My dentist has done hundreds of dental implants. Because of that, I felt fairly confident that he could do mine without any problems. That has not turned out to be the case. When he went in for the surgery, he discovered there was less bone than he thought. He did not place the implants and told me I’d need some bone grafting. I agreed to that procedure and had a second surgery. Then, it was time for my dental implants again. When he went in, again he felt there wasn’t enough bone and decided I would need to have a dental bridge. I’m very frustrated because I have had three surgeries and no dental implant. I don’t understand why the bone grafting didn’t work. Will I be stuck with a dental bridge?
Eugene
Dear Eugene,
You do have one good thing going for you here. As frustrating as your situation has been, your dentist had integrity. I can’t tell you the number of patients who have come into our office with failing dental implants and after looking at them, it was obvious their dentist placed them poorly or that they didn’t have adequate bone. The dentist had to know this but rather than admit a mistake they just let the patient have a surgery and procedure that was bound to fail. Leaving the patient to wonder why their implants failed. Your dentist would rather you know his procedure did not work than leave you with a failed procedure.
A second good thing about your dentist is he is trying to improve his skills. Some dentists are content just to do the procedures they are comfortable with, but your dentist is trying to learn new technologies and procedures that will help his patients as he improves. We all start somewhere.
That being said, he is still developing his bone grafting skills. It is likely if you go to a different dentist, who is more experienced in bone grafting, that you will be able to get your dental implants. I do not think your dentist will be offended by you going elsewhere for this procedure. Just be sure to check with them how many successful bone grafting procedures they’ve done.
This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.