Like any other product or service, the cost of replacing a tooth or teeth can differ from patient to patient and from doctor to doctor. Let me share with you some of the behind the scenes facts that can affect the final fee that you may be responsible for. First and foremost is how many doctors and people are involved in the total procedure. If you follow, the general dentist and specialist model, you will have at least two offices involved. Each doctor charges their top fee for this high-end and modern procedure. Since the specialist really starts off the billing process, the funds that you have from insurance, if you have insurance, will get used up before you can blink an eye. Specialists charge more money and your annual insurance maximum gets used up more quickly. Remember, virtually all insurance companies have a maximum amount that you can use.
If we go away from the two practitioner model and have one doctor do everything, a whole new set of cost increases rear their ugly head. Most doctors who are new to implant dentistry rely heavily on the support and hand holding from the manufacturer. This means that the company has a dedicated salesperson for that doctor. That salesperson, who is in the field, and the support staff that is in the home office all drive up the cost of the implant as there are now salaries to be met.
Those of us who have been doing dental implant for decades, do not need all the hand holding. This allows practitioners like myself to save money and pass this cost on to the patient. This can be a huge difference for all those involved. The procedures are simpler and the cost comes down.
Another way to save money is to find a dentist who does a lot of cases and has a rapport with the dental laboratory. Typically the lab is the one who makes the final crown on the dental implant. There are many choices in crowns today and the fees for these can also vary significantly. The dentist, who works with a large laboratory, has a better choice of materials and can offer the best crown at the best cost to the patient.
As we begin July, let’s also remember that it is the beginning of the second half of the year. If we want teeth or a tooth for the holidays, many times the treatment will take months to accomplish. Now is the time to plan for these procedures so that we can finish them in time for that special event or get together in the fall or early winter. To help you along, I have two cost saving opportunities for you. Once again, I will be teaching a course to doctors and I am looking for a candidate to be the patient for the course. I will be placing the implant and finishing the case with a crown. All this is at no charge to the patient. Since it is a teaching course, the patient will have to meet certain criteria. If you are interested, please call and make an appointment. In addition to this, during the month of July, I am offering a 20% discount on all implant cases that I examine and develop a plan for this month. Now is a great time to get the dentistry that you need at a fee that you can afford. Please call me at 440.951.7856 and make an appointment for a complimentary consultation. Just mention this article when you call. If you are shy, just call and ask to speak to me on the phone. I will be more than happy to speak with each and every one of you.