I don’t know what to do. I’m replacing two teeth with dental implants. Both teeth, though not right next to each other, are visible when I smile. My dentist has done two Maryland Bridges while waiting for the healing to take place, but they don’t seem to stay on for more than a day at a time and I have to keep going back to get it rebonded, a term I use lightly with his bonding. I’m worried the crowns I’m getting for my new “teeth” won’t look good or stay because he’s having so much trouble with these. Should I switch dentists in the middle of this procedure? Is that even allowed?
Katie
Dear Katie,
Dental Implants
Yes, I’m going to highly suggest you switch dentists before finishing this dental implant procedure. There are a couple of things going on here which make me uncomfortable. First, is the fact he used two Maryland Bridges’ as a “temporary” replacement option. These require tooth structure be removed. In my mind, that does not make it good for temporary use. Instead, he should have used something reliable and less expensive, like a dental flipper.
Another thing to consider is he can’t seem to keep the dental bonding on. That’s fairly simple. If he can’t do that, what makes you think he can handle something as advanced as dental implants? So, as I said earlier, you definitely want to switch dentists. The good news is he is ethically obligated to share all your treatment information and diagnostics with whichever dentist you choose next.
Finding Your New Implant Dentist
Like cosmetic dentistry, there is no recognized specialty in dental implants. You have to find a dentist who has invested in the training necessary to do this properly. For instance, Dr. Potts did a three-year externship with the Midwest Implant Institute.
Don’t hesitate to ask where they received their training. They shouldn’t have any problem telling you. If they tell you the dental school they wert to, that’s not enough. Dental implants aren’t adequately taught in general dental school. It must be post-doctoral training.
A simple cosmetic consideration is the color of your teeth. If you’re happy with that, do nothing. If you’re aren’t, you want to make sure you do your teeth whitening before you get your implant crown. This way it can be made to match your white teeth. The crowns won’t whiten after they are bonded on.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.