I am a 39/M unfortunately in need of full dentures. Here are my options, issues and concerns:
After years of acid reflux, tooth grinding, addiction and methadone maintenance, I find myself in need of full dentures at 39 years old. The last decade has been a parade of abscesses, broken teeth, emergency extractions and root canals that cracked immediately due to grinding. I live in an area where dental care is hard to come by and wait times are measured in months. The only place with appointments is Aspen Dental. They said due to my age, they recommend 6 on 6 metal implant snap on dentures. They quoted me $54-$57,000 for everything. They said this will prevent my jaw bones from deteriorating. However, this option will wipe out every penny I’ve saved over 20 years and includes a one in a life time small inheritance. I can’t tell you how nice it’s been having a little bit of savings in case something were to happen. This will wipe it down to zero and put me in debt on top of that . Plus, if I EVER need these posts to be replaced or removed/repaired down the line, I won’t be able to afford it because this is a one time amount of money, my bills take all of my pay now due to wage stagnation, inflation and energy costs rising. I know I’ll have to get new dentures every so often but dentures AND posts? Can’t afford it. And will a few posts REALLY stop any jaw bone shrinkage or will it just mitigate it a little bit? I am really hoping to get everything done for half that. However, I need to get it done soon bc I’m getting antibiotic resistant infections and gut disorders. Advice is appreciated.