It is not normal for a dental implant to move. Dental implants are safe and durable solutions when placed correctly by experienced specialists.

If you have the sensation that your dental implant is moving, go to your dentist as soon as possible so that he/she can detect the reason why you notice that the dental implant is moving.

The implant itself (the screw) may move or the crown (the visible part of the implant) may move.

In both cases, we recommend that you visit a dental clinic you trust so that they can evaluate you and determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific case.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are, at present, the best tooth replacement option for patients with missing or deciduous teeth. These implants replace tooth roots and are surgically placed in the patient’s maxillary or mandibular bone or other bones. Once in place, a process called osseointegration begins.

It is a healing process in which the bone fuses with the implant and lasts between 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the case. Once we determine that your implants have healed completely, a ceramic sleeve is placed over each implant. At Raslan, your dental clinic in Barcelona, we are committed to treating and saving natural teeth whenever we can.

See What is Osseointegration. The basis of a dental implant

During the first few months, until the screw is fully integrated into the bone (osseointegration), you may notice minimal mobility in the implant, but if you notice that it moves too much, we recommend that you see your dentist to check it and determine if there is a problem.

You may also notice your teeth looking a little strange. Many patients think their teeth are moving or shifting when in fact they are not moving or shifting at all, as the new crown puts some pressure on nearby teeth and affects the way your teeth fit together. Your teeth are getting used to the feel of the new tooth, which may cause some discomfort for a few days.

In the vast majority of cases, if you follow the instructions during the healing and recovery period of dental implant surgery, you will almost completely eliminate the risk of major complications after dental implant surgery.

See Dental implants price. How much does a dental implant cost in 2024?

dentist with pain patient

 

Why do dental implants move?

If you feel that your implant screw is starting to move, it could be that the implant has not integrated correctly with the bone or that there is an infection.

There are two main reasons why dental implants can typically fail, which include:

  1. Rejected osseointegration: this occurs when the jawbone does not grow well enough around the implant. This may be caused by smoking or poor quality bone. It usually occurs in theThe first stages shortly after the surgical procedure.
  2. Peri-implantitis: This is an inflammatory process that affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant and causes a loss of the bone support in which it has been integrated, usually due to poor oral hygiene. This is an advanced stage of periodontal disease that damages the bone of the maxilla and mandible. If not detected in time, it can cause the tooth or implant to loosen.
  3. Mucositis: It is the inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the implant, but does not affect the bone tissue. Unlike peri-implantitis, it is reversible with proper treatment consisting of cleaning by the professional and correct hygiene by the patient.

The main symptoms of dental implant infection are:

  • Inflammation (reddening of the gum surrounding the implant)
  • Bleeding
  • Bad taste or odor
  • Exposure of part of the implant
  • More rarely pain around the implant
  • Implant mobility in more advanced cases
  1. A bad placement of the implant or crown, so you should visit your dentist to correct the problem.
  2. That the materials used are not of good quality, that the strength of your bite is excessive or that you have suffered a trauma in the jaw area causing the movement of the implant.

See Rejection of dental implants. What it is and How to avoid it

Why do dental implant crowns loosen?

One of the most common concerns of patients who have implants a5> patients who have dental implants is the loosening of crowns. Although an implant is a long-lasting and effective solution, it is important to understand that problems can arise, although this is not common, with the dental crown over time due to any of these factors:

1. Lack of proper adjustment

If the crown is not placed accurately or does not fit correctly over the implant, there may be friction between the two parts, which may eventually cause the crown to become loose. For that reason, it is essential that the professional evaluate thoroughly each case and take precise measures to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Problems in the union

The quality of the material used to attach the crown to the implant is crucial. If the adhesive or screw is not applied correctly or if they are not of good quality, the bond will not be strong enough are not of good quality, the bond may fail over time. At our clinic, we use high-quality materials and make sure to do a thorough job. to carry out meticulous work to avoid these problems.

3. Overload or excessive pressure excessive

Are you one of those people who enjoy chewing hard foods? Although implants are designed to be durable, excessive use or problems such as bruxism (teeth grinding) can subject the crowns to too much pressure, causing them to break. to too much pressure, causing them to become loose. If this is your case, it is important to discuss this with your dentist to prevent damage.

4. Infections around the implant

Peri-implantitis, an infection that affects the tissues and bones around the implant, can compromise its stability and cause the crown to lose its grip. This condition is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Therefore, we always recommend that our patients follow a rigorous cleaning routine and attend regular check-ups.

5. Wear and tear over time

As with natural teeth, crowns can also wear down over the years, especially if they are not properly cared for over the years, especially if the materials are not of the best quality or if they are not properly cared for. The accumulation of plaque and tartar can accelerate this process.

6. Problems with the implant

On occasions, the problem is not with the crown, but rather with the implant. An incorrect placement, trauma, or problems with the bone may be to blame. For that reason, it is essential to put yourself in the hands of experienced professionals.

When movement of an implant crown is detected, it is essential to address the problem immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to serious problems that would have been easily solved if addressed in the first few days. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause.

If the crown moves and there is no possibility of adjusting it or it is very damaged, the solution may simply be to replace it may simply involve replacing it with a new one.

What to do if my dental implant moves.

If the implant crown moves, the solution is simpler, it may be a sign of normal wear or a sign that the crown needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Generally, movement of a dental implant (screw) occurs 1 to 10 years after surgery and can be caused by bruxism, stress on the implant due to improper bite, lack of gum tissue, poor oral hygiene, or a bacterial infection. If not treated properly, it can lead to implant failure.

See Why might a dental implant fall out? Causes, prevention and solutions

Whatever the reason for the rejection or loss of your dental implant, our specialized dentists offer dental implant revisions in all our clinics in Barcelona.

Apply ice to the cheek where the implant is loose if it causes pain. Cold relieves inflammation if the tissues around the implant are swollen.

 

What does dental implant revision consist of?

At RASLAN, we will use 3D images(tac 3d) to evaluate the state of your dental implants in order to dental implants to take the necessary measures depending on each case.. Our periodontist can perform an advanced laser technique known as the LAPIP Protocol known as LAPIPProtocol to eliminate any infection in the tissues surrounding the the tissues surrounding the implant and stimulate the growth of the bone support through the use of a freely operating pulsed Nd:YAG.

  • It allows the removal of only diseased tissue without removing any healthy tissue.

  • Eliminates infection

  • Helps maintain tissue height around implants.

  • Minimizes patient pain and discomfort.

  • Closes the periodontal pocket wound to allow healing to occur.

  • 100% natural: no foreign materials or growth factors are used.

  • Insurance for medically compromised patients, those taking anticoagulants or those with diabetes

Other measures that can be taken to solve the movement of your dental implants.

  • Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.
  • Tighten the crown if it is the crown that moves, rather than the implant itself.
  • Remove all components to see if anything is broken or damaged.
  • Replace damaged parts.
  • Inserting a new dental implant. The implant site is cleaned and usually left to heal for a few months before another implant is inserted.

We can also use bone graft materials or growth factors at the implant site to strengthen its support. Sometimes, we may need to repair misplaced implants or remove them completely to reposition them.

In general, we can say that the vast majority of people can enjoy their dental implants for many years without any problems, as long as they maintain proper oral hygiene and see their dentist regularly, but sometimes there may be more or less complicated problems that can compromise the integrity of an implant.

If you notice any pain or movement in a dental implant, visit your dental clinic or an emergency dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and apply the appropriate treatment as soon as possible to avoid further problems.

More information about dental implants:

Dental Implants 14 Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, a prosthesis or a dental implant?

Immediate load implants. What they are and their advantages

Types of dental implants. Everything you need to know

Dental implants price. How much does a dental implant cost in 2024?

Wearing orthodontics when you have or need dental implants, bridges or veneers

Side effects of dental implants. A complete and updated guide

 

Dr. Fady Raslan