[Health Column] My Implant Is Loose or Has Fallen Out! | Causes and Emergency Response Explained by a Prosthodontist

 

 

hello! Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic Chief Director Jae-wook Jeong It is. 👋

 

💬 "I spent a lot of money and time just to get this implant done... but suddenly I felt a snap and it's loose. Do I have to have the surgery done all over again? And what about the cost?"

 

 

If a dental implant you have been using perfectly fine suddenly becomes loose or falls out one day, it is natural for anyone to feel a sinking heart and anxiety. You are likely to be worried, asking, "Is this a side effect?" or "Do I have to have a re-operation from the beginning?"

 

⚠️ To start with the conclusion, there is no need to panic! Among the implant structures, ' This is because there is a very high probability that it is a minor issue where some screws have come slightly loose. .

 

In today's column, I will explain in a very easy-to-understand way, from the perspective of a prosthodontist, the three real causes of loose or falling implants, as well as emergency measures you should absolutely never take before visiting the dentist. ✨

 

 

1️⃣ What is the structure of an implant?

👋 If you understand the prefabricated structure, you can see the reason for the shaking and the answer.

 

While natural teeth are connected to the bone as a whole, implants, which are artificial teeth, have a 'modular structure' composed of a total of three parts. 🔩

 

🔸 Fixture: An artificial tooth root firmly embedded in the gum bone

 

🔸 Crown: An artificial tooth shaped like a white head that is visible to the eye.

 

🔸 Abutment: An intermediate post connecting the root (fixture) and the crown (secured with a small screw)

 

 

🔎 The cause is right here! If the strong pressure generated when we chew food every day persists for a long time, this small screw (Abutment Screw) connecting the post and the head may loosen slightly.

 

💡 If, fortunately, your gum bone is perfectly fine but only this screw is loose, the head portion will wobble or fall out. In this case, please rest assured that the issue can be easily resolved by visiting the dentist to tighten the screw securely or replace it with a new one!

 

 

 

2️⃣ What is the real cause of implants becoming loose and falling out?

👋 From simple parts issues to signals from the gum bone, the response varies depending on the cause.

 

🛠️ Cause 1. When the 'dental adhesive' securing the crown has melted

 

Dental adhesive is used to attach the implant head (crown) to the post. However, the mouth is a harsh environment where saliva (moisture) is always abundant and strong chewing forces are constantly at work. Because of this, over time, the adhesive naturally dissolves, causing only the crown to detach.

 

📌 Since there is no problem with the root itself, please bring the detached crown to the dental clinic, and we will clean the inside thoroughly and reattach it securely.

 

 

🚨 Cause 2. The most dangerous sign! When bone has eroded due to 'peri-implantitis'

 

If the two issues mentioned earlier are minor 'parts problems,' the most serious cause to watch out for is 'peri-implantitis.'

 

Unlike natural teeth, implants lack the defensive tissue called the 'periodontal ligament' that prevents bacterial invasion. If tartar and plaque accumulate around the implant and cause inflammation, the gum bone will erode at a very rapid rate.

 

⚠️ If the gum bone has eroded and the artificial root (fixture) itself becomes loose, the existing implant must be removed. Gum treatment and bone grafting must be performed first, followed by re-surgery. If the tooth becomes loose accompanied by pus or a foul odor from the gums, you must visit a dentist immediately!

 

 

 

3️⃣ What are the 3 things to 'absolutely avoid' when an implant is loose?

👋 An unintentional action taken out of panic ends up requiring a shovel to fix what could have been fixed with a hoe.

 

Before going to the dentist, you must absolutely not do the following out of anxiety! 🙅‍♂️

 

❌ Trying to shake it repeatedly with your hand or tongue: This may cause the screw to break completely inside or cause additional damage to the surrounding gum bone.

 

❌ Continue chewing food on the missing side: If the pillar part remaining where the head fell off is damaged or broken, the entire pillar must be replaced. Be sure to eat on the opposite side!

 

❌ Attempting to fit it back in yourself or neglecting it: If you roughly try to fit a detached crown back in at home, it can misalign the bite (occlusion) and allow foreign substances to enter, causing inflammation. Furthermore, if left untreated for a long time, surrounding teeth may tilt into the empty space, making reattachment impossible.

 

 

❔ FAQ: Everything About Implant Prosthesis Dislodgement

 

Q1. The entire crown of my implant fell out. I'm busy, so would it be okay if I came back a few days later?

 

A1. You must visit us as soon as possible! If you leave the missing tooth untreated for more than a week, the surrounding teeth will subtly tilt or shift toward the empty space. Additionally, gum tissue will fill in around the post, preventing the existing prosthesis from fitting. In this case, a perfectly good prosthesis must be remade, which increases both the cost and the treatment period. 😥

 

Q2. If I go to the dentist because my implant is loose, do I have to have it extracted and undergo re-surgery no matter what?

 

A2. No! The treatment varies completely depending on the cause of the loosening. If the internal screw has simply come loose or the adhesive has melted, the issue can be resolved very simply by retightening or reattaching the existing parts, and this applies to the majority of patients. However, if bone has eroded due to peri-implantitis, re-surgery may be necessary, so you must confirm the exact condition through a dental examination.

 

Q3. Why do the implant screws come loose so often? Was the procedure done incorrectly?

 

A3. This is due to the immense chewing force of the human jaw and the limitations of the 'screw structure,' rather than a problem with the procedure itself. Unlike natural teeth, implants lack the 'periodontal ligament' that absorbs shock, so the impact is transmitted directly to the bone and the screw. If you enjoy tough or hard foods, or have habits of teeth grinding or clenching, the screw may loosen more frequently.

 

Q4. If the prosthesis falls out or breaks, do I have to bear all the costs?

 

A4. Treatment is available free of charge or at a partial cost, depending on the 'Warranty Period Regulations' of the dental clinic where you received the procedure. Most dental clinics operate their own warranty systems. However, please be sure to check the clinic's guidelines, as you may be excluded from the warranty if you completely failed to keep regular check-up appointments or if there was clear negligence on your part (such as neglecting severe bruxism or consuming hard foods)! 🔍

 

 

 

🎯 Conclusion: Regular checkups that adhere to the golden time are key!

 

When an implant becomes loose or falls out, the most important thing is 'speed'. 🏃‍♂️

 

Even if it is a simple issue with parts or adhesive, if left untreated for a long time, the gum tissue will fill the empty space, causing a simple treatment to escalate into a complex and major one. If there is a missing prosthesis (crown), place it in a clean gauze or container. Please visit the dental clinic within 1 to 2 days at the latest This is the golden time to protect your precious implants safely and at the lowest cost.

 

💡 Key Management Points from the Director! In fact, simply getting regular checkups every six months is enough to sufficiently prevent screw loosening or peri-screw inflammation. If you experience any discomfort in your daily life or feel even slight looseness, please do not delay and be sure to visit a dentist to have your condition checked! 🩺

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jae-wook Jeong, Chief Director of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist in Prosthodontics

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry

Internship at Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Sinchon; completed residency in Prosthodontics.

Certified Specialist and Regular Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Outstanding member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

Former Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Formerly served as Chief Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

Current) Board Member, Specialist Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Current Director of Academic Planning, Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

 

 

 

 

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