Dental Implants are prosthetics which are used to attach artificial teeth in place of natural teeth. They are basically used to replace missing teeth and also where there is a possibility of bone loss of the jaw.
When are dental implants used?
When there are one or more missing teeth in the mouth of an individual, the dentist may suggest dental implants. It is considered as a major part of cosmetic dentistry. In addition to replace missing teeth, dental implants are also used to stop bone loss of the jaw, and to support facial muscles, from collapse.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants look almost like natural teeth, and allow the individuals to use their teeth almost in a natural way we use our teeth. They allow people to eat the food of their choice regardless of the texture or consistency of the food, which may have been difficult for them to do before the implants.
How are dental implants fitted?
The dental implants are screw like tooth roots made of metal (titanium) which are fitted into jaw bones. The body then develops bone around the implant and gets it bonded with the screw. Within six months or so, the bone and the implant are fully bonded with each other. After full bonding, the dentist will attach an abutment, and tops it with a crown which is a replica of the missing tooth.
Is it possible for dental implant to fall off?
Usually dental implants are fixed firmly and bone tissue has grown all around the implant so that it does not move from its place. But, in some cases the implant does move away and get loosened from its place, which predisposes it to fall off. It is a rare occurrence though.
So what can cause a dental implant to fall off?
There are many reasons for dental implants to fall off.
- Loose crown
One of the reasons is a loose crown. A crown is the tooth shaped cap that goes over the natural tooth. If it does not fit well, it may also affect the stability of the implant.
- Bone loss
Bone loss can be another reason why your implant may get loosened and make you worry about it falling off. The area around the implant sometimes gets reabsorbed by the body and the implant does not have support of bone for it stays on its own and it may get loosened. Lack of osseointegration is the main cause of bone loss.
- Gum disease
Peri-implantitis, a kind of gum disease is also a major reason for implants to fail. It is a denture-associated infection risk with the gums. This gum disease can be overcome with the help of antibiotics and good oral hygiene habits.
When the person clenches or grinds teeth excessively, the pressure builds on the implants and they slowly loose the base. When gum tissue decreases, it loosens the grip of the implant. Diabetes or kidney disease affecting metabolism also plays a role in loosening the implant. Radiation therapy can affect base of the implant for impacting bone tissue around the area. When the gap between other teeth and implants gets widened, food particles may get impacted around the implant causing it to come loose.
What are the tell-tale signs that indicate that a dental implant may fall off?
It is better to know the signs of impending failure of tooth implant.
- Pain
The first important sign is pain around or in the tooth implant. The pain while chewing or even chronic dull pain that never lets up is a sign that says something is wrong with the implant.
- Bone loss
Another sign of the loose dental implant is visible bone loss around the implant. If you notice lack of enough bone mass around the implant, it is a sign that the implant may lose support and come free.
- Bleeding
Bleeding is another sign that warns you about loosened dental implant. When the tooth bleeds when touched or while chewing, it is bad sign for dental implant. Bleeding even when not touched or while chewing also bodes bad news for the crown and implant.
Dental implants, once successful, stays in place for years. But it is possible to experience a loosened implant even after 10 or more years. When more crowns are supported on few implants, it results in extra burden on implants and over the years they may come loose.
What to do when a dental implant comes loose?
Do not panic if your implant falls out. Find out calmly whether what has fallen out is the actual implant, or a part of the implant like a crown, the abutment, or a screw.
First thing you do after you is to find the missing part if possible and call your dentist immediately. Arrange for an appointment urgently. Avoid taking in any food, especially do not chew till you have spoken with your dentist. Wash your mouth with any non-alcoholic mouth wash. Your dentist will instruct you on what to do till you see him/her.
After you have seen your dentist, depending on the condition of your mouth and the place where the implant was in, your dentist will decide on the course of action. Usually the surrounding area of the implant needs to be healed. The reason why the implant fell out has to be first determined. If it fell out because of lack of support from the jawbone, then your dentist may decide to let the bone grow again. Sometimes the dentist has to use the bone grafting for the additional bone growth motivation in the surrounding area. Enough bone tissue is required to secure the implant in place.
Replacement of your dental implant needs to be on your top priority list because untreated dental implants fall off is a serious occurrence. If your dental implant has fallen off because of any kind of infection or gum disease, then the infection has to be treated effectively. Untreated area of fallen dental implant can grow in the mouth and spread to your and jaw. It can lead to loss of teeth and may lead to further infections.
In most cases the implant is cleaned, and the infection if any, is treated before the implant goes back in its place again.