Remove and store loose pieces
If a component is completely loose in your mouth, remove it to prevent swallowing and keep it in a clean container.
Loose Implant or Veneer
Emergency Care
Identify what has moved before further damage occurs.
A loose implant crown, a moving implant and a detached veneer are different problems. Careful assessment identifies which part has failed and protects the supporting implant, tooth and gum.
Restoration assessment
Get loose or damaged dental work assessed before further damage occurs.
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A loose implant crown and a moving implant are not the same problem.
An implant crown is the visible restoration attached to a dental implant. Its crown or connecting screw can loosen while the implant in the bone remains stable. By contrast, movement that appears to come from the implant itself needs prompt professional assessment.
A veneer is bonded to a natural tooth and may detach or break after impact, heavy biting forces, bonding failure or a problem with the tooth beneath it. These are different clinical problems, so the loose part and its support must be checked before anything is reattached.
Common signs
Movement or clicking
A crown or implant restoration may move when touched or during eating.
Missing veneer or crown
The restoration may detach completely, leaving a tooth or component exposed.
Sensitivity or discomfort
A prepared natural tooth can become sensitive once a veneer is lost.
Bleeding or swelling
Inflamed tissue around an implant or tooth can indicate an underlying problem.
Lost a veneer or implant restoration? Do this now.
Protect the area and keep any detached component safe until it can be professionally assessed.
Clean gently
Use a soft toothbrush around the area without pulling or twisting any component that remains attached.
Avoid chewing on the area
Choose soft foods and arrange a dental assessment as soon as practical.
What to avoid
- Do not use superglue or household adhesive.
- Do not tighten, twist or manipulate an implant component yourself.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods that may dislodge remaining dental work.
When does loose dental work need urgent care?
Prompt care is particularly important when there is pain, trauma or a problem affecting the implant itself.
The implant itself moves
Movement that appears to come from below the gum needs urgent professional assessment.
Pain or swelling
Increasing discomfort, discharge or swollen tissue may indicate infection or inflammation.
Recent facial trauma
Impact can damage the restoration, implant, tooth or supporting bone.
Sharp exposed component
An exposed edge that cuts soft tissue should be protected promptly.
Not sure whether it can wait?
Our emergency dental team can help you understand whether you need to be seen urgently.
What happens if I leave it untreated?
Continuing to use a loose restoration can damage parts that may otherwise be repairable.
- A veneer or crown may fracture or be swallowed.
- An exposed natural tooth can become sensitive or decay.
- Loose implant components can wear or damage adjoining parts.
- Inflammation around an implant may progress and affect supporting bone.
How loose implant restorations and veneers are assessed
The dentist first identifies whether the veneer, implant crown, connecting component, underlying tooth or implant itself has moved. Examination and, for implant concerns, an X-ray may be needed before repair is planned.
Reattach or repair the restoration
A sound veneer or crown may sometimes be cleaned and re-cemented when the supporting surface is healthy.
- professional re-cementation
- temporary protection
- repair or replacement planning
Treat the supporting tooth or implant
Damage, decay, inflammation or component failure must be addressed before a durable restoration is fitted.
- restoration of an underlying tooth
- implant component replacement
- assessment or treatment of surrounding gum tissue
After the restoration is secured
- Follow advice about when to chew on the restoration.
- Clean around veneers and implants as demonstrated.
- Return promptly if movement, discomfort or bite problems recur.
Protecting veneers and implant restorations
- Avoid biting hard objects with restored front teeth.
- Use a prescribed night guard if you grind.
- Maintain implant and gum reviews at the interval advised.
Related emergency dental guidance
These pages explain closely related symptoms and treatments without replacing a dental assessment.
Common questions
Clear answers to questions patients often ask before an urgent dental assessment.
Keep it in a clean container, avoid biting with the exposed tooth and arrange a dental assessment. Do not use superglue or another household adhesive.
A veneer may sometimes be re-bonded if it is intact and the tooth beneath is healthy and suitable. If either is damaged, repair, temporary protection or replacement may be needed.
The crown, cement or connecting screw may have loosened even though the implant in the bone remains stable. A dentist must identify which component is moving before it is tightened, repaired or replaced.
Movement that appears to come from the implant itself needs prompt professional assessment. Avoid chewing on it or testing it repeatedly, as this may worsen damage to components or supporting tissues.
Sometimes, but only after the implant, connecting parts, crown and surrounding tissue have been checked. Reusing the crown depends on why it detached and whether the components remain sound.
Not necessarily. A restoration or screw can loosen while the implant remains integrated and stable. Movement below the gum, pain, swelling or discharge makes timely assessment especially important.
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Other emergency dental problems we treat
Explore guidance for other common dental emergencies, including symptoms, what to do immediately and when to seek urgent dental care.
Swelling or dental abscess
Swelling, tenderness or a bad taste may indicate an infection that should be examined promptly.
Broken or chipped tooth
Assessment and repair options for a tooth damaged by an accident, impact or biting.
Toothache and severe tooth pain
Persistent, throbbing or night-time tooth pain needs assessment to identify its cause and urgency.
Lost filling or crown
Protect an exposed or sensitive tooth and arrange an assessment before further damage occurs.
Wisdom tooth pain
Help for pain, swelling or infection around an emerging or impacted wisdom tooth.
Emergency tooth extraction
When a tooth cannot be restored, an urgent assessment can establish the safest next step.
Root canal treatment
Treatment may help relieve pain and address infection inside a damaged tooth.
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