It's 2025 and your dental implants are built to last decades, not days.

So when one suddenly starts to move, it's more than just unsettling, it's a red flag.

You might wonder, is a loose dental implant an emergency, or can I wait it out?

The short answer is yes, any looseness in a dental implant requires immediate professional attention. While it may not always be a life-threatening emergency, it’s definitely a dental urgency that shouldn’t be ignored.

At Rana Dentistry in Redlands, CA, our emergency dental care team specializes in diagnosing and restoring compromised dental implants safely and quickly.

Why Would a Dental Implant Become Loose?

A dental implant may feel loose for several reasons, some minor, others more serious. The most common causes include:

• Loose abutment or crown: The screw connecting your crown to the titanium post can loosen over time due to normal wear.
  
• Bone loss or gum disease: Infections like peri-implantitis can weaken the bone supporting the implant.
  
• Improper healing or insufficient bone: If bone fusion (osseointegration) wasn’t complete, the implant might not be secure.
  
• Trauma or chewing on the affected side: Hard or sticky foods can apply excess force, loosening components.
  
  

Even if there’s no pain, a loose implant can indicate deeper structural issues that need to be evaluated immediately by your dentist.

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What are the symptoms of a Loose Dental Implant Crown? 

Sometimes, the crown or abutment becomes loose, not the implant itself. Common signs include:

• Clicking or movement when you bite or chew
  
• A gap or misalignment between the implant and crown
  
• Pressure or discomfort when chewing
  
• Food particles getting trapped around the implant
  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, avoid chewing on that side and contact your dentist right away for evaluation.

Can a Loose Dental Implant Be Saved?

Whether a loose dental implant can be saved depends on what’s causing the issue.

• If it’s just the crown or abutment: Your dentist can often tighten or replace the screw easily.
  
• If bone loss or infection is present: You may need deep cleaning, antibiotics, or bone grafting to stabilize the area.
  
• If the implant post itself is moving: Unfortunately, this usually means implant failure, and the implant must be removed and replaced after proper healing.
  
  

At Rana Dentistry, we use advanced imaging to evaluate the implant, surrounding bone, and gums to determine the best treatment plan.

What To Do If Your Dental Implant Feels Loose?

If you suspect your implant is loose, here’s what you should do before seeing your dentist:

• Avoid touching or wiggling the implant.
  
• Don’t chew on the affected side.
  
• Rinse gently with warm salt water to reduce bacteria.
  
• Call your dentist immediately for an appointment.
  
  

Delaying treatment can lead to infection, bone damage, or complete implant failure. Early intervention greatly increases the chances of saving the implant.

Preventing Future Implant Issues

Proper care goes a long way in preventing future implant loosening:

• Brush and floss around the implant daily
  
• Schedule regular dental checkups every six months
  
• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods
  
• Quit smoking, as it impairs bone healing
  
• Treat gum disease early to protect your implant foundation
  
  

With proper maintenance, dental implants can last 15 years or more without complications.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care in Redlands, CA?

Now that you know a loose implant is something you shouldn’t wait with, let’s tell you something that makes things even easier for you.

At Rana Dentistry in Redlands, CA, our experienced implant and emergency dentistry team can quickly identify the cause and provide same-day treatment to protect your smile and restore stability.

If your dental implant feels loose, don’t delay  book an emergency appointment today or call us right away for immediate care.

Your long-term smile health depends on quick, expert attention and we’re here to help you every step of the way.