Very few of my patients are wealthy. Most of them are on careful budgets and watch their expenses carefully. Yet, the ones who truly understand the value of a healthy smile and ability to chew comfortably also understand that insurance is not watching out for their long-term well-being. These are typically the patients with healthy, worry-free smiles who have made decisions based on what is in THEIR best interest rather than what their insurance company approves or allows in a given year.

Although some dental needs can reach quite a high amount, our patients know we will help them every way possible. In addition to providing insurance filing, we offer several payment options. Some of these require no down payment and no interest when payments are completed in a set period of time. Some are even tax deductible.

Additionally, we are happy to structure your treatment in segments so expenses are paced in an affordable sequence. We’ve worked with some patients who’ve combined their Health Savings Account with a credit card. Some have opted for treatment based on their ability to use funds from a second mortgage.

When people understand the total health benefits of a healthy mouth and the ability to chew comfortably, achieving their goal is no longer an issue of money. As one patient put it, “I have to spend money on essentials, but I choose to invest in things that are even more important. I can’t think of anything in my mouth that isn’t worth investing in.”

Let us know if you would like to discuss financial options so you, too, can achieve the oral health and confident smile you deserve.

When natural tooth roots are missing from the upper or lower jaw, the bone that was once their foundation begins to shrink. Over time, this bone loss can cause many problems.

A common frustration of denture wearers is uncomfortable rubbing or slips while eating. This is because the bone ridge that the denture was designed to fit is shrinking. Even with adhesives and pastes, a flattened bone ridge can make chewing with a denture difficult. Relines may help for a brief time, but eventually, they seem to do little good.

Bone loss becomes obvious in one’s facial appearance. Deep wrinkling occurs around the mouth, even with dentures in place. The mouth appears sunken-in and the corners of the mouth turn downward. Jowls form and the chin takes on a pointed shape.

To place Dental Implants, a sufficient amount of upper or lower jaw bone must exist. Once the implants are in place, your bone grows around them. This secures them firmly in place, giving a dependable foundation like that of the tooth roots you once had.

In the lower jaw, a nerve runs horizontally through the bone. Placing implants must be done so there is no risk of interfering with this nerve. And, because the upper jaw connects to the sinus cavities, upper placement must be done so each implant avoids close proximity. This is why sinus augmentation, or a ‘sinus lift,’ is occasionally necessary.

A key to implant success is not just in the selection of the implant, but where the implant is placed. When too much bone loss has occurred, bone rebuilding techniques are necessary. Although these extend the treatment time and add to the overall cost, the ability to eat and laugh without worry or discomfort is well-worth the procedure you have, even if added steps are necessary. This is why it is better to have Dental Implants placed before this extent of bone loss occurs.

Some implants are specifically designed to for people who have had a great deal of bone loss. We’ve had excellent results with the ‘All-On-4’ implant system. These are placed at unique angles so they require less bone depth. Another benefit of All-On-4 is their ability to support a full arch using just four implants. Because the cost of implant treatment is largely determined by the number of implants used, this helps to keep overall expenses down.

Today’s Dental Implants are highly-successful and tremendously advantageous for those who once struggled with dentures or partials. If you’d like to know more, call to arrange a Consultation at (828) 274-9440.

To achieve a younger-looking appearance, many men and women invest in facial plastic surgery. Since your smile has such a significant effect on your appearance, having an attractive smile can greatly improves appearance and erase many years. This is especially true for people who have missing teeth and wear dentures, partials or a bridge.

When natural tooth roots are missing, bone loss begins. As the jaw shrinks, deep wrinkling occurs around the mouth. The corners of the mouth turn downward, even in a smile. Jowls form as facial muscles detract from the shrinking bone. With severe bone loss, the chin looks more pointed while the mouth seems to collapse into the face. This creates a ‘granny look’ that ages the individual far beyond their actual years.

Dentures and partials tend to ‘fluff up’ the face when in place, camouflaging areas of bone loss. For a true look at the extent of bone loss that has occurred, look in the mirror when your denture or partial is removed.

When Dental Implants are placed, they become a part of you, bonding with existing bone to halt the progression of bone loss. Dental Implants restore a stable foundation for biting, chewing, speaking and laughing. An added benefit is how they give your face a healthy, appealing look!

If you wear dentures or partials and are considering facial rejuvenation, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. We’ll explain how Dental Implants can enhance your overall health AND appearance. And, since they are designed to last a lifetime, they make a wise investment that gives your entire body many benefits!

I recently attended the Southern Academy of Periodontics Winter Meeting (held in Charlotte, January 25-26). During this time, I attended clinical lectures that addressed the latest developments in helping patients achieve optimal periodontal health.

Dr. Robert Fazio, a Periodontist and Yale University Instructor, presented the latest on the best use of antibiotics in dentistry. This is of particular interest since inappropriate antibiotic use (typically over-use) has resulted in antibiotic resistant bacteria.  This makes it extremely difficult to treat patients who are periodontally compromised. Dr. Fazio also addressed the latest techniques to treat and prevent periodontitis (gum infections) and infections from dental implants.

Another interesting  program was “Global Diagnosis : A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.” This lecture provided the very best methods for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for patients referred by their Dentist or another Dental Specialist. By combining our skills and working as a team, we can each provide the best care for patients who need comprehensive care to maintain or replace teeth.