[jacatone]

Need to get a tooth replaced with an implant. I don't understand why dentists don't go out of business with the ridiculous prices they're asking. Anyone know of a dentist who doesn't charge a fortune in the Los Angeles area? Thanks.

[Bryanna]

Hi jacatone,

FYI... I am in the dental field...

The cost to have a dental implant placed in the jawbone is pretty much the same throughout the US. The surgery itself may or may not be complicated depending on the individual case. The crown portion has several pieces that fit together like a puzzle. Therefore, there is more chair time involved for both the dentist and patient and the lab cost of these crowns is much higher than a routine crown.

I always urge people to think twice before getting "cheap" dental work because the way the costs get cut is by utilizing inferior materials and inferior dental labs. In doing so, the profit margin is still where they want it to be.

I agree, the cost of dental treatment is very high. It's a bit crazy to think that most people cannot easily afford to have dental work done without some financial sacrifice.

Sometimes a dental office will offer a cash discount... perhaps you could find someone who is willing to do that.

Good Luck!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by jacatone

Need to get a tooth replaced with an implant. I don't understand why dentists don't go out of business with the ridiculous prices they're asking. Anyone know of a dentist who doesn't charge a fortune in the Los Angeles area? Thanks.

[socasusie]

In Los Angeles you have both USC dental school, as well as UCLA dental school. Have you explored those options? I'm in So CA and opted to to to Tijuana. Not the right decision for everyone but ii's what I did. So far, so good but in my experience with dental work it takes years to find out if the work is ok or not.

[jacatone]

I tried calling UCLA Dental School and all you get is a recording to leave a message. They never call back. How much would you actually save having an implant done there?

[socasusie]

Originally Posted by jacatone

I tried calling UCLA Dental School and all you get is a recording to leave a message. They never call back. How much would you actually save having an implant done there?

I've heard it's about half the cost, but I haven't gone there myself.