Can’t Obtain Implant Patient’s Information for Restorative Work: What Should I Do?

Last Updated: Apr 25, 2010

Dr. C asks:
I am having a dilemma trying to restore implants placed by another dentist. Patient was unhappy with treatment with previous dentist and was referred to me by a mutual family physician.

I have made numerous attempts by phone and certified mail to obtain the patient’s information from the previous dentist. I am unable to get previous dentist on the phone because he is no longer with the practice and the owner dentist is on medical leave. The patient tried to get copies of his chart and he was told they lost it.

My question is what do I do at this point to try to help my patient. Anyone else every experience this? What can I do? thanks.

5 Comments on Can’t Obtain Implant Patient’s Information for Restorative Work: What Should I Do?

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Carlos Boudet, DDS

10/25/2010

Dr C At what stage is the implant patient? Are the implants uncovered? The first thing you have to do is obvious: Get the patient in the chair, do your clinical exam, take the necessary x-rays and evaluate the patient to determine the next step. Once you take some x-rays you may find that the implants are easily recognizable such as Straumann or Zimmer tapered screwvent, etc... If you don't recognize them, send the radiographs to some of your colleagues for identification, or try to find a match using this website: whatimplantisthat.com (this may be the hard way). Good luck.

Fabio Manuel Filannino

10/26/2010

Try this website. Good luck! http://www.whatimplantisthat.com/index.php

David Nelson DDS

10/26/2010

I HATE to say this, but if the dentist is a total JERK about the implant info, suggest the patient charge the dentist with a HIPPA violation to obtain the records. I'll bet they will find the chart real quickly, or at least what implant sysem was being used in the office. Hey we all will have breakdowns in the patient relationship - let them go in peace - with the MFG, implant Diameter/platform etc.

Dr. FGS

10/27/2010

One more suggestion: uncover the implant, remove cover screw, measure and photograph the head of the implant, speak with your lab tech or post photos and radiographs here for more guidance. By the way, it is HIPAA, not HIPPA as is often mistakenly stated.

drkimsey

11/24/2010

State boards don't like this

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