I need some advice. Prior to my dental implant surgery, my dentist told me I was a good candidate. However, when my surgery was completed he told me that when he went in to place the implant he noticed there wasn’t enough bone structure. Yet, for some reason, he placed the implant anyway. Now he’s telling me we should remove it and place a dental bridge instead. I have two questions. Should I get a refund on this $3,000 procedure he did knowing it would fail? Do I have to get a dental bridge or can I still get a dental implant?
Lewis
Dear Lewis,
Not only is this a breach of the standard of care, but it is also malpractice. Here are the issues I see with your case, based on your description.
Issue One:
Your dentist obviously did not do adequate diagnostics. Had he completed the requisite x-rays and exam that should happen before any surgery, including dental implants, he would have known prior to going in that you did not have the adequate bone structure for this to be a successful procedure. This would have avoided the trauma, loss of work, and expense of a surgery you were not a candidate for at the time.
Had he done these diagnostics and recognized the bone density issue, he could have suggested you have bone grafting done. This would build up the bone in the area you need it thereby enabling you to get the dental implant.
Issue Two:
To make matters worse, once he was in the middle of the surgery and realized his mistake, rather than close you up, he went ahead and placed the dental implant knowing it would fail (causing more trauma and bone loss). Now he says he wants to remove it (more income for him) and replace it with a dental bridge.
Getting Your Dental Implant Done Right
Here is my suggestion. First, tell your dentist you want a refund. If he hums and haws about that, remind him that he committed malpractice. Rather than cause trouble for him, you simply want your money back so you can get this treatment done properly.
If he still gives you trouble, I would report him to the dental board as well as your insurance company. Go ahead and look for a qualified implant dentist in the meantime. Then, he or she can help you recoup your money from the previous dentist.
It is not necessary for you to get a dental bridge if you don’t want one. You can still have this implant, however, as I mentioned above you will need some bone grafting done to build up the bone in your area, enabling your body to retain the implant.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.