Is a Dental Implant Falling Out an Emergency?

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. However, what happens if you feel that your dental implant is loose or falling out? Is it a cause for immediate concern?

The answer is “yes.” A healthy implant won’t even move in your mouth, let alone fall out. This is a serious dental emergency. In this blog, we’ll  help you take the right steps to protect your oral health and address the situation if it happens to you.

Understanding Dental Implant Loosening

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth replacement, but they are not immune to complications. A dental implant may become loose due to several reasons, including:

• Bone Loss: Insufficient bone density can affect the stability of the implant.
• Infection: Peri-implantitis, an infection around the implant, can lead to loosening.
• Trauma: Physical impact or injury from a slip and fall or another type of accident can damage the implant and compromise its position.

If you notice any loosening, it's crucial to contact your dentist to assess the situation for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Is A Loose Dental Implant an Emergency?

Yes. A loose dental implant is always a dental emergency. A healthy implant will never become loose, and if you don’t take immediate steps to have your implant repaired and restored, it may fail. If this happens, you may need to get a new one. This will add more costs and time to your treatment process.

Do not wait to contact your dentist. If your implant is loose, you need to get care as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to examine the implant, understand why it’s loose, and take steps to preserve it and restore your oral health.

What to Do If Your Implant Is Loose

If you suspect that your dental implant is loose, follow these steps to manage the situation effectively:

• Contact Your Dentist: Call your dental office to report the issue and schedule an appointment ASAP. Ideally, you should have your implant examined within 1-2 days at most.
• Avoid Stress on the Implant: Refrain from chewing on the affected side to prevent further loosening or damage to the implant site.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, but be gentle around the implant area to avoid pain, discomfort, or further damage.

By taking these steps, you can help mitigate the risk of further complications and ensure that your dentist can address the issue promptly.

Preventing Future Issues

To reduce the risk of dental implant complications, consider the following preventive measures:

• Go To Your Follow-Ups: After implant surgery, make sure you attend all follow-up visits so that they can track the healing process and make sure everything looks good.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Even after your implant site heals and you get your new tooth, you will need to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your gums healthy and free from infection.
• Avoid Tobacco And Nicotine: All types of tobacco and nicotine use impairs the healing of implants in the short term, and leads to a higher long-term risk of infections and other complications, too. If you want to keep your implant for as long as possible, you should cease all tobacco and nicotine use.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the longevity and success of your dental implants.

Contact DentAllon Dentistry in Nassau Bay

If you're experiencing issues with your dental implant or have concerns about its stability, don't wait to seek professional advice. Reach out to Dr. Liel Allon at DentAllon Dentistry in Nassau Bay. Our team is here to provide you with expert care and guidance to ensure your oral health is in top condition. Call us today at (832) 975-0780 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards resolving your dental concerns.