Implants Can Support Dentures For Chewing Stability & Comfort

Posted on Aug 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Denture wearers often endure embarrassing slips, difficulty chewing and sore gums. While dentures do “replace” the appearance of teeth, their ability to restore stable chewing and security when speaking or laughing is inadequate for many.

Because Dental Implants can be more costly than wearing a denture, denture wearers often feel they cannot afford them. However, in many cases, we are able to attach a full denture to several strategically-placed Dental Implants. Since implant fees are based on the number of implants placed, this typically provides a significant savings. Plus, depending on the condition of the patient’s existing denture, we can occasionally use it, providing a further savings.

When dentures are supported by Dental Implants, biting and chewing stability is restored. This is because implants are anchored in the jaw bone, providing the same foundation as your natural teeth once had. They eliminate embarrassing slips or having to forgo the foods you love.

Another benefit of Dental Implants is their ability to halt bone resorption. Once natural tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb.’ The pressure of dentures on the boney ridge beneath the gums adds to this resorption. For those who sleep in their denture, this rate of bone resorption occurs on a 24/7 basis. Dental Implants help to halt bone resorption while restoring a natural look, feel and function.

To discuss implant-supported dentures, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We hope to have you eating crisp apples and chewing thick steak again soon!

Mini Dental Implants Vs. Traditional Dental Implants

Posted on Jul 28, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, I am asked my opinion on mini dental implants. Mini implants have a certain appeal to patients because the cost is nearly half of that required for traditional implants. However, like anything cheaper, these mini versions of traditional implants have their drawbacks.

Despite claims of mini implants being the same as traditional implants when it comes to strength, their placement in minimal bone leaves a compromised ability to withstand the normal forces of biting and chewing. Although, in cases where the anticipated load on the tooth will be less, such as canine (or ‘eye’) teeth, mini implants may be a consideration.

Because they are smaller and require a single placement procedure, mini dental implants are less costly than traditional implants. With traditional implants, placement is at a greater depth in the jawbone. There is also a waiting period before your final replacement teeth are attached. During this time, you are able to comfortably wear a denture, partial or temporary. This waiting period allows your bone to grow around the traditional implant, which securely anchors it in place and may take three to six months.

A traditional implant is a hollow titanium cylinder to which a post that supports replacement teeth is attached. Mini implants are shorter, solid posts placed in the jaw bone at less depth. Mini implants have no internal post and extend directly from the bone to the replacement teeth.

Being only two-thirds the size of a traditional implant, placement for mini implants can be done in one appointment with the immediate attachment of teeth. Combined with the cost savings factor, this naturally seems an appealing alternative to traditional implants.

However, traditional dental implants have withstood the test of time and have one of the most successful track records of all in-bone implants. Solidly anchored into the jawbone, just as natural tooth roots, they restore a dependable strength and stability so you can enjoy all the foods you love.

Mini dental implants are still a new concept with far less data to reasonably determine their success rate. When it comes to dental specialists who have years of experience with all types of dental implants, many are apprehensive about placing them because of an unknown potential for success. In spite of their appeal to patients as a less-costly option, seasoned periodontists know their risk for problems is at a greater level.

Every dentist wants you to enjoy a successful outcome when it comes to dental implants. Because of the failure potential, recommending mini implants in lieu of traditional implants is not something I do. Since every mouth is different, I can only make recommendations that I see as being the best for optimal outcomes. It is the patient who must ultimately decide on the option best for their long-term goals and investment.

Before making a final decision, I am happy to meet with you during a consultation. Here, we can discuss all your options and the advantages and challenges of each. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time.

Saving Teeth Saves You Much More

Posted on Jul 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In cases of severe periodontal (gum) disease, my goal is not just to restore the patient’s mouth to a healthy state, it’s also to save as many natural teeth as possible. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. However, when caught early and given specialized periodontal treatment, tooth loss is minimal or can be avoided altogether.

Although teeth can be replaced in several ways, nothing is as perfect for your mouth as your natural teeth, especially because of the portion you don’t see. Tooth roots not only give your teeth a way to be anchored in the jaw bone, they keep teeth in position so neighboring teeth hold their position as well.

Tooth roots do one more thing that is immensely important to your oral health. The stimulation that tooth roots provide to the jaw bone help the jaw maintain its mass. Without tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink. This is why long-time denture wearers have a sunken-in mouth, or a ‘granny look.’

As the jaw bone shrinks, changes in facial appearance become obvious. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, a pointed chin and the formation of jowls. Bone loss also causes the fit of a denture or partial to continually change. This is because the bone ridge that the denture or partial was formed to contour is flattening out.

When a tooth must be removed, the closest way to recreate its stability and natural biting and chewing strength is with Dental Implants. Implants also provide stimulation to the jaw bone to halt bone loss.

Do everything possible to save your natural teeth. If they must be removed, remember that it’s not just the tooth portion above the gums that is important. The part that anchors your teeth is vital to your smile and a healthy bite. Before you decide on a tooth replacement option, discuss Dental Implants during a Consultation appointment by calling (828) 274-9440.

Smoking Complicates Dental Implant Procedures

Posted on Jul 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Smoking complicates the body’s natural ability to heal. It has a drying effect on gum tissues and minimizes blood oxygen, resulting in a delayed healing process. Smoking also contributes to a greater potential for bacterial build-up.

To place an implant, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. The Periodontist goes through gum tissues to reach the bone, placing each implant at a precise depth and angle. Once the implant is placed in the bone, it can take two to six months to become fully anchored.

Proper healing requires normal blood circulation to ensure gum recovery and sufficient oxygen levels for the regeneration of bone surrounding the implant. Failures most often occur during this osseo (bone) integration phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition to smoking’s effects on the rate of tissue and bone recovery, patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. Peri-implantitis leads to inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although a potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

When smokers develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a reduced effect. This is because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated and works its way into the implant area, the risk for losing the implant is significant.

Because of the greater risk factors, some dental specialists refuse to place dental implants in smokers, especially heavy ‘chain’ smokers. So many negative effects from smoking make it highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. You can greatly enhance your success rate for dental implants by quitting smoking at least one week prior to your placement procedure and throughout until you are fully recovered.

Keep in mind that dental implants enable you to eat a healthy selection of foods while restoring eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit of smoking. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a Consultation so we can discuss your potential for a successful outcome.