A tooth that no longer feels secure
The crown, the connecting part or the implant's anchorage could be responsible. Avoid checking it with your fingers. Call and tell us whether the change was sudden, followed an impact, or happened gradually.
Restorative Dentistry
Replacement of Failing Dental Implants in Puslinch
A failing implant can bring in a surgeon, a periodontist and a restoring dentist. For anyone coming from Puslinch, we explain the diagnosis, who would do what, and how the stages fit together before you commit.
Care that may involve a teamRequest a coordinated implant review
Several clinicians, one plan you can follow.
Implant problems sometimes call for skills from more than one dental field. One clinician may treat the gum and bone, another may remove or place the implant, and another may make the crown. That can feel complicated, so it helps to know from the outset who is responsible for each part and why.
It starts with naming the problem. A loose crown, a broken or worn part, inflamed tissue and loss of bone support each point to different care. Replacing the implant is considered only when findings show it should not be kept, and taking it out and placing another remain two decisions, shaped by cause, remaining tissue, the planned tooth and your wishes.
When you come to us from Puslinch, we examine the area, review imaging and records, and explain what we see. If a specialist's opinion would help, we tell you why and what that referral would involve. You hear about every option, and who would provide it, before deciding anything.
What you are noticing
Bring the symptom, the history and your questions.
Rough dates for the implant and crown help, along with the names of the offices involved. Copies of X-rays and treatment notes make coordination smoother.
Gum changes near the implant
Bleeding, swelling, soreness or a strange taste near an implant should be examined, even if it feels firm. Describe what you notice while cleaning and any discharge. The exam shows whether the gum alone or the bone too is affected.
A problem identified elsewhere
If another dentist or specialist has already raised a concern, ask for their findings and images. Comparing these with older records helps everyone understand the change and avoids repeating work unnecessarily.
A crown issue does not decide whether the implant must come out. The responsible part is identified first.
Coordinated around the cause
Everyone working from the same diagnosis.
A careful assessment determines whether the implant can be maintained or should be removed. If replacement is planned, each clinician needs to work from the same understanding of what caused the first problem, so the new plan addresses it rather than assuming a fresh implant will fare better by default.
The interim period needs a named owner too. Ask who will provide your temporary tooth, how the gap will look and what you can eat during healing. Seeing that stage, any further procedures and the final crown as one sequence helps you decide whether another implant is worth pursuing.
Patient information: ITI — assessing implant complications and removal
One shared explanation
Ask whether the problem is biological, mechanical, positional or a mixture, and make sure each clinician describes it the same way. You do not need the technical terms to understand which part needs care.
Attention to the surrounding tissue
Bone and gum condition affect replacement. Ask whether grafting or healing time is needed, who would provide it and how that affects the order of appointments.
A plan with names attached
Compare the replacement route with alternatives, including maintenance, temporary teeth and fees, and note which clinician is responsible for each part. Clear roles make the comparison much more useful.
Who does what, and when
A sequence with a lead at every step.
Care may move between our team and a specialist over several visits. Ask who leads each stage, how information will be shared and when the plan will be reconsidered.
Initial review and records
We go over your symptoms and examine the implant, crown, gum and stability, with appropriate imaging. Implant details and old X-rays help. Mention health changes, smoking, grinding, past treatment in that spot and cleaning difficulties.
Agree whether the implant can be kept
Repair of a part or treatment of the tissue may be enough, and that is discussed first. If removal is advised, you should know why and what the alternatives involve. A specialist may be asked to assess complex cases.
Removal and preparing the site
The clinician carrying out removal explains the procedure, its risks and home care, and whether grafting or a healing period will follow. A new implant may be placed later, not automatically on the same day. Who provides the temporary tooth is agreed in advance.
Reassessment and final restoration
A new implant and crown have their own evaluation and follow-up, possibly by different clinicians. Healing may revise the plan. Ask when you can chew normally and who will handle long-term maintenance.
Instructions from each clinician
Follow the advice of whoever treated you last.
Assessment, removal, grafting and a new implant each come with different home care. Keep written instructions from every stage, with the contact number of the clinician who gave them.
Avoid biting on a loose tooth
Until it is assessed, chew on the other side and do not attempt to tighten or remove anything. If a part has already detached, store it safely and take it to the appointment.
Care for the treated area as directed
After any procedure, follow the advice on cleaning, eating and temporary appliances from the clinician who did it. Ask before wearing an older denture over the site. If instructions from different offices seem to conflict, call to clarify.
Keep all your follow-ups
Reviews track the tissue, parts and new tooth. New movement, discharge or rising soreness should be reported promptly to whoever is treating you at that stage. Mention any cleaning problems.
Patient information: Cambridge University Hospitals — implant care and complications
Questions from Puslinch(905) 876-4488
When more than one clinician is involved.
Ask for the diagnosis and the sequence in writing, with each clinician's role noted. It makes shared care much easier to follow.
Why might I be referred to a specialist for a failing implant?
Some cases involve complex bone, gum or surgical questions that benefit from a periodontist’s or oral surgeon’s assessment. A referral is meant to add expertise, not to complicate things. Ask what the specialist will be assessing and why.
Who is in charge of my care if several offices are involved?
Ask this directly at the start. Usually one clinician coordinates the overall plan, with others responsible for specific stages. Knowing who to call about a problem at each point avoids confusion.
How are my records shared between clinicians?
With your consent, offices can exchange X-rays, notes and treatment plans. Ask how this will be done and whether you should keep your own copies. Having them makes it easier to get advice quickly if something changes.
What is the difference between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis?
Mucositis is inflammation limited to the gum around an implant. Peri-implantitis also involves loss of supporting bone. The distinction matters because it affects treatment options and whether the implant can be maintained.
Is a new crown included when an implant is replaced?
Not automatically. A replacement implant may need a new crown because of a different position or connection. Ask whether the existing crown can be used and which clinician would make any new one.
Can I see one office for most stages if I live in Puslinch?
Often several stages can happen at the same practice, with specialist visits only where needed. Ask how the plan could be arranged to keep travel manageable and which appointments must be separate.
Implant reviews from Puslinch
Start with a plan everyone can follow.
Book a review at our Bronte Street practice. If you can, gather records from the offices involved, and come with your questions. We will explain the problem, further assessment, any referral and your options.
Please phone about a moving implant, severe pain or swelling. Online requests are only for non-urgent questions.
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
