Millions failed by dental implants as lack of training for dentists exposed | CBS 5 Investigates

Millions failed by dental implants as lack of training for dentists exposed | CBS 5 Investigates

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Dental implants are marketed with the promise to change your smile and provide a new sense of self-confidence, but as implants surge in popularity, so do injuries. Last year alone, reports of problems with dental implants reached nearly a half million. 

Any general dentist can place implants. However, there is no universal requirement that dental students have to perform a dental implant procedure as part of their training. Seeking additional training before performing the procedure on patients is optional and up to the discretion of the dentist.






examples of dental implants

The “implant” portion is a screw-like device drilled into the jawbone.




Imagine a student driver passing an exam and being handed their driver’s license without being required to physically drive a car first. Reports of problems with dental implants passed 3.1 million over a 25-year period.

Recently though, a surge in those reports is raising the question of whether enough is being done to protect patients. Analyzing yearly data, there were less than 13,000 reports of problems in 2018. In 2021, reports skyrocketed to 477,823. More than 98% of the reports are categorized as injuries to the patients. The remaining reports fall under device malfunctions. The most frequently reported problem was implants failing to bond or losing the bond with the bone. When that happens, the implant is removed.






Dental implants adverse events

Recently though, a surge in reported dental implants adverse events is raising the question of whether enough is being done to protect patients. 




Reports of problems are found in an FDA database known as MAUDE, which stands for Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience. The information in MAUDE is available to the public but difficult to access. The surge in reports may have continued to go unnoticed if it wasn’t for a former FDA employee.

Madris Kinard is the founder and CEO of Device Events, a company that specializes in searching the government database. In 2021 she discovered dental implants have more reports of problems than any other medical device. “These are catastrophic failures we’re seeing,” says Kinard.

The purpose of MAUDE is to monitor and track issues with medical devices. However, the reports are often incomplete and provide limited information. Kinard has studied the reports and points out, “What we fail to see is the outcome for the patients. What did the patient go through? Did they have to get multiple bone grafts to replace the bone? Did they lose the tooth and never have the ability to replace it?”

Dental implants are composed of three parts. The “implant” portion is a screw-like device drilled into the jawbone. A second piece, called an abutment, connects the implant to the replacement tooth or sets of teeth.






Dental implant labels

Dental implants are composed of three parts.




According to the FDA, the increase in reported problems with dental implants is associated with a surge in the popularity and availability of the medical devices. Advertisements for dental implants seem to be everywhere, touting individuals with

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Smile Saving Dentistry – 3 Modern Methods That’ll Keep Your Teeth in Tip Top Shape

Smile Saving Dentistry – 3 Modern Methods That’ll Keep Your Teeth in Tip Top Shape

Who doesn’t love a beautiful, healthy smile and the confidence it exudes? However, for many people, keeping those pearly whites in tip-top shape can be a challenge. A routine trip to the dentist can seem like a nightmare for individuals who suffer from panic attacks or dental anxiety. Still, others may be too embarrassed about their cracked, missing, or discolored teeth or feel dental procedures are too expensive to afford, thereby skipping routine check-ups. The great news is that dentistry has evolved over the past few years with modern methods and safe, terrific new techniques that can relax anxiousness and ensure almost anyone can have the smile they desire.  Read on to learn more about three methods of modern dentistry that will ensure you keep your routine exams and your teeth in tip-top shape.

Bye-Bye Panic Attacks – Hello Sedation Therapy

There’s no reason to suffer dental anxiety any longer. After an assessment and based on your tolerances and health requirements, your dental provider can administer sedation therapy. Sedation therapy ranges from specific prescribed anti-anxiety medication, laughing-gas or, even I-V therapy. Sedation therapy allows you to relax while the procedure is performed precisely and promptly.

Dental Implants – Just Like Real Teeth

Dental implants are designed to be just as strong and durable as your natural teeth and can last up to a lifetime in many cases. Unlike uncomfortable dentures that can pinch, lose their grip and, slip, even after the glue has been applied, dental implants are embedded into the bone, ensuring they never move around; and they’re virtually undetectable and look like your natural teeth. Dental implants have become more affordable in recent years, and financing is usually available. When researching dental implant cost Rockaway Beach NY be sure to inquire about their procedures and payment options.

A Quieter Dental Drill

Say goodbye to those loud old screeching dental drills, which have primarily been replaced by quieter dental devices that’ll leave your ears and your nerves quite happy. 

As you can see, various new techniques make it easy to get the smile you desire.… Read More...

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Investigation reveals nearly 3 million reports of problems with dental implants | CBS 5 Investigates

Investigation reveals nearly 3 million reports of problems with dental implants | CBS 5 Investigates

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The confines of her tiny apartment are both her refuge and her prison. Wisps of essential oils mist up from a glass diffuser. Crystals hanging in the single living room window reflect small rainbows, creating a hippy chic and soothing vibe. The efforts to create a comfortable environment are clear, but the harsh reality is, Ginger Peters feels she’s spent the last 11 years of her life dying a slow death.

Describing the 58-year-old as frail is an understatement. The slightest physical exertion, even showering, leaves her exhausted. Her current physical condition is a stark change from the once athletic woman who surfed and skied. At her lowest weight, the 5’9″ blond dropped to just 85 pounds, her flesh stretched across her protruding bones.

Peters says her life fell apart after a dentist convinced her to pull 22 teeth and replace them with dental implants. She says he told her it would help her recover from Valley fever. (Note: Health care professionals contacted during this investigation said they had not heard of pulling teeth to treat Valley fever.)

Dental implants consist of three parts. The base, considered the “implant,” is a screw-like piece that is drilled into the jawbone. The implant acts as “the root” of the artificial tooth. An abutment is a middle piece that attaches the implant base to the artificial tooth or teeth.






drawing of dental implant

A drawing of what a dental implant looks like.







example of dental implant

Dr. Terry Work shows components of dental implants.




Peters says her new sets of teeth, both upper and lower, never fit correctly. Instead of locking into place, Peters’ artificial teeth fall out and move around in her mouth, leaving her unable to chew food.

A stack of medical records provided by Peters shows at least one of her doctors has linked a wide range of health and digestive problems to her implants and her inability to eat. However, no one has pinpointed why Peters has ongoing pain, infections, rashes on her face and neck and sores and inflammation in her mouth. Peters’ case is extreme but problems with dental implants are not uncommon.

Nearly 3 million reports of problems

A surge of reports of problems with dental implants may have remained almost impossible to find if it wasn’t for a former FDA data analyst. After leaving the FDA, Madris Kinard started Device Events. Her company specializes in searching through data in the FDA’s MAUDE database, which contains reports of the problems with medical devices reported to the FDA. MAUDE stands for Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience.






Madris Kinard

After leaving the FDA, Madris Kinard started Device Events.




MAUDE can be cumbersome and difficult to search, producing only 500 reports at a time. Kinard’s software sorts through millions of reports in seconds, allowing her to compile data that may take other researchers weeks to gather. Searching MAUDE, Kinard discovered dental implants have nearly 3 million reports of problems, more than any other medical device.

Kinard says

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