Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Dentist Said My Face Will Collapse with Dentures

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I don’t know if my dentist is saying this just to scare me into dental implants, but thought I’d check just in case. I’m losing my teeth due to a lifetime of both problems that could and couldn’t be controlled. My dentist wanted me to get dental implants, but they cost a fortune. I was considering dentures, but he says they make your face collapse. Is he just trying to scare me into the more important procedure?

Troy M.

Dear Troy,

A dentist and patient

Has your dentist given you a reason to think he’s manipulated you in the past? If so, that would be an egregious breach of trust between a patient and caregiver. Whatever his character, in this case, he’s right. Though, when he talks about your face collapsing he doesn’t mean your whole face. He’s referring to your jawbone shrinking.

Once you remove all your teeth, your body reabsorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. This causes your jawbone to shrink little by little. As that progresses, you’ll no longer be able to wear your dentures because they won’t fit.

Why Your Dentist Suggested Dental Implants

Implants, as their name implies, places a titanium implant into your jawbone. Then after your bone has reabsorbed around the implant and is stable, your dentist can place a porcelain crown on top. Now you’re talking about all your teeth, so you don’t want to pay for a one-to-one ratio dental implants to teeth, unless of course you are independently wealthy.

Generally, you would get implant supported dentures, which is a mixture of the two treatments. It anchors your dentures to your jaw. This prevents you from losing mass in your jawbone and keeps your dentures from slipping and sliding around. Obviously, the more dental implants the better.

Talk to your dentist about what would work best in your particular situation. However, if you don’t trust your dentist, you’d be better served looking for another dentist which you can. Be sure to check their reviews so you get some idea what you’re getting into.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

What if I Can’t Afford My Dental Procedure?

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I’m in need of replacing several teeth and my dentist is insisting I get dental implants. What do I do if I can’t afford the procedure? Are there options? Do I just leave the spaces blank?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Image of a traditional implant and the more affodable mini implant

A traditional dental implant compared to a mini implant

It actually makes me angry when I hear about situations like yours. Yes, dental implants are the ideal procedure when you’re talking about replacing several teeth, especially because of the possibility of facial collapse. But, they’re not the only procedure. His job, as your dentist, is to provide you an explanation of all the options available to you, give his recommendations and why, then let you decide. Not everyone is working under the same budget.

Finding Affordable Dental Options

In your situation you have several choices.

  1. Affordable dental implants. Things like implant overdentures are a great option when you can’t afford the ideal. You’re certainly not the only one facing this, so don’t feel badly about it.
  2. A Dental Bridge. Depending on how many teeth you’re talking about, this could be a great secondary option, especially if any of the adjacent teeth are in need of a crown anyway.
  3. A removable partial denture. This would be my least favorite option because your quality of living won’t be as high, but it is still an option. It can often be used as a temporary solution while you work out financing for the ideal.
  4. Payment Plans. Many dentists work to be affordable, do that by offering payment plans so you can get the care you need, then slowly pay it off. Some do in-house payment plans. Other dentists use Care Credit—a medical credit card that offers low and no interest payment plans.

This is the minimum amount of information your dentist should have provided you. If you’re not getting the whole picture, you might be better served getting your oral healthcare elsewhere.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Can I Trust My Dentist About Dental Implants?

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I’ve lost two teeth. My dentist said I need to look at tooth replacement options. But, he said the only thing he’d recommend is dental implants. Of course, it’s the most expensive treatment. Is it really my only serious option?

Mark

Dear Mark,

Dental Implant Diagram

Dental implants are the top of the line tooth replacement option. So, would I recommend them? Yes. However, there are times when a dental bridge makes more sense. For instance, if the teeth adjacent to the one you lost are in need of a dental crown, then get a bridge. Other than that, if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, then I’d recommend those over other lesser options, such as a removable partial denture.

Reasons to get a dental implant

  • It’s the most like having a healthy, natural tooth back.
  • It preserves your bone structure
  • You can eat and brush normally
  • No food will get underneath

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Dentist Refusing to Give Me Dentures

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I’m very worried. I’ve been in an accident that is causing me to lose most of my teeth. In preparation for that, I went to my dentist to make plans for dentures. He told me it’s imperative I get dental implants. It’s not that I don’t want them, it’s just I can’t afford them. He is absolutely refusing the give me dentures saying that at my age (I’m 23) it would be irresponsible. What should I do? It’s not like it’s any more responsible for me to be without teeth. Can you advise?

Daniel M.

Dear Daniel,

Cu-Sil denture Affordable dental treatment

First, let me express sorrow that your accident has caused you such devastating trouble. I’m sure this has been an extremely distressing situation for you. I also understand that it would be extraordinarily difficult for a 23-year-old just starting out in life to afford a procedure like dental implants. I’ll be honest with you. I don’t think you’re going to get anywhere with him, so you’ll be better served going to a different dentist. However, I am going to explain his concerns and what your options are.

While he’s handled the situation poorly, his concern is valid. At your age, if you were to get dentures and stick with that procedure, you’ll be afflicted with facial collapse before you even hit 40 years of age. While I know you can’t afford full dental implants there are ways to get as much protection for your jawbone as possible.

Affording Care You Can’t Afford

The first thing I’d do is see if there are ANY teeth which can be saved. Even one or two is better than nothing and will preserve some bone. There are dentures which can be made to have holes in them where you still have natural teeth to fit through.

Next, if there are even just a couple of implants you can afford that will help. Your dentist can strategically place them to give you maximum protection. Ask about implant overdentures.

Then, as finances allow, you can add implants your treatment plan.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.