6. Loose Implant – A Clear Sign of Trouble
A dental implant should feel just as secure as a natural tooth. If an implant starts to feel loose, it’s a clear sign that peri-implantitis has progressed to a stage where it’s impacting the stability of the implant.
This loosening occurs as the bone around the implant starts to deteriorate due to the ongoing inflammation and infection. As the bone loss progresses, the implant loses its secure anchoring, leading to a feeling of instability.
A loose implant is not just a physical symptom; it’s a clear indication that immediate professional attention is required. The longer the implant remains unstable, the greater the risk of complete implant failure.
Addressing a loose implant often requires a multi-faceted approach. This may involve treating the infection, stabilizing the implant, and potentially grafting new bone material to replace what has been lost. (6)
