dental implant failure Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Does a Failed Dental Implant Need to Be Replaced with a Bridge?

Posted on February 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My upper left first premolar cracked last summer while I was eating. My dentist pulled the tooth because he said he couldn’t save it. After seven lidocaine shots, I felt burning my tongue, and the roof of my mouth began to burn. My dentist said he would start a bone graft and immediate implant. My mouth healed, although the turning never stopped. My dentist placed the implant crown last November. I could feel the force of him trying to get the crown on, and it hurt so bad, so he gave me three more rounds of Novocain.

Over the Christmas holiday, the implant crown fell off. My mouth was burning, and it still burns. Last month, my dentist told me I needed a bridge instead of an implant. I’ve had 19 dental visits since last summer, and my mouth is miserable. Why would I let this dentist remove and replace the implant with a bridge now? What else should I consider before finding a new dentist besides asking for a refund? Thank you. Tyler

Tyler,

High anxiety can prevent achieving numbness during your dental appointment. Anxiety can significantly impact the effectiveness of local anesthesia, possibly explaining the burning sensation you feel. This sensation aligns with symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome, which, though its cause remains officially undetermined, has been linked to traumatic dental experiences. The initial diagnosis of thrush by your dentist, which was incorrect as the condition persisted, highlights a misunderstanding of your symptoms.

Dental Implant Failures and Dentist Expertise

Not all dental implant failures stem from improper procedures, yet many do, underscoring the complexity of implant placement. This procedure demands substantial training, which some dentists may lack. Your account raises concerns about the dentist’s competence in placing your implant. The sequence of issues, including the thrush misdiagnosis, the crown detachment, and the implant failure, casts doubt on his proficiency.

Investigating Implant Issues and Potential Actions

Dental implant with crown, abutment, and implant screw tagged

Dental implant success requires advanced training and experience

Questions about handling your implant, especially without mentioning looseness, suggest your dentist overlooked something. An infection typically results in some degree of dental implant looseness. Your first dentist’s attempts to attach the crown caused pain and may have compromised the implant’s integration with the bone, contributing to failure.

You can report the dentist to the state dental board or threaten to inform the insurer if dental insurance paid for some of your treatment. However, asking for a partial refund might be more strategic, considering the difficulty in proving the cause of implant failure.

Challenges in Pursuing Dental Malpractice

Navigating a dental malpractice lawsuit involves hurdles, including an expert witness. The compensation is usually low for such cases. Small claims court offers an alternative path without needing a lawyer, though you will still need expert testimony from a dentist to establish fault.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with a skilled implant dentist for an exam and review of your diagnostic studies. A failed dental implant compromises your oral health.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Dental Implants Infection Won’t Improve

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I broke 4 teeth in an accident when my face hit the steering wheel. They have horribly broken almost to the gumline, so it was easy for me to decide on dental implants. I chose a dentist here whose cost was $3000 less than the other 3 quotes I got from other dentists. I am almost in tears and 2 months into an infection that won’t disappear. Somehow, I convinced myself that the doctor was looking out for me and that the other dentists were trying to make a profit. Now the dentist is telling me that my implants need to be redone. The dental implants were cheap because the price was so low, but now I see they are also cheap. I don’t know what went wrong. The dentist said he would fix it at all no cost, but I am so afraid that my mouth will never heal. What should I do? Thank you. Vaibhav

Vaibhav,

Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio regarding your dental implants.

What Can You Do When a Dental Implant Infection Lingers?

When a dental implant infection does not improve, we recommend getting a second opinion from an independent, experienced implant dentist. If your dental implants have failed and a dentist must replace them, something went wrong in one of these areas:

Planning
Placement
Implant quality

Dental implant

It is possible that your dentist made more than one mistake.

Look for a dentist with advanced implant training and proven experience in proper and successful implant placement. You will discover what went wrong with your current dental implants and what a dentist must do to correct the situation. Although your dentist offers to replace the implants at no cost, it may cause more discomfort and other concerns with your oral health that will be even more costly.

A second opinion will help you decide what to do in the best interests of your oral health.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

My Dental Implants Fell Out In Three Days

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I planned on getting dental implants for implant overdentures. It was a big step for me. I had six implants placed and I’ve paid for all of them, but three of them have fallen out already and it has only been two weeks. I was wondering about a few things. 1. Should I get a refund on the ones that fell out? 2. Do you think the others are at risk? 3. Can I still get the implant overdentures I wanted?

Mark

Dear Mark,

I am sorry this happened to you. I hope you won’t mind if I’m a little blunt. You need a different dentist. Most dentists experienced with dental implants have a 97 % success rate and, even then, the ones that fail will last at least a year or more. You lost half of them in less than a week. This is completely unacceptable. Let’s go over your questions. First, should you get a refund on the ones that failed? Yes. That should be a no-brainer for your dentist. I can’t believe he hasn’t offered that already. In fact, you should get a refund on the entire thing, which leads me to your second question. Should you be concerned about the remaining implants? Absolutely. I have zero confidence that these will last for you. Thirdly, you asked, if you can still get implant overdentures. In all likelihood, you can still get the dental implants you need. I just don’t think you’re going to be able to do it with this dentist.

Here is my recommendation. Secure your refund, then I want you to see a different dentist who has a better success rate with their dental implant cases. It is completely okay to ask a dentist their success rate, as well as how many they do every year. They should be able to tell you what went wrong with your case and give you a prognosis for a successful outcome the second time around.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Tostado

Titanium Versus Zirconia Implants

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I have two dental implants already. Both of them are titanium. I recently read an article in a natural news magazine that said it could cause neurological problems. I now need a new dental implant. Will a zirconia implant cause the same type of problems or be a better option for me? If it is a better option for me, should I remove my old implants to trade them out for the zirconia implants?

Adrianne

Dear Adrianne,

I am curious if this magazine backed up their insinuation with actual studies that they’ve documented and referenced so you can check them? My guess is they did not. I have seen no studies that showed there were any biological ill effects with titanium. In opposition to that, there are decades of evidence showing titanium is very biocompatible. It’s been used as a prosthetic in many parts of the body with no ill effects. Because of that, I am comfortable with titanium. However, that does not mean you cannot get a zirconia implant.

If that is what you want, you will have to do a little searching to find a dentist who is offering them. The reason for that is they are fairly new, especially compared to their titanium compatriots. There is less data on their longevity. That does not mean they are less long-lasting, just that we do not have the data to back it up yet. You will have a better chance of finding a dentist who will work with them by looking for a holistic dentist who also has significant dental implant training.

As to whether you should remove and replace your other two dental implants, I would say don’t do that. Here’s why. When you remove your implants, it is going to take your bone with it. This will require that you have an additional procedure done, known as bone grafting. This is not only an additional expense and surgery but also an unnecessary risk. Right now, you have two successful dental implants. If you remove them, you take the chance their replacements will fail.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Tostado.

My dentist wants to replace my dental implant with a bridge

Posted on September 3, 2020 by AllSmiles.

This past spring, my dentist placed an implant in an upper right molar. I lost the tooth in a 2015 accident but didn’t have it replaced. Before surgery, my dentist told me that I didn’t need a graft, and 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 $2675 refund for the implant that he wants to remove. I am incredibly frustrated because now, during a pandemic, I will have to find another dentist. I don’t know what I should ask you. I am looking for advice. Thank you. Fallon from Augusta, GA

Fallon,

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 needs enough bone volume to support it.
Before surgery, your dentist explained that 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 the implant and replacing it with a dental bridge.

Your dentist can’t give you what you paid for, so you are entitled to a refund.

Professional responsibility

Three phases of dental implant - three components, root form in bone, crown on abutment.

Dental implants need enough bone to support them

Before you receive a dental implant, your dentist or oral surgeon must take x-rays—preferably a 3-D CT scan—to reveal your facial and jaw structure and your teeth. Information from the scan helps determine if you need bone grafting. Your description seems to indicate that x-rays were skipped because it was not until during surgery that your low bone volume was noticed.

If that is what 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 one must 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 that you look 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 he or she is willing to contact your current dentist to help you get a refund.

Best wishes on a smooth resolution with your current dentist and getting an implant that lasts.

Gilberto Tostato, DDS of Five Star Dental Group in San Antonio, sponsors this post.

My Teeth Fell Out All of a Sudden?

Posted on August 21, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi,

I will admit I have not always taken the best care of my teeth, and now that I’m in my 80s, I wish that I had. My dentist told me I have a bad case of gum disease, and warned me that my teeth could fall out. And that’s exactly what happened! Despite my mouth’s condition, I’d like to keep as many of my teeth as possible. My kids think I should get dentures, is that my only option? Do I need a full or partial denture? Are dental implants even an option at my age?

Ripley, from Dinosaur, Colorado

Hi Ripley,

Since your teeth are at the point where they are falling out of your gums, it sounds like your gum disease has progressed to advanced periodontal disease. In regards to answering your question, dental implants are preferable to dentures, as dental implants are anchored in your jaw and prevent decay.

However, dental implants are not the best choice for everyone, and certain risk factors increase the likelihood of implant failure. For example, a jaw that have too much decay will require a bone graft, as without one, the jaw will not be able to hold the implants. You will need a dental surgeon to properly assess you, as it would not be in your best interest to get a bone graft for dental implants only to have both the implant and graft fail.

Based on your description, a full-mouth restoration may be necessary. However, that would be the most costly option. You can also opt to remove any remaining teeth that are most likely to need it, or you can wait until they fall out on their own. Once all your teeth are out, you can proceed with a bone graft for a dental implant, or get removable full dentures. However, a removable partial dentures would be a cost-effective option and would save your remaining teeth.

Without teeth or dental implants in your jaw, your brain gets the message that you are not using your jaw anymore, and your body will begin the process of resorption. Your body slowly begins to break down the minerals in your jaw, which can lead to facial collapse over the course of ten years or so. However, given your age, dentures would improve your jaw health and preserve your teeth. With the money you save by getting dentures over dental implants, you can consult with a cosmetic dentist to make you a set of natural-looking dentures.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.

Is it Normal for my All-on-4 Dental Implants to Fail?

Posted on August 14, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi,

I was in need of dental implants over five years ago. I’m in my 60s but wanted something that would last a lifetime, so I opted for All-on-4 implant overdentures. So far I have had no problems and feel they were a good investment. I maintain a strict oral hygiene routine with mouthwash and flossing in order to protect my teeth. However, one day I noticed a strange taste in my mouth, but nothing else was out of place. I mentioned this to my dentist at my six-month check-up, and after an X-ray, he determined I had an infection in one of my All-on-4 implants.

I was given some antibiotics, but he warned me that if the infection came back, the implant would have to be replaced – meaning it would have to be removed and I would have to go through surgery again.

I’m not too happy about having to go through this painful and expensive process again. I thought this would last the rest of my life, so why would they fail just a few years in? Is this normal? Will my new implant be likely to fail a few years down the line too? Do I have any other options?

Monty, from Decide, Kentucky

Hi Monty,

Your situation is unique and unfortunate. Studies have shown that All-on-4 dental implants have over a 94% success rate even 10 years post-surgery. However, there are no studies regarding success rates on replacement dental implants.

However, certain things can affect whether these implants are likely to fail. If you have periodontal disease, any pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory disease, or if you are a smoker, your implants are far more likely to fail. If none of these issues affect you, then something else may have caused the infection, and it may be impossible to determine the cause.

Also, any issues with your implants would likely have been noticeable shortly after surgery. Since your implants are several years old, your body has likely adapted to having them in your body.

Going through the process again is up to you. If the infection is only sourced in one implant, then likely the rest of your dental work will likely hold up for the rest of your life. If you are not sure, you can consult with a periodontist for a second opinion.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio All-on-4 dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.

How Many Years of Experience Does an Implant Dentist Need to be the Best?

Posted on July 29, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hi there,

I am a candidate for dental implants and want to make sure I find the best cosmetic dentist. I am nervous about getting dental surgery. The more experienced the dental implant dentist, the less risk of dental implant failure, right? That’s what I read online. However, nothing I have read mentions how many years an implant dentist needs before they can call themselves “the best”? Is there a certain, specific number I should look for?

Twila, from Salem, MA

Hi Twila,

The more experience a dental implant dentist has, the higher their success rate when placing implants and performing surgery. Researching a dentist before starting any surgical procedures is very important, as it will help you save time and save money in the long run. For example, an inexperienced dentist may recommend a bone graft when you do not need one, or may say they cannot place implants due to lack of bone. They also may struggle to color match the porcelain crown that covers the dental implant. Choosing the wrong dentist could cause you to start over again with a different dentist, costing you even more money.

Many patients entrust their dental implant surgery to their general or family dentist, basing their choice on trust rather than the dentist’s experience. No matter how long your dentist has been in practice, if they do not have dental implant experience, they may not be the best option for your procedure.

There are no research studies done on how many years an implant dentist needs in order to be the best. However, studies show that restorations last longer when done by a dental implant specialist versus those done by a dentist. However, some dental implants just fail. Be sure to maintain your oral hygiene routines and continue with follow-up appointments post-surgery.

There is no magic number of years of practice to look for. Instead, focus on finding someone who has many years of continuing education in dental implants, and who has done a large number of cases.

To find the best implant dentist for your case, check the websites and reviews of cosmetic dentists in your area. Most will let you do a free consultation before booking an appointment. If you are really worried, you can ask your potential dentist how many of their implant cases have failed, as they will most likely remember. Bear in mind that one or two failed procedures at a practice that sees many patients is no cause for concern. Choose your potential dentist based on their experience as well as their bedside manner, someone who listens and answers your questions sincerely.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio dental implant provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group. Please note that dental implant specialist is not a certified field of dentistry; however, dentists that have attended continuing education courses on dental implant procedures and have experience with palcing implants will call themselves dental implant specialists.

Will My All-On-4 Dental Implants Fail Eventually?

Posted on May 8, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Hello there,

About 10 years ago, my dentist recommended getting All-On-4 dental implants done. I was in my 50’s, but interested in a long-lasting smile. It was a rather intense and expensive process, but I was happy with the results in the end. However, I started noticing a bad taste in my mouth, despite no changes to my established brushing, flossing, and mouthwash routines.

When I mentioned this to my dentist, he said there may be an infection in my mouth and ordered X-rays. He was right – one of my implants was infected and I needed antibiotics. However, if the infection comes back, I may need to get surgery all over again.

I thought these implants would last me the rest of my life, so I’m blindsided by having problems only 10 years in. I do not want to pay for the entire procedure again, especially if there’s a risk an implant could fail again. Is it common for All-On-4 implants to fail after 10 years or so? Should I just opt for a set of dentures at my age? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Daniel, from Trenton, New Jersey

Hi Daniel,

All-On-4 dental implants are a type of implant overdenture. Your situation is rare, but unfortunately All-on-4 does not work for everyone. If you have any risk factors, such as previous periodontal disease, chronic health conditions, or are a smoker, the risk of possible failure is higher.

Determining the cause of your implant failure may prove difficult. It likely was not caused by a placement issue during the initial surgery. If it were, the problems would have cropped up in the first few months after surgery. Any of the aforementioned risk factors could have contributed to the implant’s failure. However, if you did not have any risk factors, then the cause of the infection or implant failure will likely remain a mystery.

All-On-4 dental implants, also known as Teeth in a Day, frequently have a very high success rate among patients. Studies have shown that even 10 years after surgery, the implants still hold strong at a 94% success rate, meaning only a handful failed over the course of the decade.

If you cannot determine what caused the implant to fail, it’s understandable that you would be hesitant to get it redone. Also, there is not any data available on how long All-On-4 implants last after being redone. However, you still have options besides dentures; you still have 3 successful implants, so if you were to get the fourth remade, it would likely hold well. The decision is up to you. To help you decide, see a periodontist, cosmetic dentist, or oral surgery specialist for a second opinion.

This blog post is brought to you by San Antonio implant overdentures and All-On-4 provider, Dr. Gilberto Tostado, of 5 Star Dental Group.