Dental Implant Crown is Wobbling: What is Happening?
I had a dental implant about two years ago and the crown began wobbling immediately. The implant was secure but the crown over it became loose. My dentist replaced it for me at no cost to me. Now, the crown is wobbling again 1 year later. What is happening? The surgeon has denied any implant failure. He instructed my dentist to use a torque wrench the next time, which was not done. He simply used his wrist force to tighten the screw. My jaw is sensitive at the implant and I am getting headaches. Can you tell me what to do now? What long term effect can I expect if I let this condition continue? What should I do? Thanks
3 Comments on Dental Implant Crown is Wobbling: What is Happening?
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Dr. Jeffrey Brook -
11/9/2015
If we assume that the implant is healthy as the surgeon reported to you, it would seem that the problem is related to the abutment and/or crown not being torqued into place at the optimum level. I would follow your surgeon's advice and either have the surgeon or your dentist torque the crown to the recommended level before anything else is considered. Good luck! Dr. Brook
Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi
11/9/2015
There are several reasons that a crown can become loose:1. Poor fit of the abutment in the implant- There must be a precise fit of the components- This can be easily checked by the dentist2. Un-torqued screw- The screw holding the abutment must be torqued with a special wrench to a certain force- This can not be done with just fingers- must use a wrench3. Bite balance- The occlusion (bite) must be checked to make sure lateral (side) forces are minimized or eliminated. This can be easily done by a bite check and minor adjustment of the teeth touching the implant crown.4. The type of implant platform can be also a factor- Internal hex configurations are more stable- External hex platforms have more screw loosening.5. Use of the same screw- If a screw has come loose once or twice, it is best to replace it with a new screw (holding the abutment to the implant)- Screws undergo metal fatigue and can loose its property.Hope this is helpful. Dr. Kazemi
Joy
11/13/2015
My crown became "wobbly" too about 6 months after it was put in. The dentist here in the states to whom the original dentist referred me (she's in India) says the implant must be removed and the other dentist, who did the implant, is currently reviewing the x-rays of the dentist who says it should be removed. She has written to me when she heard what the stateside dentist had to say and didn't have enuf info to agree or disagree with his assessment. The dentist who gave me the implant teaches implants but she is in Pune, India so that may be a factor in my decision but not necessarily a huge obstacle.
