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Dentist Pushing Me to Get Implant

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I have lost a tooth and want to get a removable partial denture for it. My dentist doesn’t like that idea and has been pushing me to get a dental implant. I do get that they’re better. I really do. But, it’s a lot of money. Money I just don’t have right now. Maybe I can get one later, but I can’t get my dentist to understand this and he’s acting like I’m beating a child if I get the other procedure. I wonder if you think I should switch dentists over this?

Kathy

Dear Kathy,

Dental Implant

I truly do NOT like it when dentists pressure patients over the ideal procedure. You have clearly understood it was the best option, but just as clearly communicated it is out of your budget.

Here’s the thing. It’s a single tooth. A removable partial denture will hold that space open if you decide to get a dental implant later. Either way is fine.

If you wanted to go one step up, a dental bridge would feel (and be) more secure. Again, though, that is up to you. It has one drawback of needing to crown the two adjacent teeth. If they’re healthy, you may not want to do that.

When Dental Implants are More Important.

illustration of facial collapse using the profile of a woman before and after

If you were replacing all your teeth, then dental implants would be more important. When your teeth are removed your body recognizes the roots of your teeth are no longer there and interprets that as no longer needing your jawbone.

As a result, your body begins to reabsorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. After about ten years or so you’ll no longer have enough jawbone to support your dentures.

This is known as facial collapse and will be devastating to your health. To prevent this, the implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots. This signals to your body you still need your jawbone.

You’re not in this situation at all. Because of that, there isn’t nearly as much imperative for an implant.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Help! I Look Like I Have George Washington’s Wooden Teeth

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I’m in tears. I was in an accident that caused me to lose three front teeth. My dentist suggested a removable partial denture. I had no idea how fake they’d look or I’d never have agreed. My front teeth look practically wooden. Is there any other option or am I stuck with these for the rest of my life? Please help.

Sandy M.

Dear Sandy,

Based on your question, it sounds like your dentist only gave you dentures as an option. There are several other options. I’ll list some of them out for you. But, whichever you chose, your current dentist isn’t the one to do the work, for reasons I’ll explain. Because it’s your front teeth, the best dentist you can get is an expert cosmetic dentist. They could have made even removable partial dentures look stunning.

Here’s an example of the different results you can get from dentists. The “before photo” was a dental bridge and crown done by another dentist. The patient came to Dr. Newkirk because the results were so disastrous, similar to what you’re experiencing. The “after photo” is the smile Dr. Newkirk created for her.

Terrible smile done by another dentist

Before Dr. Newkirk’s Work

Gorgeous smile created by Dr. Newkirk

After Dr. Newkirk’s Work

The ideal replacement for you would have been to get dental implants, especially if you’re still relatively young. It would protect you from bone loss which leads to facial collapse. This is an advanced procedure which requires surgery, so you’ll want to go to a dentist who has a good deal of post-graduate training and a high success rate.

Another option is to get a dental bridge. Though, the more teeth that need to be replaced, the less reliable a bridge will be. And, if one part of it breaks the whole unit must be replaced.

The point is your dentist should have told you about these options. The fact that he didn’t and he did such a poor job on making your teeth look natural tells me this isn’t the dentist to replace your teeth. As you can see from the images above, the dentist you choose makes a huge difference.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Newkirk.