Have you wondered how a loose implant crown can affect your treatment?
Find out below the implications and consequences of having a loose crown and how to manage and prevent it.
Addressing a Loose Dental Implant Crown is Crucial
Impact on surrounding teeth and gums
An appropriate dental implant crown is fundamental in your dental implant’s treatment. First, your implant crown allows you to chew and bite while protecting your implant from bacteria and other microorganisms.
However, a loose implant crown can significantly impact the health of its surrounding teeth and gums. When you have a loose crown, the adjacent teeth can shift, leading to misalignment and bite issues.
Additionally, when a crown is loose, it traps food leftovers and other substances that serve as fuel for harmful bacteria in your mouth, causing gum disease and decay.
Risk of infection and complications
The risk of infection is one of the primary concerns with a loose implant crown.
Bacteria can infiltrate the gap between your crown and the abutment, potentially leading to a severe complication called peri-implantitis. This condition is an oral infection that attacks the gum and bone around your dental implant.
If it is left untreated, peri-implantitis can cause severe complications, including implant failure and the need for more extensive dental treatments.
Potential for further damage to the implant
The implant abutment is the part of your implant that guarantees a perfect seal between your new implant and dental crown. As a result, having a loose crown can also lead to implant failure if it is not addressed on time.
Furthermore, constant movement and instability from a loose crown can severely weaken your implant’s integration with the jawbone, making it more prone to failure.
Common Causes of a Loose Dental Implant Crown
There are many causes for an implant crown to come loose. Here are some of the most common ones:
Inadequate oral hygiene
Once your implant treatment is complete, your main task is to maintain proper dental care at home to keep your dental implants in perfect shape.
Inadequate brushing and flossing, particularly around the implant site, can lead to plaque buildup, weakening the bond between the crown and the abutment.
This plaque can accumulate around your crown and abutment, causing inflammation and infection and contributing to the loosening of the crown.
Expected wear and tear over time
Just like your natural teeth, dental implant crowns are subject to wear and tear. Therefore, you should expect some loosening over the years, depending on the use you give them and your diet.
As a result, chewing, biting, and grinding your teeth can gradually wear down your prosthesis, leading your crown to feel loose. Consider that even in the best scenario, the constant mechanical forces exerted on the crown can cause it to become unstable over time.
However, this does not mean that your treatment has failed. This gradual loosening is contemplated by your dentist and easily fixed with the appropriate home measures and regular check-up visits.
Inadequate initial placement or restoration
On the other hand, sometimes, the cause of a loose crown is the initial placement or restoration.
These are some of the issues that can contribute to early and unexpected loosening:
- Improper fitting
- Poor treatment planning
- Excessive biting forces after crown cementation
- Inadequate cementing
- Issues and malfunction of the abutment.
Therefore, ensure that your implant procedure is performed by an experienced dental professional to minimize these risks and receive a high-quality dental treatment.
Solutions for Addressing a Loose Dental Implant Crown
Seeking professional dental care
You must seek professional dental attention after the first sign of loosening on your implant crown. Your specialist can accurately diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage.
Remember that delaying a dental visit can lead to further complications, making treatment more complex and costly, putting at risk months of hard work and commitment.
Potential need for crown replacement or repair
Depending on the severity of the issue, your dentist may recommend tightening, repairing, or replacing the loose crown.
If your crown and implant are still in excellent condition, your dentist might just need to re-cement or tighten back your dental implant screw to secure it into place. Yet, if the crown or abutment is damaged, you might require a replacement to restore your treatment stability and functionality.
Preventative measures for long-term maintenance
The first and most essential measure to prolong the longevity of your dental implants is to practice excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to guarantee a healthy mouth and a long-lasting treatment.
You should also avoid harmful habits that can damage your crown, such as chewing on hard objects and grinding your teeth. Ask your dentist about mouthguards if you suspect you grind your teeth at night.
How to Recognize Early Signs of a Loose Dental Implant Crown
Promptly sporting the problem is essential to prevent long-term consequences and severe damage to your implant. Look for any noticeable movement of the crown when you apply gentle pressure.
Also, seek professional care if you feel discomfort or changes in how your bite feels when chewing.
FAQs
Is It Normal That My Crown Moves After Cementation?
Not at all. Your crown must be firmly fixed to your abutment and implant to guarantee proper functionality.
What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Crown Feels Loose?
Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, avoid chewing on the affected side and practice good oral hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Implant dentistry is an outstanding solution to your missing teeth. However, it is also prone to complications and unexpected situations, such as a loose crown.
Fortunately, you can address the issues promptly by guaranteeing early intervention, ensuring the long-term success of your dental implant.
Finally, remember that proper maintenance and regular dental visits can help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy, stable, and functional smile for many years.
