Dental implants are built to feel and function just like real teeth, but if yours starts to loosen, you shouldn’t ignore it. A wobbly implant fixture doesn’t always mean failure, but it does mean something isn’t quite right. Whether it’s a minor fix or something more serious, acting quickly can help you protect your investment and keep your smile secure. Here’s what to know and what to do.
Step 1: Don’t Touch!
It can be hard to resist the urge to wiggle your implant if it starts to feel loose, but you must. Don’t push on it with your tongue or fingers, even if you’re just testing it. Doing this can make things worse or even damage the surrounding bone or other tissues holding it in place.
Step 2: Take Note of the Movement
When you do notice movement in your implant, try to take note of how it feels, or what you see actually wobbling. Sometimes, it’s not actually the implant fixture in your jawbone that’s loose. It could be the crown (the part that looks like a tooth) or the abutment (the connector piece) instead. These issues are usually easier to fix than problems with the implant itself.
Step 3: Check for Other Symptoms
In addition to the loose feeling, take note of anything else you notice. For example:
- Swelling or redness around the area
- Pain when chewing
- Pus or a bad taste in your mouth
- A receding gumline or exposed threads
These signs can help indicate to your dentist the severity of the situation and may influence their decision when it comes to the timeframe of your appointment.
Step 4: Call Your Dentist
Once you’ve done a thorough check of your implant and know what to tell your dentist, it’s time to give them a call. Even if there’s no pain, a loose implant should be seen quickly.
When you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll assess the area around your implant and take X-rays to see what’s going on below the surface. If the issue is with the crown or abutment, they may be able to fix it on the spot.
However, if the fixture itself is compromised, they’ll walk you through the next steps, whether that’s treatment, repair, or replacement.
A loose implant can be stressful and maybe even a little alarming, but catching the issue early often makes all the difference. The sooner you take action and see your dental team, the better your chances of saving the implant and your smile.
About the Practice
At Riviera Family Dentistry of Mesquite, our team is dedicated to exceptional dentistry, even after the fact. If you ever notice looseness or discomfort in your dental implant, we’re happy to help you find the source of your issue and resolve it quickly with expert care. Our team will always strive to guide you toward the right solution to protect your smile. Call (214) 385-2720 to schedule a dental implant consultation with us or visit our website to learn more.