Implants have made their mark as one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth in the United States. While they are a long-lasting solution, at times you can feel them to be loose. However, do you know what to do in such situations? Should you visit your dental professional immediately, or is it okay to address the issue during your next visit? Keen to know what to do next? Read this blog till the end for complete information.
When is a Loose Implant Considered an Emergency?
Not all issues with these artificial tooth roots are the same. While some can wait for a day or two, others need immediate care from a professional. Here are the signs you need to watch for and understand when you need to see your dental practitioner:
Symptoms that Signify Trouble
Your implanted teeth should feel secure. If it moves or hurts, something is wrong. Watch for signs like:
- Movement: If the implant feels wobbly or shifts while eating or brushing, it may indicate that the bone is not holding it securely.
- Pain or Discomfort: Slight soreness after surgery is normal. However, ongoing or sharp pain could signal a more serious issue.
- Swelling and Redness: These are signs of possible infection around the implant site.
- Gum Recession: If the gums are pulling back and exposing more of the implant, that is a red flag.
- Trouble Chewing: Difficulty or discomfort while eating indicates the implant is not placed correctly or is loosening.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, please contact an emergency dentist in Houston as soon as possible.
Why You Should Not Ignore a Loose Implant?
A loose artificial tooth root is not just an inconvenience. When left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like:
- Infection around the implant
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Complete failure of the treatment
These issues make it more difficult to replace the implant and impact your overall oral health. Thus, taking prompt action makes a huge difference.
What Causes These Artificial Tooth Roots To Loosen?
When you understand the cause of this issue, preventing it in the future becomes a lot easier. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Poor healing: The implant did not bond properly with the bone.
- Infection: It is often caused by poor hygiene or inadequate post-surgical care.
- Overloading: Putting too much pressure on the implant too soon.
- Implant failure: In some cases, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Thus, the implant does not fuse well with the jawbone and therefore remains unstable.
If you experience any of these issues, consult an efficient dentist immediately. The sooner we detect it, the better the outcome will be.
Can a Loose Implant be Fixed?
Yes, in many cases, a loose implant can be saved. Most importantly, while you get your artificial tooth roots placed by our implant dentist, the chances of improper fit or implant failure are almost negligible. Apart from that, if you visit us for this issue, our professional will examine the implant, clean the area, and determine whether it can be tightened or needs to be replaced. If there is bone loss, a bone graft may be required before placing a new implant.
What If It Happens Within A Week?
If your implant feels loose just one week after the procedure, contact your dental practitioner immediately. Early movement could indicate that the implant has not yet integrated with your jawbone, or there may be an infection. If you choose to have it rectified with us, we will identify the cause and guide you through the following steps.
A loose dental implant is not something you can ignore. Time is key, and the sooner you seek professional treatment, the better your chances of saving the implant and avoiding further issues. If you are a Texan and still looking for an efficient and reliable dental practice to replace your missing teeth, look no further than University Periodontal Associates in the H-town area. Our implant dentist is here to ensure your implants are healthy and secure. Book an appointment today and keep your dental health in top shape.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.