Can you tell me how to be confident in my dentists ability to fit an implant?
I have been missing my top right front tooth for around five years now and wearing a denture in its place. My dentists have recommended implants in the past but the cost has been too high. When I went for my check up this time round my dentist told me that she is currently training in doing single tooth implants with the Royal College of Surgeons, is looking for patients and that my gap is just about perfect.
My dentist has offered to reduce the price for my implant and crown to £1800 (she quoted a normal price of £2300) and said to think about it. Today she has said that it should be around £1500. I had x-rays and impressions taken today so they can decide if there is enough bone remaining to go ahead.
I have two questions now. From reading this site it seems that £1500 might be quite high for a reduced price. My dentist advertises as a cosmetic dentist, and I expect that the quality of the crown etc will be good, but I have no frame of reference to decide if this is a good price for the procedure. I was also worried that they could not give me a firm price, saying that depending on how the procedure goes, more treatment may be required, which would increase the price.
I am concerned that if they decide there is enough bone to proceed I might still be a marginal case and that this might reduce the potential lifetime of the implant. Is this possibly the case?
Sorry for such a long-winded question, and thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi
Firstly prices can vary because the price reflects the quality of the materials being used and the complexity of the case. when getting an implant is is important to see photos of past cases of the dentist and ask how many they have placed. This will give you confidence in there experience.
One way of finding if you have enough bone is by having a ct scan. This is something i often take to have a better knowledge of exactly how much bone is present is the first place and then indicate to the patient if a minor bone graft would be required. But of course this would be at an extra cost.
If you have concerns, it would be better you discuss this with your dentist who is placing the implant. Good luck.
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