Patients commonly wonder if dental implants can fall out. Although rare, implants can loosen, but it’s usually the result of something else going on behind the scenes. If you have a dental implant or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to understand what circumstances may cause an implant to loosen or fall out, and what steps can be taken to correct it.

First, let’s talk about what a dental implant really is. The implant itself is a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, your bone grows around it and fuses with it. This fusion is what makes dental implants so stable and long-lasting. Once the post is fully integrated, a crown is attached so that it looks and functions like your natural tooth.

So, if that titanium post is supposed to be fused to your bone, how could it possibly loosen? There are a few reasons:

One cause is the implant may shift before the bone has sufficient time to fully fuse to the post. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can also interfere with healing and integration.

Another potential cause is infection. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the gum and bone around the implant, similar to gum disease. If it goes untreated, it can lead to bone loss—and that bone is what’s holding your implant in place.

Sometimes, it’s not the implant itself that loosens, but rather it’s the crown (the visible tooth on top). The crown is attached to the implant either with cement or a screw. If it loosens or breaks, it can feel like the implant is falling out, but it’s really just the top portion. That’s a much easier fix.

So what happens if your implant, or something connected to it, actually does loosen or fall out?

Call your dental implant specialist as soon as possible. If it’s the crown or abutment (the piece that connects the implant to the crown), they may be able to reattach it or replace it.  If the actual implant has failed, your implant dentist will need to evaluate the area to see what caused the failure and determine if it can be replaced.

The good news is, even if an implant fails, it doesn’t mean you can’t try again. In many cases, once the area has healed and the underlying issue has been addressed, a new implant can be placed successfully.

The best way to prevent implant issues is to carefully follow your post-op instructions, keep up with regular dental checkups, brush and floss daily, and avoid habits like smoking or grinding your teeth. When you take care of your implant, it can last for decades.

Do you have other questions or concerns? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mike at the Cleveland Implant Institute. He will be able to answer all of your questions and determine if dental implants are right for you!