Looseness in the implant tooth
The crown, its connector or the implant's support in bone could be involved. Do not rock it to find out. Call and say whether the change was sudden, came after a knock, or crept up slowly.

Your implant was placed by another office, and now something is wrong. From Rockwood, you can have it assessed here, with or without full records, and get a clear account of what has changed and what could come next.
Plenty of people seek help for an implant that another clinic placed. Perhaps you moved, the original office closed, or you would simply like a different perspective. The implant still has a history, though, and the more of it we can piece together, the clearer the picture of what has gone wrong.
That might be a crown that has worked loose, a worn or broken connecting part, inflammation in the gum, or bone that no longer supports the implant well. Each needs its own approach. Replacement is weighed only once an examination shows the implant should not stay, and removal and a new implant are separate choices, guided by cause, remaining tissue, the tooth to be fitted and what you prefer.
When you come to us from Rockwood, we examine the implant, take suitable images and review whatever information you have. We explain our findings, whether contacting the original provider or involving a specialist would help, and what each option involves. Decisions are yours, and they come after the explanation.

Share what you know about when and where the implant was placed and when the crown was fitted. Invoices, implant cards and old X-rays are all worth bringing.
The crown, its connector or the implant's support in bone could be involved. Do not rock it to find out. Call and say whether the change was sudden, came after a knock, or crept up slowly.
Gum changes around an implant need a look, even if the tooth feels firm. Tell us what you see when cleaning, whether it is tender and if anything drains. Examination shows the state of the gum and bone.
If another dentist has flagged a problem, ask for their notes and images. Setting those beside older records, where they exist, shows how things have changed and why a particular treatment is being proposed.
A loose or damaged crown does not settle whether the implant must come out. We confirm which part is affected first.
Assessment aims to establish whether the implant can be kept healthy or whether removal is more appropriate. Any replacement plan should address what led to the first problem, which is easier when the original details are known. A new implant is not a guarantee of a better result.
Think through the interim stage before treatment begins. Ask how the space will look, what you can manage to eat and whether a removable tooth will be used. Seeing the temporary phase, any further procedures and the final tooth together helps you decide whether another implant suits you.
Patient information: ITI — assessing implant complications and removal
Ask whether the trouble is with the tissue, the components, the implant's position or several of these. Technical terms are optional, but you should understand which part is affected and why.
Bone and gum health shape any replacement. Ask whether grafting or healing time would be needed and how that affects the timeline, especially if parts of the original plan are unknown.
Compare the replacement route with alternatives, including temporary teeth, upkeep and fees. Ask what is still unknown about the original implant and how that might affect each option.
Your care may involve our team, a specialist and possibly contact with the original office. Ask who is responsible for each stage and when the plan will be reviewed.
We examine the implant, its crown and the gum, check stability and take appropriate imaging. Any records about the implant system help, especially for repairs. Tell us about medical changes, smoking, grinding, earlier treatment and cleaning difficulty.
If fixing a component or treating the tissue might solve the problem, we discuss that first. When removal is recommended, ask why and what other routes exist. Specialist input may help with complex questions.
If removal goes ahead, the procedure, its risks and home care are explained, along with any graft or healing interval. Another implant may be placed later; doing so on the same day is not assumed. Your temporary tooth is agreed beforehand.
A new implant and crown each have their own assessment and follow-up. Healing may change the plan. Ask when you can chew normally and how maintenance will be handled going forward.
Guidance after assessment, removal, grafting and a new implant all differ. Keep it in writing, together with the number for the clinician currently treating you.
Until we have seen it, chew on the opposite side and avoid tightening or removing anything. If something has already come off, keep it in a container; it may help identify the implant system.
After any procedure, follow the advice for cleaning, eating and wearing a temporary appliance. Ask before using an older denture over the area. Tell us if any of it is difficult to fit into your day.
Follow-up checks the tissue, components and new tooth. Report new movement, discharge or rising soreness promptly instead of waiting, and mention any trouble cleaning around the area.
Patient information: Cambridge University Hospitals — implant care and complications
You can request the diagnosis and the planned sequence in writing, which helps if the original office or a specialist is involved.
Arrange a visit at our Bronte Street practice. Gather any records or invoices you can find, note your questions, and we will explain the problem, what else should be checked, and your options.
Phone us about a moving implant, strong pain or swelling. Online requests are for non-urgent questions only.