Illustrative consultation about concerns with an existing dental implant
Restorative Dentistry

Replacement of Failing Dental Implants in Rockwood

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.

An implant from somewhere else

New to us, but not a fresh start.

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.

Have an outside implant assessed
A dentist examining an illustrative jaw teaching model with an implant crown
Clues to bring along

Any detail about the original work helps.

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.

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.

Sore, swollen or bleeding gum

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.

A finding you want a second look at

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.

Understanding the original problem

Piece together the history before planning the future.

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

What went wrong, in plain words

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.

The condition of the site

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.

Options with known and unknown details

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.

Taking over the care

Learn the history, then make the plan.

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.

  1. Assess and gather information

    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.

  2. Weigh repair against removal

    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.

  3. Remove and manage the site

    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.

  4. Review before completing the tooth

    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.

Home care for each phase

The right advice depends on the step you are at.

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.

Leave a loose crown alone

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.

Follow your post-treatment guidance

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.

Keep to your review schedule

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

Possible next steps

Each option, explained on its own terms.

Ask what each route is meant to do and what remains uncertain. Having an implant placed before does not oblige you to choose another.

When treatment can help

Maintain the implant you have

Professional care of peri-implant disease, or repairing the crown or its parts, may suit some cases, provided compatible components can be sourced. Outcomes depend on the findings and the response. Ask how progress will be checked.

When it should not be kept

Remove and plan a replacement

An implant that cannot reasonably stay may be recommended for removal. A new one depends on the site and the plan as a whole. Ask about grafting, healing, a revised position and the crown that would follow.

When you would rather not re-implant

Consider a non-implant solution

Depending on the gap and the support available, a bridge, removable partial denture or other option might be discussed. Ask how each affects neighbouring teeth, cleaning, appearance and comfort.

Patient information: EFP — treatment of peri-implant disease

Implants placed elsewhere

What people from Rockwood often ask.

You can request the diagnosis and the planned sequence in writing, which helps if the original office or a specialist is involved.

(905) 876-4488
Will you treat an implant another dentist placed?
Yes, we can assess it and explain the options. Whether repair is practical may depend on identifying the implant system and sourcing compatible parts. If a specialist would be better placed for some stages, we will explain why.
Should I go back to the dentist who placed my implant?
That is your choice. The original provider has the most detailed records and may offer follow-up. Some people prefer a new office for convenience or a second view. Either way, getting the records transferred is helpful.
How do I request my implant records from another office?
Contact that office and ask for copies of X-rays, implant details and treatment notes to be sent, with your written consent. Do not delay assessment for pain, swelling or movement while waiting for them.
What if the original office has closed?
Records are sometimes held by another practice or a custodian. Even without them, an examination and imaging can still show a great deal. Some parts may be harder to identify, which can affect repair options.
Can an implant done years ago still be under any warranty?
That depends entirely on the original provider’s terms, if any existed. We cannot comment on another office’s policies. You may want to ask them directly before treatment elsewhere begins.
Is it common for an implant to need replacing after many years?
Many implants last a long time, but problems such as inflammation, bone loss or worn parts can develop over the years. An issue after a long period still needs assessment, and it does not always mean the implant itself has to be replaced.
Rockwood implant assessments

Bring what you have, and we will start there.

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.

Visit Milton Dental Clinic
Unit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7
Get directions Clinic hours
Monday–Thursday
11am–7pm
Friday–Sunday
By appointment only

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How can we help?

Milton Dental Clinic

Have a question about your smile? Choose the option that works best for you.

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