In September 2024, I cracked my top right premolar while eating. My dentist told me the tooth couldn’t be saved, so he extracted it for a dental implant. The numbing injections he used were intense, and I left the appointment with a burning, tingling sensation on my tongue and the roof of my mouth. That sensation lingers to this day.
Despite repeatedly telling my dentist about the burning during each follow-up visit, he dismissed it as thrush and prescribed a medicated rinse. He assured me the sensation would pass, but it never did. By October, he said I was ready for the implant crown. When he tried to place it, I was in such intense pain that he stopped midway and gave me additional anesthetic injections. That alone should have raised red flags.
Later that winter, the crown fell off. I still had persistent burning in my mouth. A different dentist examined the area and found the implant was infected. Removing it required surgical intervention, including a full-thickness incision and additional bone grafting. At that point, I was done with implants.
My new dentist placed a three-tooth bridge to restore the area. However, my mouth still burns. What can I do to get a refund and compensation for pain and suffering? Thanks. Darla from NV
Darla
The trouble getting numb during your dental visit likely came from high levels of anxiety. Stress can also contribute to physical symptoms, including a burning sensation. While burning mouth syndrome isn’t fully understood, it’s often connected to negative or painful dental procedures. Your dentist’s claim that it was thrush—especially since your symptoms didn’t go away—was likely incorrect.
What Went Wrong with Your Dental Implant?
Implant placement is a specialized skill, and not every general dentist is properly trained for it. From what you’ve described, your dentist likely made several key mistakes:
- Misidentifying burning mouth symptoms
- Improperly attaching the crown
- The crown loosening
- The eventual failure of the implant
Based on the severe pain you described when the first dentist placed the crown, it sounds like too much pressure may have been applied. That could have weakened the implant’s attachment to the bone, leading to its eventual failure.
These issues indicate poor technique. That said, proving malpractice would require a second dentist to review your case and confirm the errors.
Do You Have Legal Options for Failed Dental Work?
Dental malpractice lawsuits can be challenging to pursue because they don’t usually result in high financial settlements. This makes it hard to find an attorney. You could go to small claims court on your own, but you would still need a dental expert to back up your claim.
What Can You Do Next?
If legal action isn’t feasible, there are still meaningful steps you can take. These won’t guarantee compensation, but they may encourage the dentist to offer a refund or acknowledge fault:
- Report your experience to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners
- Contact your dental insurance provider (if applicable) and share your concerns
- Request a partial refund, keeping your expectations realistic
It’s often difficult to prove exactly why an implant failed. However, the detached crown and misdiagnosis are more concrete issues—and could give you some leverage.
Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Read our financial policies for options to pay for dental treatment.