You’re eating dinner. Suddenly, something feels off. Your implant crown wobbles. Maybe it shifts when you bite down. Maybe it feels like it’s moving. It’s a scary moment. You might assume the worst. Did my implant fail? Do I need surgery again?
Take a breath. In most cases, a loose implant crown doesn’t mean your implant has failed. It’s a mechanical issue with the crown or the connector piece. And it’s usually fixable in a single appointment.
At Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White have seen this situation many times. They know how to diagnose the problem and get you back to normal quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
First, Understand What’s Loose
A dental implant has three main parts. Knowing which part is causing the problem helps you understand what’s happening.
- The Implant Post: This titanium screw sits in your jawbone. It fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Under normal circumstances, this post does not loosen on its own.
- The Abutment: This connector piece attaches to the implant post. It supports your dental crown.
- The Crown: This is the visible tooth on top. It’s the part you see and chew with.
When patients say their implant feels loose, it’s almost always the crown or the abutment. The implant post itself is usually stable and secure.
Why Does This Happen?
Several reasons can cause an implant crown to come loose:
- Screw Loosening: Many implant crowns are attached with a small internal screw. Over time, chewing forces or grinding can loosen this screw. Research shows this happens in about 5% to 12% of implant restorations over five years.
- Cement Failure: Some crowns are cemented onto the abutment. The cement can break down over time, especially if you grind your teeth or if the cement is exposed to repeated stress.
- Bite Forces or Grinding: If you clench or grind your teeth, you put extra pressure on your implant restoration. Over time, this can loosen components or even cause fractures.
- Normal Wear: A crown that’s been in place for 10 or 15 years may need adjustment or replacement due to normal wear and changes in your bite.
What to Do Right Now
If your crown feels loose or has come off, here’s what to do:
- Don’t Panic: A loose crown is generally not a dental emergency. Your implant post is not in danger.
- Stop Chewing on That Side: Avoid putting pressure on the affected area. This prevents further loosening and reduces the risk of swallowing the crown.
- Keep the Crown Safe: If the crown comes off completely, place it in a clean container and bring it to your appointment. Don’t try to clean it aggressively.
- Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself: Avoid using household glue or over-the-counter adhesives. These materials aren’t safe for your mouth and can damage the crown, making it harder for us to reattach it.
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently rinse with warm salt water. Keep the area free of food debris, but don’t poke at the abutment.
- Call Our Chapel Hill Office: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Most loose crowns can be fixed in a single visit if you act promptly.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Contact us right away, or seek same-day care, if you experience any of these:
- Sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek
- Pain at the implant site, not just discomfort from the loose crown
- Swelling, redness, or pus around the implant
- The feeling that the entire implant post is moving
- You accidentally swallowed the crown
These signs may indicate a more serious issue that needs prompt attention.
How Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White Fix a Loose Crown
Treatment depends on the cause. Here’s what to expect at our Chapel Hill office.
Evaluation
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will examine the implant site. They’ll check the crown, the abutment, and the implant post. They may take digital X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
If the Screw Is Loose
For screw-retained crowns, we access the retaining screw through a small opening. We tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications and seal the opening. This is usually quick and straightforward.
If the Cement Failed
For cemented crowns, we remove the crown, clean both the crown and the abutment surfaces, and re-cement it with fresh dental cement. This typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
If the Crown Is Damaged
If the crown is cracked, worn, or no longer fits properly, we’ll need to create a new one. Dr. Furgurson designs crowns to match your natural teeth, so your new restoration will blend seamlessly.
If There’s a Deeper Issue
In rare cases, the abutment may be damaged, or the implant post may be involved. Dr. Furgurson has the advanced training to diagnose and treat these more complex situations. He holds Fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), and the Resnik Implant Institute.
Why Choose Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry?
When you have an implant problem, you want an expert. Here’s what sets us apart.
Dr. James Furgurson, D.D.S.
Dr. Furgurson is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Fewer than 2% of dentists nationwide earn this distinction. He also holds Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Resnik Implant Institute. He serves on the faculty of the Clinical Mastery Series, where he mentors other dentists in advanced implant techniques.
Dr. Nathan O. White, D.D.S.
Dr. White is an adjunct associate professor at the UNC School of Dentistry. He brings decades of clinical expertise and a commitment to evidence-based, conservative care. He earned his dental degree and completed his residency at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Complete Care Under One Roof
From diagnosis to repair, we handle everything in our Chapel Hill office. You don’t need a referral to an outside specialist. You don’t need to coordinate between multiple providers.
Advanced Technology
We use digital X-rays and CBCT (cone beam CT) imaging to see exactly what’s happening with your implant. This helps us diagnose the problem accurately and plan the right fix.
Don’t Wait To Call Us!
A loose implant crown is fixable. But waiting can make it worse. A loose screw can break. A loose crown can be swallowed. Bacteria can get into places they shouldn’t.
Call Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 736-6175 or request an appointment online anytime. Dr. Furgurson, Dr. White, and our team are ready to help you get your smile back to normal.
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