What Do Dentists Commonly Advise A Patient To Do After A Disastrous Implant Session.

[Polite2long]

Hello Dental community. I went in for my first ever Implant (lower bottom right). The dentist was in a great mood and told me it should take about 35 minutes. I was numbed and the Implant (Titanium Post) went in. The rod used to place the Implant DIDN'T disengage. I was seated facing a window about 7 feet away. It was about 2:20 pm and daylight. The Dentist kept twisting and trying to get it to release til I noticed it was DARK OUTSIDE! Finally she said "Oh Lord". I knew then that things had gone sideways. She then called over the owner of the practice who tried but failed to get it to release. This ridiculous rod is forcing me to keep my mouth open with no end in site. The Implantologist then called other dentists, the Implant rep and others. She told me that there may be an issue with the Implant and if so, it may have to be removed by a specialist. I still have my mouth wide open and cant speak but I was disturbed and Furious. Geez, she just put it in!! Anyway, after calling various people, she resumed trying to remove the rod. It finally came out after more than 3 HOURS! I was flustered and numb. I said almost nothing to her. I just listened. No crying, yelling, etc. Very quiet. My Question for a Dentist here is, If it were you, what is your standard way of advising/handling this type of situation. What do you advise the patient to do right after that?

 

[Dr M]

This sounds like a freak accident type of situation. It might be that there was genuinely something wrong with the implant. Things like these do sometimes happen.
I usually try and explain the situation to my patients in a calm manner, so that they understand that this does not usually happen. In some cases I work in some discount in order to try and accommodate the patient's discomfort, but that is for the treating surgeon to decide.

 

[Polite2long]

Thank you for replying Dr. M. Just for the record, YES there was a LOT wrong with the Implant. But, I frankly wanted to know what else most Implantologists would do right after.
Ex: Prescriptions, checking in with patient, etc.
Would you do these things occasionally or every time a surgery goes awry?

 

[Dr M]

I prescribe analgesics, for pain control, especially if the procedure might have caused some sort of discomfort.
I also check in on the patient by arranging a follow-up visit.

 

[Esthetix Dental]

Gum recession on the canine teeth can be concerning, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose the tooth anytime soon. Since you’re maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the hygienist regularly, the key is determining the cause of the recession. The fact that your gums bleed despite gentle brushing could indicate ongoing inflammation or early-stage gum disease. In cases where the damage becomes significant, dental implants can be a long-term solution, both for protection and restoring a natural look. It’s worth discussing with your dentist to explore the best approach.