Seven months ago, I had dental implant and bone graft surgery. The pain has been intense, long-lasting and wide-spread, and the non-dental complications extensive, while the groundwork is not even for the type of replacement teeth I agreed to. The dentist has taken $20,000.00, mocks me and denies my problems, and now refuses to complete or correct his work, has "released" me from his practice and refuses to respond to my attempts to even get my records. What do I do?
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2 UpVoted this answer
There is a lot of information behind your question. I know you are trying to condense all this information into an easy to phrase question, but "What do I do?" is a loaded question. My advice would be to first seek a qualified opinion from a dentist that can give you some personal, objective opinions on your case. They may request records from your previous dentist. Legally, at least in California, you are entitled to your records or the doctor's written interpretation of your records upon written request. There is usually a limited amount of time in which the dentist has to furnish your records to you or another dentist of your choosing. Start with getting out of pain, and then you can figure out if you want to get representation.
1 UpVoted this answer
First of all have you signed a consent form prior to placement of the implants?secondly were all implants placed at the same time for you to have been charged that amount ?many a times patients expectations do not match the realistic outcome of treatment ,were or you asked what your expectations was prior to treatment?lastly as implant placement involves drilling through bone ,the quality and the quantity of bone both are very important for the success of the implant and based on the vascular its which is the blood supply to the bone there will be symptoms associated with it,as far as records are concerned you have a right to obtain them,you can send a written request to them ,authorizing release,healing of the bone depends on many factors like I mentioned the type of bone and it's vascularity,authorizing ND the immune system ,lastly if you do have any periodontal desease?delayed healing can occur resulting in pain.you also mentioned non dental symptoms what are you experiencing?
1 UpVoted this answer
You should contact the s,tate dental board and file a complaint ib
1 UpVoted this answer
I would suggest you first find another competent surgeon for a consultation and treatment plan. See if the new doctor can get in touch with the previous one to try and get a hold of prior xrays and treatment.
In my experience, a practitioner is less threatened when another colleague gets involved to try and help out in the situation, without being adversarial.
Legal action should only be as a last resort.
In my experience, a practitioner is less threatened when another colleague gets involved to try and help out in the situation, without being adversarial.
Legal action should only be as a last resort.
1 UpVoted this answer
I tend to be against any litigious action just as a personal preference in life's misgivings. However , if your dentist refuses to help and/or provide your records, they are a very sad representative of our profession. I believe they must provide the records, although from your description of this dentist, expect a fee. Considering the amount invested, I'd seek help from the local dental society peer review and perhaps legal council just to expedite the process. A letter from an attorney would release your records quickly I would imagine.
1 UpVoted this answer
Í am so sorry to learn about this unfortunate experience. Apparently the situation is no longer a dental issue as you are not getting the co-operation of your care provider. You should therefore consult your attorney for a legal opinion.
State Dental Board, google it.
You must make an appointment with the best implant dentist in your area, first to make sure your mouth is not infected, any acute pain is handled. It would be advisable to see a Oral surgeon or periodontist specialist with experience, you will be also needing to consult a restorative or reconstructive dentist for the restoration of your implants.
As far as you being released from your previous dentist, once the specialist dentist or any other dentist requests xrays and records, your previous dentist will provide necessary records for the new dentist to take care of you. The sooner you seek this advice the better of you are, to restore the health of your mouth. If your implant restorations involves front teeth, it is best to see a top cosmetic dentist, to either consult or provide you with your cosmetic dentistry needs.
As far as you being released from your previous dentist, once the specialist dentist or any other dentist requests xrays and records, your previous dentist will provide necessary records for the new dentist to take care of you. The sooner you seek this advice the better of you are, to restore the health of your mouth. If your implant restorations involves front teeth, it is best to see a top cosmetic dentist, to either consult or provide you with your cosmetic dentistry needs.
There are and can be a widespread of different types of issues that can complicate dental implant placement and bone grafting. If you have systemic issues or an underlying non diagnosed issue dental implant prognosis can become unpredictable. Finding a dental specialist such a periodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon to help you with this issue might be a good starting point. Make an appointment for a comprehensive exam and request that office to help you get your records. Try to see if that oral health care provider can get the information a few days before your appointment, this will give them time to review your case. The more extensive a case or complex, normally means it is going to cost you more money. If you are making an attempt to fix your overall oral health you are headed in the right direction. Implant placement does take time to health and if you are having these types of issues now seven months later, there could /might be a larger concern causing these problems. Schedule a consult and start there, at least a second opinion might ease your mind.