Dental Implant is Mobile: Proper Treatment?

Kevin asks:
I had an implant from my front tooth. The implant was successful, but after 6 months because of a sports injury at the same place there is now mobility in the implant. It has been three months since the mobility started. What is your advice on the future course of treatment?

Answered by: Dr. David R. Edenbaum

Marlton, NJ

Hi Kevin,

Dental implants are not roots of teeth, although they serve the same function. Once an implant becomes mobile (if that is the case here - see below), it has lost it's integration (attachment) to the bone. That attachment will not reform. Unfortunately, my suggested course of treatment would be to remove the implant and replace it, if the implant is truly mobile.

However, before you have this done, make sure it is the dental implant and not the crown that is mobile. In the case of the trauma you describe, unless there is pain with the mobility, or bleeding or suppuration (pus), the screw that holds the crown to the implant may be broken.
Has your surgeon taken an x-ray yet? If not, definitely start there.

Best of luck.
David R. Edenbaum, DMD