Baton Rouge Dentist

Are Dental Schools a Reliable Option for Affordable Implant Dentures?

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After four consultations with dentists in my area and up to two hours away, I realize that I cannot afford implant dentures. A colleague suggested that I check out dental schools to see if they need patients for implants. Is this a safe and reliable way to get quality implant dentures? Thanks. Jordan from UT

Jordan,

Dental schools accept patients because students need real clinical experience to complete their training. This allows you to receive care at a lower cost. However, there are some trade-offs to understand before deciding where to get your care.

What Can You Expect from Procedures at a Dental School?

Treatment at a dental school can be a practical solution if cost is your main concern. At the same time, the process often moves more slowly and requires flexibility with scheduling.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Lower fees: Dental schools typically charge significantly less than private practices.
  • Longer appointments: Procedures take more time because students work carefully under supervision.
  • Frequent interruptions: Faculty members check the work at different stages, which can extend your visit.
  • Solid quality overall: While you may not receive the same level of refinement as a top private practice, the care is generally above average.

What Types of Procedures Are Available at Dental Schools?

Diagram of affordable dental implants with a denture hovering over the gum ridge and implants
Implant dentures

Dental schools actively look for patients who need removable dentures. This type of treatment is part of every undergraduate dental curriculum, so there is usually strong availability.

However, most dental students do not receive training in placing implants during dental school. That training typically happens in advanced specialty programs, so opportunities for implant patients may be more limited.

We recommend seeking cosmetic treatment from a dentist with advanced, post-graduate education in implantology and cosmetic procedures for natural-looking replacement teeth. If you haven’t done so already, speak with a dentist about payment options or completing your dental procedures in phases to make treatment more affordable. This can help ensure that your expectations and the results are closely aligned.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read how he strives to provide his patients with the best possible dental care.

Am I Too Young For Dentures?

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Hi,

As a child, I never learned how to take care of my teeth. I also never went to the pediatric dentist, either – I didn’t see any dentist until I was in my twenties. When I finally went in, it was for a toothache and the dentist found that nearly all my teeth had serious issues. I was quoted an insanely high treatment plan estimate – nearly $10,000, even with insurance! I can’t afford that, but I’ve been going in whenever there’s a problem. Since then, I’ve had multiple teeth pulled, and I don’t see that stopping in the foreseeable future. I asked if I could just get dentures instead, but was told I was too young (I’m in my 30s). Would dentures really be that bad? It’d be nice to have a beautiful smile for once. Am I really too young for dentures?

Thank you,

Bebe, from Versailles, Kentucky.

 

Hi Bebe,

It’s difficult to fix a problem 30+ years in the making, but finding a supportive dentist will be a good start. Your dentist should have taken your concerns into account. Given your background, it’s not so unheard of to get dentures, even at your age. Your dentist should design a treatment plan that that saves any healthy teeth they can, instead of getting all of them extracted at once. This can be done over time and will save you money.

The only issue with dentures is that they will not feel like your natural teeth. While you may be a candidate for a partial or full upper denture, you can also consider implant overdentures, though implants would increase the cost.

Once all your teeth are extracted, the process of resorption will begin; your jaw will begin to break down over time, and this can lead to facial collapse, where the face is shrunken in appearance. Dental implants in the jaw will halt this process. If you get your teeth out now, you will be dealing with bone loss for the next few decades.

Dentures are not bad, but you should definitely save as many teeth as you can, and hold onto your natural teeth as long as possible. In your case, dentures would improve your smile, life, and confidence, but will lead to the issue of bone loss later on. Take your time with this process, and find a dentist you can trust to lead you through this.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

 

 

Can a Full Mouth Reconstruction Be Done By An Affordable Dentist?

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As a child, and into adulthood, there were many reasons that prevented me from seeing a dentist. Finally, I grew tired of having broken and missing teeth, and saw a dentist. He recommended that I receive a full mouth reconstruction. While this sounds like a wonderful option, the dollar amount is far beyond anything in my budget. Financing is not an option for me, as I have no credit. Are there any affordable dentists who would do a procedure like this without the hefty price tag?

Thanks,
John

Dear John,

A full mouth reconstruction procedure requires a deeper technical knowledge than what is taught in dental school. In order to help you figure out the option best for you, it would be beneficial for you to understand everything that goes into the procedure, as well as options to consider regarding your budgetary constraints.

What Does a Full Mouth Reconstruction Involve?

A full mouth reconstruction couples varying forms of aesthetics with restoration dentistry for improvement of function and cosmetic appearance. It is a lengthy and very detailed, planned out procedure and, therefore, expensive. And, because of the additional training, not all dentists are even qualified to perform such a procedure. Because of this, it is imperative that you research your options before choosing a dentist for a procedure like this, but your main concern regarding a full mouth reconstruction should never be cost.

What Options Exist If a Full-Mouth Reconstruction Is Financially Impossible?

If you are concerned with the cost, you should get opinions from other dentists to see if there are other options. It’s possible that dentures or partials and crowns may work, if your budget is tight. Regardless, it is important to find a quality dentist, then share your budget with them. This will help them better provide you with solid options which can help your problem, yet fit within your range.

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

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.

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.

Don’t want dentures

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I apparently need to get dentures, but don’t want them. My dentist told me that because of my budget I won’t be able to afford dental implants. I have been really sad that I’m stuck with a treatment that isn’t very good because I don’t have as much money as someone else.  Is there anything kind of treatment in between or am I stuck with dentures? Is there a program for people for people who can’t afford the treatment they want?

Brenda S.- Des Moines, IA

Brenda,

The only programs I am aware of is for women who need dental care because of domestic abuse.  If that happens to be your situation you can contact the people at “Bring Back A Smile” and they can point you in the direction of a dentist who volunteers their time with this organization.

If, fortunately, you are not in that situation, there are other options. You can get a type of affordable dental implants. What  you can do is have mini implants placed along with your dentures.  What it will do is stabilize your dentures. It won’t make your dentures as comfortable as dental implants, but it will keep them from slipping out and will help improve your chewing capacity to more than it would be with dentures alone.

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

 

Dental implants through ClearChoice

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I am writing to tell you about an experience I had through ClearChoice, and to see if in your opinion the treatment recommendations were sound.

I recently had an appointment at a Clear Choice clinic, which I made through a representative they sent to the senior center I belong to. I had all my teeth extracted a year ago, and have been trying to come up with the best option for treatment, as I HATE wearing full dentures. The ClearChoice people I met were just so nice, I thought that they could really help me, and when they told me about how dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth I was really excited to check it out.

Well, what a disappointment! I went in, and they assured me that I was an ideal candidate for the procedure, except for the part where I don’t have more than $50,000 laying around to get the work done! They tried to talk me into looking at different financing options, but I just had to leave. I could not even believe how much the cost was! After all, I already have all my teeth extracted! When I mentioned this, and asked about why it did not reduce the price, I was informed that tooth extractions are done for free when you are getting implants done with them

What a bunch of flim flam artists! I am not naive enough to think that it does not cost them anything to extract people’s teeth, especially not since I remember very well how much it cost me to have that done.

I recently went to another dentist and received a much lower quote on what it would cost to have this done. I know from reading other articles that it is a bad idea to “price shop” for dental implants, but this doctor’s credentials were impeccable, and he showed me pictures of his successful cases. I really want this done, and can afford to do it with the lower priced doctor.

I guess I just wrote to vent, and to ask how in the world ClearChoice can get away with charging those kind of prices. They are more than 40% higher than the quote I received from my current dentist. How can that be?

Meredith in Ludington, MI

Dear Meredith,

We are sorry to hear about your negative experience! While ClearChoice has a reputation for doing top of the line work using only the best materials, unfortunately they are also known to charge top of the line prices using aggressive sales tactics.

If you have thoroughly vetted your current dentist’s credentials and seen examples of previous successful cases, you should be able to go forward with treatment in confidence. As you have discovered, dental implants are the ideal treatment for missing teeth.

Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Perry’s office provides this blog as a courtesy.