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Archives for February 2015

Are space maintainers necessary?

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My son needs a back tooth removed. It’s a baby tooth, but my dentist wants to add a space maintainer in. That will significantly add to the cost and I don’t see the point. I mean, it’s a back tooth, there’s nothing else there. What’s the issue?

Marianne D. – New Jersey

Marianne,

I know it doesn’t sound like it makees sense, but your dentist is right. You didn’t mention how old your son was, but with it being baby teeth, I’m guessing not too old.  It could be many years before his adult molars come in.  In the meantime, his baby teeth could shift into that space.

What that will do, is cause crowding when his adult teeth come in. Crowding leads to braces, which will end up costing way more than a space maintainer.

I wish your pediatric dentist would have explained this to you. It’s important for parents to understand the reasoning behind procedures.  You need all the information in order to make a decision.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Can’t afford dental implants

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My dentist said I need a dental implant, but he doesn’t understand that I can’t afford it.  Can’t I do something else? My dentist said that dental implants are the treatment for missing teeth.  Aren’t dental implants new? There must have been a different procedure they used to do before the implants.

Nerry G. – Chicago

Nerry,

You’re certainly right. There are other possibilities. And, to be frank, your dentist should have told you about them.  To not give you all your options is quite unethical.  The fact that you told him you cannot afford dental implants and he still didn’t tell you your options, assures me that you need to find a new dentist. Don’t spend another one of your hard earned dollars on this dentist.

When you need more affordable dental options, you should insist on getting them. However, as I said before, you shouldn’t have to. Your dentist should volunteer ALL your options.

In your case, I would look into a dental bridge. That is less expensive than implants. If that is too much, you can look at a removable partial denture.

I look forward to hearing you’ve found another dentist and your tooth is well taken care of.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.