I am overseas and my husband went to see a dentist about getting dental implants. The dentist said because of his bone, the only option was an all-on-four dental implants. It is a bit more money than we were expecting. I wonder if we’d be better off traveling to Portugal to have this done. What are your thoughts on this procedure?
Callie Anne
Dear Callie Anne,
I am a bit wary of any dentist who only gives you one option. There are almost always options. If he is saying the problem with your bone is there is not enough, then all-on-4 is one possibility. Another is to have bone grafting done in order to build up the needed bone for you to have traditional dental implants.
It is not likely to be any less expensive than the all-on-4, but it will be more reliable. The all-on-4 has a higher failure rate. Plus, if one part of it fails, the entire unit has to be replaced.
If cost is the main prohibiting factor, there are other options. You can get as few as two dental implants for Snap-on dentures, or you can get some mini dental implants to help secure a dentures. Neither will be as great as full implant supported dentures, but they will prevent facial collapse.
Again, I am not comfortable with the very limited options your dentist gave you. Do your husband a favor and get a second option. No matter what type of implants you decide to go forward with, make certain that the dentist you choose to do it is qualified. Dental implants are not adequately taught in dental school. It is important that they have post-doctoral training on the procedure. Take a peak at Dr. Marion’s bio to get an idea of the training and experience you will want from a dentist doing your husband’s dental implant procedure.
This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.