Why Does My Dental Implant Feel Loose?

A loose dental implant doesn’t always mean the implant itself has failed. Sometimes, the movement comes from the crown, connector, or screw above the implant post. In many cases, these issues can be repaired.

If you notice movement, avoid chewing on the area and don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, we check the entire restoration to find out what’s moving and recommend the right treatment.

Which Part of a Dental Implant May Be Moving?

Dental implants have several connected parts. According to the FDA’s explanation of the parts of a dental implant system, the implant body sits in the jawbone. An abutment and fixation screw connect it to a crown, bridge, or denture.

It’s hard to tell which part is loose just by how it feels. A moving crown can feel much like movement in the implant body, but the solution may be very different. An examination lets us see whether you need a straightforward restoration repair or a more involved treatment.

Can a Loose Dental Implant Crown Be Repaired?

In many cases, yes. The right repair depends on which part has loosened or broken and whether the implant is still stable in the bone.

Treatment may involve:

• Retightening or replacing a loose implant screw
• Repairing or replacing a damaged crown
• Adjusting your bite to reduce pressure
• Treating inflammation around the implant
• Checking for bone loss or movement of the implant body

The American Dental Association recognizes procedures for retorquing or replacing implant screws. If your restoration is moving, it doesn’t always mean the entire implant needs to be removed.

We need to examine the area before recommending a simple tightening or any other repair. Sometimes, a damaged crown, fractured screw, infection, or bone loss may call for a different approach.

When Should You Call a Dentist About a Loose Implant?

If your implant crown moves, call a dentist promptly, even if you don’t feel pain. Pain when biting, swelling, bleeding, drainage, changes in your bite, or more movement can make the situation more urgent.

Until your appointment, avoid hard or sticky foods on that side and don’t try to tighten the crown yourself. Extra pressure can damage the restoration, loosen other parts, or irritate the tissue around your implant.

How Do We Evaluate a Loose Dental Implant?

We examine the crown and gums, check your bite, and use dental imaging if needed to evaluate the implant and supporting bone. Once we find the source of the movement, we’ll explain your repair options clearly.

Juban Cowen Dental Care provides dental implant repair in Baton Rouge for implant-supported crowns, bridges, and partial dentures. Dr. Cody Cowen pursues continuing education in dental implants and comprehensive crown-and-bridge dentistry, which directly supports this type of restorative care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a loose implant always mean it has failed?

No. A loose crown, abutment, or screw may move while the implant body remains stable. You’ll need an examination to identify the source.

Can I keep chewing on a loose implant crown?

You shouldn’t. Avoid chewing on that side until a dentist evaluates it because continued pressure may cause additional damage.

Schedule Dental Implant Repair in Baton Rouge

You don’t have to wonder if a loose implant can be repaired. If your implant feels unstable, damaged, uncomfortable, or different when you bite, contact Juban Cowen Dental Care. We’ll check the problem, explain what we find, and recommend the right repair for your situation.