Top all on 4 implant feels loose? My top implant isn’t secure and moves slightly. (Photo)

Question

Hi all, I had my top and bottom teeth removed and all on 4 implants placed on my top and bottom jaw, when I smile I sometimes talk I feel like my top implant isn’t secure and moves slightly, it’s possible that It’s all in my head, however I’m nervous that I have created pressure in my mouth during sleep and dislodged it, is this possible?, I brought this up to the receptionist when calling in to reschedule my appointment however she kind of brushed it off

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

All fixed implant prostheses should be stable and remain without any movement. The best way to confirm that there is no movement is, removing the prosthesis and checking the implant prosthetic parts (multiunit abutments, prosthetic screws and finally implants) whether they are unscrewed or not. If the prosthesis is fitting onto the implants passively, there should be no movement. If you feel any movement, this needs to be taken care of to avoid further complications such as prosthetic screw fracture, prosthesis fracture and even implant fracture

Jyoti Singh, MDS · Answer

Movements can be because of various reasons which depend on if you have healing abutments or you have screw in Temporary teeth in your mouth. Various causes: 
1. Screw loosening in your healing abutment screw although implants are secure.
2. Screw loosening in your screw-in temporary/ permanent prosthesis screw if you have put too much pressure. Or direct load is coming on the implant screw 
3. Multiunit abutment have become loose due to extra load on your temporary prosthesis
4. Implants itself have become loose and not anchored or fused with the bone during healing or they are still in healing stage.

First three types can be checked and managed in an inconsequential manner but the fourth type needs to be reviewed and kept on follow up. I would advice you to visit your dentist as early as possible. Hope that information helps.

Misagh Habibi, BDSc, MSc, DICOI · Answer

Hi @squareeyes
You should definitely experience no looseness of any type of implant treatment, including All-on-4. When did you have your implants placed? Sometimes over time, the screw(s) attaching your prosthetic teeth to the implants may be coming loose or may have broken, and more rarely a connecting abutment between the implants and teeth may come loose. Both of these issues can be corrected easily, but if left unattended can lead to more irreversible problems. For an implant to be loose itself, it would usually involve some degree of pain or discomfort, or inflammation - that would indicate a failure. In any case, it's very important to have it professionally assessed as soon as possible. If you felt brushed off, just call again and ask for the dentist to review it. Hope that helps.
*This is general information only. Please see an experienced implant dentist in your area for a proper assessment.

Alex Fibishenko, BDSc - Account Suspended · Answer

There should not be any looseness with All-On-4. Its important that you make an appointment with the dentist to check the situation clinically as it will be very simple to detect if present.
If you have no pain, and there is a kind of clicking when it moves, it is likely to be loosening of the screws that attach the bridge to the implant abutments. In rarer situations this could be loosening of the abutments themselves from the implant fixtures. Both of these can be cause by grinding or clenching, and can be addressed by changing or re-tightening the loose screw/s, adjusting the bite if needed, and wearing a splint at night.
Your teeth look amazing!!!

Peter Spanganberg, DDS (in memoriam) · Answer

Almost certainly this is not in your head. There are a few reasons why you would experience mobility of the prosthesis (teeth), all of which should be addressed ASAP.
-While least likely, the implants could be failing. If this were the case, you would likely have pain. 
-The abutments (interface between the implants and teeth) could be loose. If the abutments were not tightened (torqued) to the correct level, they can become loose and lead to mobility. If this is the case, the teeth need to be temporarily removed and the abutments torqued to the correct level.
-The prosthetic screws are loose. These screws attach the teeth to the abutments. If there is mobility, it almost always due to the prosthetic screws. Your dentist/provider should check these screws and torque them as needed.
-You May have fractured the temporary teeth. It is not unheard of to break the temporary teeth and the first sign if they are just cracked, is slight mobility. If there is a crack in the material, it needs to be repaired ASAP.
If you are a clencher or grinder, it is actually quite common for any or all of these issues to pop up. As a matter of routine, I make my patients who suffer from clenching/grinding a night guard to protect against this issue.
Understand that mobility, regardless of the source, can lead to implant failure. In the post-operative period, this is a complaint that needs to be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible.

Top all on 4 implant feels loose? My top implant isn’t secure and moves slightly. (Photo)

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Answer: Loose All-On-4 Bridge

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Top all on 4 implant feels loose? My top implant isn’t secure and moves slightly. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Loose All-On-4 Bridge

Answer: Loose All-On-4 Bridge

Answer: Mobility of the teeth

Answer: Mobility of the teeth

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

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