Perhaps you’re considering dental implants, but are concerned about how long they’ll last and how to reduce the chances of them falling out. Maybe you’ve invested in dental implants, expecting them to be a long-term solution for your missing tooth. But now, you’re feeling something off – maybe a wobble, or worse, it has actually come out and you want to know whether this is a dental emergency.
First things first – yes, dental implants can fall out, but it’s not something that happens all the time. In this article, we’ll talk through why this happens, whether it’s something to be concerned about, and most importantly, what you should do next.
For more information on what constitutes a dental emergency and the available options for dealing with one, take a look at our article What Counts as Emergency Dental?
Whether your dental implant fell out after two weeks or years down the line, we’ll explain what’s going on and how to get it sorted.
Is It Common for Implants to Fall Out?
While dental implants are generally successful, it’s important to note that failures do occur and are influenced by various factors, even with experienced practitioners. Proper patient selection, surgical technique, and maintenance are crucial for long-term success.
They are made from biocompatible titanium, a material that integrates naturally with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration [1]. This creates a strong, stable foundation that can provide a long-lasting solution with proper care. However, their longevity is not guaranteed and depends on various factors including oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and individual health factors.
Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t decay, and they’re resistant to everyday wear and tear. When issues do arise, they are often minor and fixable, such as a loose crown or screw, rather than complete failure of the implant itself. Total failure rates (loss of all implants in a patient) are low – around 1.9% after 15 years and 2.2% after 25 years [2]. If you’re considering dental implants, rest assured that they are one of the most reliable and long-lasting tooth replacement options available today [3].
Risk Factors That May Cause an Implant to Fail
Failures are uncommon, but when they do happen, it’s usually within the first few months after placement. This is because the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone – a process called osseointegration. If something interrupts this process, the implant may fail to bond properly.
Long-term failures, although rare, can happen due to poor oral hygiene, excessive pressure on the implant, or underlying health conditions.
- Smoking – One of the biggest culprits, as it slows down healing.
- Gum disease or infection – Conditions like peri-implantitis can weaken the bone and gums around the implant.
- Insufficient bone support – If the jawbone isn’t strong enough, the implant may never fully integrate.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Constant pressure can damage the implant over time.
- Medical conditions – Uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders can impact healing.
How Can You Tell if a Dental Implant is Loose?
A stable implant should feel just like a natural tooth. You shouldn’t notice any movement at all. If it does feel loose, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right. Other signs to look out for include:
- A slight wiggling sensation when you bite or chew.
- Pain or discomfort around the implant.
- Swelling or redness in the gums.
- A clicking or shifting feeling when you touch the implant.
Common Causes of a Loose Dental Implant (and How to Spot Them)
A loose dental implant can be worrying, but the cause often gives clues about how serious the issue is. Here are the most common reasons implants become loose and the signs to watch out for:
1. The Implant Screw Has Come Loose
What happens? The small screw that holds the implant or crown in place can sometimes loosen over time. This is usually a mechanical issue, not a sign of implant failure.
- Signs to look for:
- A slight wobbling feeling when biting or chewing.
- Clicking or movement in the implant when touched.
- No pain or swelling—just a sense that something isn’t quite secure.
2. The Surrounding Bone Hasn’t Fully Fused with the Implant
What happens? If the jawbone doesn’t integrate properly with the implant (a process called osseointegration), the implant won’t be stable. This is more common in the early healing stages.
- Signs to look for:
- Persistent looseness from the moment the implant was placed.
- A sensation that the implant is shifting inside the gum.
- Mild discomfort when applying pressure to the area.
3. Infection Has Weakened the Gum and Bone Support
What happens? An infection called peri-implantitis can develop around the implant, leading to inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss. If left untreated, it can cause the implant to loosen or even fall out.
- Signs to look for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums around the implant.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing near the implant.
- A bad taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath.
- Pus or discharge around the implant.
- A deepening pocket between the gum and implant.
4. The Implant Crown (Tooth Part) Is Loose, Not the Implant Itself
What happens? Sometimes, the implant itself is fine, but the crown—the visible tooth—has become loose or detached from the metal post underneath. This is often due to a worn-out screw or cement failure rather than a problem with the implant.
- Signs to look for:
- The implant post (the part inside the gum) feels stable, but the crown moves when touched.
- No pain or swelling—just a wobbly or detached crown.
- The crown may have fallen off completely while eating or brushing.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Some issues, like a loose screw or detached crown, can be fixed quickly, while others—like bone loss or infection—may require more involved treatment.
If you notice any looseness, contact your dentist immediately. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a loose implant can become a much bigger problem if left untreated.
What Happens if My Dental Implant Falls Out?
If your dental implant post falls out, it can be alarming – but it doesn’t always mean disaster.
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Dental Implant Post Fell Out
Stay calm – While it’s concerning, it’s not the end of the world.
Check if it’s the whole implant or just the crown – Sometimes, the screw retained implant crown falls out, but the implant itself is still intact.
If the implant itself has fallen out:
- Keep the implant safe – If possible, store it in a clean container.
- Don’t try to put it back in – This can introduce bacteria or cause further damage.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Avoid eating on that side to prevent further damage.
Call your dentist immediately and see your dentist as soon as possible – They will assess whether the implant can be reinserted or if a replacement is needed. The sooner they assess the situation, the better your chances of saving the implant.
Is a Dental Implant Falling Out an Emergency?
Yes, in most cases, it is. A missing implant leaves a hole in your jaw that can lead to bone loss, infection, or shifting teeth if not addressed quickly. If your implant feels loose, don’t wait—the longer you delay, the harder it can be to fix. Call your dentist as soon as possible.
What to Do If a Screw Retained Implant Crown Fell Out
If it’s just the crown (the tooth part) that came off, your dentist may be able to simply screw it back in or replace the attachment. This is usually a quicker and less serious fix than a full implant failure.
Can the Implant Be Reinserted?
It depends on the reason for failure. If infection or bone loss caused the issue, you may need bone grafting before a new implant can be placed. If it was just a mechanical failure, a new implant may be fitted relatively quickly.
Why My Dental Implant Screw Fell Out: Common Causes
1. Poor Osseointegration
If the implant doesn’t properly fuse with the jawbone, it won’t stay in place long-term.
2. Infection or Peri-implantitis
Inflammation and infection around the implant can cause bone and gum loss, making the implant unstable.
3. Excessive Bite Force or Trauma
Grinding your teeth, chewing hard foods, or accidental injury can loosen an implant over time.
4. Surgical Errors or Failed Healing
An implant placed incorrectly or one that doesn’t heal properly may eventually fail.
5. Early-Stage vs. Late-Stage Implant Failure
- Early failure (within weeks/months) – Usually due to lack of integration or infection.
- Late failure (after years) – More likely caused by gum disease, excessive force, or general wear and tear.
Options for Replacing the Lost Implant
If your implant can’t be saved, your dentist may suggest a new implant (possibly after bone grafting) or a bridge or denture if an implant isn’t suitable.
Preventing Dental Implant Failures
Patients with regular maintenance have a 90% reduction in implant failure rate compared to those with no maintenance [4].
Proper Oral Hygiene and Aftercare
Brush and floss daily to prevent infections. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Here at Mola Dental in Sheffield we offer an advanced, minimally invasive dental cleaning procedure called Guided Biofilm Treatment that effectively removes harmful biofilm—a buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums—using state-of-the-art technology. This personalised treatment enhances oral health by preventing cavities, gum disease, and even systemic health issues, providing a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional teeth cleaning methods.
Regular Dental Check-ups
It is generally recommended to get check-ups every 3-6 months, especially in the first year, then adjusting based on individual needs [5]. Report any discomfort or changes early.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Implant Longevity
- Quit smoking to improve healing and longevity.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or nuts.
Final Thoughts
While dental implants are designed to last, they’re not completely indestructible. If your implant feels loose or has fallen out, act quickly—the sooner you see your dentist, the better your chances of fixing the issue.
If you’re in the Sheffield area and are worried about your implant, book an appointment with Mola Dental today – we’re here to help!
References
- Hobkirk (1986) Endosseous implants: the host-implant surface. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3535629/
- Jemt (undefined) Implant Survival in the Edentulous Jaw-30 Years of Experience. Part I: A Retro-Prospective Multivariate Regression Analysis of Overall Implant Failure in 4,585 Consecutively Treated Arches. The International journal of prosthodontics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30180226/
- Daniel Yetman (2022) Benefits of Dental Implants, Drawbacks, and Candidates. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/benefits-of-dental-implants
- Gay et al. (2016) Role of supportive maintenance therapy on implant survival: a university-based 17 years retrospective analysis. International journal of dental hygiene. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26694530/
- Soares et al. (2022) Maintenance protocols for implant-supported dental prostheses: A scoping review. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36535881/
Medically Reviewed by: Chetan Mistry
As owner and Clinical Director of Mola Dental, Dr Mistry is affectionately known as “Chet” by his patients and prides himself on providing the very best care.
Having graduated in 2009 from the University of Sheffield, Chet spent the early part of his career at practices in Chesterfield and Doncaster before joining the practice under the previous ownership of Centre For Dentistry. In 2020 Chet took over the practice and rebranded it to Mola Dental with the aim to build on an already great reputation to make it the best dental practice in Sheffield.
Chet’s clinical interests are in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is currently due to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire in 2021 with an MSc In Endodontology which will allow him accept referrals from other general dentists for the provision of complex root canal treatments which will potentially allow him to save teeth which others can’t.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, watching sport and spending time with friends and family.
“I enjoy helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that they can be proud of and as the owner of the practice provide patients with the best caring experience of a dental practice they have ever had. “
You can read more about Chet and the whole Mola Dental team on our ‘About’ page here.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.