Tag Archives: removable partial denture

Affordable Dentist

Can’t Afford What Dentist is Insisting On

I am losing two teeth. My dentist is insisting I get dental implants to replace them, but I honestly cannot afford that. He told me that if I don’t get dental implants, I would need to find another dentist. What do I do?

Fanny

Dear Fanny,

A comparison of a dental bridge next to a dental implant

I don’t like it when dentists give patients ultimatums like this. While, yes, dental implants are the best treatment for a missing tooth, not everyone can afford the top of the line. There are other, perfectly acceptable options to replace your tooth. In fact, your dentist is ethically obligated to give you all of your options. If he wants you to go to another dentist, I would oblige him.

If you can’t afford a dental implant, the next best option would be to get a dental bridge. This would require placing a dental crown on the two adjacent teeth and suspending a false tooth between them.

If even that is too much money for you, then you can look at a removable partial denture.

My suggestion is you look for someone who advertises as an affordable dentist. They are generally much more understanding about things like budgets. Some of them even have payment plan options to help you get the procedure you need.

I am sorry this happened to you. However, I am hopeful with a more compassionate dentist, you can get the care you need without having ultimatums placed on you.

There are plenty of great dentists out there. Don’t limit yourself to the one who cares more about his bank account than yours.

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

Affordable Dentist

Dentist Insisting I Get a Dental Implant

I recently lost a tooth. That is stressful enough but my dentist is insisting I get a dental implant. It isn’t that I don’t want one. I just honestly can’t afford one. They are way out of my budget. He’s insisting it is the only good option. Is that true? If so, do I just have to leave a gaping hole in my smile?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

It really galls me when dentists give ultimatums like this or make patients feel like they don’t care about their teeth just because they do not go into debt for a treatment.

I’m going to tell you right away that you will probably be better served by going with a different dentist. You want one who follows his ethical obligation to give you all the options available to you. Not everyone can do the ideal treatment.

While it is true that a dental implant is currently the best tooth replacement option, there are other choices.

The next best option would be a dental bridge. This suspends a false tooth between two dental crowns. That means the adjacent teeth will have to be crowned, but it is a permanently attached solution.

The next option is a removable partial denture. This will have a false tooth and use clips to attach it to your adjacent teeth. As the name suggests they are removable, so they won’t be as steady as a dental bridge, but will suffice.

The cheapest option is a dental flipper, but this is only meant as a temporary option while you save up for a better replacement.

I am going to suggest you do an internet search for an affordable dentist and go to them to get your replacement. Most dentists who promote themselves as affordable try to keep their fees reasonable and also offer some type of payment plan.

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

Affordable Dentist

Can’t Afford Next Treatment

I had a Maryland Bridge, but ended up being allergic to part of it. I can’t use that anymore and my dentist is inisisting my only option now is a dental implant. I priced that originally and couldn’t afford it. Surely there is another option, but my dentist is insisting this is it.

Carol.

Dear Carol,

A dollar sign hatching out of an egg

I’m sorry that you have had such a hard time with this tooth replacement. It is unfair of your dentist to insist on the most expensive treatment. While everyone wants the best option, sometimes our budget precludes that. What disappoints me is your dentist is ethically bound to at least make you aware of all your options, even if he won’t do them.

You will have more success with a dentist that understands budgetary limitations. If your dentist doesn’t look for someone who advertises as an affordable dentist. They’ll be more willing to offer you the options that work for your pocketbook. Most are even willing to accept payment plans.

Affordable Options to a Dental Implant

The first thing I would suggest to you is a zirconia or porcelain bridge. This is a false tooth suspended between two dental crowns. These are metal-free and won’t give you the same allergy issues that you faced with your last treatment.

If that doesn’t work for you financially, there are allso removable partial dentures. You’ll just need to make certain your dentist knows you will want metal free clasps.

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