Loose Dental Implant Crown

dental implant with crown attached

What Is A Loose Dental Implant Crown?

A dental implant crown is a prosthetic device used to replace a missing tooth. It is placed over an implant that has been surgically inserted into the jawbone to support the crown. While dental implant crowns are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, complications can arise where they can become loose or feel like they want to fall out.

A loose dental implant crown 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 crown over the implant. If left untreated, a loose dental implant crown 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 Crown, there are some things you should know as a patient:

If you have questions about A Loose Dental Implant Crown or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.

Why Do I Have A Loose Dental Implant Crown?

There are several reasons why you may have a loose dental implant crown. 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 crown.
  • Prosthetic screw Loosening: Insufficient insertion torque of the screw that holds the dental implant crown onto the dental implant can cause it to become loose over time.
  • Prosthetic Misfits: If the implant crown 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 crown 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 crown. If you have further questions about A Loose Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Dental Implant Crown

If you have a loose dental implant crown, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Movement: If the dental implant crown moves or wiggles, it may indicate that it is loose.
  • Pain: You may experience pain or discomfort around the implant crown 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 crown.
  • Difficulty Chewing: If you have a loose implant crown, you may find it challenging to chew food properly.
  • Bleeding: Irritation of the gum tissue around the dental implant crown 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 crown 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 Crown, please contact us.

Treatment Options For A Loose Dental Implant Crown

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 crown, including:

  • Screw Tightening: If the implant crown 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 crown back in place.
  • Crown Replacement: If the implant crown is damaged, your dentist may recommend replacing the dental implant crown 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 crown 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 crown. It is essential to address a loose implant crown 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 Crown, please contact us.

Dental implants Toronto dentist

How To Prevent A Loose Dental Implant Crown

While some causes of a loose dental implant crown 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 crown clean.
  • Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits to your dentist can help identify and address any issues with your implant crown 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 crown from damage.
  • Choosing a Qualified Implant Dentist: Choosing a qualified and experienced implant dentist can help ensure that your implant crown is placed correctly and reduces the risk of complications.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent a loose dental implant crown and ensure the long-term success of your dental implant. If you have further questions about how to prevent A Loose Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.

Managing A Loose Dental Implant Crown Until You Can See The Dentist

If you have a loose dental implant crown 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 Crown In A Safe Place: If the crown 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 crown 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 crown 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 crown 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 crown. 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 crown and prevent further complications. If you have further questions about managing A Loose Dental Implant Crown, please contact us.