Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for March 2016

Will going to a dental school make dental implants more affordable?

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I’m pretty discouraged. I really want to get dental implants to replace the teeth I had in an accident. I’ve been trying with removable partial dentures, but I can’t stand them. The only problem is I cannot afford the dental implants. I’ve gone to dental schools before to get affordable fillings. Do you think I could do the same for implants? I know that is not as simple a procedure, so I’m not sure and wanted a dentists opinion.

Nick M. – San Diego

Nick,

I know the temptation to go for the most affordable dental implants is great, but I’m hesitant to say, “Yeah, go for it!” and here’s why. Like you said, dental implants are an advanced procedure and even the most skilled dentists have a 98% success rate. That means even they have cases that fail. The less experience and skill, the higher the chance of dental implant failure.

You have a couple of choices:

  1. Determine if you think the cost savings is worth the risk. If you go this route, get in writing what kind of recourse you have in the case of complications or implant failure.
  2. Go to an established, skilled dentist and ask to pay it out in stages. There are many great dentists who will work with people in your situation.

Ultimately, it is your budget and smile, therefore your decision. I wish you great success in whichever you decide.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

Don’t want to be lectured by dentist

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I haven’t been to the dentist in years. I’m having a problem with one of my teeth now. I know that is my fault, but I don’t really want to get a lecture from the dentist. If I liked them, I’d go. I don’t. How do I avoid a preachy dentist?

Marcus G. – Little Rock, AR

Marcus,

First, because you are currently having a problem, you’ll need to see a dentist right away. My suggestion is you get to an emergency dentist. You likely have a tooth infection, which will spread to other parts of your body.

It’s hard to know what a dentist’s chairside manner will be like without visiting with them, but one thing I would suggest is looking for emergency dentists that specifically mention treating fearful patients.

If they mention options for fearful patients on their site, then they’re likely not going to judge or lecture you. They understand what it means to have dental anxiety.

Some, like Dr. Perry, even specifically mention on their site that you won’t be judged or lectured.  So, you might look for something to that effect as well.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.