Posted by writeradmin
I am planning to get a dental implant for an upper tooth that is missing. My dentist wants to do a CT scan before planning the procedure. We’ve already done a ton of x-rays, etc. Plus, I have had many scans for other medical things. I don’t feel like this is necessary and may be just a money grab. The dental implant itself is expensive enough.
Dean
Dear Dean,
Thank you for writing. I completely understand the desire to not want to spend unnecessary money. You would be foolish if you didn’t care about that. In the case of dental implants, especially one going on an upper tooth, I would definitely recommend that you get a CT scan. Dental implants are being placed in a 3 dimensional space. Because of that, your dentist needs a 3 dimensional reference.
Without that, they risk doing something like perforating the sinus cavity. Some dentists try to keep their prices down in order to draw patients in. To do that, they cut corners, such as not doing the CT scan. Then, to prevent hitting the sinus cavity, they use a shorter implants. Doing that is a disservice to the patient.
The most important factor in getting a dental implant is choosing the right dentist and let them do the planning. Unfortunately for patients, it is not a recognized specialty. That makes it harder for patients to know who has invested in the post-doctoral training necessary to do a great job. There are countless dental implant horror stories of patients who went to an unqualified dentist for theirs. Some had consequences so difficult that they lost part of their jaw.
If I needed a dental implant, I would look for a dentist who is a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. You can be assured that these dentists not only have the right training, but proven experience and success in the implant field.
This blog is brought to you by friendly Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. John Theriot.
We offer metal-free dental care.