Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

My Dental Implants Fell Out

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I got eight dental implants in order to not have removable dentures. I’ve paid for about 1/2 of the procedure and am supposed to pay the remaining 1/2 soon. After just a few days, three of the dental implants fell out and another one feels loose. I have two questions. First, should I have to pay for the ones that fell out? Second, should I be worried about the other implants, especially the loose one.

Susan

Dear Susan,

Dental Implant Diagram

Your choice of getting implant supported dentures was a good one which, when done properly, will prevent facial collapse. Obviously, your dentist did not do it properly and I am sorry to hear this happened to you. You have very legitimate questions and concerns. First, you should not expect to have to pay for the dental implants that fell out. A basic tenant of dental work is that it actually stays in your mouth. Most dentists with dental implant training have a 95% success rate. Your dentist is looking at a an abysmal 50% success rate, with that fourth one already loose. Not only that, most cases of dental implant failure that do happen would take at least a year. Your dentist’s work didn’t even last a few days! As to the other implants, I would not hold out too much hope that they are going to stay in.

Reasons for Dental Implant Failure

  • Infection at the implant site. This is often because of poorly fitting fixtures.
  • Poor bone support. This can be completely avoided by your dentist doing adequate diagnostics.
  • Cheap dental implant fixtures.
  • Incorrect placement of the implant fixture.
  • Premature loading of the denture or dental crown. This happens where there was not given enough time for the bone to integrate with the implant before putting stress on it.

Do not pay any more money to this man. You need to get these looked at by another dentist who can tell you what has gone wrong. Don’t let your dentist choose who gives you the second opinion. You want someone with dental implant experience. However, you might want to choose a dentist from a different city. That way there will be less of a chance that they are friends. The dental world is a small one.

If the second opinion dentist wants the diagnostics and notes from your current dentist, he or she is under an ethical obligation to provide them.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Dentist Placed Implant Knowing It Would Fail

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I had a dental implant placed. Before the surgery, my dentist assured me that we were good to go. However, when the surgery ended, the dentist told me that after he went in there he discovered that there was not enough bone support for the dental implant. He went ahead and placed it, but said my best option is to remove it and get a dental bridge. Why in the world would he place the implant knowing he would just tell me to take it out? Should I have to pay for this? Am I able to still get a dental implant or am I stuck with a bridge? I could have saved myself a lot of time and money if I would have gotten a dental bridge in the beginning, but my dentist assured me that I was a good candidate for implants.

Corrie

Dear Corrie,

Dental Implant Diagram

I am beyond puzzled how your dentist thinks this is acceptable. I want you to imagine ordering a stove that you have been told by the store that it is a fantastic stove that will be perfect for your house and will cook delicious food. Then, it charges you for the stove, delivery, and installation. But, after it is installed in your home, they turn right around and tell you, “Oh, by the way. This one doesn’t work. Why don’t you pay me to take it out and then I’ll get you a grill or something.” This is beyond the pale. Your dentist not only needs to give you a refund, but he should remove the implant without a fee.

In reality, if your dentist would have done the proper diagnostics to begin with, he would have noticed the condition of your bone and whether or not you had adequate support for the dental implant. Then, preparation could have been made to build up the bone, which would have enabled you to get the dental implant.

All you can do at this point is remove the implant. The good news is that, as long as you are in good general health, you can still get a dental implant. You will need some bone grafting done. Then, after a period of healing, you can start over with the dental implant. It goes without saying that I am going to suggest you see a different dentist to place the second implant.

I’m sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.
Click here to learn about facial collapse.

Dental Implant Perforated My Sinus

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I’m not sure what to do. I had implant surgery, but the oral surgeon seems to have perforated the sinus. He noticed this six months later, when the implant still hadn’t integrated. He removed the implant, started me on Flonase and told me not to blow my nose until he gives me the all clear. He said this was normal and happens all the time. He also said it only perforated a few millimeters and we can try again when I’m ready. My questions are as to whether I should try again if this is normal. Would I be better off with a dental bridge?

Sara

Dear Sara,

A side by side comparison of a dental bridge and a dental implant

While some oral surgeons may consider it normal, it is preventable. I’m also quite concerned he said “only a few millimeters.” Really? In dentistry, that is a significant amount. When a dental implant is removed, it leaves a deficit of the bone necessary to support a dental implant. In order to have an implant successful, you’ll have to have bone grafting done.

Dental Implants versus Dental Bridge

You asked if you should try again or get a dental bridge. It would help to know the differences between the two so you can know what each requires.

With a dental bridge, both adjacent teeth have to be ground down to fit dental crowns. Then, a false tooth is suspended between the two crowns. If one (or both) of those teeth need crowns, then it makes sense to get a dental bridge. However, if those teeth are healthy, you may not want to grind them done unnecessarily.

With dental implants, as you know, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. It does require surgery, but it is most like having your own natural tooth again.

Getting this Dental Implant Done Right

It’s up to you which procedure you decide on. If you decide to go with a dental implant again, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the oral surgeon you used last time. My suggestion is you find a good implant dentist and ask them for a different surgeon. It is always better to see the implant dentist before the surgeon anyway. This way you can make sure they communicate with one another clearly so you know the oral surgeon will properly place the implant where the dentist needs it. They should also do adequate x-rays, including three-dimensional ones. This will help prevent sinus perforation.

This blog is brought to you by Glenpool Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.