A dental implant should be stable and function like a natural tooth. If the dental implant crown feels loose, it is helpful to identify where the issue can occur within the implant components listed below:

-Implant fixture (the component screwed into the jawbone) – this is the portion of the implant that is placed into your jawbone and not visible in your mouth.

-Implant abutment – one portion of this structure is screwed into the implant fixture in a threaded manner, so that removal and evaluation is easier. The remaining portion extends out into the oral cavity and will support the implant crown.

-Implant crown – this portion of the implant is what you see when you smile. This component looks like a real tooth and is cemented or screwed in place onto the implant abutment.

Consider these scenarios when assessing potential issues arising with your implant:

This is more than likely related to the cement that holds the crown in place becoming loose. Bring your crown into your dental office so they can cement it back in place.

If this is the case, make an appointment with your dentist so they can evaluate the abutment and tighten this component properly.

This would require you to make an appointment right away with your dental office; this could be related to several issues needing evaluation.

If your implant fixture feels like it is not stable and it is past the initial healing period, certain circumstances should be considered. The osseointegration that occurs with most dental implant success cases can sometimes be disrupted. Osseointegration is the biological manner where your dental implant unifies and becomes a structurally fixed component of your endosseous jawbone.

Osseointegration can be disrupted or destroyed for several reasons:
- Systemic diseases and conditions that could potentially impact the quality of bone surrounding your dental implant.
- Newly prescribed medications that interfere with the oral health environment.
- Local factors such as smoking or poor oral health.

While this can be frustrating when you have invested finances and time to improve the overall wellness of your oral health, there are ways they can be avoided. These begin at the initial consultation appointment of receiving your dental implant.

A patient medical screening is required to determine the suitability of a patient to receive dental implants. It is important to be as transparent and honest about any medications and health conditions you are aware of to ensure your dental team understands the best treatment options for you. Certain unforeseen circumstances, including adverse reactions, sensitivities, or drug interactions can complicate healing for your new mini dental implant.

Your overall health and well-being as a patient are related to the long-term success of your dental implant. For instance, acquiring a new health condition such as diabetes can create a profound impact on your oral health. It is particularly important when speaking to your healthcare provider that you ask questions about how new health conditions can impact your oral health, including your dental implant.

However, despite all the efforts made by the dental team to ensure the success of your implant, failure can still occur. The most common reason is due to peri-implantitis. This occurs when bacteria are introduced to the bone surrounding the implant. This is the space where osseointegration occurred around the implant and what is connecting the implant to the jawbone. The presence of bacteria in this area can slowly degrade the bone around this connection, loosen the implant, and severe cases, force the implant to detach from the jawbone and fall out.

In summary, make sure to be communicative with your dental team regarding any medical or dental issues that may arise or interfere with the success of your new dental implant!

Resources:

Ichioka, Y., Derks, J., Larsson, L., & Berglundh, T. (2023). Surface decontamination of explanted peri-implantitis-affected implants. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 50(8), 1113-1122. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13836

Kochar SP, Reche A, Paul P. The Etiology and Management of Dental Implant Failure: A Review. (“The Etiology and Management of Dental Implant Failure: A Review”) Cureus. 2022 Oct 19;14(10):e30455. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30455. PMID: 36415394; PMCID: PMC9674049.

Osseointegration is the process in which Parithimarkalaignan, S., & Padmanabhan, T. V. (2013). Osseointegration: An Update. The Journal of the Indian Prosthodontic Society, 13(1), 2-6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13191-013-0252-z