Implants Can Develop Inflammation and Become Loose Too... Why?

A patient visited the dental clinic. Angry, the patient complained as soon as they arrived at the hospital, saying, “Is it okay for an implant to be like this?” When asked why, they said they had thought that once they got an implant, nothing would go wrong, but now it was developing inflammation and even becoming loose, so they were not satisfied at all.

What on earth happened? Did inflammation really develop in the artificial tooth, the implant? Could an implant placed with a titanium post really become loose?

In fact, these are problems that can absolutely occur due to incorrect surgery or improper care.

Why problems that happen with natural teeth can appear in artificial teeth like implants

It is known that the implant itself does not decay. However, inflammation can certainly develop in the gums around the implant. Conditions around implants are collectively called “peri-implant disease,” and they occur as a result of complex interactions between bacteria and the host.

The director of Seokplant Dental Clinic says, “Because implants have no nerves, many people do not feel pain even when inflammation develops, so peri-implantitis can in some ways be more dangerous than ordinary periodontitis.” He adds, “If you think the job is done once the implant surgery is over and neglect care, there is a risk that inflammation will progress and the jawbone will weaken.”

If you think the job is done once the implant surgery is over and neglect care,

the inflammation may progress and the jawbone may weaken.

Director of Seokplant Dental Hospital

One more thing: implants can also become loose. Although implants are prosthetics that can withstand force well, they do not have the tissue that absorbs impact like natural teeth do, so excessive force can cause problems in the jawbone. For that reason, it is best to avoid overly hard and chewy foods as much as possible even after surgery.

Worry-free with a reliable surgical method and consistent care

Even if symptoms such as inflammation or looseness appear after implant surgery, there is no need to worry too much. As long as you maintain a professional surgical approach and simple daily habits, there should be no major problem in keeping the implant healthy for a long time.

The director of Seokplant Dental Clinic emphasizes, “Compared with replacement teeth, implants are excellent in most respects, which is why it is essential to have the procedure performed with a reliable method at an implant-specialized hospital. Naturally, the more extensive the clinical experience, the higher the success rate, and the more certain the aftercare, the more the implant’s lifespan can be extended.”

Compared with replacement teeth,

implants are an excellent option in most respects,

which is why it is essential to have the procedure

performed with a reliable method at an implant-specialized hospital.

Director of Seokplant Dental Hospital

In addition, to minimize inflammation and looseness after surgery, the procedure should be based on an accurate diagnosis. If each patient’s constitution and unique characteristics are carefully taken into account, even possible side effects can be prevented in advance. When the surgical method is determined through an accurate diagnosis, the appropriate prosthesis is selected, and ongoing care is provided alongside it, a more satisfactory implant procedure becomes possible.

Lastly, after implant surgery, patients should first pay close attention to oral hygiene. To prevent peri-implantitis, auxiliary oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brushes should be used consistently. Also, make sure to have regular checkups every 3 to 6 months to carefully see whether the implant has integrated well and whether it is being properly maintained.

For an implant to function as well as a natural tooth, you must not forget two things: choosing a specialized hospital and maintaining steady self-care.