My husband taught prosthodontics at University of Detroit. When I was assisting him he fitted many patients with dentures but there were some patients that couldn't wear dentures without at least a few implants. It is absolutely amazing how much bone reduction occurs once we lose our natural teeth. I would help with the models and see the xrays. Each individual is different, with different needs. Two people may go to the same dentist and get different recommendations. If there is very little bone left it is impossible to get dentures to fit comfortably. This is usually the case with lowers. Without supporting bone the denture just floats there, food gets under it and the movement of the denture itself causes sores. If I had a lower denture that didn't fit and I suffered with the discomfort because my dentist didn't try to PUSH implants on me he/she wouldn't be doing a professional job. If you get a hole in your tire, are you happy with a mechanic that would recommend a patch?? A GOOD dentist is the one that tells you all of your options. If money is an issue and you can't afford the best procedure for your mouth then ask if something less can be done with satisfactory results. I find it very distressing to have the dental industry constantly criticized. If you had open heart surgery, would you ask your cardiologist to do the procedure as cheaply as he can? Use the least expensive products available and get it good enough to last 'for a while'?
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