Baton Rouge Dentist

If I can’t afford All-on-4, what are my options?

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I have been looking for implant dentures and saw a dentist who said he would do All-on-4 implants for me. I asked him for options, but he said that is my only recommendation. His cost is over $25,000, which is impossible for me to pay. If I cannot get implant dentures, what else is left? Thank you. Franklin from GA

Franklin,

We are concerned about a dentist who only recommends one type of treatment and does not offer options. For example, did the dentist examine your teeth and take a CT scan before recommending All-on-4 implants? All-on-4 is a technique that allows some patients to get implant dentures without bone grafting. But it does not work for everyone.

Implant Denture Alternatives to All-on-4

You can find a skilled implant dentist who offers affordable alternatives to All-on-4. Some alternatives include:

  • Snap-on denture – Two standard implants support your denture. A dentist will place the implants toward the front of your mouth. And your denture base will snap onto the implants.
  • Mini implants – Two or more many implants can stabilize your denture. But their support is not as strong as standard implants. Still, the risk is lower than All-on-4 implants, which require specialized skill and specific use.

If You Need Bone Grafting

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Ask an implant dentist about affordable implant options

If you need bone grafting because your jawbone levels are low, a dentist may recommend All-on-4 to prevent the need for grafting. But it is not your only option.

  • Depending on your case, you may have a better outcome if you agree to bone grafting.
  • Expect to three to four months of healing time before your dentist can place the implants.
  • A skilled implant dentist will explain the results you can expect with a snap-on denture vs. mini implants.

Schedule a Consultation

Although you cannot afford All-on-4, it does not mean that you cannot get implant dentures. Schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist to discuss alternatives that cost less. Before a dentist can offer definite treatment options, you will need an exam and a CT scan. The CT scan will measure your bone volume and help the dentist see your oral cavities to plan for precise implant placement.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

 

My dentist is lying about why my new denture won’t stay in

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My dentist is lying about why my new denture won’t stay in. I chose my dentist because he said he could give me a denture that fits well. I had all my upper teeth extracted seven years ago and got a denture that I didn’t like. I decided to find a new dentist to replace it, but I made the wrong choice.

My dentist took an impression, did a wax bite, and two wax try-ins. After the second wax try-in, I told my dentist that it was too loose. He replied that the try-in is about the teeth, not the fit. When I received the new denture, guess what? It was loose like the second wax try-in. I took a deep breath and told my dentist that it was unacceptable. He ignored me. He said that my gums need time to adjust, and he asked me to return in a week. Of course, nothing changed. I told him that the denture doesn’t stay in long enough for me to know if I like it.

Next lie. My dentist now says my bite was off. He ground on my denture a few times and kept checking my bite. It didn’t work. What’s next? Fixodent. Really? I could do that at home. I don’t know how I kept my calm, but my dentist told me to come back in another week. When I got home, I saw how rough he was with my denture. Now 3 of the molar teeth are almost flat. And did I overhear him say that I might need a reline? Another lie?

I’m convinced that my dentist is lying, that he knows he didn’t get the impression right, and he keeps making up lies instead of saying that he permanently messed up my denture. He doesn’t want to do a new denture for free. I’m no fool, and I’m not going for the Fixodent lie, the relining lie, or any other lie. I’m in $1300 deep and have a denture with almost-flat molar teeth. Pat M. from MS

Pat,

Although your dentist made many mistakes, the problem with your denture not staying in can probably be resolved with relining it.

Let us review your description of the events:

If you told us everything your dentist did to make your dentures, he skipped a couple of steps that he learned in dental school. Unfortunately, shortcuts are common. Some dentists cut costs by skipping steps. Usually, the result is a suitable denture. But your denture doesn’t fit well. And relining it can take care of that even if your dentist didn’t get the impression right.

Dental Impressions for Dentures

A two-step impression results in an accurate fit. Some dentists take a three-step impression:

  • A preliminary impression with alginate
  • A model of the jaw
  • A custom tray made from the model

But the next steps are essential:

  • Use a heavier impression material to register the borders of the denture and maximize suction
  • Use a light-body material to fill the interior of the impression and register the details of the soft tissue

If a dentist shortens the step and uses a medium-body material, the dentist will save chair time and cost, and you’ll get a decent denture.

Your Denture Reline and Wax Try-In

  • Your dentist will likely use your denture as a custom tray for a more accurate impression.
  • You can ask him to use a two-step impression.
  • Your gums don’t need to adjust to a new denture; your dentist needs to get the impression right.
  • The purpose of the wax try-in is to check the position of the denture teeth and ensure you like your smile.

What If the Reline Doesn’t Work?

Diagram of snap-on dentures; affordable dental implants
Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

You might need a new denture. Think about your long-term oral health and budgeting so that you can get a few dental implants to secure your denture and prevent it from slipping around. Your dentist still needs to ensure your denture fits well—with or without implants. Speak with a skilled implant dentist about your options.

What About Your Shortened Molar Teeth?

That’s still an issue. Ask your dentist to check your bite after he relines your dentures. Don’t accept a bite that’s off. It can lead to jaw pain, neck pain, and headaches. Insist that your dentist gets it right.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

 

Tooth Replacement for Teenagers – Understanding the Options

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After two unsuccessful root canals, my daughter is having her left front tooth extracted. She fell skateboarding, and the tooth can’t be saved. After the extraction, is a flipper, a Maryland bridge, or something else best for her. What about a mini implant? Also, I’m concerned about the oral surgeon removing the entire tooth ligament and potentially toxic materials she will use and how it will affect my daughter in the long term. My daughter is 13 years old. What questions should I ask the surgeon? Thanks. Faith from Fayetteville, AK

Faith,

It’s common for people to say that an oral surgeon suggested replacing a front tooth with a Maryland bridge until a young person’s jawbone growth is complete and they can receive a dental implant. Why should dental implants be placed in fully developed jawbone?

  • Natural teeth move as the jawbone develops, but dental implants don’t.
  • Eventually, the vertical position of natural teeth and the implant won’t match.
  • As teeth shift, pressure from the dental implant might affect their growth and position.
Diagram of a standard implant (left) and a mini implant (right)
Although mini implants are more affordable, standard implants offer more stability

In some cases, a dentist might use a mini implant for a small tooth. But they are commonly used to support dentures. In your daughter’s case, a dental implant is best in her late teen years when jawbone growth is complete. At that time, an implant dentist will use a standard implant to replace her front tooth. Standard implants are strong enough to withstand the force of biting with front teeth.

Concerns About Extraction

When a surgeon or dentist removes a tooth, the periodontal ligament usually comes out with it. If the dentist doesn’t remove the ligament, your body will resorb it. Surgeons and dentists don’t use any toxic materials during an extraction.

Dental Flipper vs Maryland Bridge

An overview of each treatment option can help you decide what’s best for our daughter’s oral health and the appearance of her smile.

Dental flipper

A dental flipper, or a flipper partial, is inexpensive and will look good. A flipper can be made with our without metal clasps that clip over teeth. Although a child might lose the flipper, you can purchase several of them for the cost of a single Maryland bridge.

Maryland bridge

Often, a dentist needs to prepare the adjacent healthy teeth to keep a Maryland bridge in place. Drilling will leave permanent marks on your daughter’s teeth. Although the oral surgeon views the bridge as a temporary form of tooth replacement, it has lasting effects on supporting teeth. If your dentist can position a Maryland bridge without preparing adjacent teeth, it will be difficult to remove it without damaging those teeth. A metal Maryland bridge is attached to the backs of adjacent teeth. The metal will show through and make your daughter’s teeth look dark.

Coordinate your daughter’s care with your dentist and the oral surgeon. If your general or family dentist doesn’t have advanced cosmetic dentistry training, you suggest that you schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. The cosmetic dentist will discuss options for an affordable, natural-looking form of tooth replacement.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Dentures or Dental Implants?

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After losing 7 teeth within a year, I finally got the courage to visit the dentist. She diagnosed me with advanced periodontal disease. My case is out of her hands, and she is referring me to a periodontist. Although I’ve neglected dental appointments all my life, the good news is that I am fortunate to have employment and good dental coverage. I don’t know what to expect with a periodontist, and my dentist hinted that I should save my questions for the expert. I still would like to know if my gumline is slow are both dentures and dental implants an option for me? I’m only 51 years old, and I prefer not to have full dentures. – Kinston from GA

Kinston,

Your dentist is wise to refer to a periodontist to treat your gum disease. The periodontist will evaluate your medical and dental history before recommending any form of tooth replacement.

Factors that can affect your options

  • Advanced gum disease– Healthy gums are essential for healing around the implant for a snug fit. Diseased gums will interfere will the healing process.
  • Bone loss – You need enough bone volume to support dental implants. Advanced gum disease spreads to the bone and can deteriorate it. Additionally, missing teeth result in bone resorption. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you might need bone grafting first.
  • Your physical health – Certain autoimmune diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. Your body must be healthy enough to promote healing, so the implants and your jawbone will fuse.

Removable dentures

Removable complete dentures will decrease your chewing efficiency. They are not stable, and they can lift or slip.

Implant overdentures

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Implant overdentures are affordable and will stabilize your dentures

Although it might not be possible or practical for you to receive individual dental implants, your dentist can secure a denture to two or more dental implants. Implants make dentures look and feel more like your natural teeth. Your dentist can snap—or screw—the denture onto dental implants. Any option that includes dental implants will give you a healthier and more attractive smile.

Best wishes for a steady recovery and healing from periodontal disease.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

 

What to Do If New Dental Crowns Left a Gap Between Your Teeth

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I have more teeth missing than I have left. I’m so frustrated that if anything else goes wrong, I’m going to get implants dentures and forget about trying to save any more teeth. I’ve always had a slight gap between my teeth, but now it’s noticeable. My dentist used crowns that are too small, and now whenever I eat, food gets stuck between them. Right after he placed the crowns, he had me look at them and sign an agreement that I liked them. It was a rushed process that I should have refused. Now what?

Diagram of snap-on dentures; affordable dental implants
Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

If food regularly gets caught between your teeth, it’s not just uncomfortable—bacteria will grow and lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If your dentist doesn’t correct the issue, you can get an infection in your gums or teeth that results in tooth loss. Although you might feel like giving up and getting implant dentures, it’s best to save your teeth if it’s possible to do so without compromising your oral or overall health. If you need dentures, dental implants will help them feel and look natural.

Although your dentist asked you to sign a document stating that you liked your crowns, he is still responsible for ensuring they are healthy.

Protocol for Healthy Crowns

When a cosmetic dentist provides new crowns, before cementing them, he or she takes the following precautions:

  • Temporarily cement the crowns on your teeth
  • Check the way your upper and lower teeth contact each other
  • Determine if he or she needs to adjust your bite
  • Ensure your smile is aesthetically pleasing

Talk with your dentist about your concerns and assume that he will want to correct the issue and ensure you like your smile. Your dentist will likely need to replace one—if not both—of your crowns. Don’t compromise. Poorly fitting crowns will cause problems in the future, and you’ll still need to address the issue. Don’t wait for your oral health to decline—schedule time to talk with your dentist.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Can I Use Super Glue to Fix My Smile?

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Hi,

My teeth have been loose for ages. One even fell out at the root! I have been gluing my teeth back in place with super glue. However, it smells terrible and has started burning the inside of my mouth. I cannot keep living like this. I want to have a normal life again, and a normal smile.

Hugo from Kansas City, KS

 

Hi there Hugo,

Teeth only begin to fall out at the root in severely advanced cases of periodontal disease (gum disease). With such a case of periodontitis, the only solution is seeing a dentist. At this point, your dentist would probably recommend bone grafts and dental implants as a solution. Getting dental implants would ease the amount of bone loss to the jaw, and give you your smile back.

Super glue will hold a tooth in place inside the mouth, but only for a short time. After that, the tooth will start to wiggle again. It will not stay, as super glue is not a permanent solution.

For a truly beautiful smile, see a cosmetic dentist. A skilled cosmetic dentist can provide you with dental implants or aesthetic dentures, whichever is best for your situation. However, be sure to factor in the cost of materials and surgery when deciding to get implants. Most cosmetic dentists can provide dental payment plans for patients in need of care but lacking funds. However, a general dentist can also provide a practical, less costly solution.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

 

Where Can I Find the Cost of Dental Procedures?

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Hello there,

Why don’t dentists post their procedure costs online? I don’t want to waste my time with a dentist if I can’t afford their fees. I’d like to compare prices online before booking an appointment.

Simone, from Maine.

 

Hi Simone,

Most dentists don’t post their information online. Posting their prices can make a dentist appear “cheap” or “low quality”. Higher fees don’t mean higher quality, but a dentist willing to adjust prices by changing materials or cutting corners may not be the highest quality, either.

If a dentist doesn’t post their prices online, you can call the office and ask. Calling a few offices around your area and asking the costs of common procedures can help you find an affordable dentist. Doing so can help you determine the going rate in your area, and avoid any dentists that cost too much. Checking prices multi-surface composite fillings or crowns on posterior teeth or routine cleanings are a good place to start.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dentist and dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Why did my dental implant fail?

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I am in desperate need of dental implants that are affordable. I consulted several dentists, but had succumbed to the idea that my only affordable choice was a partial denture. Not all of the dentists I met with suggested this. Some advised that I needed dental bridges, and one even suggested I needed surgery. I finally landed on a dentist who said he could provide me with affordable dental implants, with no prior surgery. It never occurred to me that I should have questioned this, seeing as none of the other dentists made this suggestion. Therefore, I proceeded with his treatment plan and received the implants. Unfortunately, they have been problematic from the beginning. In fact, one of them fell out completely! Is this typical or did I receive sub-par treatment? The dentist states that there is no way to anticipate problems like this, and sometimes dental implants fail. Is this the case, or did I have the wool pulled over my eyes?

Thank you,
Mandy

Dear Mandy,

The affordability of the implants is not as important to answering your question as is the skill level of the dentist. The success rate of a procedure such as this can be as high as 98%. However, this statistic varies greatly based on the skill and experience of the dentist.

No, a dental implant completely falling out is not common. If no other symptoms accompanied this issue, the signs point to the implant not having adequate time to complete integrate with the bone before the crown was placed. This is called osseointegration, and generally takes six to nine months to be fully complete.

It is possible that your dentist did everything correctly, yet your body rejected the false tooth. This has happened before and there is no way to predict to whom it will happen. But, when it does happen, and the body rejects the tooth, it can look different from patient to patient.

Considering all of the above factors, it is difficult to conclude whether your dentist was just inexperience, or if he short-changed you. It would be a a great idea for you to consult with an experienced dental implant provider, in order to for your implants to be evaluated. He or she may be able to provide you with a better understanding of why yours failed, as well as help determine a plan to replace the one that fell out.

This article is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider Dr. Ryan Perry.

Was my affordable dental implant experience normal?

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Most of my teeth are missing. In hopes of receiving affordable dental implants, I signed up for a discount dental plan. During my first appointment, I filled out paperwork, but noticed the forms were asking for more information than is typically on medical office paperwork. After completing the paperwork, I was told that I qualified for financing. I found it odd that they would qualify me for financing before any services or prognoses were completed. I received an x-ray and dental cleaning. Then, the dentist entered the room and told me I needed several fillings and multiple crowns, without physically looking at any of my teeth and that all of the work would come to the tune of $4000. I thought that amount sounded extreme, and was still in shock at the entire process. The receptionist tried to get me to commit to an appointment date and time for the crowns and fillings, but, because I felt uneasy about the whole thing, I told her I would call later for this. However, I have zero intention of returning to that dental office. If I do, in fact, need all of the dental work they indicated I do, it will be several years before I can afford the work to be done. I recently received a phone call from that office to schedule my appointment for the dental work. I have no intention of returning the call. I know I have not been intentional about my dental appointments or hygiene, so realize it is possible that I may have a few cavities, but is it normal, or even permissible, for a dentist to advise that you have all of this work done without physically looking at your teeth?

Thank you,

Corby


Corby,
You are correct. What you experienced during your dental appointment is far from normal. Not only should you have received your cleaning and x-rays, your teeth should have been thoroughly examined by the dentist before any treatment was recommended. Then, in addition to recommending the treatment, the dentist should have explained why such treatment was necessary. High fees, such as the amount you were quoted, can make a person feel that affordable dental implants are out of their reach.

Your decision to not return to that office was a wise one. You might also consider reaching out to your dental insurance provider, in order to explain the situation and avoid any potential problems with coverage, since you will likely be duplicating the appointment with a different dentist. You may also want to visit any future dental offices first, or request a dental consultation, before any exams.

Affordable dental implants are possible because of financing and/or dental payment plans, but they should never be sneaky or secretive, as you have experienced.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Are affordable dental implants a good idea?

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I am missing several teeth. I looked into replacing them a few years ago, but my dentist was going to charge several thousand dollars. Because the amount was out of my budget, I had him do partial dentures instead. However, I am still interested in a permanent solution.

I recently saw an ad for an office claiming to specialize in affordable dental implants. I have tried to research on my own, and everything I am finding suggests this is a safe procedure, but to check on the dentist’s experience level. However, nothing tells me what level of experience I should be looking for, or what details I should be trying to found out. Can you help?

Thank you,
Janet

Dear Janet,

Just like dentists are all different, so are affordable dental implants. After talking with various dentists who provide this option, you may find that affordable dental implants are different depending on who you speak to. Some may be placing mini-implants, while others are performing All-on-Fours. Some may be using sub-standard parts, or are inexperienced, while others are genuinely knowledgeable and skilled. Still, others may be using discounts to encourage new patients to join their practice.

Asking questions is really the best way to truly learn the motivation behind the dentist providing affordable dental implants. If he or she is not using posts of standard sizes, they are probably using minis. If the procedure is coupled with dentures, it is likely an all-on-fours. You should inquire if the parts have been approved by the FDA. If the answer is no, they may not meet the durability and sterility guidelines.

Finally, regarding the level of experience, any dentist can call themselves an “affordable dental implant specialist,” but this does not mean they have any more experience than another dentist who has performed the procedure or offers the procedure. It would be a good idea to find out where the doctor attended dental school, and also the number of hours he or she has spent studying the procedure. If the answer is at least 200+ hours, you can assume he or she has had the training, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the skill is there. You should find out the number of procedures which they have completed, as well as their success rate to determine this. Implants generally have a 98% success rate. If the number is around that, you should feel confident in the service.

This post is provided by the office of Baton Rouge dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.