Never Had Issues Like This Until I Got a Dental Implant

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I lost my right second molar at age 17 and never replaced it. As an adult, I decided to do something about it. I wore a partial denture for many years, and now at age 47, I have decided to get an implant.  But I regret it because I never had dental issues like this until I got the implant.

After implant surgery, my dentist told me that he placed the implant, although my bone level was shallow. He said that if it didn’t work out, he could do a bridge instead. I was furious, and after four months, my dentist said the implant was not healing well. I had a lot of anxiety about getting an implant, and it is increasing because someone must remove the implant. But I refuse to get a bridge. I would rather leave the space empty. I’m writing out of frustration but unsure of what question to ask. – Thank you. Marcus from KY

Marcus,

Thank you for contacting our office. We understand that you must be frustrated.

Do You Have Enough Bone Volume for a Dental Implant?

Whether you have enough bone level for a dental implant is something that any responsible implant dentist determines before surgery. Implant dentists take a 3-D digital CT scan before recommending implants. The scan helps your dentist identify:

  • Bone level
  • Oral anatomy
  • Best implant location

We are also concerned because if you have had a missing tooth for 30 years, your dentist knows that you have experienced significant bone shrinkage.

How Much Does Bone Shrink When a Tooth Is Missing?

When a tooth is missing, bone shrinkage progresses rapidly. If your dentist takes a 3-D CT scan before placing an implant, they will notice the shrinkage and determine if you need bone grafting. An article published by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry on how missing teeth affect your bone notes that when you have a missing tooth, bone shrinkage occurs at these rates:

  • 25 percent in three months
  • Up to 50 percent in six months

How to Deal with Poor Implant Dentistry

When you are a victim of poor implant dentistry, your dentist owes you a refund. You paid your dentist for a service you did not receive—a healthy, functioning dental implant. Also, our dentist failed to meet the standard of care by not taking adequate x-rays to measure your bone volume. So, your dentist owes you for the implant process and negligence.

What Are Your Options After Dental Implant Failure?

If you have experienced dental implant failure, get a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. Look for credentials from one of these organizations:

  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • International Dental Implant Association
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Dental implant components, including root form, abutment, and crown

Discuss your sedation options with an accredited implant dentist

Schedule an appointment for an examination. The dentist will explain your options for sedation and a comfortable procedure and recovery. And expect a skilled implant dentist to take a 3-D CT scan before recommending treatment options. Also, talk to your new dentist about your anxiety and what triggers it.

 

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My dental implants failed in five days

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In September, I received four dental implants for $1850 each. I was supposed to receive three more implants. But I have stopped the process because two of the five implants came out the five days after surgery. Should I be charged for two implants that failed? Is this a common occurrence or do I have good reason to distrust my dentist? Thank you. Sheldon from GA

 

Sheldon,

Authority Dental estimates that dental implants have a 5% failure rate. And most failures occur over months or years—not days. Half of your dental implants failed. You should not have to pay your dental for failed implants.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants fail due to infection, shortcuts, cheap implant fixtures, premature restoration, and sometimes health reasons.

  • Infection – Poor-fitting implant fixtures allows bacteria to grow around the implants and cause an infection.
  • Diagnostic shortcuts – Successful dental implants require 3-D CT scans to reveal your bone structure and surrounding areas. The scans show if you need bone grafting and where to place your implants for the best results.
  • Cheap implant fixtures – Low-quality dental implants don’t last. And they can cause infection.
  • Incorrect implant placement – Implants placed in the wrong location can loosen and fail.
  • Premature restoration – If a dentist places dental crowns or dentures on implants before the implants fuse with the jawbone, they will fail.
  • Smoking – Smoking restricts your blood flow and inhibits the healing process. Healing time will be slower, or dental implants might have.
  • Medical condition – If you have uncontrolled diabetes or a medical condition that decreases your ability to heal, it can affect the success of your dental implants.

What to Do When Your Dental Implants Fail

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

When your dentist plans carefully, a dental implant fuses with the bone and anchors a crown

When dental implants fail, it’s wise to get a second opinion. Look for a specialist or a dentist with a fellowship in a dental implant organization like the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. If two of your four implants failed on the fifth day, you’re at risk of losing the remaining implants.

Ask your current dentist for your dental records and x-rays before scheduling an appointment with an implant specialist. Although your current dentist should willingly refund you for failed dental implants, other steps you can take include:

  • Ask your new dentist to communicate with your former dentist in requesting a refund.\
  • Report your current dentist to the state dental board
  • Hire a malpractice attorney

 

We hope that your dentist will promptly refund you without resistance. Best wishes on your dental implant recovery. We hope you can soon smile with relief.

 

In Baton Rouge, you can get a dental implant second opinion from Steven Brooksher, DDS. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.