This past spring, my dentist placed an implant in an upper right molar. I lost the tooth in a 2017 accident but didn’t have it replaced. Before surgery, my dentist told me that I didn’t need a graft and that he could place the tooth with no problem. After my recovery, my dentist changed the story and said that he placed the implant, although I had little bone left. I’ve had nothing but problems with the implant, and now my dentist said he recommends a bridge, but he will have to grind down my teeth. I don’t want a bridge. I want a $3675 refund for the implant he wants to remove. I am incredibly frustrated because I will have to find another dentist. I don’t know what I should ask you. I am looking for advice. Thank you. Felix from CT
Felix,
Legally and professionally, your dentist owes you a refund. We’ll discuss both aspects.
Legal Responsibility
An implied warranty is a legal principle that says you should receive what you paid for, and it should be suitable for its purpose. Your dentist failed to meet the agreement for these reasons:
- A dental implant won’t work unless you have enough bone volume to support it
- Before surgery, your dentist said you could receive an implant without bone grafting.
- During surgery, your dentist saw that you don’t have enough bone to support an implant, but he placed it anyway.
- Your dentist now recommends removing and replacing the implant with a dental bridge.
Your dentist can’t give you what you paid for, so you are entitled to a refund.
Professional Responsibility
Before you receive a dental implant, your dentist or oral surgeon must take a 3D CT scan to reveal your facial and jaw structure and teeth. Information from the scan helps determine if you need bone grafting. Your description seems to indicate that your dentist skipped the 3D scan because it was not until during surgery that your low bone volume was noticed.
If that happened, you probably have a malpractice case because your dentist violated the standard of care. A malpractice attorney can tell you if your compensation can include inconvenience, trauma, and risk fees.
What About a Dental Bridge?
If you are a candidate for dental implants, you don’t have to settle for a bridge.
Key points:
- A dentist must cut down the healthy tooth on either side of the missing tooth to accommodate a crown for the bridge.
- A dental implant does not affect adjacent teeth.
- Implants are anchored in the bone and outlast and outperform a bridge.
We advise looking for a skilled implant specialist.
- Schedule a consultation to get information on how the dentist plans for a successful outcome.
- Ensure that your new provider will take a CT scan and explain your options for building up your bone if needed.
- Ask your new dentist if they will contact your current dentist to help you get a refund.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
