Last Updated on August 5, 2025
A loose or wobbly dental implant can cause multiple issues, but the good news is that it’s not something you have to live with. Whether the issue is caused by an infection, bone loss, or the natural wear and tear that can occur over time, there are a variety of effective treatments to get your implant back to its stable, secure state.
Treatments range from simple tightening to more complex solutions like bone grafts or full replacement of the implant or crown. The important thing is to fix the loose implant tooth as soon as possible to avoid further complications and ensure your implant remains firmly in place, giving you back both comfort and confidence in your smile.
Steps to Fix a Loose Implant Tooth
Here’s how we can help restore your implant tooth:
1. Check for Infection or Gum Disease
Before any treatment, we first ensure there’s no infection or gum disease around the implant. If an infection is present, it can cause the implant to loosen. We begin by performing a thorough inspection to identify any signs of infection or gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or discomfort around the implant.
If an infection is found, we’ll treat it with antibiotics or perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from the implant site. Once the infection is cleared, we restore the implant to ensure it is securely in place.
Our procedure:
- A comprehensive examination of your gums and surrounding tissues.
- Antibacterial treatments are used to eliminate infection and promote healing.
- Post-treatment follow-up to ensure the implant area is healthy.
2. Tighten the Implant Post
Sometimes, a loose implant tooth is simply due to a loose abutment—the connector between the implant post and the crown. In these cases, tightening the implant post can resolve the issue. This is typically a quick procedure, as it only requires a visit to our office for tightening. During the visit, we ensure the post is securely in place and check that everything is properly aligned.
Our procedure:
- We use precision instruments to tighten the abutment and gently implant the post.
- A careful check of the bite and alignment is necessary to ensure proper fit and stability.
- Adjustments, if necessary, are made to ensure the implant is comfortable and secure.
3. Bone Grafting (If Bone Loss Occurred)
If the bone around the implant has weakened, it may not provide the necessary support, causing it to loosen. In such cases, we may recommend a bone graft. Bone grafting is a procedure where we use bone material (either from your own body or a synthetic substitute) to rebuild the bone in the jaw. This procedure helps restore bone density and provides a solid foundation for the implant.
We carefully prepare the area around the implant and place the bone graft material. After the graft has time to integrate and the bone heals, we’ll assess the implant site to ensure it is strong enough to support it again.
Our procedure:
- Carefully remove any damaged tissue or debris around the implant site.
- Place bone grafting material to rebuild the jawbone and support the implant.
- Allow several months for the bone to heal and fully integrate with the surrounding tissue.
- Reassess the site before reattaching or replacing the implant.
4. Replace the Implant Post
In some cases, the implant post itself may become loose or fail. If this is the case, the post may need to be replaced. We carefully removed the old implant post and placed a new one. This process requires more time and precision, as we ensure that the new post is placed in the correct position to integrate with the jawbone. After placing the new post, the tooth is restored with a custom-made crown.
Our procedure:
- Remove the old implant post with minimal discomfort.
- Place a new implant post and allow it to integrate with the bone.
- Create and attach a custom crown to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
5. Replace the Crown
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the implant post itself, but with the crown, the visible part of the implant. If the crown is cracked, worn out, or damaged, it can cause the implant to feel loose. In this case, we’ll replace the crown with a new, custom-made one that fits perfectly over the existing implant post. The new crown restores both the appearance and functionality of the tooth, ensuring a strong, secure fit.
Our procedure:
- We evaluate the condition of the crown and determine if it needs to be replaced.
- A new crown uses high-quality materials for a natural look and feel.
- The crown is placed securely over the implant post, ensuring a perfect fit and restored function.
6. Reposition the Implant (If Necessary)
In some cases, the implant may not have been initially placed in the optimal position, causing instability over time. If this is the issue, repositioning the implant could be necessary. This step involves removing the existing implant, adjusting the position, and placing a new implant at the correct angle to ensure better support and stability. Although this procedure is more involved, it can provide long-term security for your implant.
Our procedure:
- Carefully remove the existing implant with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Assess the jawbone and position to determine the best placement for the new implant.
- Place the new implant and allow it to integrate with the bone before restoring it with a custom crown.
Conclusion
A loose implant tooth doesn’t have to be a long-term problem. You can fix it by tightening the implant post, treating an infection, or doing a bone graft. If needed, the implant post or crown might also need replacing. Addressing the issue early can help prevent more serious problems. For expert care and guidance, Riverview Dental Arts ensures your implant stays secure and your smile stays strong.