Can My Teeth Shift After Getting Dental Implants? 

More than once Dr. Danielle Indelicato got a phone call from a concerned patient who was certain that their implant is moving. 

Is such a thing even possible? Can dental implants shift? More often than not, implants don't shift but there are cases where you should be alarmed and call your dentist ASAP. 

Keep reading to learn more. 

Dental Implants Should Not Shift 

A dental implant is a fixed restoration, meaning that the metal post is securely anchored in the jawbone. It's placed in the socket of a missing tooth, so it shouldn't interfere with the other teeth's position. 

So, why does it feel like your teeth are moving in your mouth? 

It's just that - a sensation. 

Your teeth got used to the empty space and now they feel the extra pressure from the crown attached to the implant. If you had a missing tooth for a while now, the implant may feel like you have a foreign object in your mouth that's pushing the neighboring teeth. 

In reality, nothing it's happening, and your mouth just needs a few days to get used to the pressure of a new tooth. 

Implant Shifting Is Rare, But Could Happen 

As we said, more often than not, it's just a matter of getting used to the implant. However, in rare cases, it can be a real implant movement. 

Implant movement is rare, but when it happens, it's an emergency that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. 

Look for these signs to determine if you are experiencing implant failure: 

• Severe pain that isn't subsiding - Pain after implant surgery is normal, but if yours doesn't show any signs of improvement a few days after and it's getting progressively worse, it may be a sign of infection or failure. 
• Implant movement - If the tightness around the implant site doesn't go away in a couple of days and you can genuinely feel the implant shift in your mouth, your body may be rejecting the implant. You need to call your doctor immediately. 
• Gum inflammation - Swelling and tenderness are also normal after implant surgery. But persistent swelling and pain could indicate peri-implantitis, an infection that attacks the implant. 

Why Does It Happen? 

Dental implants have an incredible success rate, but 5% of the time they may fail because of: 

• Titanium allergy 
• Peri-implantitis 
• Improper implant placement 
• Failed osseointegration 
• Medical conditions like diabetes 
• Smoking 

Is It a Real Danger? 

Not really. Implants have a 95% success rate, making them one of the safest and most effective dental restoration. 

Dr. Danielle Indelicato screens every patient thoroughly to make sure they will enjoy their restored oral health for years to come. 

If you want to find out if implants are right for you, you can contact Paragon Dental right now and schedule an appointment for an initial consultation with Dr. Indelicato