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When implant dentistry is performed incorrectly, you can quickly get caught in an endless cycle of implant removal, replacement, correction, and repair of defective dental implants. Michigan attorney Robert Gittleman sues for damage done by implant dentists who treat their patients ineffectively or incompetently. If a dental implant procedure caused you damage or injury and you want to learn more about possible dental malpractice, contact Robert Gittleman Law Firm, PLC online or call us at (248) 737-3600. 

Placing a dental implant successfully requires finesse and care.

Proper Implantation Procedures

The purpose of dental implants is to replace an extracted or missing tooth. During the procedure, your implant dentist will surgically place a titanium screw in your jawbone to mimic a tooth root, which can support a natural-looking restoration such as a crown or bridge.

Because this procedure is more invasive than other dental treatments, especially when more than one tooth needs replacement, the consequences of a complication are more severe. Although you can expect slight swelling and tenderness after implantation, there are a several signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate something has gone wrong.

Signs and Symptoms of Implant Failure

Implant placement is a delicate, complex surgery. When your dentist places a dental implant in your jaw, it is essential that they keep it within the confines of the pilot hole that they created. Unfortunately, this can easily go wrong when left in the hands of an inexperienced or incompetent surgeon. Many dentists place implants too deep or at incorrect angles, perforate through the bone, insert the incorrect size or wrong type of implant, destroy jaw bone, or cause nerve damage. Contact Mr. Gittleman if you experience:

• Partial or complete numbness or tingling
• Pain
• Infection
• Inability to chew
• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Implant falls out

Ideally, a dental implant should serve the same function as a tooth root.

How Common Is Implant Failure? 

Because dentists are supposed to carefully plan and precisely place your dental implants, the risk of failure should ideally be very low. A study performed by the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial concluded that the failure rate in patients with contraindications such as diabetes and smoking was as low as 4.93 to 8.16 percent.

Consequently, implant failure is uncommon, as long as your dentist does their due diligence. During your consultation, your dentist should thoroughly evaluate you for risk factors and only recommend dental implants if the procedure seems safe and appropriate. 

Understanding Why Complications Arise

Defective dental implants can result from a number of situations, including:

• Improper placement: If your dentist placed your implant too deep, too shallow, or at an incorrect angle, the implant may not have the jawbone support to properly function the way it should.
• Incorrect or outdated technique: Implant dentistry is constantly advancing to be safer and more successful. If your dentist is still using outdated techniques, it could negatively affect the outcome of your procedure. 
• Nerve injury: When planning your implant surgery, your dentist should be taking high-quality images of your jawbone and biostructures to avoid damaging any nerves during treatment. Failing to do so can have painful consequences. 
• Wrong angle or depth of placement: In order to support a crown, bridge, or denture, your dentist should be placing your implants in a precise location. Not doing so can create excessive force on your restoration and cause implant failure. 
• Jawbone perforation: Drilling the implant at the wrong angle or depth can cause the implant to break through the jawbone. 
• Poor implant construction: If your dentist uses a low-quality implant, your final results may suffer. 
• Poor restoration design: Many dentists place restorations such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures in addition to implants. If these restorations are not properly designed to fit your smile, they can discomfort and implant failure. 
• Risk of failure not taken into account: Prior to recommending you for implant surgery, your dentist should be completing a full review of your medical history. There are several contraindications that can increase your risk of implant failure, such as smoking and diabetes. If these risk factors are not taken into account, it can affect the outcome of your treatment. 
• Overloaded implants: Poor treatment planning on behalf of your dentist can cause overloading, which occurs when there are not enough implants used to support the new teeth. 
• Rejection of implant: Although it is rare, this does happen. If the rejection goes unnoticed by your doctor during your post-operative evaluations, it can lead to even more oral health issues. 
• Allergic reaction: Dental implants are made with biocompatible titanium in order to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. But patients may still be allergic to the materials used in the implants, which can have serious consequences and lead to uncomfortable symptoms.  
• Lack of proper medications to prevent infection:  Your dentist is responsible for providing medication that reduces the risk of infection after surgery as well as proper post-operative instructions. 
• Poor reaction to anesthesia: To reduce the amount of discomfort that patients experience, many dentists perform dentistry under sedation. However, because certain patients can have an adverse reaction to the drugs, your doctor should be performing a thorough evaluation prior to surgery to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo sedation or anesthesia. 

Because many of the causes of implant failure are preventable, you have the right to hold a negligent dental care provider accountable for their actions if you suffer from dental implant failure. 

Dental malpractice can be complicated to prove, but with over 35 years of experience, Mr. Gittleman has the experience, training, resources and tools necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

A Failed Implant Can Have Serious Consequences 

Mr. Gittleman has represented California, Florida, Nevada, and Michigan residents for decades and has demonstrated that defective dental implants may cause:

• Lifetime pain, numbness, or tingling
• Destruction of the sinus cavity
• Lifetime sinus problems
• Asthma
• Drainage infections

If it is determined a dental implant was incorrectly placed, a number of solutions are available, including:

• Bone grafting procedures
• Surgical removal of the implant
• Additional implant surgery
• Loss of candidacy for future implant procedures

Dealing with defective dental implants can be painful, stressful, and incredibly expensive. It's important to consult with our Michigan firm if you must continually schedule appointments to have your dental implants maintained, repaired, replaced, or adjusted, or if you've suffered an injury from the procedure. With a successful lawsuit, you can potentially receive compensation for all of these expenses. 

Dental malpractice can be complicated to prove, but with over 35 years of experience, Mr. Gittleman has the experience, training, resources and tools necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If You Have Defective Dental Implants

If you are feeling pain or numbness or you are concerned dental malpractice that caused your defective dental implants, contact Robert Gittleman to help you fight for your rights and your health. It is essential that dentists compensate patients for their neglect, improper technique, and substandard conditions. Don't live with discomfort, numbness, stress, and unreasonable dental bills. Call Robert Gittleman Law Firm, PLC, at (248) 737-3600 today to see how we can help.