Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If your dental implant feels loose, do not ignore it. It may not always be a dental emergency, but it always requires prompt evaluation to prevent implant failure or additional damage.
In this blog, you will learn when a loose implant is urgent, when it can wait, and what to do next to protect your smile and oral health.
Table of Contents
Legacy Surgery offers dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Key Takeaway
If you feel pain, swelling, bleeding, or notice pus near your dental implant, schedule an emergency visit immediately. If the crown or abutment feels slightly loose but there is no pain or infection, book a prompt visit during office hours to avoid further issues.
What to Know About Loose Dental Implants
A dental implant should not move. If it feels unstable, it means something is not right. The severity depends on what is actually loose.
What might feel loose:
- The crown only: The implant crown or abutment may have come loose from the abutment screw below. This is not an emergency dental issue, but your dentist should address it as soon as possible.
- The entire implant: If the implant screw itself feels loose in the jaw bone, this is more serious and needs to be addressed right away. Call your oral surgeon for an emergency consultation.
- The gum tissue: Inflammation or bacterial infection can make it feel like the implant is loose when the post is still stable.
When a Loose Dental Implant Is an Emergency
Some situations need immediate attention to prevent implant failure.
Call us right away if you notice:
- Pain or swelling around the implant: This may indicate a bacterial infection, gum disease, or bone loss.
- Bleeding gums or pus: These are signs of infection, including peri-implantitis, which threatens implant success.
- A wobbly implant post: If the post itself moves, it may point to poor bone quality or improper placement.
- Trauma or injury to the area: Impact during contact sports or accidents can dislodge an implant, even after it fuses to the bone.
When It Can Wait
Some issues are not urgent dental emergencies but still require prompt care to avoid long-term complications.
You may be able to wait 1–2 days if:
- The crown feels loose, but there is no pain. This could mean a loose abutment or a broken abutment.
- There is slight movement when flossing, but no swelling. Poor oral hygiene may be a contributing factor.
- You hear a clicking sound but do not feel pressure or instability. This may be a simple solution like tightening the loose crown.
Even if it does not hurt, a loose component can affect your bite and surrounding natural teeth. Schedule prompt treatment to protect your dental restorations.
Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, if you have any concerns about your dental implant(s) you should schedule a visit with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Implant Feels Loose
If your implant feels loose or just “different”, follow these steps until you see a dental professional:
- Stop chewing on that side: Avoid putting excessive pressure on the implant. Stick to soft foods until your visit.
- Do not try to tighten it: Do not twist or adjust any part of the dental implant yourself.
- Keep the area clean: Rinse with warm salt water or an antiseptic rinse to reduce bacterial infection risk.
Treatment Options at Legacy Surgery
Once you come in, Dr. Kesecker will examine the implant, bone structure, and gum tissue using imaging and diagnostic tools.
Depending on what is loose, we may:
- Tighten or replace the loose crown or abutment
- Repair or replace the broken abutment
- Treat infection with deep cleaning or antibiotics
- Perform bone graft surgery if there is bone loss or poor bone quality
- Remove and replace the implant in cases of complete failure
We aim to preserve the implant when possible, using a conservative and personalized dental care approach.
How to Prevent Implant Loosening
You can improve the implant success rate and avoid future issues by following these steps:
- Maintain daily oral hygiene with brushing and flossing
- Attend regular dental check-ups for professional cleaning
- Avoid sticky foods and habits like grinding
- Wear a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
- Stick to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
- Call at the first sign of discomfort, inflammation, or signs of infection
Dental implants can offer a natural appearance and a confident smile for life with proper care. To learn more, read How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Tips to Improve Longevity.
Call Legacy Surgery for Expert Implant Care
Even if there is no pain, a loose dental implant is a warning sign of potential issues. Prompt attention helps avoid extensive treatment, bone grafts, or complete failure of the implant.
To book a consultation with our oral surgeon and dental implant specialist Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS, call or visit one of our locations.
- To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (50) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
- To book an appointment at our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
We provide advanced surgical procedures and dental treatments to restore a stable foundation for your replacement tooth. Get the expert care you need to protect your implant and your oral health.