My dentist uses Nobel Biocare dental implants. After he told me the cost of implants from the imaging to surgery and the crowns, I knew that I should start comparing prices. I asked him about using another brand that is cheaper, but he won’t budge on the brand. He says he uses that brand because he likes it and gets good results. What brands of dental implants are more competitively priced and how can I find a dentist who uses those brands? Thanks. Jim
Jim – Dental implants are fixtures. As with household fixtures, there can be low-priced, low quality fixtures that need to be replaced more frequent, or more expensive, quality fixtures that last many years.
Think about a quality kitchen faucet. It can last for many, many years, and after 15 years or so, it needs to be replaced. If the faucet is replaced with a less expensive one that will need to be replaced in five years or less, or with another, more expensive quality fixture that will last another 15 years. The same is true of dental implant fixtures, high-quality fixtures are more expensive, but they last much longer, and they are less likely to need to be replaced. They also contribute to better overall oral health.
We have a few suggestions for you:
- Don’t to insist on lower-priced brands of implants, because it can mean a sacrifice in quality.
- Speak with your dentist about the brand he uses and why he prefers it. The conversation can give you confidence in your dentist’s decision and that he is concerned about your oral health.
- Get a second and third opinion from other dentists who also use quality fixtures, and discuss your options with them.
Remember that shopping around for a low price can lead to cheap implant fixtures that don’t last, that result in infection, or that require your implants to be completely redone.
This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.