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My teeth are in bad shape and it sounds like I am going to need dental implants to restore my smile. I know it is best to replace missing teeth with dental implants and I have done a lot of research. The timing if finally here for me to consider moving forward. Do I need to be looking for an implant specialist or a certain designation in order to find the best dental implant dentist?

– Rod in Arizona

Rod,

You are correct that dental implants are the best solution to replace missing teeth. They are natural-looking, they function just like your normal teeth, and they also prevent facial collapse. It is also great to hear that you are doing your homework and asking the right questions as you consider making this investment.

It can be confusing when you start investigating dentists. What you may not realize is that implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty area within dentistry. That means that any dentist can make the claim to place dental implants with little advanced training on the subject. So how do you know you have found the best implant dentist in your area? Well, you need to find an implant dentist that has pursued extensive coursework and continuing education in implant dentistry. They will be able to have a thorough portfolio and patient testimonials available. A well-known and reputable organization is the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). This group is an excellent resource to help you located a reputable dentist in your geographic area. Yet, just because a dentist is on the AAID site, doesn’t guarantee their work. So don’t skip the step of personally interviewing and investigating a dentist’s experience and credentials. Yet AAID dentist’s are members because they are typically passionate and have undergone additional training in the area. Another prestigious implant affiliation is the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).

Hopefully this information is beneficial as you continue your research.

This might sound a little odd, but I’ve been researching dental implants for a couple of years now and I’ve had consultations from four dentists. It’s not that there’s a problem with any of them, I just want to find someone who will do the work for a price that fits within my budget. I need to have three teeth replaced, so this is a big challenge for me. I just got an estimate from a place that only wants to charge me about half of what the other guys did. I don’t know why, but it worried me, so I asked about why they were able to charge so much less. The lady says it’s not that they’re less, it’s that the other doctors in my area are price-gouging. How can I find out if she’s right or not?

Thanks,

Joel in Illinois

Dear Joel,

You’re right. Something sounds off about that estimate. Unfortunately, dental implants are one of the more-expensive procedures to have done. First, the dentist has had to go through a lot of additional schooling to be able to perform the surgery well. If you want a skilled doctor, that’s an expense you can’t avoid. Secondly, the parts can be very expensive. Depending on who the dentist gets them from, the screw alone can cost more than $100. On the other hand, he can buy one from a third-world country, that doesn’t comply with United States quality and safety standards, for pennies. You’ll also have a lab technician designing a ceramic false tooth (porcelain crown) to top it all off. Again, the quality of his materials and experience will come into play when a dentist sets dental implant rates as well.

Sometimes, there will be a small cost difference between dentists. When a dentist sets his rates, he takes into consideration the amount of time he expects to spend, the amount of time his staff will be working with you, and also the cost of the materials. This is why there are slight variances between practices. When you come across one who charges significantly more or much less, there’s something going on.

It’s possible this final dentist is offering you a different procedure, like mini implants. A practice like this may be marketing them as affordable dental implants. It’s also possible he’s cutting costs on materials. If you want a better answer from him, ask him for the dental billing codes for each procedure he’s recommending. Then, compare these with the codes from your other dentists. If they don’t match, he’s offering a different treatment. If they’re the same, you can investigate his materials. Ask him who his supplier is, and what brand he uses. Compare this with the other providers. You can even research the brand-name to see if it’s from the U.S. and is FDA-compliant. You’re bound to uncover why the prices are so low, and the reason isn’t likely to be a good one.

Word to the wise – don’t select the cheapest dental implant option. You will end up paying much more in the long run if they become loose, infected, or have other complications. Thank you for your question.

Is there a designation required to place dental implants?

Can the Cost of Dental Implants Be Too Low?