A tooth that shifts slightly
Movement could be in the crown, the part beneath it or the implant itself. Do not test it. Call and mention whether it began suddenly, after biting something hard, or bit by bit.
Restorative Dentistry
Replacement of Failing Dental Implants in Erin
Implant trouble often starts where a brush cannot easily reach. For people in Erin and Hillsburgh, our review looks at the implant and at your daily cleaning routine, so any repair or replacement has a better footing.
The routine at the bathroom sinkBook an implant and home-care review
Your toothbrush is part of the plan.
Some implant crowns are shaped in a way that makes the gumline awkward to clean. Plaque that stays there can inflame the tissue and, over time, affect the bone. That is only one possible problem, though. A loosened crown, a worn connector and bone loss from other causes need their own investigation.
Taking out the implant and placing another becomes a consideration only once an examination shows that keeping it is not reasonable. Removal and replacement are then decided one at a time. The cause, the bone and gum still present, the tooth to be fitted and your preferences guide what is sensible, and a routine you can keep up matters to all of them.
When you come to us from Erin, we examine the implant and gum, take suitable images and ask how you clean around it now. We explain what we see, whether a specialist opinion would help, and what each option would mean for your daily care. You choose once you understand them.
Signs at home
What your mirror and floss might be showing you.
Note roughly when the implant was placed and the crown fitted, and what has changed. Bring the brushes, floss or other tools you use; they help us see what is working.
Bleeding when you clean there
Blood on the brush or floss near an implant, puffiness or a sour taste should be checked even if the tooth is firm. Tell us how often it happens and whether there is discharge. The exam shows whether bone is also involved.
Spots that are hard to reach
If you struggle to get a brush or floss around the implant, say so. A dentist may also spot plaque or bone change at a checkup. Understanding why cleaning is difficult helps explain both the problem and any treatment suggested.
A loose crown is not, on its own, a reason to remove an implant. The part responsible is identified first.
Making care sustainable
A new implant still needs a routine that reaches it.
The assessment determines whether the current implant can be kept healthy or should be removed. If replacement is planned, it should address whatever contributed to the first problem, including cleaning access and the shape of the crown, since a new implant faces the same daily conditions.
During treatment you will also need a practical arrangement for the gap. Ask early about appearance, eating and any removable tooth, including how to keep it clean. Understanding the temporary phase, any further steps and the final tooth helps you decide whether another implant is the right choice.
Patient information: ITI — assessing implant complications and removal
A plain diagnosis
Ask whether the trouble is with the tissue, the parts, the position or a mix. You do not need technical words, but you should know which part needs attention and what supports that view.
A site that can heal and be cleaned
Bone and gum condition affect replacement. Ask whether gum treatment, grafting or healing time would be needed, and whether a future crown can be designed so you can clean around it.
Daily care factored into the comparison
Weigh a new implant against alternatives, including maintenance visits, home cleaning, temporary teeth and costs. Choosing something you can look after is part of choosing well.
What treatment looks like
Assessment, a decision, treatment, and a routine to keep.
Several visits, and occasionally a specialist, may be involved. Ask who is responsible for each stage and at what points the plan gets reconsidered.
Examine the implant and your routine
We look at the crown, the gum, stability and appropriate imaging, and ask how you clean the area. Earlier X-rays and implant details help. Mention health changes, smoking, grinding and any previous treatment there.
Decide whether it can be kept
Repair of a component, gum treatment and a better cleaning routine may be enough, and that is explored first. If removal is advised, ask why and what alternatives exist. A specialist may help with complex questions.
Removal and healing, if needed
If removal proceeds, the procedure, its risks and how to care for the area afterward are explained, along with any graft or healing stage. A new implant may come later; it is not assumed to go in at once. The temporary tooth is agreed in advance.
Final tooth and maintenance plan
Any replacement implant and its crown get their own checks and follow-up. Healing may change things. Ask when you can eat normally and which tools and visit schedule will keep the area healthy over time.
Daily care that fits
Clean gently, follow the stage, and speak up.
Home care differs after an assessment, removal, graft and new implant. Keep each written instruction and the number for whoever is treating you now.
Spare a moving tooth
Until it has been assessed, chew on the other side and avoid tightening or removing anything. If part of it has come off, keep it in a container and bring it along.
Use the cleaning method you were shown
After treatment, follow the advice on brushing, interdental cleaning, food and any temporary appliance. Ask before wearing an older denture over the site. If a technique feels awkward, tell us; there are usually alternatives.
Keep maintenance visits
Professional reviews help keep the tissue, parts and new tooth healthy. Report new movement, discharge or worsening soreness promptly rather than waiting. Bring up any cleaning frustration so the plan can be adjusted.
Patient information: Cambridge University Hospitals — implant care and complications
Home care and implant questions(905) 876-4488
Answers for life between appointments.
Ask for the diagnosis and planned steps in writing, especially if more than one clinician is involved.
Can poor cleaning cause an implant to fail?
Plaque build-up around an implant can lead to inflammation and, in some cases, bone loss. It is one possible factor among several, including health, smoking and bite forces. The assessment looks at all of them, not just cleaning.
Is a water flosser useful around an implant?
Some people find one helpful as part of their routine, but it is not a replacement for mechanical cleaning in every case. Ask which combination of tools suits your implant and how to use them without irritating the gum.
How often should a replacement implant be professionally cleaned?
It depends on your gum health and risk factors. Your dentist will suggest a maintenance interval after treatment. Ask what happens at those visits and what signs at home should prompt an earlier call.
Can a new crown be shaped so it is easier to clean?
Crown design is part of planning, and cleanability is one consideration alongside appearance, bite and the implant’s position. Ask how the proposed design will allow access for brushes or floss.
Does an implant that has been removed always leave a defect in the bone?
Not always, but removal can affect the bone, particularly if there has been bone loss. Imaging helps show what remains. Whether a graft or healing time is needed depends on that and on the plan for the site.
Can maintenance visits from Erin be grouped with other family appointments?
Often they can. Once your plan and maintenance interval are set, ask about booking related visits together. Our weekday hours run into the evening, and Friday to Sunday appointments are by arrangement.
Implant reviews for Erin
Learn what is wrong, and how to look after what comes next.
Book an assessment at our Bronte Street practice. Bring your cleaning tools, any records and your questions, and we will explain the problem, any further checks and your choices for the site and tooth.
If an implant is moving or you have severe pain or swelling, please call. Online requests are for non-urgent concerns.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
- Milton
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Georgetown
- Halton Hills
- Acton
- Campbellville
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Puslinch
- Rockwood
- Erin
- Caledon
- Etobicoke
- Old Milton
- Bronte Meadows
- Timberlea
- Dorset Park
- Dempsey
- Clarke
- Beaty
- Coates
- Harrison
- Scott
- Willmott
- Ford
- Bowes
- Cobden
- Walker
- Mountain View
- Milton Heights
- Hawthorne Village
- Valley View
- Fallingbrook
- Nassagaweya
- Trafalgar
- Esquesing
- Nelson
- Brookville
- Moffat
- Glen Williams
- Norval
- Limehouse
- Stewarttown
- Ashgrove
- Hornby
- Silver Creek
- Speyside
- Scotch Block
- North Oakville
- River Oaks
- Glen Abbey
- West Oak Trails
- Palermo
- Bronte Creek
- College Park
- Joshua Creek
- Uptown Core
- Preserve
- Iroquois Ridge
- Lisgar
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Churchill Meadows
- Erin Mills
- Central Erin Mills
- Streetsville
- East Credit
- Creditview
- Heartland
- Sheridan
- Mount Pleasant
- Credit Valley
- Huttonville
- Churchville
- Springbrook
- Northwest Brampton
- Bram West
- Fletcher's Meadow
- Fletcher's Creek South
- Alton Village
- Orchard
- Millcroft
- Headon Forest
- Tansley
- Brant Hills
- Tyandaga
- Kilbride
- Lowville
- Aberfoyle
- Morriston
- Arkell
- Hillsburgh
- Freelton
- Carlisle
- Waterdown
- Flamborough
- Mountsberg
