Is a loose screw occurring 1 month after a crown placement on an implant normal?

Question

7 months ago I had my front tooth extracted and an implant place. After 6 months of healing, my dentist placed the final abutment and crown. Now, 1 month later, the crown is loose (1mm mobility front/back and side/side). My dentist says its either a loose screw (more likely) or the implant and has referred me to a periodontist who she says will need to drill to access the screw. I am worried about damage to the crown and cost. Is it normal for the screw to loose this quickly?

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

Loosening of an implant screw usually happens because the bite is too heavy over the implant crown. After tightening, a bite adjustment should resolve this.

Herbert Veisman, DDS · Answer

It's very easy to figure out if an implant is loose or if the crown is loose on the implant. An experienced prosthodontist can immediately detect the difference by simply feeling the crown rotate around the fulcrum or feeling the entire assembly of implant/crown moving. If the implant was moving you would have some discomfort. I would see a PROSTHODONTIST for a second opinion. This is a specialist in crown and bridge will give you the best assessment.

Dan Hagi, DDS · Answer

Loosening of screws is a complication that occurs to between 2-4% of implants per year.  This is usually easily managed with retightening the abutment screw.  Of the implant were loose you would have pain when the part moves.  The damage to the crown may be repairable or you may need a new crown and/or abutment depending on the amount of damage that is done trying to get to the top of the screw.   Modern ceramic dental implants that are one piece don't have screws that can loosen and decrease such complications.

N. Summer Lerch, DDS, FAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is not normal for a screw to loosen.  And it does happen.  Small percentage of cases over all.  If your crown was cemented on permanently, then yes, you do run the risk of damage to the crown.  Be sure you ask your dentist who will be replacing the crown at no charge.  You should not be responsible for a new crown again a month later if you need one.  (Your insurance will not cover a new one so soon either.) Sometimes the access hole can be covered over once the screw is tightened, thus saving the crown.  Finally make sure your bite is very light on that tooth.  You might consider a biteguard to wear at night.  This will offer protection to all your other teeth too.

Is a loose screw occurring 1 month after a crown placement on an implant normal?

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Answer: Loose Screw on Implant

Answer: Loose Screw on Implant

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Is a loose screw occurring 1 month after a crown placement on an implant normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Loose Screw on Implant

Answer: Loose Screw on Implant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.