9002 E Desert Cove Ave., Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Everything That Could Go Wrong With an Unqualified Dentist

Implants problems? No problem.

April 29, 2025

Dental implants are life-changing — they restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence. But in the hands of an unqualified dentist, they can quickly turn into a nightmare.

We’ve seen it all. Patients walk through our doors every week with failed implants, botched surgeries, painful complications, or just that gut feeling that “something isn’t right.” And in most cases, the problem often stems from one root cause: an unqualified or careless dentist.

This article is here to help you understand exactly what can go wrong when your dentist doesn’t have the skill, training, or judgment to get the job done right. Whether you’re researching dental implants or you’re trying to fix a bad experience, you’re not alone, and there are solutions.

Defining "Unqualified": It's More Than Just No License

When we talk about an “unqualified dentist,” the immediate image might be someone operating without any legal right to practice. And while that’s a serious concern, the spectrum of being unqualified extends further. It includes:

Completely unlicensed individuals: These are people who perform dental procedures without any formal training or oversight.
Dentists practicing outside their specialty: A general dentist might attempt a complex implant surgery without the specialized training a periodontist or oral surgeon possesses.
Dentists with suspended or revoked licenses: These individuals have lost their right to practice due to ethical violations or incompetence.
Individuals with inadequate education or training: Even with a license, insufficient training in advanced procedures, such as implantology, can lead to errors.
Practitioners using outdated or unsterilized equipment: Compromising hygiene standards puts patients at serious risk of infection.

Recognizing an unqualified practitioner isn’t always straightforward. They might present themselves convincingly, which is why vigilance and asking the right questions are crucial for every patient.

The Immediate Dangers: Pain, Infection, and Procedures Gone Wrong

The immediate aftermath of treatment by an unqualified dentist can be distressing and even dangerous:

Pain Management Nightmares: Proper anesthesia is critical in dentistry. An unqualified person might administer insufficient anesthesia, leading to agonizing pain during procedures. Conversely, improper administration can result in serious complications.
Infection, A Serious Threat: Without strict adherence to sterilization protocols, the risk of infection skyrockets. Non-sterile tools can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses (like hepatitis or HIV), and even antibiotic-resistant superbugs like MRSA into your body. Untreated dental infections can spread quickly, leading to severe illness.
Botched Procedures with Lasting Impact: An incorrect diagnosis from someone lacking the proper knowledge can lead to unnecessary or even harmful treatments. Fillings that don’t seal properly, crowns and bridges that don’t fit, and extractions performed without the necessary surgical skill can all result in chronic pain, discomfort, and further damage to your oral health.

Long-Term Consequences: When Mistakes Become Permanent

The mistakes made by an unqualified dentist can have far-reaching and irreversible consequences:

Nerve Damage, a Life-Altering Injury: Procedures like extractions and implant placement can be delicate. If performed incorrectly, they can cause permanent nerve damage, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in your face, lips, or tongue. This can significantly impact your ability to speak, eat, and enjoy life. Implants not feeling right? This could be a sign of nerve involvement due to improper placement.
Structural Damage, Weakening Your Smile’s Foundation: Aggressive or poorly executed treatments can weaken healthy teeth, making them prone to fracture or further decay. An incorrect bite alignment can lead to painful Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, chronic headaches, and persistent jaw pain. Damage to the jawbone itself during surgery can complicate future treatment.
Cosmetic Disasters, a Smile You Can’t Hide: When it comes to procedures aimed at improving your smile, like veneers or implants, an unqualified practitioner can deliver results that look unnatural or even disfiguring. Not happy with your dental implants? Poor placement can lead to an unnatural appearance and functional issues.
Financial Burden, Paying for Someone Else’s Mistakes: Perhaps one of the most frustrating long-term consequences is the financial strain of correcting substandard work. You could pay significantly more to a qualified professional to fix the damage caused by someone unqualified. Failed implant? Correcting these issues often requires specialized expertise and additional costs.

The Psychological Toll: Fear, Anxiety, and a Loss of Trust

Beyond the physical and financial burdens, a negative experience with an unqualified dentist can take a significant psychological toll:

Developing Dental Phobia: A painful or traumatic experience can lead to or worsen dental anxiety, making it difficult to seek necessary care in the future, even from qualified professionals. Trouble with a previous dentist? You’re not alone in feeling apprehensive about future treatment.
Loss of Trust: After one bad experience, many patients avoid care altogether. They’re afraid of being hurt again—or being misled. It’s why we’ve built our practice on transparency, honesty, and patient education. We take time to explain every option and never push treatments you don’t need. Your trust is something we earn, not assume.

Emotional Distress and Reduced Confidence: Living with chronic pain, a disfigured smile, or ongoing dental problems can lead to emotional distress, depression, and a significant loss of self-esteem. You deserve dental implants that feel and function like they should. Let us make it right.

Red Flags: How to Spot Someone Who Might Be Unqualified

Protecting yourself starts with recognizing the warning signs:

No Visible Licenses or Credentials: A legitimate dental practice will prominently display licenses and certifications.
Unusually Low Prices: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Quality care involves a significant investment in training and materials.
Poor Hygiene and Cleanliness: A dirty or disorganized clinic is a major red flag for infection control.
Hesitation to Answer Questions: A qualified dentist will be transparent about their qualifications and procedures.
Pressure for Immediate Treatment: Rushing into complex procedures without proper evaluation is concerning.
Negative Reviews or Lack of Online Presence: While not foolproof, consistently negative feedback online should raise concerns.
Outdated or Poorly Maintained Equipment: Modern, well-maintained equipment is essential for accurate and safe treatment.
Lack of Proper PPE: Dentists and their staff should always use the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and eye protection.

Protecting Yourself: Your Due Diligence Matters

Choosing the right dental professional is a critical decision:

Verify Credentials: Check your state’s dental board website to confirm the dentist’s license is valid and in good standing.
Seek Recommendations: Ask trusted friends, family, or your primary care physician for referrals.
Read Reviews: Look at online reviews on reputable platforms to get a sense of other patients’ experiences.
Schedule a Consultation: Meet with the dentist before committing to treatment. Assess their communication style and the clinic environment.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about their training, experience with specific procedures (such as dental implants), and infection control protocols. If you’ve had a bad dental implant experience, you’re not alone. We’ve helped fix failed implants—and we’re ready to help you.

Here’s How We Stand Apart

At Total Freedom Dental Implant Center, we’ve seen the damage caused by rushed, impersonal, or unqualified care. That’s why we do things differently—on purpose.

Experience You Can Trust: Led by Dr. Gerald L. Kaiser, a nationally recognized implant dentist with decades of experience, our team focuses exclusively on dental implants. We don’t dabble—we specialize.
Patient-First Philosophy: We believe in doing what’s right for each patient, even if that means recommending against a procedure. Our consultations are transparent, pressure-free, and built on trust.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Every smile is different. We offer fully customized implant treatment plans, using advanced digital technology to ensure your results are both functional and natural-looking.
Leading-Edge Technology: From digital design to same-day placement through our 24-Hour Teeth Protocol, we utilize the most modern tools to ensure comfort, precision, and long-lasting results.
No Upselling, Just Honesty: We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need. We’re here to give you clear answers, real solutions, and the confidence to move forward with care that’s actually right for you.

Your Smile and Health Are Priceless – Choose Wisely (and Know You Have Options)

The potential consequences of entrusting your dental health to an unqualified individual are significant and can have lasting impacts on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Your smile is an integral part of who you are, and your overall health deserves the best care.

We understand that sometimes things go wrong. Failed implant? Complications? We’ve seen it all—and fixed it. Trust the team that other patients turn to when things go wrong. We don’t judge—we just fix. If you’ve experienced issues with a previous dental implant or are concerned about the quality of care you received elsewhere, we’re here to help you move forward.

Don’t let a bad experience be the end of your journey to a healthy, confident smile. We specialize in correcting mistakes made by other dentists and providing the expert care you deserve. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today. Let us help you understand your options and make things right. Your peace of mind and your smile are worth it.

Why Total Freedom?

Total Freedom is a custom solution and one of the most well recognized dental implants providers in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

We’re about providing the treatment that best fits you. That could mean a full set of new teeth. It could mean fewer implants than you anticipated. It could mean you don’t require any implants at all. When we can save the teeth you have, that’s what we recommend.

Restore Your Confidence

People travel from all over the country to Arizona for consultations and treatment with Dr. Kaiser. It’s unquestionably worth the trip.

Whether you’re seeking a first or second opinion, or even if you decide to choose another dental provider, a consultation with Dr. Kaiser will provide you with invaluable insights into your unique dental situation and the available options. You won’t be disappointed.