I was born without a full set of adult teeth. I have only 1 molar on each side at the bottom and no pre-molars. About 3 years ago one molar became non-viable and had to be removed. I had an implant fitted privately. It cost me £2500 and the implantologist said it would outlive me. I’m in my mid-40s now and was very happy with it.
About 5 weeks ago I noticed it felt slightly wobbly. Went back to see him and he determined that the internal screw had dethreaded and I would need that replaced. He said the implant itself was embedded in the jaw as it should be. He was not going to be around for 3 weeks but would order it and he refitted it. It was looser than it had been but comfortable. Due to a busy diary I was booked in 6 weeks later.
Over the past 4 weeks it has become looser by the day, becoming painful and eventually meaning I could not chew food. Yesterday it was barely hanging in there when I woke up and I could see metal very clearly. When I sneezed later that morning it flew out, including the implant that was supposed to be embedded in the jaw. I called and he’s seeing me this morning as an emergency. I’ve googled and am now fearing needing a bone graft/worst case scenario. The remaining molar is 90% filling and will fail eventually. No molars = no chewing food. This terrifies me.
I was charged £60 for the last appointment. If I do need the whole thing re-done should I be expecting to pay full whack or should the implantologist take any responsibility for the implant apparently failing?