A dental implant that feels loose when chewing almost always means that a crown or abutment screw has backed out, not that the implant has failed. It is a quick in-office fix. Less frequently, the cement has come loose or the implant itself is losing supporting bone. Any new movement deserves a prompt checkup.

At Line Dental Aloha, we see this frequently in patients who received their implant one or two years ago. Most arrive scared, convinced they need surgery. In the vast majority of cases, they do not. You just need to know how to distinguish what is actually moving.

What does a loose dental implant actually feel like?

The sensation is subtle. Most of our patients describe it as a slight shift or "click" that appears only when biting down on firm foods: a bagel, steak, crusty bread. At rest, nothing is noticed. When chewing, something moves.

There are three very different types of movement:

• Loose crown: the visible part (the porcelain tooth) moves, but the rest is firm.

• Loose abutment: the intermediate piece between the implant and the crown has lost tension.

• Loose implant: the titanium screw inside the bone moves. This is the serious, and least common, issue.

An Intel engineer who comes down Highway 26 told us they noticed the problem during lunch while biting into a sandwich. That is the typical pattern. Firm food reveals what normal conversation hides.

Cause 1: Loose crown or abutment screw (most common)

Inside every implant is a tiny screw that secures the crown to the implant body. With years of chewing forces, that screw can gradually loosen. According to reviews published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, prosthetic screw loosening is one of the most common mechanical complications reported in implantology.

The good news: it almost never hurts. Movement is the only symptom.

The solution is simple. We remove the crown, clean the threads, tighten the screw to the exact torque indicated by the manufacturer, and reseal the access hole. A short appointment. No surgery. No drama.

When an implant feels loose while chewing, nine times out of ten it is a screw, not the implant. It is fixed in a single visit.

Cause 2: Failed cement or connection wear

Some implant crowns are secured with cement instead of a screw. Over time, that cement can break down, especially if the bite was left slightly high or if the patient clenches their teeth at night.

Studies published in Clinical Oral Implants Research show that bruxism and clenching significantly increase the mechanical load on implant restorations, elevating the rates of crown loosening and fracture. Many of our professional patients from Nike and Intel arrive with high stress levels and clench at night without knowing it.

Treatment includes recementing the crown and, if necessary, adjusting the bite or making a night guard. Fast. Effective.

Cause 3: The implant itself is moving (peri-implantitis)

This is the cause that worries people. True mobility of the implant body is uncommon, but serious. It is usually due to peri-implantitis, an inflammation with progressive bone loss around the implant.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, peri-implantitis is characterized by inflammation of the peri-implant tissues and progressive bone loss, and is the primary biological cause of true implant mobility.

Warning signs:

• Bleeding around the implant

• Pus or bad taste in the mouth

• Visible gum recession

• Deep pockets when probing

• Dull discomfort that does not go away

Treatment varies by stage. In early cases, deep decontamination and hygiene adjustments. In advanced cases, regenerative surgery or, ultimately, implant removal. That is why getting here early matters so much. Dental implants have long-term survival rates commonly reported above 90% at 10 years in healthy patients, according to Cochrane reviews. That percentage stays high precisely because problems are detected in time.

When to call Line Dental Aloha

Any new movement deserves an appointment. Do not wait. A loose screw that is ignored can lead to crown fracture or damage to the implant's internal connection, which does complicate everything.

We offer same-week appointments for implant concerns. We serve families from Aloha, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, including many professionals who arrive directly from the Intel campuses via TV Highway. At the visit, we do three things: an X-ray to check the bone and connection, a torque test to verify screw tension, and a bite check.

Detecting a loose screw early prevents porcelain fracture. Detecting peri-implantitis early prevents bone loss. Simple as that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chewing on the loose crown until my appointment?

Yes, but with caution. Chew on the other side and avoid hard or sticky foods like candy, ice, or very crusty bread. Every bite on a loose crown increases the risk of fracturing the porcelain or damaging the internal threads of the implant, turning a minutes-long repair into a longer treatment.

Will it fix itself if I leave it alone?

No. A loose screw will not tighten itself. In fact, each chewing cycle tends to loosen it a bit more. The sooner it is tightened to the correct torque, the lower the risk of complications. This is one of the reasons we insist on not postponing the appointment, even if there is no pain.

Does a loose implant mean I need a new one?

Almost never. In most cases, what is loose is the crown or the abutment screw, not the implant. Only when the titanium body integrated into the bone actually moves do we talk about implant failure, and that requires an X-ray and torque test to confirm. The sensation of movement alone does not determine it.

How often should implants be checked?

We recommend checkups every six months, just like with natural teeth. At each appointment, we evaluate peri-implant probing, take periodic X-rays, and check the bite. This follow-up is what allows us to detect screws that are just beginning to loosen or subtle bone changes before they turn into major problems.

Is a loose implant a dental emergency?

It is not usually an emergency in the same category as a knocked-out tooth or an abscess, but it does require prompt attention. If there is also pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus, then do call us the same day at (503) 259-8641. Without those symptoms, an appointment within the week is appropriate.

If you notice movement in your implant when chewing, call us at Line Dental Aloha at (503) 259-8641. Dr. Paul Kyu Choi and Dr. Mijin Choi will evaluate you the same week and explain exactly what is happening before touching anything.