A dental implant should feel as secure and natural as your own tooth. So if it starts to feel loose, it can be a little alarming—and understandably so. The good news is, a loose implant doesn’t always mean the implant itself has failed. In many cases, it’s something that can be treated by your oral surgeon with a straightforward solution.
In this post, we’ll walk through what could be causing your implant to feel loose, what your treatment options are, and what to do between now and your visit with the surgeon.
What to Expect When You See the Oral Surgeon
Not all loose implants are the same. The cause of the movement will guide the treatment.
Sometimes, it’s not the implant itself that’s loose, but the crown or abutment on top of it. These components can become unthreaded or worn over time, especially if there’s been pressure from grinding, biting hard foods, or normal wear. If that’s the case, we may be able to re-tighten or replace the loose piece without needing to remove the implant at all.
If the implant post is what’s moving, your surgeon will assess the bone and gum health around the area. If the bone hasn’t integrated properly with the implant (a process called osseointegration), or if there’s been bone loss due to infection, we’ll talk with you about the next steps. That may involve removing the implant, treating the area, and planning for future restoration.
At Innovative Oral Surgery, we use advanced imaging to determine exactly what’s happening beneath the surface. You’ll leave your consultation with a clear treatment plan that puts your comfort and long-term results first.
What You Can Do in the Meantime
While waiting for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to avoid worsening the issue and stay as comfortable as possible.
- Try not to chew on the side of your mouth with the loose implant
- Stick to soft foods to avoid pressure or movement
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and antibacterial mouth rinse
- Avoid touching or wiggling the implant with your tongue or fingers
If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers may help temporarily, but they won’t treat the underlying cause. The most important thing is to not delay care. A loose implant is always worth a professional evaluation.
How Do Dental Implants Become Loose in the First Place?
Dental implants are incredibly strong and stable when properly placed and maintained. But a few common factors can affect how secure they stay over time:
- Infection: Conditions like peri-implantitis can damage the bone supporting the implant.
- Overloading: Placing too much stress on the implant before it fully heals can cause it to shift.
- Poor bone quality: If the bone wasn’t dense or strong enough to begin with, it may not hold the implant long term.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Chronic grinding can place a lot of force on your implant over time.
- Improper bite alignment: If your bite wasn’t balanced after restoration, it may lead to uneven pressure on the implant.
At your initial consultation, our team carefully evaluates whether you’re a candidate for dental implants and whether additional steps, like bone grafting, would help secure the implant long term. That’s part of our best-practice approach to making sure your implant doesn’t just look great but stays healthy and strong.
How to Keep Your Implant Stable and Secure
Once your implant is in place, long-term success depends on a mix of professional care and good daily habits. Here’s how to protect your investment:
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing once
- Don’t skip your follow-up appointments or cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packaging
- Call us right away if something doesn’t feel right
With the right care, your dental implant can last many years—and in most cases, a lifetime.
Let’s Keep Your Smile Strong and Comfortable
If your implant feels loose or off in any way, we’re here to help. Our team of board-certified oral surgeons has placed thousands of successful dental implants and understands how to diagnose and treat issues early before they become bigger problems.
Whether you need a simple adjustment or something more involved, we’ll walk with you every step of the way and make sure you leave our office feeling confident and cared for.
Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Feasterville, Newtown, or Abington. We look forward to helping you live in comfort and smile with confidence.
