This is a follow up my last blog post titled, “Important Questions to Ask to Determine if there was a Deviation in the Standard of Dental Care in Georgia when Treating a Patient Requesting Dental Implants ~ part one.” The following are more of some of the important questions that should be asked to determine if the Standard of Care was followed when Treating Patient Requesting Dental Implants:
6.) Was an an Informed Consent Obtained?
Why is this important? The patient must consent to the procedure, and the clinician must obtain a signed informed consent from the patient prior to the procedure.
7.) Was a Pre-Operative Evaluation Performed?
Why is this important? A careful evaluation and understanding of the bone anatomy and architecture, including the quantity and quality of available bone, are mandatory before implant placement to avoid and/or reduce complications by proper patient selection and evaluation.
8.) What Complications Did the Patient Experience?
Why is this important? The clinician must identify the following post-operative complications and mange them appropriately: 1.) Implant mobility; 2.) Pain; 3.) Numbness; 4.) Trauma; 5.) Infection; and 6.) Bone Fractures.
9.) Was the Patient Provided with Medications Post-Operatively?
Why is this important? Antibiotics must be provided post-operatively and the following are some of the recommended antibiotics to help control post-operative infection: 1.) Cephalexin; 2.) Amoxicillin; and 3.) Clindamycin
10.) Was the Patient Provided with Post Operative Instructions?
Why is this important? To ensure the implants durability and success, the clinician must provide adequate instructions to the patient regarding proper maintenance of the mouth and implant.
11.) Were any Delayed Post-Operative Complications Identified?
Why is this important? The following are possible delayed post-operative complications associated with implant placement that should be addressed including, but not limited to: 1.) Unstable Implant; 2.) Implant Malposition; 3.) Excessive Vertical and Horizontal Bone Loss; 4.) Unanticipated Bony Deficiency; 5.) Dehiscence; 6.) Fracture of bone during the osteotomy; or 7.) Hyperplastic soft tissue response and graft failure.
12.) What was the Waiting Period for the Crown to be Loaded onto the Implant?
Why is this important? To ensure functional stability, an implant must be allowed to heal for 4-6 months before loading.
13.) Was the Patient Followed up with Routinely?
Why is this important? It is always important have routine follow-ups with a patient to make sure that the implant was successful and that no problems exist.
Whether you request a dental implant or the situation requires that you have a dental implant such as the loss of an important tooth, a dental implant procedure is a surgery and should be treated as such. It is very important that the surgery is performed properly since later you will have a crown placed on that implant and if the implant is not placed properly, then the crown may not be placed properly and you could face problems for years to come. Therefore, it is imperative that the Standard of Care is followed when you have a dental implant placed in your mouth.
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Strict time limitations apply in these cases so it is very important that you contact us as soon as possible following an injury or death so that we can evaluate your case and are able to move forward without any important time limitations being a block to you receiving all of the just compensation that you deserve. We look forward to hearing from you soon!