I lost a tooth due to an accident. I really want a dental implant to replace it, but became very depressed when I realized I couldn’t afford it.  I don’t want to be stuck with a removable denture for the rest of my life. I want something that stays in my mouth. I know this sounds like not a big deal, but to me it is everything. I’ve been crying for days.

Annalisa M. – Portland, OR

Annalisa,

There are times in our life when our heart’s desires and our pocket books do not match.  I know it is disappointing. Fortunately, there is an affordable dental solution that I think you’ll like better than a removable partial denture.

Under ethical standards, your dentist is supposed to give you all of your options. We aren’t always able to afford the ideal treatment. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have a suitable treatment anyway.

Has your dentist mentioned getting a dental bridge. It will use a false tooth suspended between two crowns. It’s not as ideal as a dental implant, but it is not a removable applicance like a partial denture.

You could use either of those two procedures as a permanent or temporary solution. Your heart is set on implants. You can have them, it just might take a little longer than you’d hoped. Get the solution you can afford now and save for the one you really want.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.