I’ve had problems with my teeth for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a mouthful of fillings, a few crowns and also a bridge. As if things couldn’t get any worse, one of the teeth holding my bridge in place broke last week. My dentist recommended a couple of implants. I didn’t think much about it and scheduled the appointment, but now that I’ve had a little time to research implants, I am realizing that I can’t really afford them. The dentist didn’t give me any other options, but I am wondering if there is a cheaper alternative. I don’t want to offend him, but that’s a lot of money and I’d like to know if there is a more affordable option that might work. — Alicia
Alicia,
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your teeth! Don’t feel bad that you want to go back to your dentist and find out about other/cheaper alternatives. While it would have been better for him to layout all of your possible options at your appointment, he probably just overlooked it and assumed you wanted the best recommendation.
Implants shouldn’t be your only option. Ask him if you’re a candidate for a single implant that could support your bridge or maybe even a cantilever bridge. It’s also possible that a partial denture could work for now and you could start saving up to get the implants later. There could be other options as well, but you need to be honest and upfront with your dentist about your budget so he can work with you to find the best possible solution that doesn’t break the bank.
It may be as simple as a phone call to the office so he can review your chart or they may want you to come back in for a quick consultation. Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to talk about your financial needs – there are many people in your same situation and the office should be happy to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
This blog post is brought to you by Des Moines cosmetic dentist, Dr. Phelan Thomas. For more information on the services he provides, please visit his Des Moines cosmetic dentist website.