Understanding A Loose Implant And Abutment
If you have a dental implant placed in your mouth, then your surgeon may ask you to watch the implant tooth to make sure it does not seem loose. Dental implants can loosen over time, and there are a few different reasons for this. Thankfully, the problem is not always a serious one. Keep reading to understand this non-serious problem and how your dental professional may fix it.
Why Does The Dental Implant Loosen?
Sometimes the dental implant root will loosen from the jaw. This issue is a serious one, where bone cells fail to form around the device. This is called osseointegration failure, and your entire implant may need to be removed permanently. However, a loose implant does not always mean complete failure. In some cases, only the artificial tooth that sits on top of the implant device will be loose.
The artificial tooth is cemented in place over a small attachment or cap called an abutment. The device is screwed right into the top of the implant root. This allows your dentist to remove both the tooth and the abutment if the tooth needs to be replaced in the future or if the implant root needs to be examined for some reason.
While the abutment is meant to remain in place over the implant root, it can loosen. Swelling around the implant as well as direct pressure and stress can untwist the abutment a small amount. You may notice that your artificial tooth is a bit crooked, and the crown may appear to wobble when this happens.
How Is The Issue Resolved?
If your artificial tooth is loose, then it is wise to make arrangements to see your dentist as soon as possible. If you do not resolve the issue right away, then food, bacteria, and plaque can build around the abutment. This can cause infection concerns, and gum pockets may form around the implant. This can cause bone loss problems in your future and lead to more serious implant problems.
When the dentist notices that your implant tooth is loose, it will be removed. The abutment and the top part of the implant device will be cleaned to remove calcium deposits. A thread or a piece of cotton may be wrapped around the threads of the abutment, and it will be screwed down into place once again. The cotton or thread material helps to keep the abutment secure so it cannot loosen in the future. Your dentist may also give you some suggestions on how to place less pressure on the implant so the tooth stays firmly in place.
