I had a tooth that couldn’t be saved. I opted to get a dental implant to replace it, but I’m having a bit of trouble with things and we haven’t even got to the implant yet. I had the tooth extracted, which went fine. The dentist recommended I get a Maryland Bridge as a temporary tooth replacement. That is when the problems started. Since having it placed, it has fallen out three times. I’ve grown concerned. Should I switch dentists in the middle of this procedure? Is that even allowed?
Marcus
Dear Marcus,
Let’s start with the Maryland Bridge. I would not consider that a temporary tooth replacement. In order for the bonding to hold, the dentist has to do some tooth preparation, which means cutting a notch into the tooth. Anything that changes the structure of the tooth is not a temporary replacement. Once that is removed, the adjacent teeth will need dental bonding to fill in the space. The good news is, it sounds like your dentist may not have done that tooth preparation which is why yours is not staying in.
I am concerned about your dentist’s skill and understanding both about aesthetics and the dental implant procedure itself. Most implant dentists, with a lot of experience, would give you a true temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper. Not only will it not do any damage to a tooth, it is much less expensive.
More importantly, I’m concerned about his or her dental implant training and skills. Dental school enough is not enough. Your dentist will need post-doctoral training. These are one of the most advanced procedures a dentist can do. Unfortunately, it is not a recognized speciality, which means many unqualified dentists are doing dental implant procedures. It’s one of the leading causes of malpractice suits.
The big danger here is that if things go wrong it can be extremely serious, including permanent nerve damage, infection, and even loss of jaw structure.
You want someone who has the training and skill to do this properly. The best implant dentists are fellows with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). I would look for someone like that.
Can you switch in the middle of the procedure. Absolutely! In fact, your dentist is ethically obligated to provide the next dentist will all his diagnostic and treatment notes. You’re actually in the perfect place to switch, because the implants have not been placed yet. Tell your dentist you want a refund on the Maryland Bridge, if you’ve already paid for that. Get a dental flipper and then research some dentists in your area to find one with whom you can feel confident.
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