Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
Dental Implant on the Move: Why It Seems Like Your Dental Implant Has Moved
Duane Kelly
One of the most reliable aspects of dental implants is that unlike natural teeth, which shift over time, dental implants generally remain fixed in place. However, in some cases, it may seem as though your dental implant has shifted. This might cause it to interfere with the adjacent teeth. Your bite may also not be in alignment as a result. The likelihood that your implant has moved through bone as a natural tooth might is low.
Dental Implants Do Not Have Periodontal Ligaments
Natural teeth are integrated with the jawbone via periodontal ligaments. These tiny ligaments, which form a membrane around the roots of teeth, allow teeth to respond to chewing forces. It is because of these ligaments that teeth may sometimes feel like they move or bounce. These ligaments also play a part in natural tooth movement. If these ligaments are not present, no movement occurs.
This is why it isn't possible for dental implants to move. Dental implants consist of titanium screws that integrate with bone and remain fixed in place. The reason for the movement of your dental implant likely lies with its abutment or crown.
The Abutment Screw Could Be Loose
Over time, abutment screws can loosen. This causes the crown to move in place and may make it seem as if the post itself is moving. Examine your dental implant to see if this is the case. If it is, get to a family dentist immediately as a loose abutment screw will not only shear off in time, but will also damage your gum and possibly lead to implant failure.
Your dentist should be able to tighten the abutment screw and re-position the crown. However, if you are experiencing pain along with the looseness of the implant, your issue may be more serious.
Pain Could Mean Your Implant Has Failed
Although implant failure is rare, it does unfortunately happen, and pain is one of its precursors. Pain could be an indication that the gum around the implant is infected (peri-implantitis). Peri-implantitis leads to implant failure unless treated early. Failed implants do move through bone due to bone recession, and in this case, your implant will need to be removed and replaced as soon as possible.
If your dental implant moves even a millimetre, see your dentist immediately. Dental implants should not move, therefore, something is not right and you need a dentist to determine exactly what that is.
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You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!