[Health Column] What If Your Implant Screw Is Loose or Has Fallen Out? A Comprehensive Guide to Weekend Emergency Responses!

 

hello! Lee Hyun-seop, Chief Director of Seoul Centum Dental Clinic no see.

 

While eating a meal as usual, suddenly the implant It feels like it just popped out. Whenever a tooth comes in or I chew A 'rattling' unfamiliar feeling Have you ever felt it?

 

Especially since this situation happened to cause the hospital to close. weekends or late nights You would be very flustered if it happened. 😰

 

"Is this completely broken?", "Should I go to the emergency room right away?" For those who are concerned,

✨ today Actions You Must Never Do When an Implant Screw Loosens and the Correct Ways to Respond to Them for Each Situation We will summarize it for you in an easy-to-understand way!

 

 

1. Why do implant screws suddenly become loose? ?

🦷 This is because the 'screw' securing the prosthesis has loosened due to various causes.

 

Implants are not simply a single unit, but are embedded within the gum bone Artificial root (fixture) , column (abutment) , and visible Prosthetics (crowns) It consists of the structure of

 

What binds them tightly is the 'screw' is. 🔩

 

📌 The screw may come loose for these reasons!

• Chewing pressure: When excessive chewing force is concentrated on only one side
• Oral habits: The habit of grinding or clenching one's teeth unconsciously
• Wear and tear and aging: If the screw itself is worn out due to long-term use
• Initial fixation force: Rarely, when initial bonding strength was slightly insufficient or bone fusion was unstable

 

 

 

 

 

2. If an implant screw comes loose, do I absolutely have to have it re-implanted? ?

🦷 Don't worry! As long as the root (fixture) is intact, simply tightening the screws again will solve the problem.

 

Many people ask, "If it loosens, doesn't that mean the implant is ruined?" but fortunately... Re-implantation is not always necessary. 

 

 

✅ The situation is broadly divided into two types.

• In the case where only the screw is loose : The fixture is firmly attached to the bone and Only the prosthesis placed on top is loose It is. At the dental clinic It can be easily solved by simply tightening it again. It works! ✨
• Problems with the entire structure : If acting as a root If the fixture itself is shaking Additional treatment or re-implantation may be necessary.

Therefore, shaking is felt Early response Doing so is the smartest way to reduce the scope of treatment.

 

 

3. What should you absolutely never do when an implant is loose? ?

🦷 Attempting to fix it could actually completely ruin the implant.

 

⚠️ This is absolutely forbidden!

1. Direct screw tightening: If you use tools or screwdrivers found at home screw threads The ('wavy grooves etched into the screw') may be damaged, rendering it completely unusable. ❌
2. Use super glue: This is a surprisingly common mistake! If you apply adhesive, the prosthesis will become impossible to remove later. You might have to smash even your perfectly good prosthetics and make new ones. 😱
3. Continue eating as is: If you continue to chew while it is rattling, the internal structures may wear down, or in the worst case, even the fixture inside the bone may be damaged.

 

4. I can't go to the dentist because it's the weekend. What should I do right now? ?

🦷 Don't panic, just remember two things: 'protection' and 'storage'.

 

If you are unable to visit the hospital immediately, please make sure to follow the steps below by Monday morning.

1. Stop using the affected area : Minimize chewing, and absolutely Eating only on the opposite side Do it. 🍽️
2. Consume soft foods : It is recommended to focus on liquid foods that require minimal chewing, such as porridge, soup, and tofu.
3. Keep the missing prosthesis clean. : If the crown has completely fallen out, please keep it safe so you don't lose it and be sure to bring it with you when you visit! 📥
4. Quick booking : You need to find a dental clinic that is open on weekends, or schedule an appointment as soon as Monday arrives.

 

 

 

5. What problems arise if a loose implant screw is left untreated? ?

🦷 What could have been prevented with a hoe might end up requiring a shovel. That is why regular inspections are essential!

If you ignore the slight shaking and keep using it, you will eventually pay a heavy price. 😢

• Damaged parts : The screw may wear out or the connecting post (abutment) may break.
• Bone resorption progress : A loose prosthesis can cause continuous irritation to the gums, leading to the surrounding bone dissolving.
• Risk of re-surgery : In the end, it was a problem that could be solved simply by tightening. Major surgery to extract and re-implant implants It may lead to. 🔸

✨ Preventive measures for long-lasting durability!

• Maintain cleanliness around the teeth with dental floss and interdental brushes 🪥
• Check the screw tightening status every time through regular checkups
• If you grind your teeth, wear a splint.

 

FAQ

Q1. I tried putting the fallen prosthesis back in, and it fits perfectly. Can I just use it as is? ?

A1. No! Even if it appears to fit on the outside, food particles can enter through tiny gaps and cause inflammation, or it may slip out quickly due to being unable to withstand chewing forces, potentially damaging the inside. ⚠️ It must be fixed at a dental clinic using specialized tools.

 

Q2. Are there people whose implant screws frequently come loose? ?

A2. Those who chew very hard or enjoy tough foods, or those who have a habit of grinding their teeth severely while sleeping, may experience screws loosening relatively more frequently.

In this case, it is recommended to shorten the interval between regular checkups.

 

 

conclusion

Loose implant screws are an 🚨'emergency signal' sent by our body.

 

It might be disconcerting because it appeared suddenly, but in most cases, it is a phenomenon that develops as small abnormalities accumulate.

 

Don't panic even if it happens on the weekend! 

 

The most important thing is Seek a specialist quickly after stopping use, without touching it directly. no see.

 

Implants are just as important as they are to be implanted properly. Using it while managing it well Please make sure to remember that this determines your lifespan!

 

Seoul Centum Dental Clinic supports your healthy smile. 🦷✨

 

 

Seoul Centum Dental Clinic

Chief Director Lee Hyun-seop

 

Specialist in Integrated Dentistry

Graduated from Korea University

Master of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University College of Dentistry

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology

Regular member of the Korean Endodontic Society

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Integrated Dentistry

Member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (AACD)

Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)

Full member of the International Congress of Implantologists (ICOI)

 

Experience in placing over 17,000 implants

Possesses extensive overseas experience visiting over 10 countries

Experience with numerous complex implant cases

 

 

 

Read other health columns by Director Lee Hyun-seop >

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