The short answer

If a dental implant or part of its restoration comes out, keep the piece safely and contact a dentist promptly. Do not push it back into the gum or glue it into place. A professional must identify what came out and assess the site.

The key points

  • A cap, screw, crown and implant body are different pieces.
  • Keep any recovered component for the dental appointment.
  • Urgent breathing or choking symptoms need emergency assistance.
On this page
  1. Avoid guessing from appearance
  2. What to do while arranging care
  3. What happens at the appointment
  4. Sources & further reading

Avoid guessing from appearance

A small metal piece may be a connecting or healing component rather than the complete implant. A crown may also detach independently. Its appearance alone does not establish the condition of the supporting implant or surrounding tissues. Tell the practice what happened and whether there is bleeding or pain.

Sources: [1]

What to do while arranging care

Keep the recovered part in a clean, secure container and take it with you. Avoid manipulating the site or using adhesive. Ask the practice for instructions about the exposed area and temporary restoration. If a component is missing and there are breathing or choking symptoms, seek emergency assistance immediately.

If the person cannot breathe or speak because of choking, call emergency services immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. In the UK, call 999. Retrieving a dental component or contacting the implant clinic must not delay that response.

  • Record when the part came out and any associated symptoms.
  • Bring the implant-system information if available.
  • Arrange assessment even if the site is painless.

Sources: [1][2]

What happens at the appointment

The dentist identifies the component, examines the tissues and checks the remaining restoration. Reattachment, replacement or a different treatment plan depends on those findings. A detached piece does not by itself establish rejection, infection or a need to replace every part of the restoration.

Sources: [1]

IMPLANTVERIA · FAQ

Common questions

Can the same part always be reused?

No. Its identity and condition, the implant system and the clinical findings determine whether reuse is appropriate. Keep it for assessment rather than deciding yourself.

Should I wait until the next routine review?

Contact the practice when it happens. They can advise on urgency and precautions; an uncovered or incomplete restoration should not simply be left until a distant appointment.

Sources & quality

Sources & further reading

These references inform this article. Individual recommendations require a conversation with a dental professional.

  1. Dental Implants: What You Should KnowU.S. Food and Drug Administration · EN
  2. First Aid Guidelines 2025: choking in an adultResuscitation Council UK · EN