Dental Implants Falling Out in Three Days

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In total, I am having eight dental implants done. My dentist has already done six of them. After they heal, he is going to do the other two. Of the six that are already done, three of them fell out by the third day. I’ve already paid $10,200 for these and am expected to pay another five grand for the next two. I don’t think I should be charged for the three that fell out? Can he put them back? Should I be worried about the rest of them?

Andy

Dear Andy,

A diagram of the parts of a dental implant including crown and metal post.. — Diagram of a dental implant.

What a horror story! I am sorry you went through this. A basic tennant of dental work, such as dental implants, is that it actually stay in your mouth. The failure rate for dental implants is generally around 5%. Your dentist has a 50% failure rate. That’s insane.

Here is what I want you to do. First, do not pay him any more money and do not allow him to do the other two dental implants. I want you to see another implant dentist in order to get an opinion on why these dental implants failed. Do not tell them who the dentist is. Just tell them what you’ve told me and ask for their assesment on their failure. I want you to see an expert in dental implants, so look for someone who is a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). He or she can also evaluate how safe the other three implants are.

Depending on what this dentist says you will either ask for a refund on the three that failed or a complete refund if the others are at risk as well.

Some reasons for Dental Implant Failure

Development of infection, often because of poorly fitting fixtures
Poor surgical placement or technique
Diagnostic shortcuts, resulting in the failure to properly assess whether or not there is adequate bone support
The use of substandard/cheap implant fixtures, often purchased overseas
Premature loading, which simply means placing the crown before the implant has integrated with the bone

Going forward, I would have the second opinion dentist, who will have more expertise and creditials, to both complete and repair this procedure for you. By the way, if you have any trouble getting a refund from the first dentist, let him know you will be speaking with the dental board and are willing to get an attorney. You have a good case.

I’m sorry this happened to you.
This blog is brought to you by Mt. Dora Dentist Dr. Michelle Stillman.