I found a relatively affordable implant dentist when I was looking to get a couple teeth replaced with dental implants because they were loose. All the reviews and testimonials checked out. The teeth I had replaced are the two front, bottom teeth. I was under the impression that my dental implants would look and function just like my normal teeth. When I visited this particular implant dentist, he gave me all the fees for the surgery and placement of the implants and the crowns. He insisted that we extract the teeth right then and there. Then he talked me into “bone beads,” which he said would aide in the healing process. I ended up paying for the “bone beads” out of pocket, because my insurance wouldn’t cover it. After six months past, he proceeded to tell me I required additional procedures before he could do the surgery. He explained that I haven’t healed and I don’t have enough bone at the site. Now, he is telling me about gum treatments. I’m fed up! My smile is pathetic and I don’t know what to do because I don’t have teeth. But, I’m starting to become more suspicious that I’m being taken advantage of. Any advice?
– Becky in Indiana
First off, I’m so sorry that you are living a dental implant horror story. The biggest concern when reading your question is why the cause of your loose teeth was never investigated? This alone is very concerning. If you are a periodontal disease sufferer, dental implants will not work for you. The periodontal disease would have needed to be taken care of before even considering dental implants. This may be the reason that the implant dentist is recommending additional gum treatments now. This issue should have been addressed from the start. There is no way to know whether or not your natural teeth really could have been saved. This is very unfortunate and concerning.
It sounds like you will require additional treatment before the dental implant surgery to make sure that they do not fail. At this point, it would be wise to consult with another implant dentist before you make any decisions. This will either reinforce the notion that you require additional gum treatments or rule out the first dentist’s treatment plan altogether.
You should have also been given temporary teeth in the interim, while you wait for the oral surgery. Often a dental flipper is created or a partial denture is used, so the surrounding teeth don’t move around and the space is maintained. Not to mention, your smile will look much better. When you meet with the new implant dentist, ask about a temporary replacement teeth solution. It sounds like it’s time to move on.
Thank you for your question.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.