Has anyone had any experience with a dental implant that has loosened because of clenching (previously undiagnosed). The dentist is suggesting a night guard, but I don't understand how it is possible for the bone to refuse around the implant??? Is this possible for it to be saved or is he just delaying having to tell me that he has to remove everything and start again. Advice from anyone with any similar experiences would be great!!!! I'm very scared of dental work, and can hardly sleep thinking that this implant is failing!!!! Tks!

In some cases it can be saved. A Tate L Viehweg wrote something regarding this. If its a long standing implant suddenly failing it usually means the prosthetic is not correct (crown, bridge, denture) and caused the bone loss. Maybe that is why you were clenching? It depends on how how much bone loss occurred. His paper states that the gum around the implant needs to be detoxified - as I understand it in some cases a bone graft, gum scaling and/or a change in prosthetic, not necessarily in that order, may save it. After these treatments fail and the implant remains mobile the implant has to be removed. I just had all 6 of mine removed after 15 yrs due to frequent infections on recent bone loss. Only one was wiggley - but I figured eventually they would all go. Wish you well.

In some cases it can be saved. A Tate L Viehweg wrote something regarding this. If its a long standing implant suddenly failing it usually means the prosthetic is not correct (crown, bridge, denture) and caused the bone loss. Maybe that is why you were clenching? It depends on how how much bone loss occurred. His paper states that the gum around the implant needs to be detoxified - as I understand it in some cases a bone graft, gum scaling and/or a change in prosthetic, not necessarily in that order, may save it. After these treatments fail and the implant remains mobile the implant has to be removed. I just had all 6 of mine removed after 15 yrs due to frequent infections on recent bone loss. Only one was wiggley - but I figured eventually they would all go. Wish you well.

You had 5 removed when only one was bad? Why? I would never have done that. I fear infection so I am so careful keeping my mouth clean. I was told when I went for my cleaning that she had nothing to clean except for to tighten my screws.

Since they were in the front their angulation was casuing a deep overbite and since I now have severe tmj I was trying to aleviate anything that may contribute to it. Some day down the road if things improve I may put a few back but for now ... implants are great but when you are talking brdiges, the prothestic has to be correct otherwise bone loss, torqueing or pulling sensation, pain, etc can develop. Also since mine were quite old, they no longer make the type I had so getting parts was a hassle.