Baton Rouge Dentist

My Overdenture Doesn’t Fit on My Mini Implants

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Can I get a refund if my overdenture doesn’t fit on my mini implants? I got a new overdenture last month to replace my old one. I have four mini implants. Although the dentist agreed to complete the denture in three weeks, it took almost three months. The dentist had to force it on implants. For the next three days I was in pain, ate with difficulty, and had problems taking the denture off and could not put it back on. When I called the dental office, another dentist in the practice agreed to see me that day. She said the holes in the denture bases did not fit around the attachments properly because they weren’t drilled correctly. I’ve talked to my dentist, and he said I need new gaskets for the attachments, which will help the denture fit well. I don’t want to prolong this situation if it doesn’t sound logical. Should I ask for a refund? Thank you. Brandley from San Diego

Bradley,

Your experience has created dental and legal concerns. The legal concern is that your dentist did not produce your overdenture in the time frame promised. The dental problem is that getting a new overdenture should have taken about three weeks and what you received didn’t fit.  Ordering new gaskets may not be the resolution since the overdenture doesn’t fit and its arrival was late.

Diagram of a standard implant (left) and a mini implant (right)
Look for a dentist with experience in providing overdentures for mini implants (pictured right)

A noteworthy fact that can affect the outcome of an overdenture is that implant dentistry is a highly unregulated branch of dentistry. Also, mini implants are an affordable option, but they are not commonly used. Your dentist may not have been forthcoming about how much experience he has with them.

Should You Ask for a Refund for Your Overdenture?

You should ask for a refund for your overdenture if your dentist agreed to complete it in three weeks, but it took almost three months. Also, your denture did not fit, caused pain, and prevented you from putting it back on. Your dentist didn’t meet standards of acceptability.

If your dentist doesn’t want to issue a refund, you have three or four points of leverage:

  • Write negative online reviews: Data shows that 60 to 65 percent of prospective patients check online reviews before scheduling an appointment with a dentist. In contrast, you can offer to leave a good review if your dentist refunds you.
  • Complain to the state dental board – This approach is effective because dentists don’t want negative reports that prompt the dental board to contact them.
  • Complain to your dental insurance company – If you have dental insurance, a complaint to the company may prompt your dentist to refund you.
  • File a malpractice lawsuit – Although your case doesn’t seem to qualify for a lawsuit or yield much compensation, a malpractice lawsuit is an option for some patients.

What to do next:

  • Respectfully ask for a refund and offer to write a positive review about the dentist’s integrity and what you liked about the office.
  • If the dentist hesitates, be firm and ask for specific information about how much experience he has with mini implants and creating overdentures for them.
  • If he still won’t refund you, tell him that you will file a complaint with the dental board.

 

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.

Why Do Mom’s Dentures Fall Out When She Sneezes?

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My mom’s dentures fall out almost every time she sneezes. They are that loose. I guess it wouldn’t seem like a big deal if she didn’t have bad allergies and sneezes a lot. We laugh about it a lot at home, but it really embarrasses her when it happens in public. I feel bad for her. She is 78 years old and has worn dentures for almost 20 years. My mom has gone to her dentist several times to get the dentures adjusted or relined, but they still fall out. Her dentist says that the problem is not her dentures but her jawbone, but he has yet to offer a solution other than getting new dentures. Is it too late for dental implants? Thanks – Bridgette

Bridgette.

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office. Your comments indicate that you understand your mom should have other options than getting dentures relined or replacing her dentures.

Why Would Dentures Fall Out When Sneezing?

If your jawbone is shrinking, the force of sneezing can dislodge dentures that do not fit snugly. You can get as few as two standard dental implants to snap-on dental implants for stability. Mini implants are smaller in diameter and will keep dentures from falling out, but they are not as stable as standard implants.

Is It Too Late for Implant Dentures?

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture only needs two implants

It is not too late for implant dentures. Getting implant dentures in senior years is still possible if you have good oral and overall health. You are probably a candidate for dental implants if you are healthy enough to receive general dental procedures. An implant dentist must take a 3-D CT scan to examine your jawbone levels and oral anatomy. If you have worn dentures for years, you may require bone grafting before getting dental implants.

Request an Implant Denture Consultation

We recommend checking the credentials and experience of two to three implant dentists in your area. Schedule consultations with two dentists to discuss options for implant overdentures. Your mom will probably need a new denture. But implant-retained dentures will end her loose dentures and embarrassing moments.

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

I Can’t Afford Dental Implants, and I’m Losing All My Teeth

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I’ve had periodontal disease for several years; unfortunately, I trusted that my dentist was doing the right thing with treatment. He wasn’t, and my teeth are so loose. My daughter finally convinced me to see another dentist, and I did. My periodontal disease is progressive, and I will lose my few left teeth. I know my choices are dentures or dental implants (I can’t really afford them). The thought of wearing dentures really scares me. Is it worth it to go into debt for dental implants and pay for them until it’s almost time for me to die? Thank you. Millie from Bay Shore, NY

Millie –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office.

We understand your concerns because there are a lot of challenges that come with removable dentures. We will explain alternatives to individual implants.

What If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

There are alternatives if you cannot afford individual implants for each missing tooth. An implant dentist can use two to six implants to secure a denture for much less money than replacing each tooth with an implant. Two of the most affordable options are a snap-on denture and mini-implants.

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture
  • Snap-on denture – You can get standard implants to support a denture, and as few as two implants can increase their stability.
  • Mini implants – A mini-implant is one-third the diameter of a standard implant and a fraction of the cost. Your dentures will be less stable than with traditional implants, but they will fit much more securely than removable complete dentures.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone shrinks up to 50 percent in the first six months after losing all your teeth. Implants stimulate your jawbone and help prevent jawbone shrinkage and sagging muscles that lead to facial collapse.

We recommend finding an experienced dentist with post-graduate implant training for a consultation to discuss your options for implant dentures. The dentist will explain payment plans or financing options that may fit your budget.

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

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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At my last checkup, I asked the dentist for a consultation to see what my options were for a couple missing teeth. I wasn’t sure how affordable dental implants were. I got my estimate and it shows that my insurance is only picking up a very small portion of it. I really figured that they would pick up about half of the total bill. Does this sound right? Is there a way to get them to cover more so I can go forward with treatment?

-Reagan

Dear Reagan,

Dental implants can be pretty pricey, but their benefits are even greater than their cost. Unfortunately, dental insurance doesn’t help much when it comes to creating more affordable dental implants. In fact, many plans have no coverage at all. Others will only pay for half of the crown that goes on top and that’s after you pay a deductible. There are a few plans that cover more, but they are a rarity.

This doesn’t mean that working with your dentist you can’t find a more afforable plan to get dental implants. Every dentist is different in what they offer.  Some of them stage out your implants. Others, like Dr. Perry, offer mini implants.

The key is communication.  Let your dentist know what you have to work with budget wise and he or she can help you determine the best treatment option for you.

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

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Traveling to Central America for Dental Implants

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My friend Deanna, went to a central american country to have a tubal ligation reversed. Doctors in the United States refused to perform this surgery on her because of her age. She crossed the border and had a great experience.

She had offered to drive me to the same area to get my dental implants.  I can’t afford them in the US and they are much more affordable in central america. Is it safe?

Amelia L.- Idaho

Amelia,

There is no way for me to adequately answer that question. Is it true that people go to other countries to have procedures done cheaply and have a good experience? Yes. But it is also true that people have horrendous experiences.

Many Central American countries have no resources for patients who have poor care. There are no consumer protection agencies and no laws protecting patients. Here in the U.S. there are standards dentists have to meet regarding sanitary equipment and standards on the materials used. There is no such protection south of our borders.

If you are looking for affordable dental implants, but want the security of U.S. medical standards, you could get mini implants. These have a significantly reduced cost. You could also do phased treatment, getting only a couple of implants at a time and saving up for the others. This will give you affordable care, without sacrificing standards or your safety.

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

PERIO SURGERY VS. DENTURES?

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I need to have a periodontal surgery where they cut the gums and lay them open to clean the teeth and possibly fill in where there is bone loss. With insurance I’m looking at close to $4000, plus I need a deep cleaning prior to the surgery, which is $1200. From what I’ve been told because my bone loss is 6 to 8 throughout my gums, this may not work. I’m 36, and I’m wondering if it would be better to just have my teeth extracted and get dentures. What do you think?

Thanks, Howard

Dear Howard

Sorry to hear about your gum disease problem at such a young age, however your teeth sound like there still savable. Bone loss involving six to eight mm pockets is considered moderate periodontal disease and very treatable especially if your teeth have very little or no mobility. Having the periodontal treatment recommended will stop the progression of the disease, therefore will help prevent you from losing your teeth; however it is vital that you develop exceptional oral hygiene habits and have dental cleanings every 3 months to maintain your smile and dental health.

The periodontal surgery can cost about the same as having all your teeth extracted and having dentures placed. Dentures are not like your natural teeth and most people can’t eat some of the foods they are use to. New denture wearers develop sores and gum pain which can end after a while or can last a lifetime especially if the denture is poor fitting. The bone and gums shrink over the years and dentures can become loose, therefore need to be relined or replaced. Upper dentures seem to stay in place better due to the suction we gain from the roof of the mouth, however lower dentures are another story. On the lower arch we do not get the same suction, there is less of a foundation, and the movement of the tongue prevents the lower denture from staying in place most of the time. If you choose to get dentures we would recommend that you consult your dentist about an over-denture on the lower jaw. This consist of having dental implants placed on the lower arch which then attaches to the denture keeping it stable and more comfortable.

We highly recommend that you save your natural teeth if possible. Always remember you will never have another set of teeth like your own and a denture is the last resort one should take.  If you’re concerned how well your teeth will respond to the periodontal surgery and there longevity you should get a second opinion to help you make the best decision for you.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.