Expert Columns

[Health Column] Loose Implants: Is Reoperation Always Necessary?

2026.09.09 08:23

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이정호 대표원장

Hello, this is Dr. Lee Jung-ho, Chief Director of Seoul Dia Dental Clinic. 😊

My implant is loose! 🤔
"I trusted you and had the surgery, but was it a failure?"

Patients who contact us regarding loose implants speak with genuine surprise. It is natural to be flustered when you feel unexpected looseness, as you thought the process was complete once the implantation was done.

However, because the implant is loose Re-surgery is not always necessary. Depending on the cause, it can be resolved simply in some cases, while in others, a more precise examination is required.

Let me go through the causes and solutions for loose implants one by one. ✨

1️⃣ First, what you need to know: where is the 'location' of the shaking?

Depending on whether the prosthesis is loose or the implant root is loose, the severity and the solution differ completely.

When you feel that your implant is loose, it actually falls into two cases.

🔸 If the prosthesis (crown) is loose
Only the 'tooth-shaped structure' resting on the implant has become loose.

🔸 If the implant itself (fixture) becomes loose
It is a condition where the 'root' embedded in the bone beneath the gum moves together.

📌 It is difficult to distinguish on your own.
It is difficult to determine solely by palpation whether only the prosthesis is moving or if the root is moving as well. Continuously wiggling it with your tongue or hands to check can actually apply more force to the connection point, so it is safer to have it checked at a dental clinic. ⚡

2️⃣ What happens if the prosthesis (crown) becomes loose?

This is the most common case, and it is often resolved relatively simply.

Implant crowns are mounted by being secured with screws or bonded with cement. Over time, the screws connecting the prosthesis may loosen or the adhesive strength may weaken, causing the prosthesis to become loose.

✨ Treatment proceeds as follows.
If you visit the dental clinic, the issue can be resolved quickly by retightening the screw or re-bonding the crown. In most cases, the implant root (fixture) itself is in good condition. 💡

📌 When does something like this happen?
This includes cases where hard foods are frequently chewed, teeth grinding or clenching occurs, screws loosen due to repeated chewing forces, and screws were not tightened sufficiently when the prosthesis was fitted.

⚠️ If it is repeated in the same place
Rather than simply stopping at tightening it again, it is advisable to examine the occlusion to check if the chewing force is concentrated on one side. This is because the same issue can recur if the underlying cause remains.

3️⃣ If the implant itself is loose, what is the problem?

This could be a sign of a problem with bone integration, so it is a case that requires a little more careful observation.

The implant is firmly embedded in the bone bone adhesion It is fixed through a process called [...]. If the implant itself is loose, it could be a sign that there is a problem with osseointegration.

The cause is not fixed to a single factor. The four listed below are representative, but in reality, it is not uncommon for two or more factors to overlap.

📌 1. Peri-implantitis
If inflammation occurs around the implant due to bacterial infection and spreads to the bone, the bone supporting the implant may erode, causing it to become loose.

📌 2. Excessive occlusal force
Repeated excessive force on implants due to teeth grinding or clenching can cause problems with the prosthesis or screw connection, and may also affect the condition of the surrounding bone.

📌 3. Failure of bone integration
This is a case where sufficient bone integration did not occur from the beginning. Overall health status, smoking, and diabetes control can have an impact.

📌 4. Trauma
There are also cases where the bond between the implant and the bone is damaged due to a strong impact or an accident.

🔗 Here as well, the degree of 'shaking' is important. The progression may vary depending on whether the movement is very subtle or if you feel a distinct pressure every time you chew. In either case, you should confirm it through an examination rather than judging it yourself.

4️⃣ What should I do if the implant itself becomes loose?

Since bone loss progresses the longer it is left untreated, it is most important to visit a doctor quickly to check your condition.

If left untreated, bone loss in the surrounding area may progress further, and available treatment options may decrease. 🩺

✨ We confirm through a medical examination.
X-rays and detailed examinations are used to check the extent of bone loss, the presence of inflammation, and damage to the implant itself.

✨ The direction of treatment varies depending on the condition.
Even if there is inflammation or bone loss around the implant, if the implant itself remains secure, it may be possible to preserve it through inflammation treatment and management, depending on the condition.

However, if osseointegration is lost and the implant itself becomes loose, or if significant bone loss has occurred in the surrounding area, removal of the implant and re-implantation after necessary treatment may be considered.

⚠️ Removal is not the end.
After resolving the inflammation and waiting for the bone to heal, we will consider re-implanting the tooth with bone grafting if necessary. However, since this process depends on the amount of remaining bone and the patient's overall condition, Coming before the bone dissolves further is the surest way to broaden your options. no see.

📌 If you see these signs, don't put it off.
This includes when you feel the implant being pressed or moving when chewing, when the gums swell or bleed or pus comes out when pressed, when the gums around the implant recede and the metal part becomes visible, or when the sensation changes after receiving a strong impact to the face or jaw.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. I would like to know how to prevent implant loosening.

A. Since implants themselves do not have nerves like natural teeth, you may not feel distinct pain in the early stages even if inflammation or problems occur in the surrounding area. 💡 Therefore, they require even more meticulous care than natural teeth.

Please check the condition of your surrounding gums and bone through regular checkups every six months, and prevent peri-implantitis by using a toothbrush and dental floss. If you grind your teeth, it is also important to use a brace to reduce excessive force. Since treatment is simpler if signs such as looseness, discomfort while chewing, or gum bleeding or swelling are detected early, please do not take them lightly and visit the clinic immediately.

Q2. Do implants get cavities just like natural teeth?

A. The implant itself is made of materials such as titanium and ceramic, so it does not develop cavities. 🦷 However, if you neglect care thinking, "It will be fine since I don't have to worry about cavities," inflammation (peri-implantitis) may develop in the gums and bone surrounding the implant.

Just because you don't have cavities doesn't mean they aren't needed. As mentioned earlier, the secret to making your implants last a long time is to care for them even more meticulously than you would your natural teeth.

🎯 Conclusion: Shaking is not 'failure,' but a 'signal to verify.'

Just because an implant is loose does not mean it has failed immediately. This is because the response varies completely depending on whether the prosthesis is moving or the implant itself is moving.

Looseness in the prosthesis is often resolved relatively simply by retightening the screws or re-bonding, while looseness in the implant itself is treated by determining the cause, such as inflammation, occlusal force, osseointegration, or trauma.

📌 Self-Check Points for Loose Implants

1. Sensation of pressure when chewing — Do you have a sensation that the implant is sinking downward?

2. Gum condition — Check for swelling, bleeding, or pus when pressed.

3. Gum line — Has it dropped compared to before and the metal part is showing through?

4. Recent Impact — Have you ever received a strong impact to your face or jaw?

Implants are teeth where the warning signs of pain are delayed. Therefore, the moment you feel discomfort, it is already time for a check-up. If any of the items apply to you, I strongly recommend getting a check-up even if you are not experiencing any pain. 🩺