Many Dental Implant Types For Every Need

Posted on Feb 09, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you run out of tissues, do you think, “I need to buy more Kleenex?” Or, do you ask for “Tabasco Sauce” when you want a hot sauce for your food?

We often refer to certain items by brand names even though we’re thinking of a more generic product. This also happens when the term ‘Dental Implant’ is used. Although there are many types of implant systems, Dental Implants describe this particular genre of tooth replacement.

What sets Dental Implants apart from other tooth replacement systems is basically the ‘implanted’ portion. This is what is positioned into the jaw bone to provide the same foundation as that afforded by natural tooth roots.

However, there are a number of implant types, designed to accommodate specific needs. they can vary in shape, size and even what is attached to an implant. For example, some implants are designed to be placed at unique angles to compensate for minimal bone depth. Some implants are designed to support a single tooth or bridge of several teeth while others are strategically positioned to support a full arch of teeth.

A successful outcome in Dental Implant treatment begins with the selection of the proper type of implant. As a Periodontal specialist, my training includes the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. It is vital to a successful treatment for the doctor placing your implants to have intricate knowledge of the specific type needed. It is important that the amount of bone mass present, location of implant sites, and the number needed to support the attached teeth is factored in accurately.

Proper placement angles and depth are also important. The doctor placing the implants should also be skilled in the selection of the implant angles and positioning.

It’s amazing how seemingly minor miscalculations can create major issues that result in implant failure. For example, an implant placed in the upper jaw in too-shallow bone can penetrate the sinus cavity. A lower implant in too little bone depth can come in contact with a nerve that runs horizontally through the lower jaw, creating pain.

In our office, we take great joy in seeing patients who once struggled with dentures or partials complete implant treatment. They are able to resume a eating a wide variety of healthy foods and feel confident in social settings. However, when we are referred an individual who learns his or her implant has ‘failed’ and must be removed, it is unfortunate.

As a dental specialist, I occasionally remove implants when a patient has not taken proper care of their oral hygiene at home. Oral bacteria can contribute to an infection that works its way into the bone surrounding the implant. In some cases, the only way to resolve the infection is to remove the implant.

While this is unfortunate, it is ultimately a choice the patient made that resulted in implant failure. However, the most troubling thing I see in implant dentistry is when a patient opted for a “good deal” and had a less-experienced doctor place an implant that must now be removed.

When a patient entrusts their implant treatment to a skilled, qualified specialist and adheres to hygiene and healing guidelines, implant failure becomes a non-issue. You can increase your potential for a successful outcome by asking a Periodontist to join your dentist in team treatment. Many general dentists already have close relationships with Periodontists for implant placement and treatment of gum disease.

Feel free to discuss your specific needs and desires before you make your decision. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation.

Advantages of Dental Implants Are Many

Posted on Jan 18, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When a patient is missing natural teeth or describes trying to eat with a ‘wobbly’ denture, I spend time explaining the advantages of Dental Implants. Although patients may also be considering other options, I find many don’t realize the unexpected future costs associated with less expensive methods.

Here are a few of the many reasons we feel make Dental Implants the ideal tooth replacement option:

• Dental Implants restore biting strength and chewing stability: Dental Implants are supported by the upper or lower jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots. After implants are placed in the bone, the bone grows around them to fully secure them in the jaw. This enables confident biting and chewing without fear of embarrassing slips or uncomfortable rubbing.

• Dental Implants help to prevent declining mass of the jaw bone: When natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw, the bone that once held them no longer has the nourishment and stimulation once channeled through the roots. This causes the bone to shrink and what continually changes the fit of a denture or partial. In addition to undependable biting and chewing, bone loss causes changes in facial appearance that are aging far beyond one’s actual years. An implant restores stimulation to the bone and halts the progress of bone loss.

• Dental Implants are successful: Dental Implants have one of the highest success rates of any in-bone implant in the body, including hips and knees. When properly selected, placed and maintained, they are designed to last your lifetime.

• Dental Implants are a one-time expense: Because Dental Implants do not decay, require root canals, crack or break, future expense for upkeep or repairs is not needed. The material they are made of biologically integrates with living bone and is not rejected nor will it cause adverse reactions to surrounding structures. With proper care, they will last as long throughout your life.

• Dental Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support: Unlike crown-&-bridge combinations or partials, Dental Implants do not depend on adjacent teeth. And, because they help to preserve the bone that supports neighboring teeth, they are actually beneficial to the life of other natural teeth.

• Dental Implants support your overall health: The ability to eat a diet rich in healthy, fibrous and protein-rich foods enables our bodies to function properly. And, the ability to eat without fear of embarrassing moments or uncomfortable rubbing instills the confidence to be socially active. Because many social settings are centered around food, people who have Dental Implants know they can confidently eat, laugh and speak closely with others.

• Dental Implants are a ‘no regrets’ method of tooth replacement: I’ve never had one patient who felt their implants were anything but “the best investment I’ve ever made!”

For some people, the only ‘challenge’ when it comes to Dental Implants is the all-upfront expense. While they are an excellent investment, implant fees are paid before treatment completion. Budget constraints make some people uneasy with this type of commitment, especially when they’ve become used to a minimal investment and limited insurance coverage for most dentistry each year.

Some dental insurances tend to label Dental Implants as elective, as dentures and bridges require less coverage. However, when patients decide they will not allow an insurance company to dictate their health, comfort and self-confidence, insurance coverage becomes less important.

We believe an educated patient makes decisions that are best for their needs. To discuss replacing teeth with Dental Implants, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and discuss potential treatment expenses.

Dental Implants – Understanding Their Components

Posted on Jan 18, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

They say knowledge is power. I believe the more a patient understands, the better participants they become in managing their oral health. When considering Dental Implants to replace missing teeth, understanding how the different components of an implant system works is the first step for patients, in my opinion.

Even though there are different types of implants to accommodate various needs, most systems work in the same way. Read on for a simple explanation of how implants are structured.

A Dental Implant is not a replacement tooth (or teeth). The tooth attached to the implant is actually a crown, or in some cases, a bridge of two or more teeth or a full arch (denture). The teeth are actually referred to as restorations, because they restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth.

The implant is actually the portion placed in the jaw. An insertion point is made in the bone and the implant, a hollow screw-like cylinder, is placed. In most cases, the implants are recovered with gum tissue and allowed to heal for several months. During this time, you’ll be able to wear a denture or temporary teeth comfortably.

In the healing period, your jaw bone will grow around the implant, securing it in place. This process is known as osseo-integration, or integrating the implant with the bone. This recreates the presence of natural tooth roots, assuring biting and chewing stability.

After the healing process, the gum tissue is uncovered and a post is secured inside the implant. Onto this post, your final replacement tooth or teeth are attached.

An important aspect of successful Dental Implant treatment is in the selection and placement process. This is where a doctor who is highly trained and experienced is important. Sufficient bone mass must exist to hold the implant and adequately support the teeth being attached. By strategic placement at a proper depth, as few as 4 – 6 implants can support a full arch.

When bone loss is severe, bone rebuilding procedures can be performed prior to implant placement. This does not necessarily involve bone grafting. Additionally, some implant systems are designed to be placed at specific angles. This gives each implant the ability to support teeth without requiring much bone depth.

The type of Dental Implant system best suited for your needs can be discussed during a Consultation. As a Periodontist, I have advanced training and skills in the diagnosis an placement of all types of implants. During this time, I’ll explain options that will work best for you and answer your questions.

Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a time when we can meet personally.

The Lifetime Value Of Dental Implants

Posted on Nov 14, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you make a purchase based on quality – how long it will last and how well it will hold up over time – paying more is well worth it when calculating how much you actually receive for the investment made along with future savings. This is true when it comes to replacing teeth. Your decision to get the most from your dollars begins with opting for the best outcome long-term.

As a Periodontist, a dental specialist, I’ve seen how dental fear can be the prevailing reason that causes many people to delay or avoid looking into replacing teeth. This is ironic, mainly because the reason many people lose teeth in the first place is due to dental fear. When dental fears prevent adults from having regular cleanings, exams and repairs, the results are often periodontal (gum) disease and/or tooth loss.

Dental fear is no small problem in this country. Quite frankly, it is estimated that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. There is no ‘typical’ age group, gender or education or income level that predisposes these individuals to having dental fears. It runs rampant throughout all walks of life.

With the addition of I.V. or oral sedation, many fearful adults are able to relax and have much-needed dentistry. Although sedation and the other comfort options we offer provide a way for high fear patients to relax throughout care, the bigger obstacle for many is implant treatment cost.

Because the costs for dental implants are all ‘up front,’ many people perceive them as more expensive. While implant treatment may seem more costly than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures or partials, it’s actually a far better investment. For example, after a dental implant is placed and the final teeth attached, your investment is intended to last your lifetime.

Dental implants are constructed from a material that biologically bonds with living bone known as titanium. For decades, titanium has been implanted into the body, accepted by surrounding bone, and have had bone grown around it. This process, known as ‘osseo-integration,’ embeds the implant in the jaw bone so it can serve as a replacement tooth root.

Not only is the implant intended to last a lifetime, the replacement teeth attached to it will not experience cavities, need a root canal or cause problems for neighboring teeth. With the treatment costs upfront seeming to be a larger investment, dental implants are actually a savings when considering the future expenses to maintain other tooth replacement options.

Crown-&-bridge combinations are a common way to replace one or several missing teeth in one area. However, a crown-&-bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, neighboring teeth on both sides of the bridge. The potential for future costs includes root canals, crown repair, bridge replacement, etc.

There is another issue that can evolve in future costs that lies beneath the gums. Without the presence of natural tooth roots, the bone that once held them begins to shrink. This process, known as ‘resorption,’ impacts the health of remaining natural teeth and weakens the strength of the jaw bone.

Once set into motion, resorption continues to make matters worse. As bone loss continues, it also creates changes in facial appearance. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, jowls, and a mouth that appears to sink inward.

Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, they halt the potential for bone loss. Since they have the same, sturdy foundation that natural teeth enjoy, implants do not reply on neighboring teeth to support replacement teeth.

Dental implants also support good physical and psychological health. Having the ability to properly chew healthy foods is paramount to maintaining a healthy body. Implants make it possible to bite and chew all types of food you love without uncomfortable rubbing or embarrassing slips. 

Eating a diet of foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein helps to keep our bodies in tip top shape. And, when chewing is performed with stability and comfort, people feel more confident joining others for meals and outings that include food. Being socially active is a bonus to our mental stimulation and well-being.

If you are considering dental implants, begin with a no obligation consultation. Call 828-274-9440 to discuss your individual needs and goals. From there, I’ll explain options best for your needs and goals so you can decide what is best for you. I’ll also have our Financial Coordinator discuss ways you can make easy monthly payments for your implant treatment, often without a down payment and no interest charged.