dental implant problems Archives

My cousin researched affordable dental implants. He couldn’t justify the costs here. So, he went to Mexico. He raved about the dentist. Apparently, he studied in the United States and had a bunch of positive reviews. Eventually, we decided to go through with it to save a buck. It took over a year for the whole process. He felt like the cost of traveling was offset by the cheap implants. Well I was skeptical from the beginning. Now, now he’s starting to pay for it. First, he had a gross infected implant, which cost him an extra trip. They sent him home with a course of antibiotics. But, that didn’t fix it. His entire face swelled and he was in terrible pain. Now, the implant dentist wants to redo it and start over. Is this normal? I was seriously considering this approach to saving some money on dental implants.

-Jim in Arizona

Jim,

You’re not alone in searching for ways to save money on dental implants. But, your instincts are correct to proceed with caution. Here’s the deal. The United States is very stringent when it comes to medical and dental care. We regulate everything, which in the long run means higher fees. So, it is definitely tempting to cross the border to Mexico. As your cousin experienced, you’re pretty much out of luck if something doesn’t go according to plan.

Implant dentistry requires extensive training and expertise beyond dental school. When implants are placed by an excellent implant dentist, they tend to have a 98% rate. But, you have to take a step back and consider why dental implants are more affordable in Mexico.

It could be due to many factors. For example, the dentist’s skill (or lack of it), skimping on quality materials, or simply not caring, since they know you aren’t from Mexico. These types of practices also have a bad reputation of changing their practice names frequently. So, you may see stellar reviews for a dentist online. Then, when things get bad, they shut down and re-open a new clinic.

You would be best served by a reputable implant dentist here in the States. They are held to higher standards and are only a phone call away for any questions or complications. With something as intricate as dental implant surgery and the placement of the restoration, you don’t want to chance your health. The risk is incredibly high to end up paying more in the long run.

So, if your budget is an issue with dental implants, be honest. Tell your dentist your limitations. There are many other affordable dental implant options.

Mini implants are more affordable and can work well in the right situation. Or, your dentist may be willing to phase out treatment over time, to make the cost of implants more manageable. It is also possible to consider alternate treatment options, like a dental bridge or other affordable implant options. Or, you can look at other supplemental insurance plans or finance options.

Thank you for your question. We have no shortage of dental implant horror stories when it comes to cheap dental implants from Mexico.

I have never had any sinus problems, my entire life, until I had my dental implants. It has been almost six months now since the implants were placed in my jaw and I have been suffering form sinus pain and infections ever since. I am miserable and it has to stop. It is interfering with everything I do. I have to at least wonder if the dental implants and the sinus issues are related. But when I took my concern to my dentist, he looked at me like I was crazy. I have been on antibiotics, over-the-counter meds, and tried many home remedies to alleviate my sinus symptoms. Is there something wrong with the implants? And just because my dentist doesn’t agree, is there anyone else I could talk to in order to see if they could be related? My dentist just keeps telling me to go to a general physician who keeps prescribing me more medication. This has to stop!

– Cheryl in West Virgina

Cheryl,

Sorry you are miserable. Has your dentist examined your dental implants since you have had all these sinus issues? Or did he simply redirect you elsewhere? If he hasn’t considered the possibility that the two are related, than it may be time to seek a second opinion. Many implant dentists have panoramic x-ray machines or three-dimensional scanning to give a complete picture of all the nerve endings and of your sinus cavity area. This information may be very beneficial in investigating the precise placement of the implants, and should show evidence that may link the two or help to eliminate the possibility.

So if your dentist hasn’t entertained the possibility, you need to see someone new. An Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) otolaryngologist would be an option or another implant dentist that uses sophisticated CT (3D) scanning to diagnose potential problems would be your best bet.

In some cases dental implants can impinge the sinus cavity if there was any error in the placement of the post. If left untreated, the implant may become loose, or infected, and dental implant failure may be a matter of time. You shouldn’t be suffering from a sinus infection for that length of time. Best of luck to you!

Beware of Mexico and affordable dental implants.

Are my dental implants related to my sinus problems?