Told your implant is failing, but it feels fine? Coming from Oakville, you can have the finding explained, the X-rays compared, and every option set out before you commit to removal or a new implant.
It is a strange position to be in. The implant tooth chews normally and looks the same, but a dentist has pointed to an image and used the word failing. Before reacting, it helps to know exactly what was seen. Bone loss around an implant, inflamed gum, a worn connection and a loose crown are not the same finding, and they are not treated the same way.
Replacing the implant becomes a consideration only when an assessment shows it should not be kept. Even then, taking it out is one choice and placing another is a second. The underlying cause, the bone and gum left behind, the tooth that will go on top and what you prefer all feed into the decision.
Many people from Oakville come to us wanting a clear explanation more than a quick procedure. We review the area, compare any earlier X-rays you can share, and walk you through what the evidence suggests. If more imaging or a specialist would add something, we say so, and you hear about every alternative before choosing.
Let us know when the implant and its crown were placed and how you learned there might be a problem. Copies of recent and older X-rays are especially useful.
Looseness can originate in the crown, the joining component or the implant's grip on the bone. Testing it with your tongue or finger will not settle which. Call and describe whether it happened all at once, after an impact, or bit by bit.
Inflammation around an implant should be checked even when nothing moves. Mention what you notice while brushing, any ache, and whether there is a discharge or an unpleasant taste. Examination reveals how both gum and bone are faring.
Often the first sign is a comment at a routine visit. Ask for the specific finding, the images it came from and, where possible, a comparison with older ones. Once you can see what changed, the reasons for suggested treatment become much easier to weigh.
Wear or looseness in the crown does not by itself mean the implant has to be taken out. The affected part needs to be confirmed first.
A good assessment should answer one central question: can this implant be kept healthy, or is removal the better course? If a replacement is planned, it needs to deal with what caused the trouble. Without that, a second implant may face the same conditions as the first.
Think about the months in between, too. Before starting, discuss how the space will look, what you will be able to eat and whether a removable tooth is part of the plan. A clear view of the interim stage, any added procedures and the final crown helps you decide whether to pursue another implant.
Patient information: ITI — assessing implant complications and removal
Is the problem with the tissues, the hardware, the implant's placement, or a combination? You do not need to master the jargon. You should, however, be able to say which part is affected and what supports that conclusion.
The amount and health of the surrounding tissue influence what is possible. Ask whether grafting or a healing pause would be needed and what that does to the timeline. The site deserves as much attention as the implant.
Lay the replacement route beside the alternatives, including maintenance, temporary teeth, fees and the chance of changes after further assessment. That gives you solid ground for a decision.
Several appointments, and sometimes more than one clinician, may be needed. Ask who is responsible at each point and when the plan will be revisited.
We look at your symptoms or lack of them, the crown, the gum, stability and appropriate imaging. Previous X-rays and implant details are valuable. Tell us about medical changes, smoking, clenching, past treatment of the area and how cleaning around it goes.
Repairing a component or treating the surrounding tissue may be enough, and we discuss that first. Where removal is advised, you should understand why and what else is possible. A specialist can help with complex surgical or restorative questions.
If you proceed, the removal, its risks, aftercare and any graft or healing stage are explained in advance. A new implant might be placed later, though doing it at once is not presumed. The temporary arrangement for the gap is agreed beforehand.
Any new implant and crown are evaluated and followed up in their own right. The plan can change with healing. Ask when you can eat normally on the tooth and how maintenance will be set up for the long term.
Guidance after an assessment, removal, graft or new implant varies. Keep every written instruction and the phone number of the clinician currently responsible for your treatment.
Until it has been assessed, chew on the other side and leave the implant tooth alone. Do not try to tighten or take off any piece. If something has already detached, keep it clean and dry and bring it to the visit.
After a procedure, follow the specific instructions on cleaning, diet and any temporary appliance. Check before wearing an existing denture over the site. If something in the advice is hard to manage, let us know and we can talk it through.
Reviews check the gum, the parts and the new tooth as treatment progresses. Report new movement, discharge or rising soreness straight away rather than holding on until the next appointment. Mention cleaning difficulties early.
Patient information: Cambridge University Hospitals — implant care and complications
You can ask for the diagnosis and planned sequence in writing, which helps when care is shared between offices.
Book a review at our Bronte Street practice. Bring your X-rays, any notes from the dentist who raised the concern, and your questions, and we will go over the problem, further assessment and your options.
If the implant moves, hurts badly or the area swells, please call instead of using the online form, which is for non-urgent requests.
