Dental implants are designed to be permanent, but what if one starts to feel loose? A loose dental implant refers to any movement in the implant, crown, or the parts connecting them. While this might sound alarming, not all looseness means the implant itself is failing. Sometimes it’s just the crown or screw that needs adjustment.
Loosening is a relatively common concern during the healing process, especially within the first 6 months after surgery. Whether it happens soon after surgery or much later, it’s crucial not to ignore the signs. Even a slight wiggle can signal underlying issues like gum inflammation, bone loss, or excessive pressure from chewing.
The key is to act early. Addressing a loose dental implant promptly can mean the difference between a quick fix and having complications.
Why Would a Dental Implant Become Loose?
Dental implants can become loose for several reasons, and the cause often depends on how far along you are in the healing or restoration process.
Common causes include:
Loose abutment or crown – Often, it’s not the implant post itself that’s loose, but the crown or connector (abutment) that attaches to it.
Incomplete bone integration – In the early months after implant surgery, the titanium post needs time to fuse with the jawbone. If that process (called osseointegration) is disrupted, the implant may fail to stabilize (especially with uncontrolled diabetes or in smokers).
Gum or bone loss – Periodontal disease, infection, or trauma can result in gum recession or jawbone deterioration, weakening the implant’s foundation.
Overloading the implant – Applying too much force from biting or teeth grinding (bruxism) before healing is complete can loosen the implant.
Poor placement or insufficient bone density – If the jawbone was too thin or soft, or if the implant was placed at a poor angle, the post may not stay firmly anchored.
Early diagnosis and proper care planning, including bone grafting before implant placement, can reduce the risk of looseness in the long term.
What Are the Symptoms of Loose Dental Implants?
Recognizing the early warning signs of a loose implant is key to preventing further complications. Common symptoms include:
Movement or wobbling when you touch or chew with the implant
Clicking or popping sensations
Discomfort, pressure, or pain near the implant site
Swollen or receding gums
Visible gaps between the implant crown and the gumline
Bad taste or odor, which may indicate an infection
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of saving the implant.
Treatment Options to Fix a Loose Dental Implant
Treatment depends on what part of the implant is loose and why. Here are the most common solutions:
Loose crown or abutment – If only the top part is loose, your dentist can often tighten or replace the crown or screw without affecting the implant post.
Mild bone loss – In cases of early-stage gum or bone recession, deep cleaning, antibiotics, or bone grafting may help stabilize the implant.
Implant fixture movement – If the actual implant post is loose due to failed bone integration, it may need to be removed, the area treated and replaced later with a new implant.
Occlusal adjustment – If the implant is under too much bite pressure, your dentist may adjust the surrounding teeth or the crown to distribute force more evenly.
Use of splints or guards – If teeth grinding contributed to the looseness, your dentist might recommend a night guard to prevent further stress on the implant.
In many cases, the implant can be salvaged with prompt treatment. But ignoring the issue may lead to permanent damage or implant failure.
Is A Loose Dental Implant an Emergency?
Yes, a loose dental implant should always be treated as a dental emergency, even if you're not feeling pain. Any movement in your implant could indicate a larger issue, such as infection, bone loss, or structural failure.
Leaving it untreated could:
Damage surrounding bone and gum tissue
Increase the risk of implant failure
Make replacement treatment more difficult or expensive
If your implant feels loose, do not try to fix it yourself. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and call your dental provider right away.
What to Do If Your Dental Implant Feels Loose
If you suspect your implant is loose, here’s what you should do:
Stop using the implant to chew – Avoid applying pressure or eating hard foods on the affected side.
Check for visible issues – Look for signs like gum redness, swelling, or gaps at the gumline.
Rinse gently with warm salt water – This may help reduce inflammation if your gums are irritated.
Avoid DIY fixes – Do not attempt to tighten or adjust the implant or crown yourself.
Call your dental office immediately – Even if the symptoms seem mild, early professional care is crucial.
Prompt diagnosis gives your dental team the best chance of correcting the issue before it leads to permanent damage.
Can a Loose Dental Implant Be Saved?
In many cases, yes, a loose dental implant can be saved, especially if the issue is caught early and doesn’t involve the implant fixture (the post inside the bone).
Several factors influence whether your implant can be preserved:
Timing – The sooner a dental implant issue is addressed, the better the outcome.
Location of the loosening – If the crown or abutment is loose, it’s usually an easy fix. If the implant post itself is mobile, more intensive treatment may be required.
Bone and gum health – If your jawbone has good density and volume, your chances of recovery are higher. Otherwise, bone grafting may be needed.
Cause of failure – Damage from biting pressure or improper healing may be reversible. But chronic infection or major bone loss may call for implant removal and replacement.
Your dental provider may use X-rays or CT scans to determine whether the implant can be retained or must be removed and replaced.
Bone Grafting to Reinforce the Jaw
If your implant is loose due to bone loss, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This procedure strengthens the jawbone by adding bone material (either synthetic or natural) to help create a solid foundation for a future implant. After the graft heals, a new implant can usually be placed with better long-term success.
Implant Removal and Replacement
In cases where the implant fixture (the titanium post) has completely failed or never integrated properly with the bone, it may need to be removed. After treating the site and allowing time to heal, sometimes with bone grafting, a new implant may be placed. While this process can take several months, it helps ensure the replacement implant has a strong, healthy foundation.
Crown or Abutment Tightening or Replacement
Often, what feels like a loose implant is actually a loose abutment or crown – the visible tooth or the connector underneath. This is one of the easiest problems to fix. Your dentist can usually tighten the screw or replace the crown without removing the implant post. In many cases, this can be done in a single visit.
Get Help Protecting Your Dental Implant Investment
A loose dental implant can be unsettling, but it’s not always a sign of failure. Dental implants have a 97% success rate. In many cases, a simple adjustment or minor repair can restore stability and keep your implant functioning for years to come.
If your implant feels loose or you notice unusual movement or discomfort, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation at your nearest Affordable Dentures & Implants location to protect your oral health and get expert care fast.
Loose Dental Implant FAQ
Can a loose dental implant get infected?
Yes, a loose dental implant can become infected, especially if the looseness is related to gum or bone issues. One of the most common causes is peri-implantitis, a type of gum infection that affects the tissues around the implant. If left untreated, this infection can cause the gums to recede and the bone around the implant to deteriorate, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Signs of infection may include:
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Pus or drainage around the implant
Pain or sensitivity at the site
If you suspect an infection, contact your dental provider immediately. Prompt treatment with deep cleaning, antibiotics, or other interventions can help save the implant and prevent further complications.
What do I do if my dental implant falls out?
If your dental implant (or its crown or abutment) falls out, don’t try to reinsert it yourself. Here’s what to do:
Save the implant or crown, if you can, and place it in a clean container.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to reduce bacteria.
Avoid eating or chewing on the affected side.
Call your dental provider right away for an emergency appointment.
In many cases, what falls out is not the implant post but the crown or abutment, which may be reattached or replaced. If the implant fixture itself has dislodged, your dentist will evaluate the area and determine if bone grafting or re-placement is needed.
Can I screw my dental implant back in?
No, you should never try to screw your dental implant back in yourself. Attempting to fix the implant or crown at home can damage the implant threads, surrounding bone, or gum tissue, and may lead to infection or permanent implant failure.
Only a dental professional has the tools and expertise to evaluate the implant and determine whether it can be safely re-tightened or requires repair or replacement. If something feels loose, contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Is a loose dental implant an emergency?
Yes, if your dental implant feels loose in your mouth you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. It could be a sign that you have an infection, bone loss or another serious issue, so to put your mind at ease, visit your dentist.
Can a loose dental implant be saved?
There are lots of ways that your dentist might be able to save your loose implant, including adjusting the crown or the abutment that connects it to the titanium post in your jaw. If necessary, your dentist can give you a bone graft to strengthen the bone in your jaw and help it keep the implant in place. Even if your dental implant needs to be removed, it may be possible to replace it with a new implant, once your jaw has healed.