I’ve been performing and teaching dental implant procedures for 30 years. Throughout these three decades, I’ve fielded lots of questions, so I thought I’d present some Q&As here. After reading this article, look at our website for more information, or give us a call for a personalized consultation.
1. Dental implants are expensive. How do I afford the work I need?
Treatments can vary significantly, and you would need a consultation and/or proper exam to determine your particular financial investment. An implant, abutment, and crown for a back tooth without an extraction, grafting, or temporary is approximately $4,500. A full jaw of implants in an arrangement called “All-On-Four” can be as much as $25,000. Some patients will manage their financial investment outright on their own, while others may need assistance from financing programs such as CareCredit or Proceed Lending. Over the last number of years, we have been seeing dental insurance kick in funds, but don’t expect it to cover the majority. Treatments may also span a number of months, so a monthly financial arrangement may also be possible.
Take a look at our website under the financing options; we have links to our two primary lending vendors.
2. Am I a candidate for dental implants?
We find that most people are candidates for dental implants. Age is NOT a factor; we have performed numerous implant procedures on people in their 90s. Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, can be absolute contraindications, while other health situations, such as smoking and autoimmune diseases, can be relative contraindications. Medications such as SSRIs (anti-depressants & mood stabilizers), certain gastric medications, and bone metabolism medications (bisphosphonates and others) also need to be considered and discussed with your dentist. Your oral health needs to be considered, too: periodontal (gum) disease, the condition of adjacent teeth, the presence of dental infections, and the levelness (or bite issues) of the rest of your teeth also need to be given attention.
3. Can I trust my current dentist for my implant care?
This is a very difficult question to answer. If you have a dentist that you are comfortable with, trust that dentist and their opinion. If he/she places implants and also restores them (puts the teeth on top), then they likely are able to service your needs. Even if they don’t do the surgical portion or are paired with an oral surgeon, periodontist, or implant expert such as myself, then you are likely in good hands. However, when it comes to dealing with complicated scenarios, including grafting or full arch implants, then you may need to seek the attention of other implant experts. The best advice I can give is that if you have any questions or hesitations, go for a second opinion. We rarely see new patients anymore who have not gone for one or two other consultations; it’s just the way consumers evaluate the marketplace.
4. I know I need All-On-Four or full mouth implants. Where do I start?
Give us a call for a consultation. I have been performing implant procedures for 30 years. I teach full arch implant dentistry and perform these procedures, both the surgical and restorative phases. I perform revision surgeries for implants that have suffered complications. I receive referrals from other practitioners who are aware that their patients require specialized attention. In short, it’s likely that I’ve treated your situation before, and that I can help you.
About the Author
Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 30 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 313-5314 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com.