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Beware of Mexico and affordable dental implants.

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My cousin researched affordable dental implants. He couldn’t justify the costs here.  So, he went to Mexico. He raved about the dentist. Apparently, he studied in the United States and had a bunch of positive reviews. Eventually, we decided to go through with it to save a buck. It took over a year for the whole process. He felt like the cost of traveling was offset by the cheap implants. Well I was skeptical from the beginning. Now, now he’s starting to pay for it. First, he had a gross infected implant, which cost him an extra trip. They sent him home with a course of antibiotics. But, that didn’t fix it. His entire face swelled and he was in terrible pain. Now, the implant dentist wants to redo it and start over. Is this normal? I was seriously considering this approach to saving some money on dental implants.

-Jim in Arizona

Jim,

You’re not alone in searching for ways to save money on dental implants. But, your instincts are correct to proceed with caution. Here’s the deal. The United States is very stringent when it comes to medical and dental care. We regulate everything, which in the long run means higher fees. So, it is definitely tempting to cross the border to Mexico. As your cousin experienced, you’re pretty much out of luck if something doesn’t go according to plan.

Implant dentistry requires extensive training and expertise beyond dental school. When implants are placed by an excellent implant dentist, they tend to have a 98% rate. But, you have to take a step back and consider why dental implants are more affordable in Mexico.

It could be due to many factors. For example, the dentist’s skill (or lack of it), skimping on quality materials, or simply not caring, since they know you aren’t from Mexico. These types of practices also have a bad reputation of changing their practice names frequently. So, you may see stellar reviews for a dentist online. Then, when things get bad, they shut down and re-open a new clinic.

You would be best served by a reputable implant dentist here in the States. They are held to higher standards and are only a phone call away for any questions or complications. With something as intricate as dental implant surgery and the placement of the restoration, you don’t want to chance your health. The risk is incredibly high to end up paying more in the long run.

So, if your budget is an issue with dental implants, be honest. Tell your dentist your limitations. There are many other affordable dental implant options.

Mini implants are more affordable and can work well in the right situation. Or, your dentist may be willing to phase out treatment over time, to make the cost of implants more manageable. It is also possible to consider alternate treatment options, like a dental bridge or other affordable implant options. Or, you can look at other supplemental insurance plans or finance options.

Thank you for your question. We have no shortage of dental implant horror stories when it comes to cheap dental implants from Mexico.

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My Dental Implant Keeps Breaking- Any Way to Ensure Success Next Time?

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

A little over a year ago, I had to have a tooth pulled that was part of a dental bridge. Because two of my molars would then be gone, my dentist said the best solution was to get dental implants. I went through a whole ordeal of bone grafts and surgery and many months of healing before he could put the tooth on top. Then, within about two weeks, one snapped off. The whole screw part broke right where it came out of my jawbone. My dentist said it was a fluke and that there was space to do another and offered to do it at no charge. While that one was healing, the other broke off. So then I finally get the teeth put on top of those a couple months ago and one has already snapped off in the same place. My doctor said he’s not sure what’s happening, but he offered to fix it again. I don’t think I want to. This has been horrible. Is there any way to ensure success if I have the dental implant replaced again?

Thank you,

Moira in Iowa

Dear Moira,

Dental implants are quite an undertaking, and it’s disheartening when things go awry. However, they generally have a high success rate, and cases like yours are very rare.

Generally when a dental implant fails, it’s because of an infection, difficulty healing, or failure to integrate into the bone. Because most of them today are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, they’re incredibly durable and instances of actual breakage are mostly unheard of. However, there are a few dentists who purchase low-quality parts in an effort to save money. In reality, there are only a handful of reputable companies that make high-quality materials and the post alone can cost hundreds from one of them. At the same time, manufacturers in other countries have less stringent guidelines and can therefore sell a low-quality piece for under a dollar. It’s worth asking your dentist who his supplier is and researching the company. It may be a known issue with the dental implant parts he used. On the flip side, one would think that he would have taken note of this after the first two broke, and he would have switched companies.

The fact that you’re still having trouble strongly suggests that there is something wrong in the way he’s placing them. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in dental implants. He can troubleshoot and may be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for sure.

Filed Under: blog, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants Tagged With: broken dental implant, broken dental implants, dental bridge, dental implant, dental implant failed, dental implant failure, dental implants, failed dental implant, implant dentist, implant dentistry, problem with dental implant

I don’t know how to tell my dentist dental implants are too expensive.

August 27, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My whole life I have been plagued with cavities. Now my teeth are so weak that some of them are broken. So I have crowns and bridges all over. The latest bad news at my lest check up was that the tooth that was holding one of the dental bridges has broke off. So, the dentist decided to extract the root and shave off a portion of the dental bridge. Now he is pitching dental implants. But when I heard how expensive they were, I just don’t know how to tell him they aren’t in my budget. I don’t want him to think I’m cheap, but I have put so much money into my oral health and feel so defeated. Do I have any other options at this point than dental implants. I’m on a fixed income and don’t want to finance something like this.

-Bart in Michigan

Bart,

It’s unfortunate to hear that you have been frustrated over the years with problems with your teeth. It’s likely that your dentist’s recommendation is for the optimal treatment to replace a missing tooth, which would be dental implants. But that doesn’t mean that is your only option. There are other more affordable dental implant options, or you may be able to incorporate a single implant to better support your dental bridge. Or another more affordable treatment is a partial denture.

You should not feel embarrassed or feel like your dentist will judge you if you cannot afford a treatment. So, don’t let any preconceived ideas make you feel forced or trapped into dental implants. Be open and honest with your dentist. Tell him that you would like to sit down and discuss your other options to replace your missing tooth.

If for some reason you are feeling pressured or guilty about this, then maybe it’s time to find a new dentist. Trust is the most important part of dentistry. You need to trust that your dentist has your best interests in mind. And if you cannot afford dental implants, you need to be able to talk through that with your doctor. Good luck. Hopefully this has reinforced the fact that you do have options. Thank you for your question.

 

 

Filed Under: Affordable Dental Implants, blog, Dental Implants Tagged With: affordable dental implant dentist, affordable dental implant options, affordable implant dentist, dental bridge, dental implant, dental implant options, dental implants, implant dentist, implant dentistry, partial denture

Why are mini implants controversial?

August 25, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am very interested in mini implants because they are so much more affordable than traditional dental implants. I need to replace a tooth and I see all the benefits of getting a dental implant over a dental bridge or flipper. But I am holding back because they are so expensive. When I asked my dentist, she told me that mini implants are controversial and didn’t recommend that I get them. From what I see mini implants do the same thing that regular implants do, so why won’t she even consider them? Is she just trying to make money off me?

-Kara in Arizona

Kara,

Mini implants are controversial because they are a bit misunderstood throughout the industry. You are correct that they have many similarities to traditional dental implants. They are surgically implanted to the bone and integrate with it. The main difference is that they are much more affordable than traditional implants, which is largely due to their size. They are smaller than traditional implants and some dentists therefore feel that they aren’t as strong. But they have been approved by the FDA for use over the long term.

So why are they so much more affordable? Well, the main factor is the size. They are half the size of traditional implants. Mini implants don’t require as extensive of a surgery, so it is simpler to place and the recovery time is faster. Also, a traditional implant has multiple pieces, and the mini implant is all one piece. Now, not everyone is a mini implants candidate. But you should explore this option further, possibly with another dentist. If your dentist doesn’t recommend or isn’t comfortable placing mini implants, find one that is. You don’t want a dentist that doesn’t feel confident in the product or their ability to have success with the product to place them. It may be very much worth your while to get a second opinion from a different implant dentist that is experienced with mini implants. Ask to see similar cases and fine out about their success rate, as well. Thank you for your question.

Filed Under: Affordable Dental Implants, blog, Dental Implants, Mini Implants Tagged With: affordable dental implants, dental bridge, dental implants, implant dentist, implant dentistry, mini implants, missing tooth, one missing tooth, replace a missing tooth

Why Is My Insurance Company Calling Dental Implants a Cosmetic Procedure?

August 21, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I was in an ATV accident and lost both of my front teeth as a result. My dentist recommends dental implants and I’m all for it, but they said insurance isn’t going to cover much. Supposedly it’s cosmetic? I’m confused. Isn’t having teeth necessary? How on earth can they consider replacing them to be a cosmetic dentistry procedure? Is there a way to get insurance to pay more for dental implants?

-Randolph in Minnesota

Dear Randolph,

Yes, having teeth is necessary, especially if you like eating. It’s also important to get going on replacing them fast, because your remaining teeth will start to slide into the empty space they left behind. The problem is that most insurance companies recognize the need to replace them, but not to restore your smile with the best possible solution. Because there are less expensive methods that are, in their opinion, good enough, the better method is considered “cosmetic.” What they’ll generally do is cover the cost of a less expensive procedure, like a dental bridge, and have you pay the difference. Or they’ll pay for a just a portion of the dental implant, such as the crown that sits on top.

With that said, it doesn’t sound like your office requested a preauthorization or a predetermination of benefits from your insurance company. With larger procedures like this, it’s not a bad idea to have the office send off all the details to the insurance company and get them to officially state what they will and won’t pay for with your procedure. Depending on how your policy is written, you may have benefits that other plans don’t, or they may pay more for your treatment if they receive a letter from your dentist saying why the more expensive procedure is necessary. So, although dental implants are not really a cosmetic dentistry procedure, some insurance companies may process them as such because it means they’ll pay less.

Filed Under: blog, Dental Implants Tagged With: are dental implants covered by dental insurance?, are dental implants covered by insurance?, are dental implants covered?, bridge vs dental implant, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental bridge, dental bridge vs implants, dental implant, dental implant vs bridge, dental implant vs dental bridge, dental implants, dental implants and insurance, implant dentist, implant dentistry, implant vs dental bridge, implants and dental insurance, knocked out tooth, missing a tooth, missing teeth, replace missing teeth, replace missing tooth, tooth knocked out

Snapped Two Teeth Off Near Gumline- Dental Implants Only Option?

August 15, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’ve been holding off on going to the dentist because I’m afraid dental implants are my only option and I already know I can’t handle all that treatment. About a month ago, I was playing softball and I took a spill. I broke two lower teeth, sort of near the front, but the teeth broke off almost all the way at my gums. I have no idea how it doesn’t hurt, but I really don’t feel anything unless I eat something I shouldn’t on that side. I’m tempted to just leave well enough alone, since I’m not up for lengthy appointments that I’d need to endure for dental implants and it doesn’t hurt, but I just thought I’d check in and see what other options are available.

Thanks in advance for the help,

Ron in Arizona

Dear Ron,

There is a myriad of options in your case, and it’s probably not a good idea to wait too long. It’s surprising that you’re not in pain, but even if the nerves were dead before your accident, you’re still at a very high risk of developing an infection.  If there isn’t enough tooth left to place porcelain crowns on the teeth, the root and remaining tooth structure should be removed very soon.

As far as replacement options go, you could probably have a dental bridge done there. Though they usually only replace a single tooth, they can replace two adjacent ones as well. You could also consider a partial denture.

You didn’t really get into why dental implants put you off.  They’re generally the best choice because they help slow the bone loss that naturally occurs when you’re missing a tooth, plus they are strong and durable. The amount of time spent in the chair per visit is on par with the amount of time you might spend for a crown, though the process, itself, is lengthier. If anxiety is stopping you from getting dental implants, you may want to look for an office that does sedation dentistry as well, so you can be sure you’ll stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.

Your best bet right now is to get in for an exam, though, before those teeth have a chance to flare up.  You can talk to the dentist about which options are right for you while you’re in. It’s possible, though not likely based on your description, that you can still have crowns done. If you still won’t consider dental implants, a bridge or partial denture are your next best options.

Filed Under: blog, Dental Implants Tagged With: dental bridge, dental implant, dental implants, implant dentist, implant dentistry, missing several teeth, missing teeth, partial denture, porcelain crown, replace broken teeth, replace missing teeth

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