Dental Implants Shifting: What are the Causes & What To Do?

Dental implants are a common and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, it is not uncommon for teeth to shift after a dental implant. This can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating and speaking. 

It is important to understand why teeth shift after dental implants and what you can do to prevent or correct it. In this article, we will discuss why teeth shift after dental implants, the potential associated risks, and the steps you can take to prevent or correct it. 

A Sign of Implant Failure

Teeth can shift after dental implants due to a failure of the implant to bond with the surrounding bone and gum tissue properly. This is known as implant failure and can occur if the implant is not placed correctly or if the materials used are not high-quality. 

Symptoms of implant failure include pain, discomfort, and implant loosening. If you experience any of these symptoms, contacting your dentist immediately is important.

Inadequate Maintenance

Inadequate maintenance can also cause teeth to shift after dental implants. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keep the implant clean and free of plaque and tartar buildup. If the implant is not regularly cleaned and maintained, it can lead to infection, which can cause the implant to loosen and the teeth to shift.

Infection

Infection can also lead to shifting teeth after dental implants. If the implant is not properly cared for, bacteria can build up in the area and cause infection. This can cause the implant to become loose and the surrounding teeth to shift. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection, is important.

What To Do

If you have experienced teeth shifting after dental implants, it is important to speak to your dentist. They can assess the cause of the shift and recommend the best course of action. This may include additional treatment, such as a bone graft or dental splint. 

Your dentist may also suggest lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and improving your diet to help promote healthy bone growth.

It is also important to attend regular dental check-ups after getting dental implants. This can help your dentist detect any issues early on before they become more serious. Your dentist may also be able to provide additional advice or treatments that can reduce the risk of further shifting teeth and keep your implant securely in place. 

In some cases, a night guard may be prescribed if you have bruxism (teeth grinding) which could contribute to tooth movement over time. It’s best not to wait until there are signs of shifting teeth; preventative care is always better than corrective treatment regarding oral health.

To Sum Up

If you have experienced teeth shifting after getting dental implants, contacting your dentist as soon as possible is important for an evaluation. It may be necessary to have additional procedures, such as braces or other corrective treatments, to ensure that your teeth remain in the correct alignment. While this may seem inconvenient, it is important to ensure that your teeth are properly aligned to maintain a healthy and attractive smile. 

Your dentist is the best resource to answer any questions regarding the shifting of teeth after dental implants and how best to correct the problem.

Exo Dental is a reputable Arkansas dental clinic that provides comprehensive digital dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery services. Book a consultation now.