What Should You Do If Your Implant Feel Loose?

Drs. Nicolas & Asp24 Feb 2025

Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting, stable solution for replacing missing teeth. For decades, they have been the gold standard in restorative dentistry, offering unmatched durability, functionality, and a natural appearance. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we’ve helped countless patients restore their smiles and confidence with dental implants.

While dental implants boast a high success rate, often surpassing 95% when performed by a highly skilled oral surgeon or specialist implantologist, implant failure is still possible. Like any dental restoration, implants require proper care and maintenance.

A loose dental implant requires immediate attention. Ignoring it will not make it fix itself. Do not attempt to fix it on your own; there is no at-home treatment for a loose implant. Therefore, if your implant feels loose, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to determine the cause and get the necessary treatment.

Why Does a Dental Implant Feel Loose?

A properly placed dental implant should feel just like a natural tooth—secure, stable, and never loose. If you notice any movement, it could be due to:

Loose implant crown – Sometimes, it’s not the actual implant that’s moving but the crown (the visible tooth portion). This could be due to a loose abutment screw or cement failure, which is typically easy to fix.
Bone loss around the implant – If the implant itself is moving, it may be a sign of bone loss or lack of integration with the surrounding jawbone. This can happen due to infection (peri-implantitis), excessive bite forces, or underlying health conditions.
Failed osseointegration – Implants need to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. If this doesn’t happen properly, the implant may never fully stabilize.
Trauma or overloading – Excessive force from teeth grinding (bruxism), injury, or poorly distributed bite pressure can put too much stress on the implant, causing it to loosen over time.

How Is a Loose Implant Treated?

The treatment depends on the underlying cause:

If your crown is loose – Your dentist may simply tighten or replace the abutment screw or crown to restore stability.
If bone loss has occurred – A bone graft or regenerative treatment may be necessary to rebuild support. In such cases, you might be referred to an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon or a Specialist Implantologist for expert care.
If peri-implantitis is present – This infection must be treated promptly to prevent further damage. A Specialist Periodontist—an expert in gum and bone health—may be involved in managing the infection and stabilizing the implant.
Not all implant treatments are the same. Experience, technique, and material selection play a huge role in long-term success. Seek a skilled implant specialist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide the most effective treatment for lasting results.

How Can You Prevent Your Implant from Loosening?

Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush gently with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss daily to prevent gum disease.
Visit your dentist every six months for routine care. For those with dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns, or implants, these visits are even more critical, as they allow the dentist to check the integrity of your restoration and catch any problems before they grow bigger.
Protect your dental implant. If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to prevent excessive force.
Follow post-surgery guidelines. If your implant is new, follow all aftercare instructions for successful healing.

A loose dental implant does not always mean failure, but it does require immediate attention. With early intervention, many cases can be successfully managed without needing full implant replacement.

At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we use state-of-the-art technology and offer advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our implant patients. If you’re experiencing any concerns with your dental implant, don’t wait—call 04 394 7777 and book your consultation today.