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If you’re having a dental implant procedure carried out in the near future, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. Dental surgery can be a major source of anxiety for people around the world. However, at the Dental Law Partnership, we’re here to alleviate your worries, providing you with all the information you need to know before your treatment.
Complications during dental procedures are rare, but if you suspect that you’ve suffered from dental negligence, our seasoned team will be happy to help. Since our establishment in 2000, we’ve helped many people with their dental negligence claims, amassing a wealth of expertise within the legal dental industry.
If you think you’ve suffered from dental negligence and you’d like to open a claim, please make an enquiry with our dedicated team here.
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Dental implants are metal screws or posts that have a number of applications, depending on the type of treatment you need. If a single tooth is being replaced, implants are fitted to your jawbone to support a crown. However, if multiple teeth need replacing, dental implants may instead be used to support a bridge or dentures. After your implant has been fitted, the bone will fuse to it, fixing it securely in place.
If your dentist has recommended an implant procedure as part of your treatment plan, they should make you aware of the reason your implant is being fitted. As dental implants are a complex and invasive dental procedure, they should only be carried out by an oral surgeon, or a dentist who has enhanced qualifications and expertise in this area of practice.
There are many reasons why tooth implants may be required. At your initial consultation, your dentist should inform you of the grounds for your surgery and create an informed treatment plan for your oral health needs. Usually, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine tooth extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant, but there may be other alternative treatments available.
Tooth implants typically serve as the foundation for supporting crowns, bridges and dentures. Dental implants are often recommended if previous treatments have yielded unsatisfactory results.
If you’re feeling anxious about your dental implant procedure, you may want to find out more about the treatment. We’ve created this step-by-step guide to help put your mind at rest before your surgery. However, if you have further questions, you may want to speak to your dentist before arranging your surgical appointment. Every procedure is different and your treatment may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
However, most dental implant procedures take the following steps:
Most tooth implants and bone grafts go ahead without any issues. However, in a small number of cases, dental negligence may occur, which can be very distressing.
If you’ve had a dental implant installed and you think your dentist may have acted negligently, please request a callback with our team of legal experts.
This factor depends largely on your individual circumstances and the work that needs to be carried out. For example, if bone grafts are required, your overall time in surgery will be longer than in situations where a bone graft is not needed.
For the implant part of the procedure, it will usually take between 1-2 hours for each implant to be fitted. You may then have to wait several months before returning for further treatment.
This is another element that depends largely on your personal situation. You’ll usually require at least four appointments:
If a bone graft is required, you’ll need an additional appointment to conduct the treatment. You may also need to attend your dental practice for follow-ups after your surgery has been completed.
Before a dental implant procedure is carried out, you will need to have an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and decide whether a tooth implant is the right course of action for you. X-rays and CBCT scans will usually be required, and a treatment plan will be created for you.
Your dentist also has a duty of care to gain informed consent for your surgery. Your dentist also needs to inform you about any risks, side effects or alternative treatments available.
However, due to the nature of dental implant surgery, you may require a clinical assessment of your teeth beforehand. This is often carried out during a separate appointment, and your scans may be carried out on this visit instead.
When undergoing a dental procedure, it’s crucial that you follow your dentist’s aftercare advice, to ensure your oral health recovers as quickly as possible. Your dentist has a duty of care to accurately inform you of the aftercare steps required – if they fail to do this and something goes wrong, you may be able to open a dental negligence claim.
Every situation is different, but BUPA recommends the following aftercare steps following a dental implant procedure:
However, it’s recommended that you speak to your dentist first, as they will be able to advise you of the correct steps to take after your surgery.
Most dental implant procedures are performed without any issues, although in some situations, issues can arise. If something goes wrong during your treatment, you may want to consider making a complaint to your dentist. If requested, your dental practice should be able to provide you with a copy of their official complaints procedure. However, there is a strict one year time limit in which you can make a complaint to your dentist, dating from the date of your appointment.
Your other option is to go through the dental negligence claims process. It’s important to note that you don’t need to have made an official complaint beforehand, although there is a three year time limit to open a case from the date when the negligence occurred.
If your dentist performs your procedure incorrectly, you may suffer from physical and psychological harm. However, dental negligence is not just limited to physical injuries – it also encompasses the following areas:
At the Dental Law Partnership, we’re a specialist firm of dental solicitors, working with many clients across England and Wales since our inception. We can discuss a possible claim with you, no matter what form of dental negligence you may have faced.
If you’d like to open a dental negligence claim with the Dental Law Partnership, please contact our free phone number on 0800 152 2038.
Dental surgery can be a stressful experience, particularly if you already have dental anxiety. Most dental implant procedures are performed successfully, but it’s understandable to have some worries beforehand. As a trained dental professional, your dentist should be able to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment.
To help you, we’ve created a list of questions that you may want to ask your dentist at your initial consultation:
However, if you find that you have further questions, it’s recommended that you speak to your dentist to ensure you’re as informed as possible.
If you’ve already had a dental implant fitted and you think you may have suffered from dental negligence, our team will be happy to help you. Please contact us here to get the process started.
If you’re set to have a dental implant procedure in the coming months, you may find yourself feeling concerned about the surgery. In the majority of cases, implant treatments occur without any problems, but in rare instances, issues can arise.
However, if you’ve already had the procedure carried out and you believe that your dentist has made a mistake, we’re here to help.
At the Dental Law Partnership, we’re market leaders within the legal dental industry. Our skilled team is made up of both dentists and lawyers, giving us the expertise and knowledge to be able to successfully handle your dental negligence claim with ease.
To get your claim started, please contact our expert team today on 0800 152 2038.