Woman in her 60s says Shenzhen implants grew from one to six and damaged a nerve; two corrective operations in Hong Kong
According to The Collective, a woman in her 60s had been told by a Hong Kong dentist that her jawbone was too narrow for implants. She went to a Shenzhen clinic, paid RMB 2,000 for a surgical guide, and at a later visit was asked to pay RMB 20,000 as the plan grew from one implant to six, which she says she did not properly agree to. Afterwards her face was numb and swollen; after two corrective operations at a Hong Kong dental hospital she was diagnosed with nerve damage. She can no longer wear dentures and cuts food with scissors. The clinic reportedly refused compensation, saying the surgery succeeded and no nerve was involved.
What it means for you
A treatment plan that suddenly grows, with payment demanded on the spot, is a signal to stop and think.
Editors' take: the background
Before implants, the width and height of the jawbone and the position of nerves are usually assessed with a 3D scan (CBCT). If there is not enough bone, bone grafting, a different treatment or no implant may be the answer.
A lower-jaw implant placed too close to the inferior alveolar nerve can cause numbness of the lower lip or chin. If numbness persists after surgery, get assessed quickly and collect your records and images.
How to protect yourself
- Get the scope and price in writing beforehand
- You can refuse a plan that grows on the day; don't pay on the spot
- See a dentist quickly if numbness persists, and collect your records and X-rays
Source: The Collective
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
One dentist says no to implants, another says yes. Who do I believe?
Ask both to explain their reasoning using the scan images, including bone volume, nerve position and alternatives such as a bridge or denture, then decide.
Can I refuse if the treatment plan grows on the day?
Yes. Scope and price should be agreed in writing beforehand. Don't pay on the spot for new items; go home to think or get a second opinion.
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