Is a Loose Dental Implant an Emergency?

Reviewed by Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD

⏱️Reading time: four minutes.

A loose dental implant is a serious concern that requires prompt attention.

While it may not always be an immediate dental emergency, delaying treatment can lead to bone loss, gum disease, or even complete implant failure.

If you notice movement, pain, or swelling around your implant, schedule an evaluation with an oral surgeon as soon as possible 

Table of Contents

• Why Is My Dental Implant Loose?
• When Is a Loose Implant an Emergency?
• What To Do If Your Implant Feels Loose
• How Is a Loose Implant Treated?
• Schedule an Implant Consultation

Why Is My Dental Implant Loose?

A dental implant should never feel loose. It is designed to integrate with the jawbone, making it a stable, permanent solution for missing teeth. 

If you experience movement, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

• Loose abutment or crown: The implant post may be secure, but the crown or abutment could have loosened over time. This is often a simple fix.
• Implant failure: If the titanium post itself moves, it may not have properly fused with the bone, leading to failure. Causes include poor bone quality, excessive bite pressure, or improper placement.
• Bone loss or gum disease: Conditions like peri-implantitis (an infection around the implant) can weaken the surrounding bone and soft tissues, leading to instability.
• Trauma or excessive force: Grinding your teeth, biting into hard foods, or experiencing direct trauma to the implant area can cause loosening over time.

Learn more about the different parts of a dental implant by reading our guide: Dental Implant Parts Explained: Your Comprehensive Guide.

When Is a Loose Implant an Emergency?

While a loose implant does not always require immediate care, certain symptoms indicate an urgent situation.

Call your oral surgeon right away if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling: These symptoms may signal an infection that requires urgent treatment.
• Bleeding or pus: Signs of infection, such as persistent bleeding or pus discharge, indicate a serious issue.
• Difficulty chewing or speaking: If the implant moves when you chew or talk, further damage could occur without immediate intervention.
• Visible bone loss or gum recession: If the gum pulls away or implant threads become visible, it is a sign of insufficient bone support that requires evaluation.

What To Do If Your Implant Feels Loose

A loose dental implant is a sign that something isn’t right and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you notice movement, take these steps to protect your implant until you are able to see your surgeon: 

• Avoid chewing on the implant: Reduce pressure by eating soft foods and avoiding crunchy, hard, or sticky foods.
• Maintain oral hygiene: Gently brush around the area and use an antibacterial mouthwash to minimize bacteria.
• Do not attempt to fix it: Avoid touching or trying to tighten the implant yourself. This could lead to further damage.
• Schedule an urgent evaluation: The sooner an oral surgeon assesses the implant, the better the chances of saving it.

For long-term care tips, check out Dental Implant Maintenance: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Your Smile.

How Is a Loose Implant Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the instability.

At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, our specialists will evaluate the implant and recommend the most effective solution:

• Loose crown or abutment: If only the crown or abutment is loose, it can be adjusted or replaced without affecting the implant post.
• Infection treatment: If peri-implantitis is present, deep cleaning, antibiotics, or gum therapy may be needed.
• Implant failure: If the implant post is loose, it may need removal and replacement. In some cases, bone grafting may be required to restore lost bone before placing a new implant.

Schedule an Implant Consultation

If your dental implant feels loose, do not wait for the problem to worsen. 

Foley & Le Oral Surgery specializes in implant placement and repair, ensuring long-term stability and function.

Schedule an implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, today. Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.Learn more about Who Is Best Qualified to Do Dental Implants? to ensure you receive expert care.