I am only 33 years old and everything about me is healthy and attractive except for my teeth. My dentist is suggesting I just take them out and get dentures, but as I am so young, I really don’t want to do that. I’ve read the horror stories about facial collpase that come with dentures. I’d be happy to get dental implants if I could afford them, but the price is well beyond what I can do. Do you know of a way to get help paying for these. I’d be happy to do commercials or something for a dentist for free after I got the implants. Do you know of dentists who would be willing to do that? If not, is there any other way to get these for less money?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

You are in a tough spot but I do have some suggestions for you. First, because you mentioned facial collapse, I’m going to explain it for those who may not be aware of the problem with dentures. When your teeth are removed, your body starts resorbing the minerals in your jawbone because they are no longer needed to keep your teeth roots in place. The unfortunate result of that is in about ten or so years, you will no longer have enough jawbone left to keep your denture in. Additionally, the way it shrinks the jawbone makes you look years older. Having dental implants placed prevents facial collapse because the implants signal to your body that you still have teeth that need support.

I don’t think you’ll find anyone to let you advertise for them in place of paying for the dental implants. It’s too easy for dentists to get people who pay for their treatment to agree to advertising. However, I do have a few suggestions that may help.

Getting Affordable Dental Implants

• Dental Implant Students: If you are willing to have your dental implants done by a student learning how to place dental implants, you can save a substantial amount of money. They are supervised, so it is not as dangerous as it sounds, but it does take more time because they are learning.
• There are a couple of affordable dental implant options that you may be able to start with. They’re not as high end as the real thing, but they will protect you from facial collapse. Talk to your dentist about those options and see if they will work in your situation.

It may be worth your time to get a second opinion. Not all dentists prefer to save teeth. Some will just extract them and save themselves the trouble of the constant battle with decay. It may be you have quite a few teeth that can be saved and you just need to go to a dentist willing to put in the work.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.