I wonder if you can give me some advice. I had a dental implant done. I knew going into this that my dentist was new at the procedure and that it was a risk. However, he gave to to me at a significant discount and promised if anything went wrong he would cover it. He really is a nice guy who is trying to learn and develop new skills. All that to say that I have not had the dental implant that long, but it feels loose. Given my dentist probably won’t charge me for anything and I don’t want to take advantage of him, should I just pull out the implant myself. Is he able to try more than once on the same implant or do we need to find an alternative treatment?
Samantha
Dear Samantha,
It is fantastic that you and your dentist are willing to work together in this fashion. Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to learning a new skill. Dental implants are one of the more advanced procedures. What I like about this is that he was up front with you AND he is willing to take responsibility for anything that goes wrong.
Additionally, it is kind that you are trying to save him some time and money too. That being said, I would not pull this out. First, it may not be the dental implant that is loose. It could be something as simple as the dental crown needs to be re-bonded. Plus, when a dental implant is removed, it takes some of the bone structure with it. You will want this done professionally.
As to your other question, yes, if you want to try again for a dental implant you can. However, you will need to have a bone grafting procedure done first in order to build up the lost bone structure from removing the dental implant. I would have someone else do the grafting procedure and allow your dentist to focus on learning the implants.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.