In a recent issue of AARP’s monthly magazine, I came across cost comparisons of various medical and dental procedures that have lured Americans out of the country for ‘bargains.’

Although there was a significant savings in procedures like heart bypass and hip replacement, I was not surprised to see that Dental Implants in the U.S. are rather competitive and even less expensive than averages in many countries.

For example, the average Dental Implant cost in the U.S. is approximately $1200 (depending on type and location of placement). In Costa Rica, they average $900 and $950 in Mexico. However, implants are a whopping $2636 in Malaysia, $1600 in the U.K. and $1500 in Singapore. Average costs in India are $1100 but the lowest price we found was Hungary at an average of $650.

After you factor in air fare, hotel costs, ground transportation and travel insurance, you must also calculate the potential risks. For example, once back in the States, an infection or unusual pain indicates a problem, which typically requires immediate attention. Unless you’re willing to pick up the tab to repeat the trip (and absorb the travel costs again), a local doctor will need to be seen.

All in all, Dental Implants in the U.S. are a bargain. The training and safety standards for dentists in America are very high and our sterilization measures are essentially unsurpassed.

Your ultimate ‘deal’ when it comes to Dental Implants is having placement done right the first time. If complications do arise, which are rare, they can be dealt with promptly and effectively without a major travel ordeal required.

Why take a risk? Having Dental Implants placed in America gives you convenience, safety and a tremendous bargain. Let’s discuss your individual needs and options in a private Consultation. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

When a person wants a tooth extracted because it’s a ‘problem’ tooth, it’s often because it is requiring continual repairs. Unfortunately, ridding yourself of one problem can open the door to a long list of others.

Each tooth in your mouth holds other teeth in proper position. This includes the teeth on each side and the one above or below. A missing tooth enables neighboring teeth to ‘drift.’ This eventually leads to drifting of teeth adjacent to them, and so on. Misaligned teeth can lead to chips, broken teeth, night-time clenching or grinding, headaches, worn teeth, jaw joint pain and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

It is a fact that when a tooth is removed, if not replaced, the tooth next to the open space will be the next you’ll lose. Thus, replacing a missing tooth should occur as soon as possible. We recommend Dental Implants rather than a Crown-&-Bridge combination since implants use the jaw bone as their foundation, just as natural tooth roots. Crown-&-Bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, natural teeth on each side to serve as supports for the bridged tooth.

Dental Implants provide another advantage as well. Since they are held in the jaw bone, they recreate the presence of a tooth root. This stimulates the bone to help the jaw maintain a healthy depth and mass. Like the gap left by a missing tooth, bone loss from missing tooth roots enable drifting of neighboring teeth. Implants, when placed soon after extraction, help you avoid that.

‘Problem teeth’ are often avoided with a healthy foundation of gum tissue and proper oral hygiene. Unless the tooth has been severely compromised due to periodontal disease or has broken below the gum line, removal is seldom the easiest and cheapest solution. Let’s first establish a healthy mouth so all teeth have a better environment with a reduced risk for problems. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment.

When I place Dental Implants to replace a single tooth, it is often because the tooth fractured below the gum line. When a tooth breaks or cracks beneath the realm of a protective crown, the tooth must be removed and replaced.

When hairline fractures appear, a dentist will typically recommend a crown to protect the tooth, avoiding a potential break. The reason many people decline or delay having a tooth crowned is due to dental insurance constraints. It is unfortunate when patients postpone dental repairs because of their insurance coverage.

Once a tooth is removed, the patient must decide how to replace it. Because insurance companies prefer to cover the least expensive methods of replacement, the patient must decide if their ‘approved’ option is what serves their long-term, best interest.

Keep in mind that these insurance companies are for-profit firms. Dental insurance is meant to HELP with expenses for basic procedures (cleanings, etc.) or repairs (a yearly allowance for crowns or fillings, for example). Dental insurance is not, and never will be, total coverage that ensures your long-term dental wellness.

Having a healthy, confident and appealing smile is a positive part of your overall health. Be proactive so you can avoid costly and time consuming repairs regardless of what dental insurance companies allow. If you do not have a regular general dentist, call our office at (828) 274-9440 for a recommendation. If you do, let your dentist guide you to lasting oral wellness.

It’s not unusual for our office to place Dental Implants in patients who are in the 80’s or 90’s. Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people, which is very high. As long as a patient’s gum tissue is at a healthy level prior to placement, they’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants.

Regardless of one’s age, Dental Implants continually achieve their designed goals of recreating the presence of tooth roots and restoring one’s ability to bite, chew, eat, laugh, and speak confidently and comfortably. And, unlike crown-&-bridge combinations, Implants do not compromise the health of adjacent teeth. As a matter of fact, their ability to preserve a healthy jaw bone structure and support proper alignment of neighboring teeth enhances the life of surrounding natural teeth.

If you are an adult age 65 and older, you are in a rapidly growing age group in the United States. In 1900, only 4% of the population were age 65 and older. In 1990, this had jumped to 12.6%. By 2030, the projected numbers of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to be nearly 22% of the population.

Older adults are also going to the dentist more than at any time in history. In 1983, the average number of yearly dental visits per older adult was 1.5, the lowest for any reported age group. However, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that between 1983 – 1989, there was a 30% increase by those aged 65 and older who were seeing the dentist on a regular basis. This likely has much to do with the drop in total edentulism (having no natural teeth) for aging adults. According to the National Institute for Dental Research, there was a decrease of elderly adults who are missing all their natural teeth from 60% in 1957 to about 41% in 1986.

A Periodontist is the ideal member of your implant team. Periodontal Specialists have special knowledge, training and facilities for Dental Implant placement. A Periodontal Specialist is also adept in working with general dentists for an ideal overall result in function and appearance.

For more information on Dental Implants or to discuss your concerns, ask for a Consultation appointment by calling (828) 274-9440.