Adults who are missing one or several natural teeth often consider a Crown-&-Bridge combination for replacement. This is possible when the area of missing tooth or teeth are bordered by existing natural teeth. The natural teeth are crowned so they can serve as supports for the bridge.

Many dental insurance plans cover some costs associated with Crown-&-Bridge combinations. This is primarily because Crown-&-Bridge treatment is, upfront, less costly than having teeth replaced with Dental Implants. Yet, the issues ‘down the road’ from Crown-&-Bridge can create far more challenges while Dental Implants actually save in costs, time in treatment, and the ability to enjoy your “new” teeth without worry.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots. Since they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, natural teeth are preserved. Additionally, Dental Implants will never need root canals or experience decay.

Not only do Dental Implants look and feel like your own teeth, they integrate into the structure of your bone. Through this, they help to prevent bone loss that frequently accompanies bridgework, partials and dentures.

Bone loss occurs when natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone. Without the stimulation of tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink over time. Bone loss can be seen through changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth and the corners of the mouth turning downward, even in a smile. Eventually, the mouth appears collapsed, creating a ‘granny look’ that makes you look far older than your actual age.

The success rate of Dental Implants is excellent. Properly selected, placed and maintained, this lifetime solution makes them a wise choice when it comes to tooth replacement. Since Periodontists specialize in gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, they have the knowledge, training and facilities to help replace teeth for a look and feel just like natural teeth.

When you compare Dental Implants to a bridge, consider the long-term advantages rather than initial costs. Because Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they are a wise investment. To arrange a consultation to discuss your needs, call (828) 274-9440.

As we age, our bone strength and density naturally declines. If you’ve ever seen an adult who is permanently hunched over when they stand or walk, that’s commonly due to severe osteoporosis. Avoiding such health issues has motivated millions of adults to take bisphosphonates to minimize, prevent or counteract further bone loss. An unfortunate side effect of bisphosphonates, however, is bone necrosis.

Bone necrosis is a condition that occurs when there is loss of blood to the bone. Because bone is living tissue that requires blood, an interruption to the blood supply causes the bone to die and eventually collapse. Osteo-necrosis of the jaw develops when the jaw bone fails to heal after a minor injury or disruption to the bone that requires healing — for example, having a tooth pulled or an implant placed.

Although the risk level for those who take oral bisphosphonates (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva) is low, a higher risk exists for those taken as part of cancer therapy.  These are given intravenously (such as Aredia, Bonefos, Didronel, Zometa) to reduce bone pain and abnormally high calcium levels in the blood.

The precise cause-and-effect relationship between bisphosphonate use and jaw osteo-necrosis is still unknown. The Mayo Clinic estimates the risk is 0.1 percent, meaning the condition occurs in 1 out of every 1,000 taking bisphosphonates over the period of a year or more. Although the risk is low, it still exists.

Taking bisphosphonates does not prevent one from having dental implants or other dental procedures. For example, we have our dental implant patients stop taking the medication six months prior to the placement procedure. Once their implant treatment is complete, they can resume bisphosphonate medication.

Other medications can also have adverse effects when your dental professional is not informed of all you are taking. For example, Coumadin, a blood thinner, can cause a greater degree of bleeding during extractions and other procedures. This is why it is important to provide your dentist with a list of all medications you take and the dosage of each. This includes herbal supplements.

Our goal is to create an ideal outcome for every procedure you have in our office. If you have questions, call (828) 274-9440.

While Dental Implants are nothing new, their makeup is still a bit of a mystery.

Most traditional Dental Implants are divided into three parts. The first part is the true implant. This portion is similar to a hollow screw. It is positioned in the jaw bone underneath your gum tissue to recreate the presence of a tooth root. Over a period of 3-4 months, the bone grows around the implant, securing it in place. This process is called “osseo-integration.”

The second and third parts of implant treatment are typically performed in the same appointment. The gum tissue is uncovered at each implant site and a post is secured into the hollow portion of the implant. Then, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. Because the tooth has the same foundation as that of natural teeth, biting strength and stability is restored.

In many cases, a bridge of two or more teeth can be attached to one implant. A full arch of teeth can also be secured to 4 to 8 implants that are strategically placed. This is ideal for people who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth and want to replace a denture.

In addition to restored ability to eat and chew securely and comfortably, Dental Implants help to halt bone resorption that occurs from missing tooth roots. Because the jaw bone is stimulated by the presence of tooth roots, without them, the bone begins to shrink in height and mass. This bone loss results in changes in facial appearance and places adjacent teeth at risk.

There are many types of Dental Implants designed to accommodate individual needs. During a Consultation appointment, I’ll explain the types best for your needs and answer your questions thoroughly. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time.

A particular area of expertise in my specialty of Periodontics is the placement of Dental Implants. As a specialist trained to treat all tissues in the mouth and supporting structures of teeth, we have a unique level of knowledge for diagnosis and treatment in these areas. Because Dental Implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw bone, just under oral tissues, our involvement gives you a ‘leg up’ for a successful outcome.

Precision placement of Dental Implants is important to ensure you have a successful outcome. When an implant is placed in insufficient bone, at an incorrect angle, or too close to a nerve or sinus cavity your odds for implant failure increase greatly.

Additionally, Periodontists are particularly careful with gum tissue. By being ‘respectful’ of the gums and minimizing incisions when possible, your healing time is less with greater post-treatment comfort. When an implant site can heal in less time, the chances for infection greatly decrease.

Everyone wants to enjoy a successful outcome with any treatment. They also want to have a rapid recovery with minimal discomfort. Having your implants placed by a Periodontal specialist can help greatly.

If you are considering Dental Implants, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation. Here, we can answer your questions thoroughly so you can decide what is best for you.