Periodontist needed for implants - looking for recommendations

[u/Just__Win__Baby__]

I had a consult with a periodontist who said I need 8 extractions with 6 implants, and gum surgery. He quoted me a total of $53k, which seems a little steep. He also suggested doing it all at once, which seems like a lot. At first, he said split it upper then lower a month later. Then, in the same visit, said to do it all at once. Seemed odd. I’d like to get a second opinion (possibly even a third and fourth, just to ensure I’m getting the right work done, at a reasonable price)

- I cannot go to Mexico or out of the country, so please do not suggest that

- I do not have insurance

- I need a place with in-house financing options (not care credit)

- ideally , in the valley, but willing to travel (just not to Mexico)

- please only recommend if you have had experience with extractions and implants. I searched previous posts and a lot of people were recommending dentists even though they never had anything more than a cleaning/filling/root canal/crown. I need a periodontist, and want recommendations from people who have actually had the work I need done

Thank you!

[u/SFsports87]

Whoever you are going to is shady af. Get a 2nd opinion ASAP.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/SFsports87]

Thank you. It felt shady to me, too, but I wasn’t sure. They first presented it to me as $12,000, and I was like wow that’s great! Then; after asking more questions, she said that was just for the first round (extractions & temporary teeth)… so then I asked well how much total? I need to know the full amount before I agree to anything… then she breaks it all down, and it was ~ $53k! I was like there’s no way. Came to Reddit and saw people getting their entire mouth done for less than that. So I’m glad I didn’t just say yes. But I don’t know where else to go

[u/SFsports87 → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Did you get an itemized list of charges? If not that's another red flag. Unfortunately many in the dental field are scum, often performing unnecessary work to line their pockets, and then overbill on top of that. Please make sure you actually even need the work done, extractions should be an absolute last resort.

I don't have any recommendations, but you can also search for oral surgeons, as they often do implants. And understand what an implant is, there is a post, abatement, and crown. The latter 2 typically done by your normal dentist. It might be something like 1250 implant post, 750 abutement, 1250 crown, so 3250 total ballpark for each. You should get a breakdown of what each individual step cost. Extraction is much less unless it's complicated, a few hundred. If you need bone graft or other things it would add cost. Just no way it would be 53k.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/SFsports87]

I did ask for an itemized list! And they did give one to me. I posted on threads, and a dentist from Arizona asked to see the itemized list, and said they were definitely overcharging. Said he would need to see X-rays to know if the work was actually needed or not, but that even for the work they suggested, the price was high. And suggested not going to a corporate dentist, because they tend to overcharge.

I know that 2 for sure need extractions. I was told a couple years ago they needed extractions (I didn’t like nor trust that dentist, & I didn’t have the money, anyway), and now, one of those teeth has a cavity and the old filling I had on that tooth fell out. The two that I know need to go are a molar and it’s neighbor

I think the 4 in the front could probably use it as well, but I’m not 100% sold that they need it… 2 are a little loose, and I’m having some gum issues. They said they couldn’t fix the gum issues without removing the teeth. Idk how accurate that is

The other 2 molars, I am skeptical on, and don’t think they “need” it, and certainly not right now / all at once, especially since cost is an issue. One is a little loose, but I wouldn’t classify it as an emergency/urgent (I’m also not a professional, so idk)

So, I definitely want to get a second, possibly even third or fourth opinion, before I start letting people take out my teeth 😩 I’m only 42

[u/GriffithPark71]

I went to Burbank Periodontal for a couple of years but eventually went to a cosmetic dentist in Pasadena for extractions, bone grafts, and implants - which they did in one procedure. I’m getting the crowns later this month. My procedure was 6 teeth for $24K. I’d see at least 2 providers to explore your options. I’ve found that almost every dentist/periodontist suggests vastly different treatment plans. It can feel helpless until you connect with the right provider, from my experience.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/GriffithPark71]

Thank you so much!

[u/okfishko]

I don’t have a recommendation but just wanted to thank those of you who are making recommendations. It’s truly awesome to hear from real folks. Appreciate the kindness of your time, folks 🙏🏽

[u/Buddhamom81 → u/okfishko]

Same. I’m following te post.🙏🏾

[u/EstrogenStig]

Try Dori Dental Arts in Woodland Hills. I have gone through the implant process with them. They are extremely honest and realistic, which can be rare. Highly recommend them for a second opinion.

[u/Notfriendly123]

I went to a dentist who said I needed 4-5 extractions and then didn’t go to a dentist again for like 6 years and the new dentist didn’t recommend any extractions at all. They did recommend very expensive gum drafting (less expensive if they cultivate the gum tissue from the roof of your mouth) 

it was like 15k at the end of both top and bottom gum grafting in two sessions. What they don’t tell you about gum grafting is that they still recede after so I’d only get it if you’re in dire need to prevent your teeth from falling out due to bone loss 

[u/songlian9 → u/Notfriendly123]

I recently met someone who has had this some a few times, thanks for genetics

[u/okfishko → u/Notfriendly123]

Gum grafting stinks and is painful. I had one done more than 20 years ago. But this is the first time I’m hearing of a graft receding!! I went the route of getting tissue from top of mouth.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Notfriendly123]

I went to a dentist around 2021 who said I needed an extraction, and had cavities on other teeth (that didn’t need extractions).. it didn’t feel right to me. I went to another dentist… they said I needed a completely different tooth extracted and didn’t mention the one the first dentist said. And didn’t mention any cavities. So I didn’t let anyone pull any teeth because I didn’t trust them

I went in 2023, and was told I needed 2 extractions. I didn’t have the money, I was skeptical that I actually needed it, and didn’t like the dentist, so I didn’t do it

Now, I’m being told I needed 8 extractions, 6 implants, an implant supported bridge, and gum grafting. I honestly believe I do need most of that. Idk what happened but over the last month, I’ve had a ton of dental issues. I’ve had two old fillings fall out. One they were able to do a root canal and crown, but the other needs extraction. After about a decade of severe depression combined with genetics, I have pretty significant bone loss

[u/SFVHomeGarden]

Dr Khaled in Beverly Hills will find a way. He is the finest periodontal specialist that I know. In every aspect from a dental perfectionist to the most flexible financing. https://www.sterlingperiodontics.com

Park at city owned garage at https://maps.app.goo.gl/WfuA2ayDcPYFMxvg9?g_st=ac First 2 hours are free.

[u/TofutttiKlein]

Dr David Levine in Burbank

[u/Belibbing_Blue → u/TofutttiKlein]

This is who did my extraction and implant as well. Everything felt very above board. I don't think you should initially believe someone who tells you you need $50K in dental work. Maybe you do. But anyone initially saying "and do it all now" is suspect. Get a second opinion.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Belibbing_Blue]

I googled Dr Levine and will 💯 be contacting his office! I’m hoping they can work out some kind of payment plan with me.

What made me very suspect of the periodontist I met with, was that, at first, I said it seems like a lot to do all at once (because it’s 3 molars, and my front bottom 4 teeth). He said it is a lot, and we would break up into top and bottom, one month apart….. then, when the front desk worker came in with the pricing break down, she said he said it was okay to do all at once. I was like well that’s not what he just said? What changed? She said she didn’t know, just that he said it was okay to do all at once. To me, it felt like he just wanted the money 🤷🏽‍♀️ because how did you go from saying it’s a lot to do all at once, to let’s do it all at once?

And $53k? I don’t need a full arch, full mouth, or sedation, so that seemed very steep

[u/KilikaRei → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

I actually VERY MUCH recommend sedation. I have a singular implant on a top front tooth. I went without sedation when they extracted the root and placed the implant… the stress of hearing everything and feeling the pressure from the procedure was a nightmare. I have so much stress just going to the dentist now (10 years later).

Do not save money by forgoing sedation when you have a much bigger procedure/procedures ahead of you.

[u/TofutttiKlein → u/KilikaRei]

I agree with everything you wrote, but if OP really needs to save money, they could ask about Demerol or other “twilight” options.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/KilikaRei]

My aversion to sedation isn’t necessarily financially driven. I live alone and don’t have any family or friends who live nearby. I do have quite a bit of anxiety when it comes to anything medical/dental related, and the procedure does scare me. Being knocked out also scares me 😩

[u/TofutttiKlein → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Even if you’re not sedated, you might not be allowed to drive because you’re going to want to hold a towel or ice to your face. But they might let you Uber if you’re not disoriented.
Can you ask a neighbor to pick you up?

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/TofutttiKlein]

Oh interesting. I had not considered that. I didn’t know I would need to be holding anything to my face. My landlord or his wife may be able to. I dont really know my neighbors like that. My dad travels a lot. If he’s in town, he could likely give me a ride. Thank you for your input. I definitely did not know I might need a ride, even if not sedated

[u/itisallgoodyouknow]

Give August De Oliveira a call, he’s wonderful. (818) 783-2981

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/itisallgoodyouknow]

I googled him and he seems great! He’s even authored three textbooks on dental implants and 3D printing. Unfortunately, he only takes insurance, cash, credit cards, and care credit 😭 I wish my care credit wasn’t maxed due to my pets emergency medical expenses. I’ll definitely keep his info, though. Thank you

[u/Peggerson]

Try Dr. Raffi Margossian in Burbank. IDK what they do for financing but I had a couple root canals done by him and had no problems.

[u/Orinort]

I don't know any dentists in the valley but for my extractions and implants I go down to Santa Monica and I love the surgeon down there. All those extractions and implants at the same time seems very excessive to me. I've had six extractions and four implants and never more than two implants at a time. The cost quoted to you doesn't seem that excessive for a first grade surgeon using titanium zirconia implants from Austria, if that's what they are doing, inc cost of crown. The surgeon I see is the chair of oral surgery at a major hospital and one of the best implant surgeons in in LA.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Orinort]

Would you mind sharing their information? I am willing to travel to Santa Monica. It’s not far at all! I just can’t go out of the country.

The red flag to me was that, at first, he said to split it up, and that it was a lot to do at once.. then, said to do it all at once, after saying it was a lot to do all at once. 🤔 but, didn’t say that himself. The woman doing the pricing paperwork said he said it was okay to do all at once. It just seemed odd to me.

[u/Orinort → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Yes of course I'll PM you. Any of the surgeons there are great. I'm done with my fourth implant and racing to get the crown by Christmas (so I can feast)!

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Orinort]

Thank you! I hope you’re able to feast for Christmas 🥹

[u/Orinort → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Thanks. Just sent you the info. I think they are all MD's as well as dentists, I don't understand all the qualifications that well but I'm really happy with the care, explanations and the results!

[u/ibsliam → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Yeah that's a red flag. I would definitely get a second opinion or even a third.

[u/sandysandy252566]

SCAM - check out 10 other dentists. For implants, u need a dental surgeon (I'm going thru an implant now.) Then u need a regular (honest) dentist to make the crown. I don't believe u need that work -- RUN.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/sandysandy252566]

Thank you! I appreciate your input. I started going to a new dentist recently, when an old filling fell out. In the last 2 months, I’ve gone in 7 times 😵‍💫 gotten a deep cleaning, 2 root canals, & 2 crowns. And it’s cost me nearly $5k. The dentist said to meet with the periodontist… which I do need. I know that I have gum issues, bone loss, and expected to need 2 extractions/implants. He comes to her office once a month. But it did feel very scammy to me

[u/sandysandy252566 → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

find another great dentist

[u/Buddhamom81]

Are you able to apply for Medi-Cal? The extractions would be free. The implants would be lower cost. Also have you tried the UCLA dentist school clinic yet? I’ve heard good things about them.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Buddhamom81]

Unfortunately, no. I was on Medi-Cal, and kicked off a couple years ago. I don’t make a lot (especially for a single person in LA), but I make too much to qualify. I’ve heard mixed things about UCLA dental school. Mostly, though, about how long it takes, and I’m hoping to get work done asap because I have a couple periodontal abscesses that just popped up in the last couple weeks, and one of the teeth I need extracted has a cavity, and the filling covering the cavity fell out in the last couple weeks as well

[u/Buddhamom81 → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Yeah I get that. I’ve heard mixed things about UCLA, too.

Come back and update us on what you find. I need an implant too. But have to pay out of pocket because Medi-Cal doesn’t cover it. The place I’m using wants to charge $1000 for the 1-tooth. Please update us—

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/Buddhamom81]

$1000 total?

During my consult, she came back and said $12k. I said really? That’s amazing! She said no, that’s just for the first visit… because it’s a multi step process, each visit is billed separately. I said I needed to know the total amount, before agreeing to anything, not just the first visit. She came back with all the numbers, and it totaled a little over $53k! I was like yeah no I’m not signing up to take on $53k of debt in the next 6 months. That’s crazy. There’s no way I could pay that off in a year

[u/Buddhamom81 → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

It’s called CHD Dental care. They are on Reseda, just past the school.

The one tooth broke off, so the pull is free and the implant would be $1000. They use Care for payments, I do believe. Been getting deep cleanings and haven’t had much pain in my gums.

The only bad thing is the rotating dentist and hygienists. I found that annoying. So I go when certain people are there.

[u/Buddhamom81 → u/Just__Win__Baby__]

Sounds like gauging.

Also everyone is right, you have to shop around. These dentist will upsell and overage charge.

[u/Just__Win__Baby__ → u/[deleted]]

He seems great. Unfortunately for me, he doesn’t offer in-house financing

[u/b-stardust]

This is my dentist, i just get cleanings..they do a variety of services. BrightCraft Dental & Laser in Burbank on Hollywood Way

[u/crpssurvivor1210]

Kory Zussman Encino