Baton Rouge Dentist

Will affordable dental implants help with my facial collapse?

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My grandchild recently told me I looked old. While I am in my 50s, I would hardly call myself old! However, I have been noticing my facial appearance looks to be aging. Therefore, I started researching and came across the term facial collapse. Now, I should also mention that I have worn dentures for years, yet no one ever mentioned to me that facial collapse could happen as a result of my dentures. I am now on the hunt for affordable dental implant options that will help restore my jaw bone.

Sincerely,
Barbara

Dear Barbara,

Kids say the craziest things, don’t they!

You are on the right path regarding facial collapse. Once your teeth are gone, the jaw bone, to which your teeth were once anchored, begins to resorb back into your body, leading to facial collapse. If you are experiencing this, the additional bone would need to be added before any type of dental implant can happen.

Because the bone is only retained in places where implants are placed, an option such as the snap-on denture would definitely help retain your youthful appearance, as well as help with eating and reduce the chances of future jaw shrinkage.

Therefore, you may want to consider multiple implant placements. If this interests you, schedule a consultation to find out what your best affordable implant options are and their costs.

Good luck!

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

My smile was ruined by an affordable dental implant doctor

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My two front teeth had become loose, so I began searching for an affordable dental implant dentist. I found an ad that met my criteria. When I went in for the estimate, I was told I needed those teeth to be extracted at that time, as well as bone beads to help with the healing.

After six months, and no front teeth, the dentist told me he could not perform the implant surgery because I didn’t have enough bone, and my gums needed treatment. He indicated I would need additional procedures prior to the surgery. Now I have no front teeth, no idea if they should have been removed originally, and just want my smile back!

What should I do?

Hank

Dear Hank,

The fact that you don’t know the cause of your loose teeth is a significant red flag. If the cause was periodontal disease, you would not have been a candidate for dental implants to begin with. The doctor should have discussed this with you from the get-go. It’s difficult to tell if your teeth could have been saved without knowing the cause. This is s a major concern.

However, it is likely, going forward, that you will need additional treatments prior to the implant surgery, in order for the implants to last. It would be a good idea to consult another dentist before proceeding. Also, there is no reason that you should not have been given temporary replacement teeth. Typically offices offer partial dentures, of flippers to keep the other teeth from moving, maintain the right amount of space, and to help make it easier for you to eat. It is not too late for these.

Make an appointment with another dentist to assess all of this this before moving forward.

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

Are redo dental implants more affordable?

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I have already had dental implants once. I’m now learning that I need to have them redone and am wondering if any of the expenses carry over to the second attempt. To give some background, I am learning that my original implants didn’t take and now my dentist is saying I need to have them redone and is expecting me to pay full-price for the procedure.

Is this advisable?

Thanks,

Mandi

Dear Mandi,

I’m not sure what your timeline looks like, as you didn’t mention how long ago you received your original implants. It usually takes six to 12 months for them to fully integrate with the bone. I’m wondering if you’re still within this time frame. While poor placement, infections, or some medical conditions can cause problems with the healing, it is rare for them to not take at all.

If your implants have in fact failed, the first step is to determine the root cause. Hopefully your dentist has already discussed this with you. However, if this discussion has yet to take place, try to find out the cause prior to any work being done.

In regards to the second procedure being more affordable, some sort of discount or comped work would be advisable. It’s unclear if your implant failure could have been predicted, or prevented. If it indeed could have been prevented, you should not have to pay a dime. If this is the case, request a refund and find a more skilled dentist. It would also be a good idea to get a second opinion before moving forward.

This article was provided by affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Should I see an emergency dentist for a hurting dental implant?

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I just finished getting a dental implant about two weeks ago. It’s been quite a process, first having the procedure to get the post in and waiting for it to heal. Now, having the tooth on there is nice, although I have had some pain there the past two days. It’s not the same pain as the actual implant healing, but it hurts just the same. I can’t eat on it. I don’t remember eating anything particularly hard on it within the last few days to aggravate it. Should I just ride this out as a normal part of implant healing or should I see an emergency dentist before it gets worse?

Mary, Portland, Maine

Dear Mary,

Woman with mouth painIf it was just a regular tooth that was starting to hurt out of the blue, you could wait and schedule an appointment with your dentist to get it checked, but where you just had an implant there, it warrants a trip to the emergency dentist. You may have an infection. Especially where you can’t eat on it, it’s better safe than sorry to get it checked.

How bad can an infection be?

The reason infection is worrisome, especially in your scenario, is that it can affect all the work you just had done with your implant. If the infection is severe enough, you may have to have the post taken out. In some cases, if the infection has spread and affected the jaw bone that anchors the post, a bone graft is necessary before the process can start all over, with all the healing time again in between steps.

Aside from being painful and uncomfortable, if infection is left unchecked, any infection, it can spread. Once it spreads to the heart or if it reaches the brain, it becomes a matter of life or death. That’s why early detection and taking care of infection with medication is so important.

Speaking to the dentist you have been working with on your implant about your pain would be the best. Many offices have after-hours or even a dental emergency number. If you can’t talk to anyone there within a few hours, schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry at Baton Rouge Family Dentist in Louisianna.

 

Are partial implants good for me or my dentist’s pocketbook?

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I have had dentures for some 15 years now and recently decided I was ready for a new set. When I went in and discussed it with my dentist, she asked about my current set and I told her I was pretty uncomfortable and I didn’t like how they looked. She told me I could go with a new set of dentures, but she also mentioned getting implants. She said they could do a half one, or a partial implant, I think she called it. They would look more like real teeth, be more secure, and more comfortable, but they are more expensive. When I mentioned it to my son, he made it sound like the dentist is just trying to take advantage of “an old lady.” Are these partial implants not good for someone like me?

Barbara, Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Barbara,

It’s not surprising that your dentures are uncomfortable, especially if you have had your current set for some time. Unfortunately, when there are no teeth in your jaw, the body thinks there is no need for the minerals in the jawbone there and the minerals are absorbed elsewhere in the body. When this happens, the jaw shrinks and changes.  This leads to discomfort in the dentures.

Why partial implants?

Your dentist may have suggested partial implants as a viable way to maintain some of the minerals in your jawbone. When there are implants, the body treats them just like roots from real teeth and the minerals, and the shape of your jaw, are maintained. These implants help keep the dentures in their place. When you don’t have to worry about your dentures slipping and they are more comfortable, you naturally tend to smile more.

It is true that partial implants cost more than a replacement set of dentures. It requires thedentures anchored by mini implants placement of a few root forms to anchor the dentures, but it is considerably less than a full set of implants.

If your dentist suggested a partial implant, she must have thought you would be a good candidate. Implants aren’t the best option for everyone, but your dentist will discuss all the health considerations before proceeding. She wants your procedure to be successful just as much as you do.

A second opinion can always be obtained if it would put your son’s mind at ease.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Would pulling a tooth and covering it be better than a root canal?

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I had a friend who had a snap-in set of teeth to cover a bad tooth in the front. I’m wondering if there is something similar for a tooth in the back. I keep struggling with a tooth on the bottom of my mouth. I have had cavities and fillings, and now my dentist says I either have to have a root canal on it or an implant. I’m thinking it might be easier just to pull the thing and cover it up. What do you think?

Althea, Mississippi

Dear Althea,

While it is frustrating to keep having work done on the same tooth, a snap-on smile is not the answer. Snap-on smiles are meant for temporary tooth fixes. Because they are meant to be temporary, they aren’t very durable or strong, especially not in the place of a molar that takes the brunt of the work chewing your foods. They are not particularly cheap, either.

Also, there are complications that can arise from extracting the tooth. Anytime a tooth is pulled, the body naturally thinks the bone in that area isn’t needed anymore. The minerals in the bone will eventually be reabsorbed into the body, leaving that spot prone to deformation. It may also affect the teeth around that spot as it leaves room for them to shift, changing your bite.

Your dentist may have suggested a dental implant for that tooth if you mentioned extracting it. If you put an implant in, it will slow down or stop the bone loss because the base of the implant is in the bone and lets the body know it is still needed.

Really root canal is probably your best bet as it is the simplest option. It can take care of the needs of your tooth and most likely be the most cost-effective. Typically a tooth that gets a root canal also gets a crown. This is a strong covering that will allow you to still chew like you are used to without fear of it breaking.

If you want other options, depending on the location of the tooth, a partial denture or a bridge may work. Speak to your dentist about your options when you have your next appointment.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry of Baton Rouge, LA.

 

 

 

Are All Affordable Dental Implants A Waste of Money?

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My sister went to Mexico because she wanted to get dental implants, but needed to find someplace which was affordable. It was actually cheaper to leave the country and visit Mexico every other month for close to a year than to pay to have it done here in the states. She researched and went to a dentist who’s done the procedure many times and seemed to have a good experience. Sometime after everything was completed things started to fall apart. She developed an infection. She visited the dentist in Mexico again to have everything looked at. He gave her an antibiotic and sent her home. Then, not too long after she finished the antibiotic her entire face swelled up. She wasn’t even able to get there so I took her. The dentist said it failed and removed the whole thing. Now she has to start all over and has nothing to show for all the expense and travel. I had considered getting dental implants because she’d started out with such a great experience, but now I’m wondering if all affordable dental implants are a total waste of money.

Melissa M.

Dear Melissa,

First, your sister should try to get at least some of her money back. I don’t know if the dentist will do it, but it’s at least worth a shot. In Mexico, there is no recourse even if the dentist totally botched the procedure. It’s up to the dentist to make things right.

There are also no regulations about keeping things sanitized and such. Again, it’s up to the dentist to decide the standards. That could have led to her infection, but we’ll never know. Even though she researched this dentist, they often change their practice name if they develop a bad reputation and make up qualifications in these border town medical practices.

I don’t know if the dentist mentioned this to her but in order to re-do the procedure she’ll need to have bone grafting done. She likely lost a lot of bone with the infection and the implant needs to be stabilized.

If you’re looking for affordable dental implants, you have many options, but you’re safer going to a reputable dentist in the states, where dental implants have a 98% success rate. There are times where a patient and dentist can do everything right but still have a failed implant; however, it’s not nearly as common here for that to happen.

Depending on your case, you may choose to have a combination of bridges and dental implants, or mini implants, or even full dental implants done with affordable payment plans. The key is to find a skilled dentist.

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

Why Get a Traditional Implant, When the Affordable Minis Do the Same Thing?

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My dentist said I had two options for some implants on my front teeth. One is to get the traditional implants or I could get the mini-implants, which he said do the same thing. Why would I get the traditional one if the more affordable option does exactly the same thing?

Griffith L.

Dear Griffith,

If there really were no difference between the two procedures, then I’d say of course get the more affordable dental implants. However, they’re not the same. Either you were confused by what your dentist tried to explain or he’s confused as to how they work. Hopefully, it’s the former. If your dentist is this confused about their functions, that is dangerous to you as a patient and I’d highly recommend you find a new dentist, at least for tooth replacement procedures.

Traditional implants can retain a crown securely. Mini-implants cannot. They’re mostly just used to stabilize a denture. They’re not strong enough to sustain a crown themselves. When you’re talking about your front teeth, you could get the traditional implants or you could get a dental bridge. Be aware that with biting and chewing force in that position, a bridge will eventually have to be replaced. The implants will likely last your lifetime.

You might be interested in looking at our page on dental implants versus a dental bridge.

I would check to make sure your dentist has significant, positive experience placing dental implants. Ask him how many implant cases he’s performed and how many of those were successful.

Another thing to consider is his cosmetic skill. Your front teeth are very visible. Ask to see some of his before and after images of cosmetic cases he’s done to be certain you’ll like the results.

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

Are Veneers Truly Necessary with Dental Implants?

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I went to a dentist to get dental implants. I needed two on my front most teeth because of an accident I had in my teens. I’ve been wearing a flipper. My family dentist when I was younger told me as soon as I reached my mid-twenties to get implants placed. Well, the time has come. I specifically looked for a dentist who advertised affordable dental implants and was known for doing good work.  He also promotes himself as an expert cosmetic dentist, which I felt would bode well for me getting natural looking implant crowns. However, when I went in for my consult he said I’d also need porcelain veneers (two on either side of the front teeth) in order to get my smile to match.  I don’t have that kind of money. Is this an actual necessity?

Steve O.  – Michigan

Steve,

This dentist sounds dubious to me. Let’s start with his status as an “expert” cosmetic dentist. A truly expert cosmetic dentist can match a single implant or porcelain veneer to the rest of your smile. He (or she) wouldn’t need you to get a full set of veneers in order to match the smile. If he does, he’s no expert.

Next, we’ll discuss the affordable dental implants. Veneers aren’t a necessity for dental implants. In fact, they’re not done with the treatment unless the patient specifically has cosmetic work they wanted done. In other words, if there are things you’re unhappy with about the adjacent teeth which you want changed, then get the porcelain veneers. Otherwise, just get the dental implants.

It sounds like this dentist is drawing patients in with his affordable prices and then makes up the profit margin by pressuring you to add other services. If I were in your place, I’d ask to see before and after pictures of cosmetic work he’s done. Don’t let him show you stock photos. Make sure you’re happy with the type of results he provides. These are your front teeth and will be very visible. I’d also be interested to know how many successful dental implant cases he’s completed before proceeding. This is an advanced procedure with serious complications if done incorrectly. I’m concerned with his perceived dishonesty. It might be in your benefit to check into other dentists before making a final decision.

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

Is It Okay to Go to a Different Dentist for Affordable Dental Implants?

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I’ve been wanting dental implants for a couple of years now. My dentist does them, but they’re a little out of my price range. I’ve been calling around. Most dentists are about the same price, except one dentist across town. He’s a good deal more affordable than anyone else. I feel like I’d be cheating on my dentist by going somewhere else, but I sure like the idea of saving that kind of money. Do you think my dentist will understand?

Sammie L. – Ohio

Sammie,

You’re not really cheating on your dentist. And I’m certain your dentist would understand your desire to save money. I just want you to check out a couple of things first.

  1. Make sure the dentist is quoting you the right price. Because there is such a price difference, I’d check to make sure you’re talking about the same procedure. He may have quoted you the price for mini-implants if you mentioned you’re looking for affordable dental implants. That isn’t the same procedure as traditional dental implants.
  2. Find out if he’s a brand new dentist. That could be why his prices are so much lower. He may need to draw patients in. While dental implants have a high success rate, it is still an advanced procedure. I’m not sure I’d recommend going to a new dentist.

Have you talked to your dentist about the situation? He might be able to work something out with you.

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