How to verify the ethical use and sterility of dental implants?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had implants placed in my mouth. The doctor said he was recycling implants. I think he meant he put the demonstration models in my mouth.

Now he is telling me that he needs to get an imprint of the implant and have a screw made that will fit it. The office told me that he had placed older models in my mouth by accident.

So my concerns are:

Can you tell by looking at my X-rays if these are real implants or demonstration implants?
Is it possible to see on my X-ray if he uses a demonstration implant instead of a genuine implant?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

I can definitely assess implants by looking at the type they are placed in the jawbone. By seeing the X-rays (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity), it looks as though these are older version implants, though they would be effective nonetheless.

As for the question of demonstration models, did the dentist mention to you the brand of implant he is using, or did he tell you exactly that they are recycling older implants?
Do you have any clue about the brand?
Did the dentist tell you he has placed older implants, or did the officials?

That would help me correctly give you an opinion on whether you can continue with them and what your next options are.

Revert to me with details.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As an implantologist, I can say only one thing. Before we place an implant, we know the implant diameter, length brand, and the exact location it needs to be placed by pre-operative assessment.

A patient can trust their dentist before implantation, knowing that their doctor would know all these details well and in advance. Suppose you have paid for the dental implants, and they have used demonstration models without any dimensional knowledge.

In that case, you should confirm the same with another local dentist or surgeon who can give you a detailed briefing on this. Because that definitely is unethical to place non-titanium dental implants or low-quality demonstration implants that too after charging the patient for the procedure.

I also have to tell you that when we make an impression post-dental implant insertion, then the laboratory will have ready-made implant analogs that will suit the next crown to be placed over the implant head. Besides, unsterile implants are illegal to be placed in a patient's oral cavity.

Dental implants must be opened in sterile conditions, and the packet containing the screw should also be opened in front of the patient, and prior disinfecting will be done for the patient too. If your implant dentist has violated any or all of these steps, you should definitely interact with another local dentist or surgeon so you can question them for any wrong they might have done you.

It is definitely unethical to violate sterilization, place models without knowing dimensions, etc. You can also question the dentist further whether they have followed these protocols.

Usually, I would say it is very rare and uncommon that such unethical practices are there, so you can discuss this with your dentist.

Hope this has addressed your concern.

Kind regards.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the query and understand your concern.

Please read my full message and confer with a local dentist or surgeon so you can question your dentist and his team with the relevant proof. Definitely, it seems fishy and unethical, judging by what you said.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards.

Answer 4

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have posted the reply again. Please check.

As an implantologist, I can say only one thing. Before we place an implant, we know the implant diameter, length brand, and the exact location it needs to be placed by pre-operative assessment.

A patient can trust their dentist before implantation, knowing that their doctor would know all these details well and in advance. Suppose you have paid for the dental implants, and they have used demonstration models without any dimensional knowledge.

In that case, you should confirm the same with another local dentist or surgeon who can give you a detailed briefing on this. Because that definitely is unethical to place non-titanium dental implants or low-quality demonstration implants that too after charging the patient for the procedure.

I also have to tell you that when we make an impression post-dental implant insertion, then the laboratory will have ready-made implant analogs that will suit the next crown to be placed over the implant head. Besides, unsterile implants are illegal to be placed in a patient's oral cavity.

Dental implants must be opened in sterile conditions, and the packet containing the screw should also be opened in front of the patient, and prior disinfecting will be done for the patient too. If your implant dentist has violated any or all of these steps, you should definitely interact with another local dentist or surgeon so you can question them for any wrong they might have done you.

It is definitely unethical to violate sterilization, place models without knowing dimensions, etc. You can also question the dentist further whether they have followed these protocols.

Usually, I would say it is very rare and uncommon that such unethical practices are there, so you can discuss this with your dentist.

Hope this has addressed your concern.

Kind regards.

Answer 5

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your query.

They look like older version implants based on the thread design, and we cannot tell the age unless investigating it in person. That will be known in the laboratory only.

Hope this has answered your query.

Kind regards.