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If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re probably dealing with or you know someone whose dental implant suddenly fell out. To get straight to the point, the answer to the titular question is: no, dental implants aren’t supposed to fall out.
Dental implants are supposed to be matched with a patient’s mouth and tooth structure. Dental professionals check back and forth until a perfect setting is made so the implant will stay in for a lifetime. Dental implants are supposed to be durable (even with intensive use), permanent, and low-maintenance in nature at the very least. However, even if you’re a statistical anomaly whose dental implants became loose and fell out, you don’t have to worry. This particular issue can be solved right away. That said, it’s important to note that dental implants don’t normally fall out for any reason. This type of situation usually happens due to an error in installation or an underlying external cause.
What are the signs to watch out for?
Before a dental implant falls out, it will become loose. Signs of a loose dental implant can be traced back to different symptoms or causes. When detected early, they can prove to be helpful in preventing a dental implant from falling out. Therefore, you should watch out for the following:
- Pain
- Visible bone loss
- Bleeding when you touch it
- Noticeable discoloration around the implant site
If these symptoms persist, contact your dentist right away so the dental implant can be kept in place, right where it's supposed to be.
What happens if you don’t fix a loose dental implant right away?
The most obvious answer to this question is that a dental implant can fall out of place right away, resulting in the need for a costly replacement. However, most people don’t know how a loose or removed dental implant may affect a person. The most alarming effect is the chance that one will develop potentially fatal medical conditions. When dental implants are loose or fall out, different types of bacteria (500 species, to be exact) can enter your neck, brain, and heart, while also posing a significant threat of sepsis. Although our intention isn’t to scare you, we recommend that you get a loose dental implant fixed right away, because acting on time can definitely save your life.
What should you do if your dental implant falls out?
As much as possible, try not to panic. The average patient will have no clue what to do in a situation like this, but keeping a cool head can spell the difference between getting an effective treatment and dealing with an aggravated problem. When a dental implant falls out, try not to give in to your fears. Instead, do your best to remain calm and follow these important steps:
- Save whatever fell out, the dentist will want to see it
- Call your dentist right away
- Avoid chewing on the side where the implant was
- Rinse three times a day with a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol
If you're looking for dental implants in Ann Arbor, MI, get in touch with us today to see how we can help you maintain great dental health.
