My dental implant is gone, what should I do?
Did your dental implant fall out? Does the implant move when you touch it?
Although rare, dental implants can sometimes become loose. But what if the dental implant comes out completely? What should you do?
The basics
- Dental Implants can become”loosened” due to poor oral hygiene, bone loss, a loose crown, gingivitis or other medical conditions.
- Signs of a loose dental implant include pain, swelling, redness or bleeding gums, visible bone loss, and mobility.
- If your dental implant falls out, call your dentist for advice on what to do. Possibilities may include fixing a loose crown, tightening an abutment screw, or oral surgery for something more serious.
- The risks of not securing a loose dental implant include unsuccessful treatment outcomes, infections, and life-threatening consequences.
- Take care of dental implants by following your dentist’s advice, practicing good oral care, avoiding hard foods and visiting your dentist regularly.
Consult us immediately if you feel that something strange is happening with your implant. Our dental team will be happy to help you.
WHY DO IMPLANTS FALL OUT?
Implants can loosen or fall out for a number of reasons. Here are the most common ones:
POOR ORAL HYGIENE
Poor oral hygiene habits are a major cause of implant failure. Your gums must be Clean and Healthy to be able to maintain the implant. Habits such as smoking can also increase the risk of losing your implants.
LOSS OF BONE DENSITY
Jawbone loss can cause dental implants to fall out. Whether due to age, inflammation, peri-implantitis or even something that went wrong during implant placement, your implant may not integrate properly with your jawbone and begin to have mobility. This is a serious case and needs urgent attention.
LOOSE DENTAL CROWN
The Dental Crown on top of your Implants can become loose. Grinding your teeth, biting with pressure and chewing constantly over the years can loosen or fracture the dental crown.
PERIMPLANTITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE BONE AROUND THE IMPLANT)
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory gum disease that can affect your dental implants. Food particles can get stuck on and around the implant and socket, leading to gum and bone disease. Other gum and bone diseases can also put your implants at risk.
COMPATIBILITY
Certain medical conditions increase the risks of dental implant failure:
- Diabetes: Diabetes can prevent successful dental implant treatments. However, recent research shows that a well-designed process removes the risks of failures.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can prevent the healing necessary for implants to be successful. In addition, tooth loss can also be a cause.
- Antidepressants and heartburn medications: Certain medications such as SSRIs, PPIs, or GERDs can lead to bone loss and cause your implants to disappear.
SIGNS OF A LOOSE DENTAL IMPLANT
Look out for the following signs to determine if you have a loose dental implant:
- Pain and swelling: pain in your gums or inflammation around your implants may be a cause for concern.
- Redness or bleeding: Do your gums bleed around your implants when you brush or floss? It may be a symptom of loosening of the implants.
- Visible bone loss: You may be able to identify bone loss by inspecting your mouth. Focus on the area around your implant to check if your jawbone is intact.
- Implant mobility: Your implant moves when you touch it with your fingers or tongue.
- Discoloration: Discoloration of your implant can be an early sign that it has loosened. You can detect the color change visually.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IMPLANT FELL OUT
Although this is a rare scenario, the main thing to do is to call your dentist and make an appointment and bring the case or implant that came out with you. You may have the following options based on your situation:
THE DENTAL CROWN IS GONE
Your visible Tooth may become loose or fall out. It’s usually a minor issue and your dentist can put the crown back in place in minutes. However, you may need a replacement if the dental crown is damaged beyond repair.
You also don’t have to worry if your dental implant cover screw has fallen out. Your dentist can fit another cap very easily in a single appointment.
THE IMPLANT ABUTMENT IS GONE
The Abutment or dental implant screw is gone? The dental abutment is a screw that secures the crown to your implant. In most cases, the screw loosens over time.
At Galani Dental Clinic we can tighten the screw in a few minutes and in a single appointment. However, we will also do a general check to see that everything is in order.
THE DENTAL IMPLANT IS GONE
The worst case scenario is that the dental implant comes out completely. It’s the part that integrates with your bone and holds your case. The implant may become loose or fall out, requiring immediate attention. Depending on your condition, you may need surgery to put your implant back in place.
If you notice that your implant has loosened or fractured, try to avoid chewing on that area and see your dentist as soon as possible.
RISKS OF NOT ADDRESSING LOOSE DENTAL IMPLANTS
Loose dental implants are not a cause for concern unless the implant has come out completely. However, you should make an appointment with your dentist at the earliest to have a checkup. Not treating the lost implant can definitely lead to unsuccessful results. Additionally, the crown or implant can get stuck in your throat while you sleep and be swallowed.
Infections can also develop at the implant site and reach other organs in your body. In extreme cases, you may experience life-threatening consequences. Call your dentist immediately and make an appointment.
HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS
Here are some tips to make sure your implants don’t get lost:
FOLLOW DENTISTS’ ADVICE
You should follow everything your dentist says to ensure the success of your implants. Go for a checkup and cleaning According to the dentist’s advice in all procedures without skipping them.
GOOD ORAL CARE
Proper brushing, flossing, and hygiene routines ensure that your implants are problem-free. You also need to keep your mouth free of food debris and bacteria that lead to infections and gum inflammation.
Quitting smoking and drinking is also a very good option.
AVOID VERY HARD FOOD
Very crunchy or hard food can loosen the implant crown or abutment. You should also try not to clench or grind your teeth.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST
Go for a regular dental checkup at least 2 times a year. You’ll also be able to spot problems in their early stages that only require a quick fix. In addition, with regular checkups you will have good oral hygiene.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Proper oral care is essential to not letting your implants get lost.Most of the Dental Implants that are lost is due to bad Oral Hygiene. You should call your dentist if your dental implant is dislodged or moving for any reason. Keep the part that fell out and take it with you when you visit your dentist. Always choose a reliable dental care to prevent any unpleasant incidents and have your dental implant for many years.
You can contact us here at Galani Dentistry for any question you may have.
