Question about implants vs crown vs bridge

[boopy]

Hi Everyone,

Over the past year I have been really trying my hardest to get over my fears of the dentist and take care of my teeth. After 20 years of neglect, I was told on Friday the worst of it is over. I had scaling, 3 fillings & 3 extractions. (top wisdome and a molar). My gums are still swollen, but in much, much, much better shape then they were before, and go every 3 months for cleanings.

So on Friday during my cleaning, the dentist came in and said that the molar that I had removed #3, he wants me to get an implant so that my teeth don't shift in the front. I was lucky, I was born with naturally straight teeth, as was my sister. He said he doesn't want to do a crown or a bridge as they can cause complications. He said my best option in an implant. Then he told me the price, about $5,000!!! He said that insurance should pay half. But still....I don't have $2,500. I barely had the money to get 3 fillings. ($400)
When I told him I don't have the money for it, he suggested that I start saving. (like it's that easy nowadays).

I'm a little upset because it took me FOREVER to find a nice caring dentist and I finally feel like I trust one, and now it seems he just wants to get the most money out of me. I also have another molar missing # 19 that fell out 20 years ago after a botched root canal. (Hence the start of my fear) He said he would like an implant in that as well. I just can't do it financially.

Now I feel like I don't want to go back to them. Which I will because I've come a long way and don't EVER want to go back to the way they looked before. Plus, my hygenist is awesome and the sweetest person ever and I feel so comfortable with her.

But is it really that bad to get a crown or a bridge?? What to the dentists on this board do when a patient wants to go for the cheaper option? Will you do it?

I found out that my sister had # 3 & 14 out about 10 years ago and her teeth haven't shifted. I'm not saying that, that will happen to me. But maybe it will from genetics lol.

What do people think? Am I getting nickled & dimed or is it really the best option.

I'm in the U.S. if that matters.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

[decan]

For single tooth replacements implants are absolutely the best way to go and are considered the standard of care these days. In order to place an implant nothing needs to be done to the adjacent teeth to fill in the missing space. Once the adjacent teeth are crowned there is possibility of secondary decay forming under the crowns which would mean the entire bridge needs to be replaced. Having said that, a bridge is the next best alternative if implants are completely out of the question. Is there financing available at your dentist's practice? Placing a temporary partial denture (flipper) to maintain the space until the finances are in order may be another relatively inexpensive option.

 

[boopy]

Thanks for breaking it down for me Decan. I understand now they are not trying to nickel & dime me lol.

I think they have carecredit, but I don't think I can apply to it because I belong to a debt consolidation program and appling for financing can actually kick me out of the program. I have a year left

My office is more of a pay upfront first, then we will work on you kinda place, so that's why I am so hessitant.

The next time I go, I will bring up the flipper idea to him and see what he says.

Thanks so much for answering!!! Have a wonderful Holiday!!!

 

[decan]

My pleasure! I hope you have a great holiday!