Is it bad to switch dentists to get affordable dental implants?

After 6 years of having 3 teeth missing I am ready to replace them with affordable dental implants. During my last dental exam my dentist measured my bone and said that I have some bone loss that will only get worse. My dentist is on the high end in cost, but I have good insurance, so anything I’ve had to pay out of pocket is not bad. Dental implants are a different story, and because my dentist is higher than average my out of pocket costs will be 15% to 20% higher if I use him instead of someone else. I checked with 4 other dentists and my dentist is higher than all of them. I am not even sure how to speak with my dentist about this, but the implants from him are just not affordable. Is it considered bad patient practice to get my dental implants from another dentist and then return to mine for all other work? Thanks. Mackenzie

Dear Mackenzie,

Although it isn’t a requirement that you receive all of your dental work from the same dentist, you do need to be cautious when looking for affordable dental implants.

Although the cost of implants vary with the dentist, the costs within the same city are usually similar. If your dentist is 15% to 20% higher than most, it might be good to find out why.

Were you quoted costs for traditional implants or mini implants? What brand of dental implants is being used by each dentist? Are they high-quality fixtures or cheap implants that were imported from a country that has no quality standards? Be certain not to compare costs only, but consider the services included in the cost, as well as the quality of materials that would be used to replace your missing teeth.

It is also good to find out how much each experience each dentist has in implant placement. Will the dentist perform the implant surgery and the dental crown placement, or will you be referred to an oral surgeon to place the implants? Ensure that all of the factors included in planning, surgery, and crown placement are included in the cost to help you make a fair comparison.

If you still decide to see another dentist, don’t feel like you’re cheating on your dentist. It’s your choice. Just ensure you receive high-quality implants that will last.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.