August 10, 2026
A permanent tooth that has started to move needs a prompt assessment, but movement does not automatically mean extraction. Treatment for a loose adult tooth depends on the cause, the remaining bone and attachment, the bite, and whether the tooth can be restored. An examination, periodontal measurements and imaging where clinically indicated are needed before anyone can say whether saving a mobile tooth is realistic.
Seek urgent dental advice after significant trauma, or if you have facial swelling, fever, severe or escalating pain, pus, or bleeding that will not stop. Until seen, avoid wiggling the tooth, choose softer foods and brush gently around it. The NHS gum disease guidance explains related warning signs, but it cannot diagnose the reason for movement.
At a Maida Smiles appointment in Maida Vale, your dentist can assess mobility, gum support, bite and possible infection or injury. They can explain whether stabilisation, gum-health care, restorative planning, removal or replacement should be considered, without promising an outcome before the evidence is reviewed.
A moving tooth is a reason to investigate carefully, not a diagnosis in itself. A calm review helps you understand the evidence and your choices.
Maida Smiles Team
Start with urgency. If movement began suddenly, followed a blow, or comes with severe pain, swelling, fever or pus, arrange prompt dental assessment. Do not apply glue, repeatedly test the tooth or start a self-prescribed guard. Keep the area clean, choose softer foods and use only pain relief that is suitable for you.
If movement is gradual, bleeding when brushing, gum recession, persistent bad breath or a change in tooth position may point towards gum disease, but these signs do not confirm it. A dentist may use the British Society of Periodontology Basic Periodontal Examination guidance as an initial screen. BPE is not a diagnosis.
After an impact, assessment may consider the supporting ligament, root fracture, pulp vitality and bite, with imaging where clinically indicated. If clenching or grinding is suspected, contacts, wear and muscle symptoms should be assessed before a protective appliance is recommended. Tenderness to biting, temperature changes, a gum boil or bad taste may lead to percussion and vitality tests.
This decision tree helps you prepare, rather than diagnose yourself. Detailed pocket charting, a mobility record or radiographs may be the next step when the examination shows they could answer a specific question.
At a first appointment in Maida Vale, your dentist may ask when movement began, whether there is pain or bleeding, and about injury, grinding, clenching, recent dental work, medical conditions, medicines and smoking. These details help place the mobility finding in context and can affect how gum healing is supported.
The assessment may cover the tooth and neighbours, gums, bite, tenderness, vitality and signs of infection. A BPE screening can flag gum problems, while planning may require six-point periodontal charting, pocket-depth and bleeding records, and tooth mobility measurements. Radiographs or 3D imaging should be chosen after examination and linked to a specific clinical question.
Prognosis depends on more than movement. Bone and attachment levels, infection, cracks, restorability, biting forces and your priorities all matter. Depending on the findings, options may include stabilisation with a splint as an adjunct, gum disease treatment and maintenance, root canal or restorative care, extraction, or replacement planning. Under GDC consent guidance, you should have time to understand reasonable options and decide freely.
| What is found or reported | What the clinician may consider |
|---|---|
| Sudden movement with trauma or swelling | Prompt examination, focused tests and imaging where indicated |
| Gradual movement with bleeding or recession | Periodontal charting, gum-health treatment and maintenance planning |
| Tenderness, temperature changes or a gum boil | Vitality and infection assessment, with restorative or root canal review |
| Mobility that persists after diagnosis | Stabilisation, monitoring, removal or replacement planning as appropriate |
Ask what was found, why each test is needed, what can realistically be saved, and how the plan affects function, cost, timing and alternatives. The aim is a shared decision based on evidence, not a treatment chosen from movement alone.
Finding movement in an adult tooth can feel alarming, but it does not automatically mean extraction. The outlook depends on the cause, remaining support and response to care. Only an examination, with imaging where clinically indicated, can establish whether the tooth can be stabilised, treated or saved.
Book promptly if mobility is new, worsening or painful, or comes with bleeding, swelling, a bad taste, fever or trauma. Until assessed, avoid wiggling the tooth, choose softer foods and brush gently around it. Bring when you noticed the change, your symptoms, medicines and questions to the appointment.
Adults in Kilburn and St John’s Wood can ask Maida Smiles about general dentistry, gum-health care or restorative planning. Ask for the diagnosis, options, risks, costs, timescale and monitoring plan. If imaging is suggested, ask what it will clarify. A calm, timely assessment gives you a clearer next step without promising an outcome before the evidence is reviewed.
For a considered assessment in Maida Vale, contact the team to discuss your concerns and arrange the appropriate first appointment. Nervous? Mention it when booking so the team can plan supportive communication around your visit.
4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
