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,
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.