Can I Ask My Dentist for a Refund on My Overdenture?

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Can I get a refund on a new overdenture that my dentist was three weeks late on and didn’t fit on my mini-implants? I was supposed to get the new denture by March 18 before my vacation in early April, but when my dentist’s partner tried to put it on, it would not fit. The denture needed reworking for the attachments to fit on the implants. I had to leave for vacation wearing my temporary denture, and I am glad it held up. When I returned, the dental office said the dentist was ordering attachment gaskets, but they had yet to arrive. I am getting nervous about what to expect. Can I request a refund, or would it waste time? – Thank you. Jehu

Jehu,

Your question has legal and dental implications.

Your Dentist’s Legal Obligations

Your agreement with the dentist was to make an overdenture by an agreed date. Your dentist was late with the overdenture, and when it arrived, it did not fit, and you could not wear it. And you still do not have the denture. Your dentist broke the agreement, so you deserve a refund. If your dentist is hesitant, you can do the following:

  • Mention that you will leave a negative online review or that you can write a positive review about his integrity and the positive side of your treatment if you get a refund
  • Complain to the dental board
  • Complain to your insurance company if applicable
  • Consult with a consumer rights attorney. Your case value is not enough to justify a lawsuit.

Your Dentist’s Mistakes

Snap-on denture diagram

Consult with a skilled implant dentist about your denture

Your dentist was supposed to have your final denture by March 18, but it did not fit. Now the denture is over two months late. More than offering to order new gaskets is required for your inconvenience. Your dentist seems overwhelmed by your case but will not admit it. Mini-implants are uncommon; ask how many mini-implant cases your dentist has handled.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist and sending a copy of your dental records before your appointment. After the second-opinion dentist assesses your overdenture, present the findings to your dentist and ask for a refund.

We wish you a smooth resolution.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

What’s the Cheapest Fix for a Tooth Broken at the Gumline?

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My front left tooth broke below the gumline. I am looking for a cheap, fast way to fix it. I don’t know if there is anything like an affordable implant. Will a mini-implant work? If not, I am interested in something that is not expensive. I suppose there are not many options, but what is the least expensive? Thanks. Bart from WVA

Bart,

Cheap options do not last. You can ask a dentist to bond the tooth back with composite as an inexpensive fix, but it will not look good, nor will it last. Two treatment options can restore your tooth, but neither is cheap or fast.

Restoring a Tooth that Broke at the Gumline

Depending on the severity of the break, a dentist can restore a tooth that breaks at the gumline a dental crown or a dental implant.

Dental crown

If you do not have a strong bite or deep overbite, a dental crown might be able to restore your tooth. Treatment steps include:

  • Root canal treatment
  • Inserting two strong, flexible post in the tooth to absorb stress on the crown and prevent tooth root fracture
  • Building up the tooth and post with composite
  • Bonding the crown to your tooth

Dental implant

Dental implant components, including root form, abutment, and crown

If you need a dental implant, it will mimic a natural tooth.

If your tooth broke at the gumline, weak and you have a strong bite, a dental implant is the only solution. You will need a standard dental implant—not a mini-implant. Although mini-implants are more affordable, they are not durable enough for front teeth, molar teeth, and most teeth. A mini-implant might support a small upper or lower incisor. And some dentists use mini-implants to secure a denture.

An implant and crown cost about twice as much as a root canal, two posts, and a crown, and it takes longer to heal. But a dental implant will last longer because the implant fixture fuses with your jawbone like a natural tooth root.

You can choose to get a dental crown, but understand the risk of failure if you have a strong bite or underbite. It is usually best to get the most effective option and avoid spending more time and money in the long-term.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist who has advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry training to discuss your options.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Are All-on-4 Implants Really My Only Option?

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Last month, I had a consultation with a dentist about stabilizing my dentures. They don’t have to be perfectly stable, but I do not want them sliding around anymore. The dentist recommends all on 4 implants. When he told me the cost, I told him that is way out of my budget, and I will have to explore my options. He quickly said that there are no other options because I’ve worn dentures too long. He said that his rate is among the best I will find. Is it possible that all on 4 could be the only way a patient could qualify for implant dentures? If so, I will forget about getting implants and accept my dentures as they are. Thank you. – Brett from TN

Brett,

Thank you for contacting our office.

You mentioned that you had a consultation with this dentist. Based on your description, it seems that you did not have an exam, CT scan, or any x-ray for the dentist to decide that All-on-4 implants are your only option. And that is puzzling. Be careful with this dentist.

If you have worn dentures for many years, you have some jawbone shrinkage. But an implant dentist can build up the bone with grafting to ensure the implants have plenty of support.

What Type of Implant Dentures Can You Receive?

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry clearly explains the types of dental implants available. But a dentist can define your treatment options only after these steps:

  • Reviewing your medical and dental histories
  • Examining your teeth and gums
  • Reviewing a CT scan

Affordable Implant Dentures

Diagram of snap-on dentures. Dental implants are in the lower jawbone, and a denture with attachments in the base is hovering above the gumline.

A snap-on denture is an affordable alternative to All-on-4

A snap-on denture or a denture retained with mini-implants is more affordable than the All-on-4 technique. Those affordable options use as few as two dental implants. Although more implants will improve a denture’s stability, your treatment costs will increase.

And not every patient qualifies for All-on-4. We recommend that you look for an implant dentist with extensive post-graduate training and schedule an appointment for an exam. The dentist will explain your treatment options. A conscientious dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each option but will not insist that you receive a specific type of treatment—or any treatment at all.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, is a  Baton Rouge cosmetic  dentist and Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will help you determine what to look for in a dentist in your area.

Diabetes and Dental Implants – How to Choose Your Dentist

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My mom has type 1 diabetes and is recovering from severe gum disease. The teeth that she hasn’t lost are weak and rotten. I’m afraid for her health. I’ve suggested that she gets dentures and two mini implants. She is concerned about her diabetes because she’s already had a foot infection that was hard to control. Is type 1 diabetes a reason not to get dental implants, or are there certain precautions we can take? Thanks. Ada from Montgomery, AL

Ada,

Although type 1 diabetes is a risk factor, it’s not a reason to avoid dental implants. Precautions start with the dentist’s protocol to assess risk factors for each patient with careful diagnostic work. Your mom’s diabetes must be well-controlled to prevent the condition from interfering with the implant healing process.

Selecting an Implant Dentist for Patients with Diabetes

We recommend scheduling at least two appointments with a dentist who is a fellow of the Academy of Implant Dentistry or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Also, look for a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry to get natural-looking dentures for your mom. What can you expect from a dentist with these credentials?

  • Medical and dental histories review – After thoroughly reviewing the histories, an implant dentist will be aware of all risk factors, including type 1 diabetes. The factors help determine if dental implants are an option.
  • 3D CT scan – Oral anatomy is clearly defined on the scan to show how and where your dentist will place the implants.
  • Digital placement – Digital navigation helps your dentist during implant surgery. Although the surgery is minor, a dentist must position the implants in the optimal location to promote healthy healing.
  • Restoration – A dentist with a fellowship in implantology will perform the surgery and restore your mother’s missing teeth with dentures. If one doctor completes both procedures, it eliminates miscommunication that sometimes occurs between a dentist and an oral surgeon. And it will save your mom extra fees that she would pay to an oral surgeon.
Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Affordable dental implants will secure your dentures

As few as two implants can stabilize dentures. Mini implants or snap-on dentures will give your mom’s dentures some stability and help limit jawbone loss. Standard implants increase stability. And the stability will increase with the number of implants she receives. You can help her achieve a successful outcome by researching top implant dentists in the area.

Steven Brooksher, DDS is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery.