4 reasons for dental implant screw loosening and its symptoms

One of the problems that may occur after dental implant is loosening or falling of the implant screw. This problem can occur for various reasons such as excessive pressure while chewing or infection and requires immediate action. Loosening or falling out of the implant screw is usually solvable and is related to the crown or screw connecting the implant. When the implant screw loosens, important measures are necessary, which we will discuss in the rest of this article.

"In a clinical retrospective study of 1,928 dental implants, screw loosening occurred in 7.2% of cases—most within six months after loading—and 22.3% of those affected experienced recurrent loosening. The issue was more frequent in molar regions, wider implant diameters (≥5mm), external connections, and screw-retained crowns."

«In a retrospective clinical study of 1,928 dental implants, it was found that screw loosening occurred in 7.2% of cases. Most of these cases occurred in the first six months after the veneer was installed. Also, 22.3% of people who had screw loosening experienced the problem again.
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What are the causes of dental implant screw loosening?

Dental implant can become loose for various reasons and its function can be impaired. Among the reasons for implant screw loosening are the following:
Insufficient bone fusion (Osseointegration)
Insufficient bone fusion known as "osseointegration" can be the cause of implant screw loosening or falling. This problem arises due to the disruption of the bone grafting process for the dental implant with the implant surface. Various reasons can cause this problem, including low bone quality, excessive pressure on the implant before it is fully fused to the bone, and infection. These problems can cause the implant screw to loosen and eventually fall out.
High pressures when biting or chewing (Overload)
Other reasons for dental implant loosening are impact to the implant, chewing hard foods or grinding teeth. These cases can cause the implant to loosen and fall out in the long term by putting too much pressure on the tooth. This problem happens especially when the osseointegration is not complete.
Improper placement of the implant screw
In some rare cases, the improper design of the prosthesis, the incorrect selection of the size and type of the implant, and the incorrect placement of the implant screw can cause improper distribution of force and finally loosening of the implant screw. The occurrence of these cases can be minimized by choosing a specialist and experienced dentist, and for this reason, it is recommended to go to an experienced dentist to perform the implant.
Infection (Peri-implantitis)
Infection around the implant can occur for various reasons and is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and pus discharge. The infection around the implant is called "peri-implantitis", which causes the destruction of the tissues supporting the implant and the loosening of the dental implant and its falling.

Reasons for loosening of screws of advanced implants

The problem of implant screw loosening is also seen in advanced implants and can occur for various reasons, including the following:
Healing cap loosening
One of the reasons for implant screw loosening is healing cap loosening. The healing cap is used to maintain the shape of the gums around the implant and prevent bacteria from entering after the fixture is placed. For various reasons, the healing cap may become loose, and this problem must be examined and treated by a dentist. It is very important to choose the most suitable screw and abutment for the implant so that there is no problem such as loosening.
Unexpected opening of the abutment screw
Reasons such as not choosing the right components, incorrect way of connecting the abutment to the implant base and correctly mounting the dental prosthesis can be the reason for the unexpected opening of the abutment screw. To avoid this problem, you should refer to experienced professionals.
Severe bending on the screw connection
Applying excessive torque and overtightening the abutment screw can cause implant screw breakage. Normally, this problem occurs due to applying unequal pressure on the implant screw.

Symptoms of dental implant screw loosening

Knowing the signs of dental implant screw loosening is very important so that people can notice this problem as soon as possible and take measures to treat it. Among the symptoms of dental implant screw loosening are the following:
gum color change to white
feeling of pain in the gum or the operated area
gum bleeding when touching the implant
Creating a condition of bleeding around the implant

Causes of dental implant screw loosening

Different and common reasons cause the dental implant screw to loosen. Among these causes are the following, which familiarity can prevent this problem from occurring:
Implant with an external hexagonal head
Opening of the dental implant is usually more common in models with an external hexagonal head; Because the connection of this type of implant with the jaw bone is not very strong and has low resistance. This issue causes a lot of pressure on the implant screw and causes it to open. This problem has been solved in new implants with a different design.
Lack of proper torque in the abutment screw
One of the problems seen in old implants is the lack of proper torque in the abutment screw. In this type of implants, there was no suitable tool that could transmit the right torque to properly tighten the implant screw, and this problem caused the implant screw to loosen after some time. Because in this situation, a strong connection between the bone and the screw is not established, and the screws loosen over time.
Dental implant screw loosening due to gum diseases
Infection and gum diseases after implant placement can also cause loosening of the dental implant screw. When the gum gets infected, its tissue softens and loses its resistance, and thus the implant screw can loosen.
Opening of the dental implant screw due to bone loss
Another thing that can cause the loosening of the dental implant screw is the loss of bone tissue. To solve this problem, it is necessary to strengthen the bone tissue through bone powder grafting.

Ways to prevent implant screw loosening

In order to minimize the problem of dental implant screw loosening, it can be very helpful to pay attention to the following:
Using original parts: Using original parts that are designed to fit each other can greatly help increase the durability and lifespan of the implant.
Exact fit between components: If the implant components such as abutments and screws are selected correctly, there is a possibility of problems. as the opening of the implant is reduced.
Appropriate distribution of pressure on the screw: This can be achieved by using abutments suitable for the implant and prevent unequal pressure.
Tightening the implant screw: Among other things that can prevent the opening of the implant screw is tightening the implant screw with appropriate tools and special torque meters.
Dental implant care: Dental implant care can also play an important role in preventing its loosening. Observance of oral and dental hygiene, correct use of implant prosthesis and prevention of tooth wear can prevent the dental implant from opening.
Regular visit to the dentist: It is very important to have the dental implant checked by the dentist every few months so that necessary measures can be taken faster if there are any problems.

What to do if the implant screw falls out?

It is very important for people to know what to do when an implant screw loosens or falls out. In the first step, people should keep calm so that they can manage the situation properly and perform the following actions:
Keeping the fallen screw: If the implant screw falls, it should be kept and taken with you to the dental clinic.
Avoid putting pressure on the dental implant: You should also avoid putting pressure on the implant and avoid chewing hard foods or using a damaged implant.
Observation of oral hygiene: It is very important to keep the implant area properly clean to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
After observing the above, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible. Put the implant screw in place.

What happens if the implant screw falls out?

If the implant screw is out of place and the person does not take immediate action to treat it, the following problems can occur:
Pain or discomfort: Falling or loosening of the implant screw can cause pain, sensitivity or discomfort around the implant. This pain can be felt more when talking, eating or even touching the affected area. Infection: Infection around the implant can cause peri-implantitis. This infection can lead to bone loss around the implant and eventually lead to the loss of the implant. Loosening of the abutment or cover: Loosening or falling of the implant screw can cause the loosening or falling of the abutment of the implant and its cover. Damage to the surrounding tissues: Loosening of the implant screw in the long term can affect the soft tissues around the implant, such as Damage to the gums. This problem can cause inflammation, gum infection, swelling and bleeding.
Implant loss: If the implant screw is not replaced on time, it can even cause implant loss. This issue can be seen especially in cases where there is an infection or the implant is not properly integrated with the jawbone.
Cosmetic problems: Loosening or falling of the implant screw can affect the appearance of a person's smile and therefore requires immediate action.

Treatment of implant screw loosening

Treatment of dental implant screw loosening is very important; Because as said, it can cause many problems. The treatment options to solve this problem are different according to the individual's condition. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the implant or take additional measures to restore the stability of the implant. One should visit the dentist as soon as possible after observing the loosening of the implant so that the necessary measures can be considered and implemented according to the individual's condition.

What is a dental implant screw?

Dental implant screw is one of the three important components of dental implant. Dental implant has three main parts: implant, abutment and implant screw. An implant is a cylindrical titanium base that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and acts as a root for the tooth. An abutment is a connecting piece that is placed on the implant and acts as a base for the replacement tooth. The implant screw is actually a titanium fastener that connects the abutment and the implant together. The implant screw plays an important role in the stability and durability of the implant, and without it, the abutment may not stay in place and the base of the replacement tooth may remain unstable.

Consultation with Dr. Farin Shamshirgar, dental implant specialist in Zafaranieh

One of the very important things that can be effective as a result of implant placement and preventing the screw from loosening or falling is visiting a skilled dentist. The expertise and experience of the dentist plays an important role in the outcome of the implant, and for this reason, it should be given a lot of attention. One of the prominent dentists in Zafaranieh region that people can visit with confidence is Dr. Farin Shamshirgar. He is dental implant specialist in Zaferanieh and this issue can make people get the best possible result from their implant.
Final word
Falling or loosening of the implant is one of the problems that may occur in some people after the dental implant. It is very important to pay attention to the symptoms of this problem and its causes so that people can take treatment as soon as possible if this problem occurs. Failure to treat implant loosening can cause many problems for a person, and for this reason, treatment of this problem is of great importance.

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Free consultation and appointment booking Phone: 0640 2202 021 Why does the implant screw loosen? Screw loosening usually occurs due to excessive pressure, improper implant positioning, or improper design of the connection between components. Is loosening of the implant screw dangerous? Yes, if not treated in time, it can cause bone damage, gum recession or even implant failure. How to prevent screw loosening?
With proper design, using the correct torque during installation, and visiting the dentist regularly for a checkup.
Can a loose screw be re-tightened? Yes, in many cases the screw can be tightened without changing the implant; But it should be done by a specialist.
What should be done if the screw loosens several times? In case of recurrence, it may be necessary to replace parts, modify the design of the prosthesis or even replace the implant. What are the symptoms of implant screw loosening? A feeling of loosening of the crown, a clicking sound or movement when chewing, or pain and inflammation in the implant area. Dr. Farin Shamshirgar - specialist in dental prostheses, implants and beauty - has a specialized board - a member of the university faculty - graduated from general and specialized courses from Tehran universities - with more than 10 years of work experience View all content PreviousPreviousDifference between scaling and teeth bleaching: 5 important differences Difference between mini-implant and its 3 uses - advantages and disadvantagesNext
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2 answers

Hello, my implant screw was recently loosened and it was fixed by referral. The question came to me, what precautions should I take to prevent this problem from recurring?
Reply

Hello, Mr. Sobhani To prevent the implant screw from loosening again, take these precautions: Maintaining oral hygiene: daily brushing, using dental floss and mouthwash. Avoiding excessive pressure: Avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth to open objects. Regular visits to the dentist: periodical checkups to check the condition of the implant. Avoiding destructive habits: such as teeth grinding (use a night guard if necessary). Proper nutrition: eating healthy food to strengthen bones and gums.

By observing these things, you can ensure the health of your implant.
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