My implant denture felt fine when I got it last December, but now it feels loose. I have four dental implants, and the lower denture drifts to the right side of my mouth. My dentist told me four implants would not be as stable as six, but should the denture loosen in four months? I thought that getting implants would eliminate my problems with removable dentures, but now the implant dentures are uncomfortable. Will I need more implants to resolve this problem, or could something be wrong with the denture? – Thanks. Alex G.

Alex,

Both sides of your denture should still fit securely, even if four implants support it instead of six.

What Causes a Loose Implant Denture?

Factors that can contribute to a loose overdenture include the following:

• Denture components – A snug fit requires denture components to fit precisely on dental implants.
• Improper attachment to implants – Whether your denture snaps or screws onto dental implants, misaligned attachments in the denture base or misplaced dental implants can affect your denture fit.
• Loose dental implants – If your jawbone is not integrated with the implants, their movement when you eat, speak, or yawn can cause a denture to shift.

A dentist must examine your denture and implants to determine why your overdenture is loose. You may require a 3-D CT scan to identify potential causes around the implants in your jawbone. After a comprehensive exam, a dentist can determine whether your denture, dental implants, or both contribute to your concerns.

Please do not delay an appointment for an exam. If your dentist cannot resolve your concerns, we recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training in implantology.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.