movement, it can be a sign that the implant is failing somehow, either from a structural problem with the implant itself or that something is not right with your bone tissue.
Some Symptoms of A Loose Implant
Some symptoms of a loose dental implant are:
* Your gums become painful.
* You can feel the tooth moving.
* The gum is swollen around the tooth.
* There is some bleeding around the tooth.
* Chewing is becoming difficult.
* You cannot bite down properly.
* The implant tooth has come out completely.
Your Dental Implant Crown Came Loose
If you are wondering what to do if your dental implant crown came loose just do your own research on implants so you will be fully prepared.
The current success rate of a dental implant restoration is around 98%, with extended life expectancies. If your dental implant crown is loose, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist, preferably the one who placed your implant crown.
If your dental implant cap fell out try not to lose the crown, otherwise a new one will need to be made. If your tooth implant is moving, do not have an anxiety attack. More than likely the implant tooth can be fixed.
There can be a variety of issues that might cause an implant tooth to loosen, and we will review all of them. Before you can see your dentist be careful chewing on the loose tooth, so you do not cause more damage.
Avoid Rocking It or Trying to Pull It Out
If you rock your implant to get it back into place, you will be creating more pressure on the jawbone that the implant is attached to. Even if you attempt to move the implant with your tongue unintentionally, you can experience a loss of bone tissue in the affected area, which will create more movement.
Rocking your dental implant will make it even more unstable. Never pull the implant out altogether on your own. You will do more harm than good and create even more dental issues. Trying to remove the implant yourself can also damage healthy teeth, the jawbone the implant is attached to, and the soft tissues.
Pay Attention to any Signs of a Dental Implant Problem
If your dental implant is moving, you should look for other signs of a genuine problem. An implant that is wiggling or shifting can also be associated with:
* An increase in bone loss in your jawbone.
* Any increasing discomfort around the area where the implant is loose.
* Noticeable bleeding around the dental implant or the nearby gum tissue.
* An infection developing around the implant site.
Until you can get in to see your dentist, you can apply ice to your cheek where the loose dental implant is located if it is causing you to feel discomfort or pain. Applying ice will also ease any inflammation if the tissues around your implant are swollen. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin. Wrap it up in a towel or paper towel.
Is a Loose Dental Implant Crown an Emergency?
If your dental implant crown is indeed loose it is a reason for a dental visit, but not an immediate emergency. Try to see your dentist within 48 hours to get the loose crown tightened back down. Also do not chew on that side of your mouth.
By chewing on a loose dental implant, you will cause further problems or even break the abutment or the titanium implant post.
See Your Dentist and Get the Proper Treatment
Even if you are not experiencing much discomfort around your loose and movable implant, you should schedule a dental appointment. Your dentist will exam your implant by first carefully removing the loose crown. By doing so it allows them to have a better look at the implant post. They will also take X-rays to identify if there are any problems below the gumline. The problem could be an issue with how your jawbone is healing, especially if you are noticing some movement shortly after you had your implant inserted. Treatment might involve:
* Prescription antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.
* Tightening the crown if the movement is isolated to the crown and not the implant post.
* Confirming that all components are not broken or damaged.
* Replacing any damaged components.
* The insertion of a new dental implant.
If the issue is the implant post itself, the immediate area is cleaned up and allowed to heal before another implant post is placed. A loose post is the exception to the rule. If an implant is loose it is usually the crown.
If you believe your dental implant is moving, see your dentist as soon as possible. They are trained and prepared to review the situation, perform any necessary examination and tests, and offer a solution that is right for you. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.