I went to an experienced implant dentist. He’s done hundreds. When he first went to do the implants he stopped and told me I’d need bone grafting done because my bone was too thin. We scheduled it and he did the grafting procedure. After a healing time, he went back in to do the implants and said that my bone was still too thin. Now he’s recommending a dental bridge for me instead. Did I make a mistake going to a dentist? He’s so experienced I thought it was safe.
Alicia
Dear Alicia,
Who should place your dental implants?
Truthfully, if you’d have gone to a periodontist or oral surgeon, you probably wouldn’t have faced this problem. I’m not saying your dentist isn’t a good implant dentist. In fact, he’s been very upfront with you and is obviously trying to do the right thing.
Some dentists would have placed the implants anyway to save themselves the embarrassment of admitting failure. The implants would have failed, but not right away and you wouldn’t have known why.
You had an honest dentist. It’s very likely he’s a skilled implant dentist and had many successful cases. Bone grafting is a completely different ballgame. He’s likely not as experienced with that particular procedure. It’s great that he’s expanding his skills. In fact, it’s important that all professionals continually learn and increase their skill set. And, we’ve all got to start somewhere with those new skills.
Where Do You Go From Here?
You have a couple of options. Neither is a right or wrong choice.
Choice One: Go with a Dental Bridge
You could follow your dentist’s recommendation and go ahead and get a dental bridge. You wouldn’t have to worry about bone grafting or doing another implant surgery and you’d have an acceptable tooth replacement option.
Choice Two: See an Oral Surgeon and Get the Implants
It will require starting over. You’ll still have to have the bone grafting done. But, when it’s all over, you’ll have a permanent tooth replacement without placing dental crowns on your adjacent teeth.
I hope this helps. This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
