affordable dentist Archives | Williams Family Dentistry

Going Directly to Lab for My Partial Denture

Posted on April 7, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a good experience with my last partial denture several years ago. I needed a new one and decided I would cut out the middle man and go directly to the lab and save some money. This has not worked out as well as I hoped. Here are the problems I have had. The front tooth being replaced by this does not stay attached to the metal. He also had so much plastic backing on this that it put all the pressure on a single bottom tooth. This gave me concern that I would lose that tooth. Finally, there is a problem with the seating because it rocks when I chew which is an irritant both emotionally and physically. I’ve been back nine times for him to work on it and he just told me to stop bothering him about this. I asked for a refund and he refused. Is there any way to get my money back? I thought this would save me money, but it has been a disaster.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

The rocking is a big problem and hints at a distorted framework. The only way to fix this would be to start over, which is why the lab’s tinkering hasn’t worked. The reason they did such a good job the first time and not when you went to them directly is almost positively because of the impression they took of your teeth. It takes specific training and skill to make a proper mold impression. They don’t do that on a regular basis so their impressions will not be as accurate. This is key in getting the denture correct.

You asked for a way to get your money back. I believe that will be simple. You may not have been aware of this but it was actually illegal for the lab to work directly with you instead of through a dentist. The lab, however, would have known that. To get your refund, I would simply tell them to either refund your money or you will testify against them. I feel certain he will be happy to give you your money back.

Your best bet in getting a great denture is through a skilled dentist. Your dentist obviously did a great job last time. If finances are difficult right now, I would speak to your dentist about that in private. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people. They may have a way to allow you to make payments and help with affordability.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Will Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Posted on May 28, 2021 by writeradmin.

I had to get dentures on my upper teeth. I am having an almost impossible time with the dentures. The upper plate makes me gag. I think getting those implant dentures will help. However, I do not have a ton of money. Will insurance cover these. When I first had to lose the teeth, I got the dentures because they were cheap, but I don’t think I can live with them. I’m hoping my medical insurance will cover this because I can’t wear the dentures and I need teeth.

Phoebe,

Dear Phoebe,

Many patients struggle with the denture plate, especially those with a strong gag reflex. Getting implant overdentures will be a big help. There will be no need for a denture plate. You will feel like you have normal teeth. That’s the good news. The bad news is your medical insurance will not cover even a single dollar. If you have dental insurance, it will cover your dental implants in part. Don’t expect it to cover all of it. However, it will be worth it.

One thing to be aware of is you don’t want to let just any dentist do this procedure. It is not taught in dental school. Whoever does the procedure needs to have post-doctoral training in dental implants. In addition, you want to make sure they also have enough experience to document a reasonable success rate, which should be no lower than 95%.

In most cases, you would pay for this procedure in two payments. The first when you start the implant procedure. The second when it is time for the dentures. If cost is still an issue, there are dentists who will be willing to work with you. They often advertise as affordable dentists. They will allow you to break up payments even further. Some have in-house payment plans. Some work through Care Credit, which is a very affordable medical credit card.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Infected Tooth & No Money

Posted on July 16, 2019 by writeradmin.

I don’t know what to do. I have a seriously infected tooth. That part of my cheek has swollen to the size of a golfball. I have no dental insurance and no job. I was laid off 5 months ago and just haven’t found anything. I don’t know what to do in order to take care of this. Do you have any suggestions?

Parker

Dear Parker,

I’m sorry about your lay-off. I know that is a terrible feeling, especially when you have something serious going on which needs to be addressed. When you’re talking about an infected tooth, it is important a dentist gets in there and physically removes the infected pulp. This is done with a root canal treatment. Antibiotics alone cannot solve the problem. The infection will flare back up and be harder to treat.

Even in the 21st century we still have people dying from tooth infections. Most people don’t realize how quickly these can turn life-threatening. However, if you think about how close your jaw is to both your heart and brain you can see that as the infection spreads things can turn serious.

Affording Dental Care During an Emergency

Most larger communities have some type of clinic available for people to get affordable dental care in cases of emergencies such as yours. Call your local dental society and see what they advise.

If you happen to live in a community which doesn’t offer these services, don’t lose heart. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people.

Try calling around and explaining your situation. They may be willing to let you get the services you need and pay as you are able. Each practice will have their own policy. Communication is the key.

If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Depending on how far gone the tooth is, it may not be possible to save it even with a root canal treatment. If you end up needing an extraction, your dentist can provide you with a dental flipper. This is an inexpensive tooth replacement. It’s meant to be temporary but it gives you time while you are still looking for employment. When things are more stable for you, there are better replacement options your dentist can discuss with you.

The key now is to get the treatment you need.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Emergency Dentist Dr. John Weaver.