Sorry if this is a bit gross, but I need advice!
I'm in the process of getting a dental implant, and the oral surgeon said I needed a bone graft first to build up the bone in the area, then I could get the screw implanted after that had healed, then the tooth itself after that.
The bill for the initial operation charged me for 30 minutes of general anaesthetic, then a largeish amount for every 15 minutes thereafter up to about 1 1/2-2 hours (I can't remember now). I was only at there for an hour in total including recovery, but they wouldn't refund any of the general anaesthetic charges, and said that's just what it was. I was annoyed that they charge in increments, then don't give you money back if it doesn't take that long!
Then a couple of months ago (a couple of months after the operation) I had a sliver of bone coming out through my gum, and the oral surgeon just went to yank it out with pliers without telling me what was going on. I freaked out, and wouldn't let him near my mouth until he put numbing gel on it first because I didn't like the idea of having a piece of bone being ripped out of my gum!
Then at my last check up a month ago I got him to look at another lump I had in my gum that I thought was another piece of bone and it turned out to be the titanium screw that's holding the bone graft in place! He said it'd be fine, and if it came through the gum just to keep rinsing with warm salty water. I think it's come out more since, but still hasn't poked through the gum. I can feel it sticking out though, and it's hurting today, so I think it's about to split the gum. I had no idea there was even a titanium screw there, and he didn't tell me whether the screw is permanent or not. I would assume it is, because it would be stuck to the bone now, but then I have no idea if it's going to be there permanently sticking through the gum!
The oral surgeon is a really nice guy, but I feel as though I've had too many problems with them, and am not getting enough information from him about what's going on.
What would you do? Is there anyone with a dental background who can tell me if these problems I've had are normal, or if you think these things shouldn't happen?
Thanks!
I'm in the process of getting a dental implant, and the oral surgeon said I needed a bone graft first to build up the bone in the area, then I could get the screw implanted after that had healed, then the tooth itself after that.
The bill for the initial operation charged me for 30 minutes of general anaesthetic, then a largeish amount for every 15 minutes thereafter up to about 1 1/2-2 hours (I can't remember now). I was only at there for an hour in total including recovery, but they wouldn't refund any of the general anaesthetic charges, and said that's just what it was. I was annoyed that they charge in increments, then don't give you money back if it doesn't take that long!
Then a couple of months ago (a couple of months after the operation) I had a sliver of bone coming out through my gum, and the oral surgeon just went to yank it out with pliers without telling me what was going on. I freaked out, and wouldn't let him near my mouth until he put numbing gel on it first because I didn't like the idea of having a piece of bone being ripped out of my gum!
Then at my last check up a month ago I got him to look at another lump I had in my gum that I thought was another piece of bone and it turned out to be the titanium screw that's holding the bone graft in place! He said it'd be fine, and if it came through the gum just to keep rinsing with warm salty water. I think it's come out more since, but still hasn't poked through the gum. I can feel it sticking out though, and it's hurting today, so I think it's about to split the gum. I had no idea there was even a titanium screw there, and he didn't tell me whether the screw is permanent or not. I would assume it is, because it would be stuck to the bone now, but then I have no idea if it's going to be there permanently sticking through the gum!
The oral surgeon is a really nice guy, but I feel as though I've had too many problems with them, and am not getting enough information from him about what's going on.
What would you do? Is there anyone with a dental background who can tell me if these problems I've had are normal, or if you think these things shouldn't happen?
Thanks!