Will implants cause teeth to shift?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
People who have missing teeth always choose to get dental implants to bring back their beautiful smiles.
Teeth implants are an ideal solution because they not only give you the confidence to smile but also restore all of your oral functions and aid in stimulating your jawbone to prevent jawbone deterioration.
However, most people think this after getting a dental implant: “Will dental implants shift my teeth?”
The answer is no. The fixed implant teeth will not shift your teeth.
During the implant procedure, the dentist will insert the metal post safely into your jawbone. The posts need to be placed properly and shouldn’t wiggle or shift at all.
If you feel discomfort or think the implant is shifting, you should consult with your implantologist immediately.
Why do teeth shift after dental implants?
It is quite rare that dental implants cause teeth to shift. However, if your teeth are actually shifting, your body may be rejecting the implant due to an allergy to titanium. Although these allergies are extremely rare, most dentists will test for them before placing the implant.
A type of gum disease called peri-implantitis can develop if you are not taking proper care of your implant. This is another factor that could be a reason for teeth shifting.
If left untreated, bacteria buildup will take place behind the gum followed by weakening the implant’s structural integrity and cause the neighboring teeth to shift.
Dental restorations can cause teeth shifting
You might feel strange sensations like a feeling of teeth shifting in your mouth for a few days once the prosthesis (crown, bridge or denture) is mounted over the fixed implant post.
This is because attaching a prosthetic appliance to your implant may put pressure on the neighboring teeth and alter how your teeth fit together.
How to care for dental implants properly?
To reduce the risk of infections around implants that push the adjacent teeth, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions strictly to prolong the lifespan of your dental implant.
- Don’t eat or chew on the side of the dental implant for a few days after the implant surgery.
- Eating soft foods for a few days will help your implant area heal faster.
- If you have any trouble or discomfort with your implant, visit your dentist so they can check them out and make sure everything is okay. This has a comparable sensation to when your braces are tightened.
Once the implant site is healed completely, you should maintain the area around the implant clean. You should take care of the implant teeth similar to your natural teeth with the right appliances.
Similarly, you should refrain from certain repeated behaviors that can damage the fixed teeth.
Bottom line
Shifting teeth after the implant is an extremely rare condition that can be avoided completely if you see an implant specialist and carefully care for your mouth after this procedure.
However, none of your neighboring teeth are shifting. They may experience some discomfort for a few days while they adjust to the new tooth’s sensations. Over time, as you become adjusted to your new tooth or teeth, this sensation will decrease.
If you are craving to know more about this, you can get in touch with us or schedule your appointment here.
