Baton Rouge Dentist

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.

Made A Huge Mistake Not Getting Dental Implants

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I feel like I made a horrible mistake and I’m afraid there’s no remedy for it. I wanted to get dental implants to replace if not all the missing teeth, at least the ones that show when I smile, but I wound up getting a denture to save on costs. I knew I wouldn’t be overly thrilled with the aesthetics, but I had no idea this thing would ruin my life. It hurts. I can’t eat. I can’t talk. I can’t smile. The dentist says I’ll get used to it. No. I won’t. Now the time has passed and I’m afraid I’m stuck with this thing for life. I really wish I would have gotten another opinion or tried to save my remaining teeth. Any advice?

-Lauren

Dear Lauren,

It’s a shame you went through this ordeal. Try not to beat yourself up about your lost teeth. They may not have been savable, so try to focus on what you can do now to make things right so you can eat, talk, and smile again.

In some cases, people do adapt to their dentures over time. Equally, your gums may be sore for a while after extractions, and as time passes, you’ll feel better, too. Adjustments can also be made to dentures at any point if the soreness isn’t being caused by healing. Sometimes, just smoothing out a small area can make a world of difference in making dentures feel better to wear. If your dentist didn’t check them and try, he probably should have. Give the office another call and let them know exactly what’s happening. If it really s related to the fit of them, they should be able to help.

As far as affordable dental implants go, you may still have an option. You can get something called a “snap-on denture,”  which relies on dental implants to hold the denture in place. This gives you a firmer hold than traditional dentures, but without the expense of a full set of implants. It often only takes two for it to work. Depending on your preferences, you can also have more placed, and have a partial denture designed to fit around them. Either method is less expensive than a full set, and will provide a better hold.

It’s also worth noting that dentures can look beautiful and natural. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your dentures, it may be worth having them remade by someone who does a better job with aesthetics.

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

Is Care Credit a Legitimate Way to Afford Dental Implants?

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After years of having a bridge, and other unsuccessful treatments, I’m in need of four dental implants on my top arch. My insurance won’t cover them at all, and I don’t have the funds to pay at once. The dental office is offering me financing through a third party (Care Credit) to assist with paying the costs. I’m on the fence about applying as I don’t have the best credit, and already have a credit card that is maxed out. Is this a realistic option for me to pursue, in order to obtain affordable dental implants?

Andrew L. – Boston

Andrew,

There are few worse feelings than needing health care and not being able to afford it. Dental Implants are by far the better treatment for missing teeth, but their cost is sometimes a hindrance for patients. Care Credit is one way of getting affordable dental implants and it sounds like the path your dentist prefers.

Care Credit is specifically a healthcare credit card, used exclusively for healthcare services, though not all providers participate.

Unlike commercial credit cards, a Care Credit account allows you to select the terms of what you finance. You can get no interest financing every time you use it. If you need more time to pay for your procedure, you can take advantage of extended payment plans with low, fixed interest rates. While they offer many different plans to make your monthly payoff affordable check with your dental office as providers get to choose which specific promotions their office participates with.

Your dentist is a participating provider, so you should be able to apply in your dental office, and get an immediate response if you’ve been approved of not. Approval is based on past credit history, but even if your credit has blemishes, it does not mean you won’t be approved. There is an option for a co-applicant as well.

Once approved, your dental office will “run” the charges for treatment on your Care Credit card, and you should receive your first billing statement within 30 days of that transaction. Another benefit is no pre-payment penalties if your finances change and you want to pay it off early.

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

How Can I Fix My Affordable Dental Implants Nightmare?

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I have wanted dental implants for a long time, but I knew they were out of my price range. I started researching affordable dental implants and found out about the all-on-4 procedure. It wasn’t implants all-around, but it was better than I had, so I picked a dentist and went in for a consultation. I thought it would be a simple thing. They assured me they’d done it countless times before and I didn’t realize there were risks involved. One of the “affordable” dental implants failed, and the whole thing is shot. Now I’m told I need bone grafting and a whole bunch of other stuff so I can try again, and it’s all at my expense- as if I caused it to somehow fail. I really can’t afford to go through it again, let alone have the other procedures done. I’m halfway through the affordable dental implants process and it looks like I’m just stuck in limbo. I can’t move forward with treatment and I’m stuck with a half-finished (unusable) job. How can I fix this?

-Phil

Dear Phil,

Many people turn to the All-on-4 procedure in an effort to find affordable dental implants, but it does come with some risks. Implants, in general, have a very high success rate, but a lot of this is dependent on the skill of the dentist. The chances of a failure also increase if you smoke of have certain medical conditions, but sometimes, they fail for seemingly no reason at all. When your entire denture is dependent on having the set and one fails, you get stuck, just like you are now.

There are other affordable dental implant procedures, such as mini implants, and there are ways to make the process fit into your budget better with financing or payment plans through the office, and the latter choices could still help you now. The problem is, the implant was likely placed at an angle, and so the integrity of the bone was compromised, and a new one cannot be placed until that area is repaired and heals.

It’s a shame that office isn’t doing more to help you out, but this isn’t a procedure that you can change up partway through. Your best bet is to go through the additional procedures, so you can make use of the work you’ve already done that’s holding strong. However, before you have any more work done, especially if you’re paying for it out-of-pocket, you should have a consultation with another dentist, just to confirm how the other ones are holding up, and to see if someone can help you get financing for the rest.

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

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.

How do I keep dentures from flapping?

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I have a problem with my dentures. They keep flapping. The denture adhesive doesn’t work. Do you have any recommendations?

Jeff B. – Ft. Worth, TX

Jeff,

Dentures are naturally problematic, especially the bottom arch which just rests on your jawbone. Dental implants are a much better option, but I realize that not everyone can afford them. There are affordable dental implants.

These are “mini implants” that will enable you to anchor your dentures. You’ll find that it increases your chewing capacity. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about them slipping any more. They’ll stay secure in your mouth.

I hope this ehlps your situation.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

I’m in despair. Can’t afford implants. I’m going to lose my jaw.

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I’m in complete despair. I’m losing a lot of my teeth because of an accident. I can’t afford dental implant, which means dentures. Now my dentist tells me if I don’t get implants, I will lose my jawbone.  Is there some way I can use supplements to keep my jawbone?

Lola V. – Pittsburgh

Lola,

There isn’t a supplement that will keep your jawbone. The reason for that is the cause of the bone loss. When your teeth are removed, your body begins reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. The only way to keep that jawbone is to trick your body into thinking there is still a tooth root there.  Dental implants do that.

I know you said there is no way you could afford them, but I wondered if you looked into affordable dental implant options, such as mini implants?  I would discuss it with your dentist. It will still require a denture, but it will help retain your jawbone.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Domestic Abuse Survivor–Can’t Afford Teeth

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I recently left a domestic abuse situation. The last time he knocked out all my front teeth.  I have no money, because I had to leave with just the clothes on my back. I need to get a job, but nobody is going to hire me without teeth. I know I need dental implants, but right now I’m living in a shelter and can’t even afford an apartment.  Is there an affordable way to get dental implants?

Miranda K. – Missouri

Miranda,

I’m very sorry for what you’ve been through. At the same time, I’m releived you found the fortitude to leave. You can click on my affordable dental implants page to learn about the ways you can get dental implants more affordably.

However, you’re a unique case. I’d like for you to look into the Give Back a Smile program. It is a charity, specifically designed for domestic abuse patients.  Cosmetic dentists donate the time and materials to help people in your situation get back their smile. Let me know if you have trouble locating the information.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Lied to my dentist about smoking, will it affect my dental implants

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I spoke with an implant dentist about getting implants. He mentioned he doesn’t treat smokers and then asked if I smoked. I told him no, but the truth is a do sometimes smoke pot, which I wasn’t too keen on sharing.  I’m not a cigarette smoker so I assumed it wouldn’t matter, but now I’m wondering if there will be complications. He’s really affordable so I wanted to make sure I got in with him.  Other doctors cost more.

Adam K. – Dallas, TX

Adam,

I understand your not wanting to share about the marijuana, but it is always best to be completely honest with your medical providers.  I’m sure you like the affordability of this dentist, but you won’t have affordable dental implants for long if the procedure fails.

Talk with your dentist about your habit.  Be quite frank with him about how often you smoke marijuana. When you smoke, it reduces the blood flow in your gums. This increases the risk of complications and dental implant failure.

If the procedure does fail, you could lose the implants all together. They could fall out or you could develop a serious infection. This will cost you a small fortune and possibly have severe health consequences.

The decision is yours, of course, but honesty is always best.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Price differences in dental implants

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I’ve been pricing dental implants. For the most part, dentists are about the same price. However, there are two dentists who are significantly less expensive than the others. I mean thousands of dollars difference.  Is there a reason not to go to these more affordable dentists.

Hannah L. – Minnesota

Hannah,

That’s hard to answer, but I would be cautious about anything that much less of a price.  There is a difference between affordable dental implants and cheap dental implants.  It could be as simple as this being a dentist new to implants and he’s lowered his prices to draw in business and experience.  This is a complicated procedure, so you’ll have to weigh how you feel about his or her experience.

Some dentists, however, are a little more unethical about it. The purposefully use cheap implant materials, to keep their cost down. That can cause serious complications, including infections and loss of jawbone.

I’d verify what kind of training the dentists have and go from there. Talk to him or her about why they are so much less expensive.  There are safe ways to get this procedure done affordably.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.