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.

Individualized Care For Unique Patient Needs

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I once heard the term, “not everything fits into a box.” I agree. While this may be related to the phrase, “think outside the box,” it reminds me of how we approach patient care.

As a Periodontist, my specialty includes treating all levels of periodontal (gum) disease, reshaping gum tissues, and the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Summed up, however, I restore smiles to a healthy, confident state. This is why I love what I do.

In our office, we only exist because of our patients. That’s where our commitment lies and is the foundation for every decision we make. This is also why we look at each patient’s needs individually. No two mouths are alike and no two patients are alike.

As far as gum disease goes, there are various stages that require different approaches in order to effectively treat it. Although some individuals may have similar stages of gum disease as others, certain factors must be considered as the most appropriate treatment is determined.

In addition to their existing level of gum disease, we take into account the patient’s age, medical and dental history, their current medications, and number of remaining teeth. We also consider any anxiety or fears associated with dental procedures.

Fear has been a major deterrent for many to receive regular dental care. This is why adults often end up with gum disease and tooth loss. By the time many arrive at my office, they are at a point where they have no other choice in order to rid their mouths of the infectious bacteria or replace missing teeth from to the destructive nature of gum disease.

To help anxious or fearful patients relax, we make sure we are communicating thoroughly. Our belief is that patients who are fully informed of their needs and the procedures required are more confident in proceeding with treatment. This, in turn, creates a patient who is able to relax and let fears go.

Some patients are unable to relax, however. This is why our office provides Oral or I.V. Sedation. Oral sedation is a pill form of relaxation. Although most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards, this provides deep relaxation with a quick recovery.

I.V. sedation (also referred to a ‘twilight sleep’) is a deeper level of relaxation. This is an in-the-vein medication administered via a drip. Patients doze while their procedures are accomplished and have no memory of their treatment. Recovery time is longer but some patients are fine with that. Most are able to resume normally within 24 hours.

Regardless of the sedation chosen, patients are closely monitored by trained staff and advanced safety equipment. Your safety is as important to us as your comfort, so we ensure all measures are taken to provide both to optimal levels.

Please know that your procedure, comfort option, and individual needs are important to everyone in this office. We promise you’ll be respected, given exceptional care, and never over-treated or under-treated. We are here to help you regain the smile you desire.

Your oral health is a vital component of your overall health. Research has shown that the health of your gums and number of teeth directly correspond to a healthier you. Don’t delay care that you need, even if fear has prevented this in the past.

To begin, call 828-274-9440 and schedule a consultation appointment. During this time, we can discuss the treatments that may work best for your needs. I’ll explain comfort options and have our financial coordinator review payment options with you, if desired.

 

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.