Baton Rouge Dentist

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.

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.