What to Do if Your Dental Implant Fell Out

Although it is uncommon, dental implants can become loose at times. But what if the dental implant became loose? What are your options?

Implants can become loose or fall out owing to a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common:

1. Poor oral hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is a major cause of implant failure. To heal and accommodate the implant, your gums must be bacteria-free. Smoking, for example, can cause your implants to fall out.

2. Bone density loss

Dental implants can fall out due to jaw bone loss. Your implant may not correctly fuse with your jawbone and begin to move. It can even move out of place. This is a critical situation that requires immediate treatment.

3. Loose crown

The crown, or top portion, of your false teeth, can become loose. Grinding your teeth, biting with force, and chewing for years can cause the crown to become loose or dislodged.

4. Periimplantitis (Gum disease)

Periimplantitis is a type of inflammatory gum disease that might harm your dental implants. Food particles might become lodged on and around your implant and crown, causing gum disease. Other gum problems can also endanger your implants.

5. Medical conditions

Some medical disorders make dental implant failure more likely:

• Diabetes: Diabetes has been linked to the failure of dental implant therapies. A recent study, however, demonstrates that a well-planned operation eliminates the danger of failure.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis can hinder the healing required for implants to be successful. Tooth loss might also be a factor.
• Antidepressants and heartburn drugs: Certain medications, such as SSRIs, PPIs, and GERDs, might cause bone loss and cause your implants to fall out.

To discover if you have a loose dental implant, look for the following symptoms:

• Pain and swelling: Gum pain or inflammation surrounding implants may be cause for concern.
• Redness or bleeding: Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss near your implants? It could be a sign of loose implants.
• Visible bone loss: By inspecting your mouth, you may be able to detect bone loss. Examine the area around your implant to see if your jawbone is still intact.
• When you contact your implant with your fingers or tongue, it moves.
• Discoloration: Discoloration of your implant can be an early indication that it is loose. The hue change can be seen clearly.

While this is an unusual occurrence, the first step is to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. Depending on your circumstances, you have the following options:

1. Crown fell out

Your visible false tooth or crown may get loose or fall out. It's a minor issue, and your dentists can repair your crown in minutes. However, if your crown is irreparably broken, you may require a replacement.

There is also no need to be concerned if your dental implant cap has come loose. Your dentist can easily replace another cap in a single appointment.

2. The implant abutment fell out

Is your dental implant screw loose? An abutment is a screw that connects the crown to your implant. In most cases, the screw loosens with time.

In a single appointment, your dentist can tighten the screw in a matter of minutes. He will, however, check to see if everything else is in order.

3. The dental implant fell out

The worst-case scenario is that your dental implant fails. The actual stud is what attaches to your bone and holds your crown. The implant may become loose or fall out, necessitating rapid medical intervention. Depending on your situation, you may require oral surgery to replace your implant.

Change to a soft diet to avoid biting or chewing with your loose or broken implants.

Whatever the reason for your dental implant problem, you should as soon as possible contact your dentist or emergency dentistry for help.