Tag Archives: dental implants

Affordable Dentist

Will insurance cover dental implants?

I’m going to lose three teeth due to a car accident. I’m really devastated about it because they’re in the front. I really want to get dental implants so I can feel confident smiling again, but am worried about the expense. Will insurance cover it?

Laura O. – Texas

Laura,

Just a few years ago I would have had to tell you ‘No’. Dental implants were considered an experimental treatment and insurance companies flat out refused to cover it. That made it almost unaffordable for most patients.

But, a lot has happened in the last few years. Because more dentists have made the effort to get significant training in the procedure, the success rates have skyrocketed. Now, about half of all insurance companies are willing to cover the procedure.

You’ll want to go to a dentist with the right training AND is willing to work with you to get the most out of your insurance policy. Even if yours is not one that covers the procedure, there are ways your dentist can work with you to make it happen. Be open with your dentist. They’ll help.

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

Emergency Dentist

Implant Dentist or Emergency Dentist

My dental implant has been in for about 9 months. Everything was fine until a few weeks ago, when my jaw started hurting. I went to see my dentist who did my implants. He said everything is fine. The pain got worse and I went back. He still said everything was fine. I believed him, though was beginning to have my doubts. Today, I was eating and I realized there is puss in my mouth. the implant tooth feels loose. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t reach my dentist. Do I wait for him or see an emergency dentist? Help me, please.

  • Misty – Nevada

Dear Misty,

 

I’m sorry for this experience you’re having. Your dentist should have been more in tune with your concerns. It sounds like you’ve got a pretty massive infection and it needs to be dealt with. I’m surprised you can’t reach your dentist at all. Usually, there is a protocol in place for emergency situations.

Because your dentist doesn’t seem to have a procedure for situations then you need to see an emergency dentist. There is likely only two things he can do. First, he’ll give you some antibiotics to stave off the infection until your implant dentist can get in there and deal with the issue. Secondly, he may need to splint the implant tooth. Hopefully, this can be resolved in a way that allows you to save the implant.

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Kevin and HIlary Peck.

Phoenix Dentist

Dental Implant verses Dental Bridge

I have a missing tooth and I’m trying to decide between a dental implant or a dental bridge. Any thoughts?

Brooke S. – Louisiana

Brooke,

The better tooth replacement is a dental implant. Though it is more expensive, it’s like having your own natural tooth back.  There are times though, when a dental bridge would make more sense.

The teeth adjacent to the false tooth have to be shaved down to make room for dental crowns. If your adjacent teeth need work, then that treatment makes sense.

If, however, the adjacent teeth are healthy, it doesn’t make sense to shave them down thereby removing healthy tooth structure. In that case, I would recommend the implant. I’d speak with your dentist and see what he recommends in your case.

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

Affordable Dentist

I can’t afford a dental implant

I have a problem and I don’t know what to do. I am having a tooth extracted. My dentist says I have to get a dental implant. However, between the surgery and the restoration, I just can’t afford it. What do I do? I don’t want to leave an empty space in my mouth.

Yvette L. – Maryland

Yvette,

What your dentist is doing is unethical.  He is supposed to give you all your options, not just insist on the ideal treatment. Everybody is on a different budget.

There are other more affordable dental options for your situation. If you can’t afford a dental implant, maybe you can afford a dental bridge or a removable partial denture. If even those are out of your reach, you could get a dental flipper. They are meant to be temporary, but it can fill in if you’re in a pinch and need to save up for a more permanent solution.

I hope this helps.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Dentures

Got dentures- now I can’t eat

I’m really unhappy with my dentures.  I’ve had them about two weeks and I just can’t eat anymore. I’ve already lost weight. I was very slender to begin with so I can’t afford to lose much more. My dentist isn’t listening to me. He tells me they are fine and I just need time to get used to them. Is there anything I can do?

Elise L. – Montana

Elise,

Before you got dentures, your dentist was under an ethical obligation to share all the treatment options with you. If he didn’t, I would have serious concern about continuing your care with him. Plus, when you’re frustrated and hungry, it doesn’t help to have a dentist that isn’t listening to you.

 No matter how well fitting someone’s dentures are, they will lose about 50% of your chewing capacity. Though some people seem to survive the change, others find it a misery.  Eventually your dentures will start to slip as well. That is the bad news.
The good news is you have options. The best option, before you even got dentures, is to get dental implants. This does require a surgical procedure and is more expensive than dentures, but it will be like having your own teeth again.
If you can’t afford that, there is a procedure using mini implants that can anchor your dentures. This will improve your eating facility.
I’m sorry for what you are going through.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Affordable Dentist

Can’t afford implants

I don’t know what to do. I need to have six teeth replaced, but I can’t afford dental implants. My dentist says it is really the only option because they’re all next to each other and I’d lose too much bone. Do you have any advice?

Sam J.- Alaska

Sam,

I don’t like it when dentists say something is your only option. While it is true that dental implants are the ideal treatment, they’re certainly not the only option.  First, I would look for an affordable dentist. Don’t confuse affordable with cheap.  Sometimes the cheapest option is the worst, becaust their skills and quality of materials aren’t very good. An affordable dentist will work with you in several of these ways:

1.  They will give you ALL your options. Not just the ideal one.

2. They will generally have payment plans including low and no -interest options.

3. They will let you do phased treatment. For instance, you can’t afford six dental implants, but what if you can afford one dental implant. Then your dentist could place temporary fake teeth on the other teeth until you could save up for more implants.

I hope this helps.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Dentures

Denture is too hard

Is there a way to get a softer denture? Mine is too hard and is hurting the roof of my mouth.

Eileen S.- Babylon, NY

Eileen,

There isn’t really a soft denture. You can get a soft lining for your dentures. They are more comfortable than other types of dentures. The downside is they are more expensive and do not hold up as well.

You are not the only patient who finds dentures hard to deal with. The best solution is to switch to dental implants. They function and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll be more comfortable, you’ll be able to eat the foods you love again.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Root Canal Treatment

Retreatment of Root Canal

I have had two retreatments for a root canal. It has started bothering me again. My dentist sent me to an endodontist who said the best treatment option is for me to have the tooth extracted and have a replacement tooth put in. I’d really like to just have it retreated. What do you think I should do?

Brandon S.- Bigelow, AR

Brandon,

The rate of successful root canal re-treatment goes down significantly with each proceeding root canal treatment. The money you would spend on another unsuccessful retreat would be much better spent in having your tooth extracted and then replaced. You can replace it either with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.