Dental implants are increasing in popularity and more local dental practices are offering implants as a means of improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Implants can be used to fill gaps caused by lost teeth or to stabilise existing teeth or dentures. The procedure involves placement of a titanium screw into the jaw bone to replace the missing root of a tooth. A false tooth is then attached to the screw to re-create the tooth. Implants are placed individually and in some cases patients have a full mouth of implants to create the ‘perfect’ smile.
As implants become more popular, we are seeing a correlating increase in the number of instructions we are receiving from clients who have sustained injury, loss and damage as a result of failed implants treatment.
As with any dental or medical procedure, there is always risk and the potential for complications. Careful assessment of your current dental health and detailed planning and preparation of the mouth is crucial and it is vital that a suitably qualified implant specialist is retained to undertake the procedure. Before proceeding with implant treatment, a specialist should:
- Check that the treatment is appropriate for you based on your dental history and current dental health
- Fully advise and inform you about the risks and benefits as well as alternative options open to you
The team at Worthingtons have experience of cases where implants have failed due to:
- Failure to diagnose and adequately treat decay or periodontal disease prior to placement of the implants, leading to persistent infection
- poor bone quantity or quality
- fracture of a dental implant
- overloading of a dental implant
- poor positioning of the dental implant leading to movement of surrounding teeth, pain, discomfort and associated symptoms
In the past three months we have successfully resolved two cases where implants failed shortly after treatment, leading to serious pain and suffering for both clients as well as a costly series of remedial treatment in both cases. After obtaining the relevant notes and records and instructing a restorative dental specialist, we were able to identify the areas of negligence and resolved both cases after dispatching pre-action protocol correspondence, ensuring that both clients were adequately compensated for the pain and suffering ensured as well as the cost of future treatment necessary to address the negligent treatment.
If you or a family member have been the victim of dental negligence relating to implants or other dental procedures, we will work to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, for the pain and suffering you have endured, as well as for any financial losses you have suffered or will suffer, as a result. At Worthingtons Solicitors, we provide a personalised service so that you can discuss your claim in a welcoming, safe, and confidential environment. As experts in the area of medical negligence, we can best advise you whether to proceed with your claim and discuss how to best move forward. Legal Aid is often available to support dental negligence cases.
If you would like advice and guidance on this process, please contact Claire McDaid at our Belfast office on 028 9043 4015.
028 9043 4015 