I have a problem. I went to get a dental implant placed, but after the surgery the dentist told me he realized during the procedure that there was not enough bone to keep this working so now he thinks I should take it out and get a dental bridge. First, should he have put the implant in there knowing I would need to take it out? Should I have to pay for the additional surgery to get it out? Is there any way I can still get a dental implant or am I stuck with a dental bridge?
Chuck
Dear Chuck,
Let’s get these questions in order. No, he absolutely should not have placed your dental implant once he realized there wasn’t enough bone to support it. For that matter, how did he not know ahead of time the state of the bone structure? What type of diagnostics did he do before throwing you into surgery?
Not only should you not have to pay for the surgery to remove the dental implant, you should not have to pay for the implant surgery either. Not the way he handled it.
Can you still get a dental implant? Yes, but not with this dentist. Before the implant is possible, you will need some bone grafting done. This will build up the bone you need. Had your dentist done the adequate diagnostics he would have known this ahead of time and you could have gotten the needed work done.
I’m sorry that this happened to you. Look for a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants. For instance, Drs. Murphree and Yount both have extensive training at the Dawson Academy.
Don’t let a dentist tell you they studied implants in dental school. That is not enough. I would also ask them what their success rate is. It should be a minimum of 95%. Get your refund and go to someone else.
I am very sorry this happened to you.
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