Loose Dental Implant Bridge
What Is A Loose Dental Implant Bridge?
A dental implant bridge is a type of dental prosthetic that is used to replace multiple missing teeth. It consists of a series of small titanium posts, called dental implants, that are surgically placed into the jawbone using computer guided surgery or freehand methods. These implants act as anchors for a custom-made bridge, which is then attached to the implants. The bridge is made to look and function just like your natural teeth, making it a great option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or other reasons. It can help restore your ability to chew and speak properly, and also improve the appearance of your smile. While dental implant bridges are designed to be long-lasting and durable, they may occasionally become loose or fall out altogether.
A Loose Dental Implant Bridge can happen due to several factors, such as a failed implant, inadequate insertion torque of the prosthetic screw, or an improper fit of the implant bridge over the implant. If left untreated, a loose dental implant bridge can lead to further complications and may require additional dental procedures to fix the problem.
Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Loose Dental Implant Bridge?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
- Treatment Options For A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
- How To Prevent A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
- Managing A Loose Dental Implant Bridge Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about A Loose Dental Implant Bridge or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Loose Dental Implant Bridge?
There are several reasons why you may have a loose dental implant bridge. Some of these reasons include:
- Failed Osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process of the dental implant fusing with the jawbone. If this process fails, it can result in a loose dental implant and dental implant bridge.
- Prosthetic screw Loosening: Insufficient insertion torque of the screw that holds the dental implant bridge onto the dental implant can cause it to become loose over time.
- Prosthetic Misfits: If the implant bridge does not fit correctly or is not seated properly, it can easily become loose and is prone to falling off.
It’s essential to identify the cause of the loose dental implant bridge to determine the best course of action for treatment. Your dentist can help you diagnose the cause and provide the necessary treatment to restore your implant bridge. If you have further questions about A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
If you have a loose dental implant bridge, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Movement: If the dental implant bridge moves or wiggles, it may indicate that it is loose.
- Pain: You may experience pain or discomfort around the implant bridge or in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Sensitivity: You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks in the gums around the dental implant bridge.
- Difficulty Chewing: If you have a loose implant bridge, you may find it challenging to chew food properly.
- Bleeding: Irritation of the gum tissue around the dental implant bridge can cause minor bleeding.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can examine your implant bridge and determine the best course of action to fix the problem. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and may require more extensive dental procedures. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms related to A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, please contact us.
Treatment Options For A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
When you visit the dentist, the dentist will take an x-ray of the dental implant and examine it carefully in the mouth. There are several treatment options for a loose dental implant bridge, including:
- Screw Tightening: If the implant bridge is loose due to a loose screw, your dentist may be able to re-access the prosthetic screw channel to tighten the screw and secure the bridge back in place.
- Bridge Replacement: If the implant bridge is damaged, your dentist may recommend replacing the dental implant bridge with a new one.
- Dental Implant Removal, Bone Grafting, and A New Dental Implant: In cases where the implant has not fully fused with the jawbone and the dental implant bridge is loose due to dental implant failure, your dentist may recommend removal of the dental implant, and a bone graft to re-grown bone before placing a new dental implant.
The type of treatment required will depend on the cause and severity of the loose implant bridge. It is essential to address a loose implant bridge promptly to prevent further complications and ensure the long-term success of the dental implant. If you have further questions about treatment options for A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, please contact us.
How To Prevent A Loose Dental Implant Bridge
While some causes of a loose dental implant bridge are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to help prevent it from happening, including:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing gum disease, which can lead to implant failure. The Waterpik waterflosser is also a terrific adjunctive tool to keep the area around the dental implant bridge clean.
- Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits to your dentist can help identify and address any issues with your implant bridge before they become more serious.
- Wearing a Mouthguard: If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a mouthguard at night can help protect your implant bridge from damage.
- Choosing a Qualified Implant Dentist: Choosing a qualified and experienced implant dentist can help ensure that your implant bridge is placed correctly and reduces the risk of complications.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent a loose dental implant bridge and ensure the long-term success of your dental implant. If you have further questions about how to prevent A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, please contact us.
Managing A Loose Dental Implant Bridge Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have a loose dental implant bridge and cannot see your dentist immediately, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation until you can get professional help:
- Keep the dental implant bridge in a safe place: If the bridge has come off completely, keep it safe in a clean container to avoid losing or damaging it. Do not forget to bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the loose dental implant bridge as clean as possible can help prevent peri-implantitis and other unwanted complications. Brush gently. If you do not already have a Waterpik waterflosser, buy one and use it often. A waterflosser is a terrific adjunctive tool to keep the dental implant bridge clean. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Avoid Chewing on that side: Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the loose implant bridge to prevent further damage.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help relieve pain around a loose dental implant bridge. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.
It’s important to remember that these steps are only temporary measures, and you should still see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide the best treatment options to fix a loose dental implant bridge and prevent further complications. If you have further questions about managing A Loose Dental Implant Bridge, please contact us.
