An impressive fact about dental implants is that they are successful more than 95% of the time. Of course, that statistic does leave a small percentage of cases in which implants are not successful. If one of your implants ever fails, it may become loose. Part of it could even fall out altogether! What can cause such a situation, and what should you do to get your smile’s health back on track? This blog post explains.
What Could Cause a Dental Implant to Fall Out?
It is important to acknowledge that most dental implants have three parts:
- The restoration. This is the crown, bridge, or denture that gets attached to dental implants. Restorations can become loose or even fall out of the mouth if they become damaged.
- The abutment. An abutment is a small connector piece that attaches dental implants to their restorations. Over time, they can become loose.
- The implant itself. This is the titanium tooth root that bonds with your jawbone. If it becomes loose, it is likely due to a serious infection that is harming your jaw. Implants can also loosen due to traumatic injuries.
What Should You Do?
If a portion of one of your implants falls out or simply does not feel right, the best thing to do is visit a dental implant specialist. After they examine your mouth and use imaging equipment to look beneath your gumline, they can start to explore treatment options.
In a best-case scenario, you will need simple treatment. For example, you might need a new restoration, or your abutments may need to be tightened. However, if your jawbone is damaged due to an infection or injury, it might become necessary to get your implant surgically removed. You may also need a bone graft to restore lost tissue, as well as treatment for any existing infections. Once your mouth is healthy again, you may be eligible to receive a new implant.
How Can You Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
Do not let the above information scare you. Although dental implant failure can occur, it is relatively rare — and there are practical steps that you can take to reduce your risk! For example, you should:
- Stick to an excellent oral hygiene routine.
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
- Wear a mouthguard when you play sports.
- Visit your general dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
- Eat a balanced diet and do your best to care for your overall health.
Hopefully, you never have to deal with a loose or failing dental implant. If you do, seek prompt treatment so you can get back to enjoying a healthy and strong smile ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center is home to three board-certified oral surgeons: Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard. They work together to provide top-quality dental implant services for the Houston community, including dental implant salvage. If you are concerned about dental implant failure or have other questions about this form of tooth replacement, our team would be happy to speak with you. Contact our friendly staff at 713-597-7340.