Implants completed in one week-Free accomodation- Beware!

[david]

A while ago we had a case where a young lady wanted extensive implant work to replace her molars. After reviewing the scan Dr Jaun (Our resident implantologist with thousands of implants placed) recommended two stage conventional implants and some grafting due to bone loss. The grafting was essential for the long-term success of her implants. We advised her that a minimum of three weeks was necessary to complete the first stage of her work which included grafting with Bio-Oss and the placement of the implant body (Screw) In this case we would use medical titanium (Swiss implant system)

The implant body is then left to integrate with the bone for three months ensuring a rock solid integration with the patient then returning for the abutments and implant crowns.

Unfortunately the patient also sent her scans to another Manila clinic who then promised her they would complete the work within a single week using nothing but Mdi mini implants with no mention of bone grafting. Now, Mdi is ok for very selective cases and conditions but in no way was it suitable for this case. The Mdi is a tiny implant and totally unsuitable for replacing molars but unfortunately the patient was lured by the cheaper cost and the promise of completion within one week with free accommodation.

The patient informed us that she was going to another clinic and canceled her booking. We never heard from her again until three months ago when she presented with six failed Mdi Implants. Some of the implants had shifted or snapped. The work was a total failure and had to be done again. This time using the plan of grafting and conventional two stage implants. It may take longer and cost more but, it has now been done correctly.

The patient informed me that she had tried to talk to the clinic in question but they refused to discuss the case or help her in any way.

Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident with this clinic. The Mdi may be great for the first month + and the patient may be pleased with the result and write a wonderful testimony but the problems will surface a month or so down the track.

The Mdi will initially feel solid but there is always a little bone loss around the implant before true integration takes place and as the Mdi is tiny and thin it doesn't take much for it to become mobile. Especially when used to replace a whole molar which under normal chewing conditions is subjected to tremendous forces.

The secret to successful implants is healing time and sufficient bone to hold the implant. If there isn't sufficient bone then grafting is necessary.

We can do a single stage (Single trip) implant using the Straumann Active but a stay of three weeks is still necessary before the abutment and implant crown is fixed. The initial healing period is critical to the success of the implant.

Please don't fall for the promise of cheap mini implants finished in a week. They are doomed to failure. This isn't scare tactics just the facts.

Feel free to disagree, Dr Garcia. We'd be happy to discuss the case.