Can My Teeth Shift After Getting Dental Implants?‍

Getting dental implants is the best way to replace missing teeth to prevent bone loss and shifting teeth. If dental implants are supposed to form artificial tooth roots that create stability for your tooth restoration, then why are people concerned about shifting implants? 

Well, post-implant surgery, it can feel like your implants are moving. Read on in this blog from PS Dental to find out what moving implants mean.

Implants Moving Are Rare But Serious

The most likely reason you feel like your dental implants are moving shortly after implant placement is because your teeth are getting used to differences in pressure from an extra tooth implant being in the mouth. Changes in pressure and the detection of a foreign object create a false feeling of movement when there is none. 

It may feel similar to getting braces tightened. However, genuine implant movement can occur, but it is incredibly rare and a serious emergency if that is the case. Osseointegration needs to occur within 3 to 6 months after implant placement. 

This is when the implant fuses with the jawbone and creates an immovable stable tooth restoration. Since we implant a biocompatible titanium screw-like post into the jawbone, it should never move, just like your natural teeth should never move. Shifting implants are a sign of implant failure.

Why Does It Happen?

Implant failure can occur for an array of reasons, including peri-implantitis, a metal allergy, and failed osseointegration. Peri-implantitis is an infection of the soft tissues surrounding the implant and is caused by poor oral hygiene enabling food particles and bacteria to build up around the implant and cause inflammation. 

Smokers and diabetics have an increased risk for this infection. Patients with metal allergies need to disclose this information to their dentist so they can opt for alternative implant materials. Using a metal implant in a patient with a metal allergy will cause the mouth to reject the implants. 

Osseointegration failure is usually caused by a lack of bone density or healthy bone structure due to bone loss. The solution is typically to use a bone graft ahead of time to create enough support for the implant.

What to Look Out For

By far the most common implant complication is peri-implantitis, which can in very rare circumstances cause loose and moving teeth. Observe your symptoms following implant placement. Some discomfort, bleeding, and tenderness in the first few days are normal. 

However, If this discomfort lasts for more than a few days or if bleeding persists past 72 hours, this is a dental emergency. Signs of peri-implantitis include throbbing pain, blood, pus, implants that feel loose, difficulty chewing, bad breath, swollen gums, and a fever.

The best way to prevent this is to practice good oral hygiene, carefully follow implant aftercare instructions, and attend regular dental appointments.

When to Call Your Dentist

Signs of implant failure include the feeling of the implant moving, severe pain, gum recession, difficulty chewing, and swelling around the gums of the implant. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact us at PS Dental right away so Dr. Sinha can perform an exam and take x-rays to look for signs of implant failure.