When you got your dental implant, you were told it was a permanent, fixed tooth replacement solution. So why in the world would you be feeling something loose in that area?
There are in fact a few reasons that could cause things to be loose. Since Mesa implants have multiple components, the parts will occasionally give out. Also, if the foundation that holds the implant in place becomes compromised, it can alter the fix of your overall restoration.
Some solutions have any easy fix, others not so much.
What Is A Dental Implant?
To have a better understanding of what can go wrong with a dental implant, let’s first dissect all of the different components. A dental implant is made of three parts.
First, there’s the actual implant, which is a sterile, medical-grade, titanium rod that has small threads wrapped around it. The implant itself is placed within the bone, where it replaces the root of the missing tooth. The jaw bone that surrounds the implant fuses within the threads to create a strong, permanent hold.
The inside of your dental implant is hollow which allows us to insert a small piece called the abutment. This component is also screwed in place and it sticks out of the gum. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the new, artificial tooth.
The last part of your Mesa implant is the crown, which is the hollow “tooth” that fits over the abutment. It is adhered with cement. Dental crowns are custom crafted to ensure exceptional functionality and aesthetics.
What Causes A Loose Implant?
Rarely is the dental implant itself what’s loose. Most often it’s one of the components that have loosened up for one reason or another.
The Abutment Is Loose
The abutment is rather short and has small threads which can unwind after time. Forceful chewing and other trauma to the area can cause the abutment to loosen. This may make you think that it’s the implant itself, when actually that part of your “tooth” is fine.
This problem is quick and easy to fix. All our Mesa dentist has to do it access the abutment through the crown and tighten it back up. The procedure doesn’t even require a dental anesthetic.
To prevent this from happening, you should make an effort to always be aware of your implant and make sure that you’re not abusing it. A loose abutment is also a common side effect of grinding or clenching. If you suffer from this habit, it’s best that you protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard while you sleep.
A Loose Dental Crown
The hollow crown sits around the abutment and is cemented in place. As with loose abutments, the seal from the crown can become compromised when too much force is put on the area or the cement gives out.
Sometimes the crown will come off altogether. If this happens, bring it to our Mesa dentist office and we can re-cement it back on. The process is quite easy!
To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to take the same precautions you would for the abutment.
Your Implant IS Loose
Yes, your actual implant can get loose! While implants have an exceptionally high success rate, there are rare times when they fail.
Sometimes a person’s body will reject the implant for unknown reasons. Usually, if this is going to occur it’s pretty soon after implantation.
For implants that become loose over time, it’s usually because they are a victim to gum disease and bone loss.
Gum disease is a serious condition and something that you should do your best to avoid if you have a dental implant. The disease causes an infection of the gums, which spreads to your jaw bone, causing it to deteriorate.
Since proper bone support it crucial for holding your implant in place, it will fail due to a lack of bone. Severe periodontal disease (or in the case of implants, “peri-implantitis”) can cause your implant to completely fall out. It can do the same for your natural teeth!
The worst part about gum disease and bone loss is that once the bone is gone, there’s no getting it back. If you don’t want to end up with a denture, then make your oral hygiene a priority. Plan on regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings 2 – 4 times per year.
Dental Implants in Mesa, AZ
If you ever feel anything loose, you’ll need to seek the assistance our implant dentist in Mesa. We will help you evaluate the situation and come up with a resolution. Give us a call today!
