I think I made a mistake. I had a choice between two dentists to do my dental implants. One was significantly less expensive than the other. He said there isn’t a recognized specialty and all dentists do the same implant work. I had four implants placed. Ever since that surgery, I’ve had one sinus problem after another. I asked my dentist about it. He insists it’s not the implants and sends me to my doctor. I go to see my doctor and he just prescribes an antibiotic. Neither one is giving me any permanent solution. The antibiotic helps a while and then it goes back to another infection. I’m desperate. What do you recommend?
Audrey
Dear Audrey,
I’m sorry you’ve been going through this. Sinus problems are absolutely miserable. To have one constantly must be maddening. I don’t like that neither of your caregivers seem to be trying to get to the bottom of this. Your dentist is passing the buck and your doctor is practicing lazy medicine.
While your dentist was honest about there not being a recognized specialty in dental implants, not every dentist is the same when it comes to their knowledge and skill in placing them. I’m wondering if your dentist didn’t quite place your dental implants correctly. Do you know if he did a CT scan either before placing your implants or after when you needed to diagnose your sinus problem? If all he did was a panoramic x-ray, that’s not adequate.
Diagnosing a Dental Implant Problem
You need to get a CT scan in order to get a second opinion on this situation. You can either go to an ENT (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) or you can go to a dentist who has a lot of training and experience with dental implants.
If you decide on an implant dentist. You want to make sure they have good post-graduate training. It’s key that a dentist continually strives to improve their knowledge and skill as well as keep up with the latest technologies.
For instance, when it comes to dental implants, Dr. Rothwell has done post-doctoral work at Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education as well as the LD Pankey Institute.
Once you’ve received a second opinion by someone who actually investigates the root issue, you’ll be on the path to wellness again. If it turns out your dentist damaged your sinus cavity in some way, which can happen when implants aren’t placed properly, you’ll have to take several steps— all of which your dentist should cover the cost for.
First, the implants will have to be removed. Then the trauma to the sinuses healed. Once that is done, your next step will be to have bone grafting done to build back up your bone loss. Then, finally, you can have the implants placed properly.
It’s an awful lot of trouble that you’re having to go through. I can’t tell you how many times patients have had to discover, through a horrific experience, that a cheap dentist isn’t always worth the cost. When you’re trying to save money, there is a difference between cheap and affordable dental implants.
This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.
