In late August, I had a consultation for four dental implants for an overdenture. I explained to the dentist that I would have to leave the state to take my turn in caring for my elderly father. I asked how long it would take to complete everything and place the denture, and he said that he would try to complete the work six weeks before my departure in mid-November. It wasn’t ready until five days before my departure. When I went in for my final denture, it would not fit on the implants, so my dentist forced the denture on.
It wasn’t easy to eat with the denture on. And after I removed it at night to clean it, the next morning, it took two hours to get it back on. I called the office about the problem, and they asked me to come in right away. I had to see another dentist in the same practice who said that each attachment hole is not in the right position. I needed new gaskets, which they had to order. But I had to leave town. I’m struggling in Indiana with these implants, but I am afraid to see another dentist here.
I should be home in early January. What should I do? Can I get a refund because my denture wasn’t ready and in good shape on time? Thank you. Bart from Oklahoma
Bart,
Thank you for contacting us about the issue with your implant overdenture.
Can You Get a Refund from Your Dentist?
Your dentist promised you an overdenture six weeks before you left town, and he didn’t meet the agreement. And when he placed your overdenture on your implants, it wasn’t accurate. Six weeks would have been enough time for your dentist to resolve the issues.
If your dentist hesitates to give you a refund, you can consider these options:
- Post negative online reviews
- Report the issue to the state dental board
- Hire a malpractice attorney
If Your Implant Overdenture Doesn’t Fit
Your denture should fit securely but comfortably on dental implants
If your implant overdenture doesn’t fit, it may because your dentist lacks training and experience to ensure they function well. Ordering new gaskets is probably not the answer. Your dentist began your treatment with issues, and they likely will continue.
We recommend that you look for two dentists with advanced training in implantology. Look at dentists’ websites, read their bio for information about their education and training, and schedule two second-opinion visits. And if you must pay extra for an exam, do so. You may need to switch dentists to get dentures and implants that function well and look natural.
David Finley, DDS, of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry.
