dental implant Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Dental Implant Placed Knowing It Will Fail

Posted on February 25, 2025 by writeradmin.

I am a bit frustrated and need some advice. I went to get a dental implant. Before this started, my dentist said that everything was good to go. Then, when I woke from the surgery, he told me there was not enough bone there to support the implant. However, he put it in anyway and is now recommending that I have it removed before it fails and get a dental bridge. What the heck? Why did he place it if he knew he was going to tell me to take it out. That’s another surgery! Should I have to pay for this?

Allen

Dear Allen,

I am shocked that your dentist thinks that this is okay. If you bought a refrigerator and the salesman says after it was delivered, “Oh, by the way, this will probably break down soon, so do you want to pay us to take it back and replace it?” I’m pretty sure you could get your money back and that salesman would be fired.

First, let me ask why your dentist didn’t know that you didn’t have enough bone structure to support the dental implants before he had you undergo surgery. It is a simple matter of doing the right diagnostics to evaluate and prepare for the procedure. Had he done the appropriate tests, you could have had bone grafting done, which should have allowed you to get your dental implants with no problem. Second, why knowing it would fail, did he decide to place it anyway. That is just causing you more problems.

I would tell this dentist that you want a full refund on the dental implant and you will NOT be paying for the removal surgery. He will do that pro bono. He should not have placed them to begin with.

Now, if you still want a dental implant, you can get one. I just wouldn’t do it with this dentist. You are going to need to have bone grafting done in order for there to be enough bone to support the dental implant first.

If you’re tired of this whole thing and just want to get a dental bridge, that is fine too. Just bear in mind that it will require you to placed dental crowns on the two adjacent teeth as well.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

I Can Smell My Husband’s Dental Implants

Posted on March 12, 2024 by writeradmin.

My husband got the all-on-4 dental implants procedure. Currently, he only has the acrylic denture and the porcelain one is coming in soon. There is an absolutely foul smell coming from his mouth. My belief is that this is because his dentist used the metal implants instead of the zirconia ones. I suggested the zirconia but he said that he doesn’t use those because there’s not enough data on them yet. I think that it is really because he is not a holistic dentist. I want my husband to switch out these dental implants before the new dentures are ready, but his dentist is absolutely opposed to this and my husband won’t stand up to him. Is there some information you can give me to show that the metal implants can be a problem?

Amelia

Dear Amelia,

I can tell that you are frustrated and think that I can be of some help to you. While I do believe that you are smelling something and it probably smells rancid, like your husband’s dentist, I do not think it is because of the dental implants. The metal used in dental implants is titanium. Not only is this very biocompatible, but it is also inert. As such, it should have no real smell at all. I bet if you asked your dentist if you could smell one of the loose fixtures that he has around, he would let you. You probably won’t get any metallic smell from it. Your husband’s implants are deep in his jawbone, so it is even more unlikely that you will smell them there unless he had developed an infection. If that happened, he would be in pain, likely have a fever, and the implants will become loose and need to be removed anyway.

So what is the rotten smell that you keep coming across? Bare in mind that I have not examined your husband, but I do believe I have an idea of what could be going on. The simplest explanation is that he has food and other bacteria getting caught in his dentures, which would create an awful smell. An easy way to see if this is the problem would be to get him something like a WaterPik to help him really get in there and clean out any debris that is caught. He could also use a peroxide rinse to help, but don’t do that too often or it could lead to thrush.

Replacing his dental implants would require three extra and unnecessary surgeries all of which put the success of his implants in jeopardy.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Protection from Facial Collapse When You Lose Your Teeth

Posted on October 13, 2023 by writeradmin.

I was recently diagnosed with a severe calcium deficiency. My dentist is suggesting I save myself the slow death and just extract my teeth now. I am not too keen about that because I have heard that your jawbone shrinks. Is there a way for me to prevent this? I’ve seen pictures from this and I do not want to look that old. I am only in my early 30s and do not want to look like a grandma.

Kelsey

Dear Kelsey,

On the right is a woman before facial collapse. On the left is her jaw after facial collapse.

For the benefit of those who are unaware about the condition you are referring to, I’m going to give a brief explanation. When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes that and immediately begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use them elsewhere in your body. It does this because it knows you no longer need those minerals in order to support your jawbone. It wants to use those resources in the most effecient way possible. The downside to this is that as the minerals are resorbed, your jawbone begins to shrink. After about ten or more years you no longer have enough jawbone left in your body to even retain your dentures. In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse.

Before you have your teeth extracted, I would like you to consider getting a second opinion on whether or not your teeth are salvageable. Some dentists are more willing to put in the work than others. I do not know the condition of your teeth because I have not examined them. However, if they are in as bad shape as your dentist said, it is absolutely not because of your calcium deficiency.

As an adult, a calcium deficiency has no impact on your teeth. Your teeth are fully formed. The only way it can impact your teeth is if the calcium deficiency was happening while your teeth were in development. My suspicion is your dentist is one of those who would rather pull teeth than repair them.

If for some reason, your teeth cannot be saved, there is a way to prevent facial collapse. The ideal solution is to get a fixed implant denture. This is when you have four or more dental implants placed in your jawbone and then have a denture anchored to it. The dental implants signal to your body that you still have teeth there. As a result, it leaves the minerals from your jawbone intact. You will not have to fear facial collapse.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Should My Dentist Pay for My Bone Grafting?

Posted on December 23, 2022 by writeradmin.

About ten years ago, I had a tooth extracted. Recently, I went in because I wanted to see about replacing that tooth with a dental implant instead of the removable partial denture I’ve been using. My dentist told me there has been significant bone loss and I will need to have some bone grafting done in order to get the dental implant. Since then, I have learned that there was a procedure he could have done in order to preserve that bone, but he never did it or even offered it to me. Is it reasonable to ask him to cover the cost of the bone grafting?

Mandy

Dear Mandy,

I am glad you wrote. The procedure you read about is called an alveolar ridge preservation. Sometimes, it is referred to as a socket preservation. It is a form of bone grafting itself. Ten years ago, when you had your tooth extracted it was a new, emerging procedure. The materials were expensive and there was little research on its efficacy. I am not surprised your dentist did not offer it. Even today, not all dentists do the procedure.

Bone loss is common with tooth extractions. In fact, it is one of the worst side effects of having complete dentures. After ten years or so, patients with full dentures will have lost so much jawbone that they will not even be able to keep their dentures in their mouths, essentially making them a dental cripple. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

The only way to prevent this type of bone loss is by placing dental implants. These prosthetic tooth roots signal to your body that you still have teeth and, as a result, it would leave your bone intact. Once that bone is gone, it’s gone. However, in order to have a successful dental implant procedure, you will need bone for the implant to integrate with so it can remain securely retained.

I wouldn’t ask your dentist to cover the cost of your bone grafting, especially given that it was a brand new, unproven procedure at the time.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Dental Implants After Cancer Treatment

Posted on October 26, 2022 by writeradmin.

My sister has been undergoing cancer treatment and it has taken a severe toll on her teeth. She’s even ended up losing a couple. Would dental implants be a good solution for her? I want to get her the best care I can because she is pretty down on herself and how she looks at the moment.

AnnaBelle

Dear AnnaBelle,

It is wonderful that you are trying to help your sister out here. Cancer treatments, while they can extend or even save lives, do so by poisoning the body. It has severe side effects on every system, including your mouth. You could have had perfect teeth that never had an issue before and cancer will bring on tons of cavities and tooth loss. Make sure your sister knows the condition of her teeth is NOT her fault. Hopefully, her dentist has at least provided her with some prescription fluoride treatments to help her through this time.

Oral Issues from Chemotherapy

Changes in taste
Infection
Mouth and gum pain
Mouth sores
Peeling and burning tongue

These types of issues can make it painful to brush your teeth and almost impossible to floss.

Oral Issues from Radiation

Bone disease
Increased tooth decay
Infection
Jaw stiffness
Loss of taste
Mouth sores
Salivary changes (dry mouth, decreased saliva, swollen salivary glands)

In this case, the mouth sores, bone disease, and salivary changes are the most devestating to your oral health. Saliva is one of the most powerful things you have to fight decay. Bone disease can eat away at the bone which is supporting your tooth roots.

Dental Implants for Tooth Loss

Choosing dental implants was a great choice. They are by far the closest thing to having a healthy, natural tooth in her mouth again. You will want to find a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants. It will be especially important for your sister that adequate diagnostics are done, including a CT scan to ensure she has enough bone support to retain the implants.

If she’s lost too much bone, it is not a deal breaker, but it will require an additional step. Bone grafting can restore the lost bone in her jaw and enable her to get dental implants for her replacements.

Best of luck to both of you.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Diabetes and Dental Implants

Posted on December 30, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have Type 1 diabetes and wanted to get a dental implant for a tooth I am losing. My dentist suggested that I get a bridge instead because diabetes is a contraindication for dental implants. I just wanted to double check that a dental bridge is my best option. Money isn’t an issue.

Craig

Dear Craig,

I want to “correct” something your dentist said. Diabetes is not a contraindication for dental implants. However, it is a big risk factor. My guess is your dentist said that because he is not comfortable placing them. Do not pressure him to do it. If he is hesitant, he does not have the skill set you need.

Look for a dentist with post-doctoral dental implant training and a high success rate. It will be important that you have all pre-procedural diagnostics done, including a CT scan. These are important not just for proper placement of the implants but to ensure that you have enough bone to retain the implants. This is imperative for a successful outcome. You will also need extra precautions throughout the procedure.

If the dentist needs to refer you to an oral surgeon for the implant placement, it is very important that the dentist is the one who determines the placement of the dental implants and not the dentist. Do not let the oral surgeon tell you otherwise.

Follow those precautions and you should be fine.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Maryland Bridge as a Temporary Restoration?

Posted on October 12, 2021 by writeradmin.

I would love your advice. I have a 13-year-old son who has a lateral incisor that has always been missing. We’re done with the orthodontics to get everything in the right place. He’s currently too young for a dental implant, but that is what we want to get him eventually. We knew we’d need a temporary tooth replacement. Our dentist suggested a Maryland Bridge, but we’re having a heck of a time with it. Our dentist opted to use the ceramic wings but the next day the bridge fell out. He ordered a different kind of cement and we tried that, but again, the bridge fell out. Now, he’s talking about doing the metal wings. Here are my questions:
First, will the metal wings stay on better? Second, will the metal be visible through his teeth? He’s already self-conscious about his smile.

Monika

Dear Monika,

I think your dentist has good intentions but is in a bit over his head at the moment. One of the things he is struggling with is the bonding technique. The other is understanding the tooth preparation needed for a Maryland Bridge.

If you look at this image to the left, you can see that the tooth has a groove. This is necessary for proper tooth preparation with a Maryland Bridge. Because you didn’t mention it, I wonder if this was done.

Now, to answer your questions. First, will this stay on better? No. In fact, ceramic is a better choice when bonding to tooth structure. Metal does not bond as well. Given his struggle with the bonding technique as it is, I would not hold out much hope the metal will be the solution. Second, will you be able to see the metal through the tooth? Somewhat. It will darken his tooth. Instead of your dentist’s suggestion, I am going to recommend you go in a completely different direction.

Dental Flipper

I don’t consider a Maryland Bridge a temporary tooth replacement. This is because you have to change the structure of your son’s adjacent teeth to accomodate it with those grooves. Then, when it is time to remove the bridge, you’ll have to fill in those grooves with composite bonding.

I am going to suggest you get a dental flipper. This is a true temporary solution. No structural changes will have to be made. No bonding techniques are necessary for your dentist. And the best bit? It’s less expensive! A win-win.

By the way, your choice of a dental implant for him when his jaw is fully developed is a great choice. One word of caution. Make sure whoever you have to do his implant, has extensive post-doctoral training in implants. You don’t want someone inexperienced doing this. It’s a very advanced procedure.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.
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Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants

Posted on September 29, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have had dentures for a little over ten years. I am in a better position financially right now and wondered if it was too late for me to switch to dental implants. I have hated my dentures this whole time and would love to get something better.

Maddie

Dear Maddie,

Implant Overdentures

It is never too late to get dental implants. That being said, because of the length of time you have been wearing dentures, you have lost some bone structure in your jaw. One of the side effects of long-term dentures use is what dentists call facial collapse. When your teeth were removed, your body recognized that and immediately began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. It does this because it realizes you no longer have any teeth in your mouth, so it no longer has to support the roots of those teeth. In a conservation effort, it redistributes those minerals to places where they’ll be better utilized. This has the unfortunate effect of shrinking your jawbone. Usually, around the ten-year mark you will start to notice that your dentures are not as secure. Eventually, you won’t be able to keep them in at all.

That bone structure is necessary to retain the dental implants. This means you will need to have some bone grafting done in order to make sure your implants will be able to be retained. This is an outpatient procedure. Once you’ve had some time for healing, you can then move forward with your dental implants. Your dentist will place between four to ten implants. Once those have integrated with the bone, you will be able to have a new set of denture anchored to it. These are known as implant overdentures.

One of the first things you will notice is how secure they are. But there are other benefits as well. In addition to no slipping or sliding, you will see your chewing capacity go up dramatically. The biggest benefit, however, is that it will protect you from facial collpase. Your body interprets the implant fixtures as the roots of your teeth. As a result, it will keep all of the minerals for your jawbone in place.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Lost Half My Dental Implants

Posted on August 6, 2021 by writeradmin.

I had six dental implants placed in order to help secure some dentures which have been a bit of a nightmare to me. Now that has been its own nightmare. Since having them placed, half of them have already fallen out and it has only been a week. Given this information, I have some questions:

1. I have already paid for all six. Should I expect a refund on the ones that fell out?
2. Should I be concerned about the remaining three?
3. Am I doomed to just having removable dentures?

Gary

Dear Gary,

Implant Overdentures

Wow! This is definitely going in my dental implants horror story file. Under normal circumstances, dental implants only have a 5% failure rate. Even then, the failure usually takes place after a year or so. Your dentist managed a 50% failure rate in under a week. I’d say that is impressive in the worst way possible. There are many ways a dental implant can fail. I’ll list some of them below and then go over some steps you need to take.

Reasons For Dental Implant Failure

Development of infection. In fact, infection is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure.
Diagnostic shortcuts. It is important for a dentist to check whether there is enough bone support to retain the dental implant. If there is not, a bone grafting procedure can build up the bone in order to help you get the dental implants you want.
The use of substandard implant fixtures. Some dentists will purchase cheap dental implants from outside the United States in order to keep their prices low while still keeping their profits up. The problem is these implants often fail.
Incorrect placement of the implant. Dentists and oral surgeons can make a mistake in where they place the implant. One thing to note is if you have to see an oral surgeon to do the surgical part. Make certain it is the dentist and not the surgeon who decides where the implant fixtures will be placed.
Premature loading. This is when your dentist place the dental crown on the implant before it has had time to integrate with the bone completely.

You will need to be examined by someone with expertise in placing dental implants in order to give you some idea why this dental implant failed. As to the answers to your questions, 1. Yes, you should definitely expect a refund on your failed dental implants. In fact, I would ask for a refund on the entire case. 2. Yes, you should be concerned about the remaining implants, which is why I’d like you to get a full refund. 3. You are not necessarily doomed to wearing removable dentures. However, I would not allow this dentist anywhere near your mouth again. Find someone with good post-doctoral training and a high success rate to do the repairs.

You will need a bone grafting procedure in order to make this work. The dental implants that failed will have taken some bone structure with them. That structure will need to be rebuilt in order for you to have a successful case.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Half My Implants Fell Out the First Week

Posted on September 16, 2020 by writeradmin.

I had four dental implants placed this week and two of them have already fallen out. I paid for half the procedure upfront. Should I have to pay the other half with them falling out? Also, is there a way to get this fixed?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

Should You Be Expected to Pay for those?

No. A pretty basic expectation of dental implants is that they remain in place. According to the National Institute of Health, the failure rate of dental implants is around 5% or less. Your dentist has lost 50% already. To top that off, they fell out in just a few days, not months as normally happens. There is some other factor going on here that needs to be addressed. I’m concerned the other two dental implants will fail as well.

Causes of Dental Implant Failure

Infection. This is often accompanied by fever.
Inadequate bone support, which should have been diagnosed ahead of time.
Substandard implant fixtures. This happens when dentists try to save money buying implants overseas.
Poor placement skill on the part of the dentist.
Putting the crown on the implant before the bone has integrated. This is known as pre-mature loading.
Rejection by the body or medical issues the patient has. These are rare when proper diagnostics are done ahead of time, but can happen.

Where to Go From Here

I want you to get a second opinion from another dentist. Make sure they have post-doctoral training in dental implants and a high success rate. They shouldn’t be offended by those type of questions. If they are, they are likely unqualified. Another thing is to make sure it is a blind second opinion. That means you won’t tell them who did your dental implants, just that you have lost half of them and want to know if they can tell why and the viability of the two remaining implants.

Once you have that, you will be armed with the resources to get this fixed. It is very likely he or she will tell you they are all going to fail. In this case, I don’t just want you to ask for a refund. Instead, you need to have your dentist pay to have this fixed with a dentist of your choosing.

The reason for that is the repair will cost more than the original procedure. This is because it will require an additional procedure. When the implants come out, they leave a hole in the bone, which has to be built back up in order to support any further implants. This is done with a bone grafting procedure.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.