Loose Dental Implants

Dr. Letelier and his team at the Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas are here to help with all of your dental implant needs. While around 90% of dental implants are successful, there are times when an implant may become loose. It is important to catch these issues early and to contact us with any issues you may be having.

Causes of Loose Dental Implants

While it is rare for a dental implant to become loose, it can happen. Here are a few of the most common causes for loose dental implants:

• Bone loss around the implant area: This can happen in the rare case that the implant has failed to properly integrate into the bone.
• Peri-implantitis: This is an infection or type of gum disease most often associated with dentures. If the infection is caught early the implant may be saved with good oral hygiene and antibiotics.
• Loose dental crown: Often times it is not the entire implant that is loose, but only the dental crown. It is important to come in for an appointment right away and our team can determine the underlying issue.

Symptoms to Look For

If your dental implant feels loose or has fallen out, call us immediately. Other symptoms of an issue with your dental implant, may be less obvious. Here are some things to look out for:

• Pain
• Visible bone loss
• Bleeding when touched
• Discoloration around the area

Again a loose crown can have very similar symptoms, so contact us right away to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

What if My Dental Implant Has Fallen Out?

If you believe your dental implant has fallen out, the first thing to do is to stay calm. It is very likely that it is only a piece of the implant that has fallen out. If the dental implant failed to integrate into the bone it is possible that the entire implant has fallen out. In either case, the steps to take are the same:

• Don’t Panic
• Save the piece that has fallen out
• Call Dr. Letelier right away
• Avoid chewing food
• Rinse 2 to 3 times a day with non-alcoholic mouthwash

Possible Treatments

Once you make your appointment with us the oral surgeon will remove the crown, clean and inspect the area. He will decide if the dental implant can be replaced or if the parts simply need to be tightened.

If the dental implant has failed to integrate or if the infection is too advanced, then the implant will need to be replaced. This will be done with a surgery similar to the first one you received.

Dr. Letelier and his team at the Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas will work with you and provide the support you need to make the right decision. Your health depends on it!

Consequences of an Untreated Loose Dental Implant

Failure to treat a loose dental implant can have dire effects on your health. If there is an infection it can spread to the rest of your mouth, jaw, neck and even your brain. Sepsis can occur, which infects your blood and can even lead to Ludwig’s Angina, a disease that can lead to suffocation or meningitis. Anyone with a weakened immune system is even more at risk for these side effects.

By not treating a loose dental implant you risk not only losing several teeth but your overall health and possibly even your life in severe cases.

Contact Your Las Vegas Dental Implant Specialist

Please call us right away if you have any issues with your implant. Our skilled team will take care of you with expertise and compassion. Contact us today for an appointment.