Dental Implant Fell Out? What to Do and Why It Happens
Medically reviewed by: Scott Froum, DDS, Board Certified Periodontist
A dental implant can fall out, although the piece that came loose may be the crown, healing cap, abutment or connecting screw rather than the implant itself. Save the piece, avoid chewing on that side and contact your implant dentist promptly. Do not attempt to glue or screw the component back into place. Treatment depends on which part came out and whether the implant remains securely integrated with the jawbone.
Close up of 3 individual dental implants showing various screw types
One of the more frustrating problems in dentistry is when you think your dental implant that was placed has fallen out. Although many studies have shown that dental implants have a greater than a 90% survival rate over a 10-year period, problems do occur, and implants fail and/or fall out of the mouth. Please continue to read this article to find out what dental implant parts can fall out of the mouth and what can be done to treat this problem.
Signs That a Dental Implant May Be Coming Loose
Movement or wobbling
Pain or discomfort when chewing
Bleeding around the implant
Redness or swelling
Pus or an unpleasant taste
Gum recession or visible metal
A change in the way the teeth come together
What to Do If a Dental Implant or Implant Part Falls Out
Remove the loose piece from your mouth so it is not swallowed.
Place it in a clean container.
Take a clear photograph of the piece and the area.
Avoid chewing on that side.
Keep the area gently clean.
Do not use glue, dental cement or household tools.
Contact the implant dentist or periodontist promptly.
What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
There are many parts to a dental implant. There is the implant screw that binds to your bone in a process called osseointegration. When a dental implant is placed, the implant screw binds to the bone over the period of weeks to months. The implant can be placed under the gums at the time of the surgery and a cover screw is placed over the implant. The implant can also be left exposed and have a healing cap that is placed at the time of surgery, this part sticks out of the gums while the gums heal. Once the implant surgeon determines the implant to be ready for a dental crown, a post, called an abutment, is screwed into the implant. A dental crown is then placed over the implant.
Identify What Part of The Implant Fell Out
It can be confusing as to what part of the dental implant fell out and you can call a dental office stating ‘my implant fell out’ when it was not the dental implant screw but another part. One good way to help the dental office identify the implant part is to take a picture of the piece that fell out of your mouth and either text it to the office or do a teledental consultation. Many times, a healing cap or cover screw can fall out and it is confused for a dental implant screw. Placing the cover screw or healing cap back onto the implant usually is a simple procedure. If the dental abutment or crown has fallen off, the implant dentist must first evaluate the implant part to see if there is any damage to the material. The dental implant screw that remains in the bone must also be evaluated to see if there is any damage to the screw part as well. Then an evaluation of why the part fell out will take place and adjustments can be made. Once again, placing the implant abutment or implant crown back into the mouth is usually not a difficult procedure if all implant parts are intact.
A dental implant has several components. Identifying which piece became loose or fell out can help determine how serious the problem may be and what treatment could be needed.
| Part | What It Looks Like | Typical Seriousness | Common Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental crown | A tooth shaped ceramic piece | Often repairable | Recemented or replaced |
| Crown with abutment or screw | A crown with a small metal connector | Usually a mechanical issue | Screw replacement or retightening |
| Healing cap or healing abutment | A small, round metal piece | Needs prompt replacement | Reattached by the dentist |
| Cover screw | A very small, flat screw | Usually manageable | Replaced to protect the implant |
| Implant fixture | A threaded metal post resembling a screw | May indicate true implant failure | Evaluation, removal, grafting or implant replacement |
What Can be Done if the Dental Implant Screw Falls Out?
On rare occasions, the dental implant screw itself can fall out. There are a variety of reasons as to why this happens including:
Bacterial infection
Trauma
Dental implant material fatigue/fracture
Heavy bite force putting too much stress on the dental implant
Loss of bone and/or gum tissue
Dental implant that has never bound to bone properly
Depending on why the implant fell out, treatment can consist of rinsing with an antibiotic rinse, taking antibiotics, and keeping the area clean. A visit to the dentist should occur shortly after the dental implant screw has fallen out. An evaluation by the dentist should include an x-ray and a possible determination as to why the dental implant screw fell out. If the implant is being replaced, addition of bone and/or gum tissue may be needed to support a new dental implant. Other possible replacement options for a lost dental implant include a fixed tooth supported bridge or a removable denture. You should discuss with your implant dentist what the best option is for you after determining why your dental implant screw fell out.
Call 212-751-8530 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Froum or request an appointment.
What Can Be Done To Prevent This From Happening?
Regular implant examinations and professional maintenance
Cleaning around the implant
Reporting bleeding or movement promptly
Treating grinding or clenching
Using a nightguard when recommended
Avoiding smoking
Managing periodontal disease
Having the bite checked periodically
Dental Implant Questions and Answers
Learn what it may mean when a dental implant, crown, screw or healing component becomes loose or falls out.
Can dental implants fall out?
Yes, but it is uncommon for the actual implant fixture to fall out. In many cases, the loose piece is the dental crown, abutment, healing cap or connecting screw rather than the implant embedded in the jawbone. A dental professional should examine the area to determine which component came loose.
Is a dental implant falling out an emergency?
A loose or fallen implant component requires prompt dental attention. Seek urgent medical or dental care if you experience severe pain, significant bleeding, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or concern that a component may have been inhaled.
What should I do if my dental implant screw falls out?
Remove the loose piece from your mouth, place it in a clean container and contact your implant dentist or periodontist. Avoid chewing on that side and do not attempt to tighten, glue or replace the screw yourself.
Can I put the implant screw back in myself?
No. Attempting to replace the screw yourself could introduce bacteria, damage the implant threads or position the component incorrectly. The area and implant components should be inspected and reattached by a dental professional.
What should I do with the piece that fell out?
Place the piece in a clean, secure container and bring it to your dental appointment. Taking a clear photograph of the component and the implant area may also help the dental office evaluate the situation before your visit.
Why did my dental implant fall out after two weeks?
The loose piece may be a healing cap or healing abutment rather than the implant itself. If the actual implant fixture became mobile or came out shortly after surgery, it may not have properly integrated with the surrounding bone. An examination is needed to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Can a dental implant fall out without pain?
Yes. A crown, abutment or connecting screw can become loose without causing significant pain. Bone loss around an implant may also progress with few noticeable symptoms, which is why changes in movement, bite or gum health should be evaluated promptly.
Can a loose dental implant be saved?
A loose crown, abutment or screw can often be repaired or replaced. An implant fixture that is moving within the jawbone is more serious and may indicate loss of bone integration or advanced bone loss. Treatment depends on the cause and condition of the surrounding tissues.
Can the same dental implant be put back in?
A failed implant fixture is generally not placed directly back into the same site. The area must first be examined and treated. Bone grafting and a healing period may be necessary before another implant can be considered.
What does a dental implant that fell out look like?
The implant fixture usually resembles a small threaded metal screw. A dental crown looks like a natural tooth, while healing caps, abutments and connecting screws are much smaller metal components. Save the piece so your dental professional can identify it.
Contact Dr. Scott Froum
Address
1110 2nd Ave Ste 305
New York, NY 10022
Phone
Tel: 212-751-8530
Fax: 212-751-8544
Hours
Monday | 9am - 4pm
Tuesday | 9am - 5pm
Wednesday | 9am - 5pm
Thursday | 9am - 5pm
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