Why Choosing an Affordable Dentist isn’t Always Affordable

In today’s challenging economy, it may be tempting to choose an “affordable” dentist. Sadly, this choice may cost the patient more in the long run. Sometimes affordable dentists compromise in quality of material, experience and thoroughness. This unfortunately can lead to dental procedures prematurely failing and more extensive and expensive corrective procedures down the road.  

Short-term savings can lead to long-term expenses.

Sometimes dental practices that are seemingly more affordable cut corners in areas that are critical. This can lead to premature failure of dental treatments.

1. Missed Diagnosis and Lack of Emphasis on Preventive Care

• Missed Diagnosis: Some dental practices that “take all dental insurances” must prioritize speed to ensure profitability. Sometimes these dental practices rely on quick examinations rather than advanced diagnostic tools which could lead to potentially missing underlying issues that can get worse over time. This can make dental issues more expensive and potentially difficult to treat down the road.
• Reactive vs. Preventive Dental Treatment: Practices that promote affordability often rely on quick fixes and only addressing major problems. Rather than spending time to focus on preventative care and comprehensive treatment planning, many of these practices prioritize profit vs. patients. Though preventive care would seem to have upfront costs, it is significantly cheaper than treating advanced issues such as decay, gum disease, or tooth loss.

2. Materials

• Shorter Lifespan: Seemingly “affordable” dental practices often use cheaper materials for fillings, crowns, and implants that tend to break down much faster than high-quality materials. Quality crowns can have a lifespan of upwards of 20 or even 30 years, while cheap ones may fail within 5.
• Improper Fit and Functionality: Cheap materials and subpar lab work can result in poorly fit restorations (crowns, bridges).  This can cause gum irritation, pain, or bite issues sometimes requiring expensive replacements which insurance generally will not cover a second time.

3. Lack of Expertise and Training

• Inexperienced Dentists: Some “affordable dental practices”, often owned by corporations and private equity, may hire inexperienced dentists to save money.
• Rushed Procedures: To maximize profits dentists may rush through appointments to see as many patients as possible in a day. This can lead to subpar tooth preparation, incomplete decay removal, or poorly done procedures. This increases the odds of later complications with dental work. 

At Smile Sarasota, we recognize financial decisions on health care can sometimes be difficult. We believe it is important to invest in high quality dental care upfront with a reputable dentist, like Dr. Still. Although sometimes the initial cost is higher, our results lead to long-lasting solutions, better oral health, and lower total expenses in the long run.

For the best in dental care, call us today! 941-957-3311