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

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.