Loose Implant Crowns in Patients: What to Do When Your Crown Feels Wobbly

Is your implant crown feeling loose? You are not by yourself! Many people have this problem. A loose crown can be scary, but there are ways to fix it. This post will tell you what to do when your implant crown is not tight.

What Is a Loose Implant Crown?

An implant crown is a fake tooth that goes on top of a metal post in your jaw bone. When it gets loose, it wiggles or moves when you eat or talk. This is not good and needs to be fixed fast.

Why Do Implant Crowns Get Loose?

There are many reasons why your crown might get loose:

• Screw loosening: The screw that holds the crown can get loose over time
• Poor crown fit: If the crown was not made to fit right, it can get loose
• Cement failure: The sticky stuff that holds your crown can wash away
• Teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, it can make your crown loose
• Chewing hard foods: Biting on very hard things can loosen your crown
• Bone loss: When you lose bone around your implant, the crown can get loose
• Inflammation: Red, puffy gums can mean there is a problem with your implant

[Data shows that 5.7% of implant crowns get loose at some point.] If your crown height space is less than 6 mm, you have 33% more risk of crown detachment.

What to Do Right Away When Your Crown Feels Loose

Do you feel your crown moving? Act fast! Here is what to do:

If the Crown Feels Loose But Stays in Place:

• Stop chewing on that side of your mouth
• Rinse with salt water (one cup of warm water with a spoon of salt)
• Call your dentist right away to make an appointment
• Eat soft foods until you see your dentist

If the Crown Falls Out:

• Save the crown in a clean place
• Do NOT try to glue it back in yourself!
• Call for an emergency dental visit within 3-5 days
• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and salt water rinses

Remember: The longer you wait, the worse the problem can get. [33% of crown detachments happen in the first year after getting your implant.]

How Dentists Fix Loose Implant Crowns

Your dentist will look at your loose crown and choose the best way to fix it. The fix depends on what type of crown you have:

Screw-Retained Crowns

These crowns are held in place by a screw. [Screw-retained crowns have an 8% failure rate due to screw loosening.] Here is how they are fixed:

1. The dentist takes off the crown
2. They clean the implant and crown
3. They use a special tool called a torque wrench to tighten the screw
4. They put a small filling over the screw hole

This is often a quick fix that costs about $100-$200.

Cement-Retained Crowns

These crowns are held in place with cement. [Cement-retained crowns have a 12% failure rate due to cement washing out.] To fix them:

1. The dentist takes off the loose crown
2. They clean the crown and abutment (the part that holds the crown)
3. They put new cement on and put the crown back on
4. They check your bite to make sure it fits right

If your cement-retained implant crown feels loose, visit our page on cement retained implant crowns to learn more about them.

If the Crown Is Damaged

Sometimes your crown might be broken or worn down. If this happens, your dentist will make a new one. This costs more ($500-$2,500+) and takes more time.

A Look at Loose Implant Crown Problems and Fixes

Preventing Future Crown Loosening

You can help keep your implant crown tight by:

• Getting check-ups every year for torque checks
• Using a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Not chewing very hard or sticky foods
• Brushing and flossing around your implant every day

If you’re interested in screw retained implant crowns, they can be easier to remove for regular checks and maintenance.

When a Loose Crown Means a Bigger Problem

Sometimes a loose crown can be a sign of a bigger problem with your implant. Look for these warning signs:

• Pain when you bite or chew
• Red, puffy, or bleeding gums around the implant
• Bad taste or smell from the implant area
• Gum recession (gums pulling away from the crown)

These could mean you have bone loss or implant failure. Your dentist will take X-rays to see if there is a problem with the bone around your implant.

For high-quality options for damaged crowns, check out our zirconia screw retained implant crown page. Zirconia is very strong and looks like real teeth.

Questions People Often Ask

Taking Care of Your Implant Crowns

To make your implant crowns last longer:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day
2. Floss around your implant every day
3. See your dentist for check-ups twice a year
4. Tell your dentist right away if your crown feels loose
5. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth

When to Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist right away if:

• Your implant crown feels loose
• Your crown has fallen off
• You have pain around your implant
• Your gums are red, puffy, or bleeding around the implant
• You feel a bump on your gum near the implant

The Bottom Line

A loose implant crown needs to be fixed fast. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix if you see your dentist soon. Don’t try to fix it yourself. With good care, your fixed crown should last many years.

[60% of implant overdentures need adjustments within 5 years.] Regular check-ups can catch problems early before they get worse.

Remember that the quality of your replacement crown matters. For the best results, work with a dentist who partners with a quality crown and bridge dental lab that specializes in implant restorations.