Parner
Why should dentists exercise caution when recommending dental implants?
It is believed that over two million dental implants are placed in the United States annually, despite evidence that about 40 percent of these implants may fail. The dental implant industry is enormous and increasingly fueled by the money involved in removing natural teeth. Studies show that assisting patients with keeping their natural teeth can improve their health. Accordingly, dentists nationwide should exercise caution when urging patients to obtain dental implants and must carefully place these prosthetics to guard against infections or other complications. Anyone who believes they have suffered injuries due to bad oral surgery or unnecessary implants should consult with a New York dental malpractice lawyer.
Implants Offer an Option to Replace Missing Teeth
Dental implants, under the right circumstances, can provide an effective way to replace missing teeth when dentures do not fit correctly or cannot be worn. Dental implants are a lifesaver for certain patients, but these prosthetics should not be endorsed for all patients when options exist to save the patient’s natural teeth.
Implants Carry a Risk of Infection
Research suggests that titanium implants last for a maximum of eight years. After this amount of time, shifting bones within the mouth can lead to infection or mandatory removal of the implants. Additionally, it is believed that up to 50 percent of all implants will eventually become infected. Patients with pre-existing gum disease are at a higher risk of infection.
Placing implants is a complex procedure that leaves no room for error. Dental implants must be implanted into the bone. Implants that are inserted improperly will result in failure that could affect the jaw itself. Inserting the screw must be done with precision and careful planning. Rushing patients into surgery and failing to spend the time necessary to evaluate for dental disease can cause infection, nerve damage, and more.
Any dental patient that has experienced complications with their dental implants should consult with a dental malpractice attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your dental history to determine whether the dentist that performed your procedure acted negligently to cause the injuries you have now suffered.