Everything You Need To Know About Loose Dental Implants And Their Causes
At Sheen Dental we’ve been placing dental implants in Richmond for decades and as such our experienced team have a high level of success. That said (and the same goes for any clinic anywhere in the world) a very small percentage of implants can and will fail! For a patient one of the first signs of a failed implant is that it’s become loose. So why does this happen and why do implants fail?
In truth there are a number of reasons, so with this in mind, let’s examine some of the more common issues.
Osseointegration failure
In order for the procedure to be successful the surrounding bone tissue has to fuse with the titanium root of the implant itself. This process is known as osseointegration and this is what forms the super-strong base upon which a dentist can then attach a crown or bridge, or which can become part of a framework for an entire implant supported denture. On rare occasions, when the body’s healing responses are compromised through illnesses such as uncontrollable diabetes and lifestyle choices such as heavy smoking, osseointegration doesn’t happen – thus causing a loose implant.
Peri-implantitis
A more common reason for implant failure is a condition known as peri-implantitis. This occurs when bacteria attack the gum tissue surrounding the implant. Bacterial invasions can occur during implant surgery itself, but more commonly it’s due to a lack of oral hygiene by the patient and as a result can occur 6-12 or 18 months after the implant has been successfully placed. When bacteria takes hold the surrounding gum becomes inflamed causing the implant to again loosen.
Incorrect placement
Sometimes a loose implant can be caused by the incorrect placement or angle of the implant. If a dentist has badly inserted the titanium structure then the stress placed on the implant by other teeth biting down on it can often be too much. This can result in implant fractures, eventually leading to a broken or loose tooth.
Worn, loose, or poorly made prosthetics
Badly made or worn prosthetics can loosen their implants if they become unstable from the titanium root. For example if the crown has come loose from the abutment it can cause excess movement and overloading the implant itself causing it to loosen.
So what should you do if you experience a loose implant?
Contact your implant dentist right away. It could be that immediate treatment can save the implant, but if not, then the implant will have to be removed and another one replaced. This might mean going through processes of bone grafting to ensure total stability, but it’s far better than living with another problem tooth.
To find out more about dental implants in Richmond, contact Sheen Dental. Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team have been successfully placing them for many years and as such invite you to come and talk to them during a free, no obligation consultation. To book yours either do so via our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or alternatively contact us directly on 020 8876 5277. We look forward to welcoming you.