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Dental implants are metal posts that are fixed into the jawbone to support a crown, (if you are replacing a single tooth) or to support a bridge or denture (to replace multiple missing teeth).
Having dental implants is a complex and invasive dental procedure, which should be carried out by a dentist who has further qualifications and experience in this area of expertise.
Precise planning is crucial to the success of dental implants, and your dentist will need to be appropriately trained to carry out the procedure. If they haven’t had the appropriate training, they should refer you to an oral surgeon, a restorative or prosthodontic specialist. You should also be aware that there is no such thing in the UK as a ‘registered specialist implantologist’, and dentists who claim this title are potentially misleading their patients.
Your dentist will consider a host of different factors before deciding whether you are suitable for implant(s), including:
Your dentist will use a variety of diagnostic tools, including x-rays, when assessing your suitability for implants. If these have not been checked by your dentist you may experience implant failure, or serious complications from dental implant surgery.
The procedure itself is usually performed under local anaesthetic; and your dentist will drill a hole into your jawbone, into which the implant is placed. As the jawbone heals, it fuses with the implant (osseointegration). You will then have to go back to have the crown, bridge or denture fitted.
Whilst the majority of dental implant procedures go smoothly, unfortunately failures can occur. Some of the complications associated with implants include:
After treatment your dentist should ensure that you are not experiencing any unnecessary pain or discomfort, along with making sure that you are pleased with the results and that the dental implant is comfortable.
If you feel that your dentist has failed to provide you with a satisfactory level of service, or you have suffered due to below-par or compromised dental implant surgery, you may be able to claim compensation against your dentist for your injuries. For more information, or to discuss your claim with an expert advisor contact us.
Usually, the only way you can get free dental implants is by going through a dental training school, though not all training facilities offer such services for free.
If you want to opt for dental school treatment, you will need to contact your local institute and see if you qualify. Whilst the treatment may be free, or for a nominal cost, there are other factors that you should take into consideration:
The NHS does not offer free dental implants to those who normally pay for their NHS dental treatment; you will only be entitled to implants from the NHS if there is a clinical need, and it is rare that they will be offered. If you do qualify for NHS dental implants, they fall into the band 3 category and are charged accordingly.
Usually, you can only get dental implants by paying for private dental treatment, and each practice will have its own pricing structure. The cost will depend on many factors, such as your dentist’s experience and location.
How long it can take for a dental implant to heal will depend on a number of factors, including:
If you only have a single implant, and there is little to no post-operative discomfort or swelling, then you should be able to live life as normal. However, you may be advised to stick to a soft diet for a certain period of time.
Undergoing implant surgery normally only involves local anaesthetic and it is quite normal to have some minor swelling, bruising and mild discomfort afterwards. As long as this is well-managed and your mouth is kept clean, you should be able to return to a normal diet within a 1-6-week period.
Whilst all invasive surgery poses some risks, generally, implants are considered to be safe. However, although problems and complications are rare, they do happen. Dental implant risks include:
Nerve damage can occur during a dental implant procedure if the dentist places an implant too close to a nerve, or doesn’t take reasonable care when carrying out the treatment. Dental nerve damage symptoms after dental implants can include:
The first thing you should do, if you suspect that nerve damage has been caused by your dental implant procedure, is to go to see a dentist as soon as possible. You can visit a different dentist if you do not wish to go back to the dentist that carried out your implant procedure.
If you suspect that your nerve damage is down to the negligence of your dentist or the poor care that you have received from them, you might be eligible to make a dental negligence compensation claim.
Contact the Dental Law Partnership today to discuss your options and potential next steps.
As with most dental negligence claims, the amount of compensation that you may receive if your dentist has failed to fit your dental implant(s) to a satisfactory standard will depend on the circumstances of your specific case.
At Dental Law Partnership, our team of expert dental negligence solicitors are on hand to help you with your dental implant compensation claim at every step of the way; contact us today.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to put an exact time-frame on an implant-related dental negligence compensation claim, as it can vary quite dramatically from case to case. There is a strict legal process that must be adhered to and many cases are settled before they reach court, meaning that a claim could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how your dentist responds to the claim and other aspects of the legal process, such as evidence gathering and gaining expert opinions. Click here for full details of the dental negligence claims process.
At the Dental Law Partnership, our cases are usually funded by a no win, no fee agreement. This means that even if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay any legal costs.
Contact us today for an initial, no obligation chat about your claim.