It’s A New Age In Tooth Replacement

Posted on Jul 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to tooth replacement, I am naturally a proponent of Dental Implants for many reasons. For some people, their only hesitation is the cost, since the fees for implants are upfront and may not be fully covered by insurance. However, Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and require no repairs, root canals, and are self-supporting. This means that implants do not rely on adjoining natural teeth to serve as crowned supports, as with a crown-&-bridge combination.

Americans no longer wash clothes on a wash board with a bar of soap even though this accomplished the job much cheaper than a washing machine. The washing machine provides more efficiency and gives the user a far better experience while being more practical for today’s fabrics.

Althought dentures and partials replace the presence of teeth, they are a merely filling empty space. At one time, they were better than no teeth at all. They enabled an adult to have some ability to bite or chew. However, denture wearers endure all sorts of problems; some problems they are aware of and others they are not.

A typical problem of denture wearers is an unstable fit. This is the result of the ever-decreasing jaw bone that once supported natural tooth roots. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. The pressure from wearing dentures speeds up this process. When denture wearers sleep in their dentures, the rate of this bone loss accelerates from the 24/7 pressure the jaw bone experiences.

This is the reason long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” Their faces have a collapsed look and chins become pointed. Jowls form when facial muscles become detached and the entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond the actual years of the person.

When one dentures do not fit securely due to bone loss, the constant rubbing and discomfort often causes the wearer to eat a soft diet of foods that dissolves easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Not only is what you eat important to maintaining good health, being able to chew thoroughly and comfortably is important. Remember, digestion begins in the mouth. It is a fact that denture wearers experience a higher level of gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

Because food is often the centerpiece of many social occasions, people who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because they fear embarrassing moments. Studies have shown they tend to eat out less often and even wear less make-up.

Regardless of the advancements made in denture and partial design, they are simply outdated. No denture adhesive or paste or reline will truly make a denture a good substitute for natural teeth. Dental advancements have focused on implant dentistry because they have proven to be a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement that makes sense.

Let’s talk about your needs in tooth replacement during a Consultation appointment. Just call (828) 274-9440 for a convenient time.

Be Cautious Of ‘New-fangled’ Implant Types

Posted on Jun 04, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a periodontal specialist who places many Dental Implants, I frequently cringe when I see TV commercials promoting ‘clinics’ who tout a particular type of implant to the masses. For example, the latest is the ‘mini-implant.’ Although mini dental implants do work for a few, they fail to provide the stability and longevity of other types that may have been far more appropriate.

Everyone wants to save money; we all want a good deal. Because Dental Implants are a financial commitment for most, spending money on an implant system that does not fulfill its purpose (or even requires removal) is a mere waste of money spent.

I remember several purchases because the price was so appealing. What I realized, in due time, was I had not really saved money at all. As a matter of fact, I ended up spending MORE in the long-run for repairs and/or replacements. Plus, I felt ‘taken.’

Dental Implants are designed in many shapes and sizes so a skilled, experienced doctor can select and place the implant that will work best for your specific needs. Be cautious with excitement over a potentially ‘cheaper’ option. And, don’t be surprised if these implant clinics try to talk you into a higher-priced version.

We’ve all heard, “Do it right the first time!” And, deep down, we know that’s the wisest and most economical route. It’s no different with Dental Implants. Find a doctor in whom you have full confidence and let him or her guide you to a successful outcome!

For a consultation appointment, call (828) 274-9440. Here, you’ll learn the various options and what will, and will not, work best for you.

The High Price Of Wearing Dentures

Posted on May 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For most denture wearers, the reason that prevents replacing them with Dental Implants is the cost. Yes, Dental Implants are more expensive – upfront. Over time, however, their initial cost can save you greatly.

When a denture is first made, it conforms to your gum ridge. Although it may feel snug in the beginning, you’ll eventually notice a change. It will begin to move while you chew. Biting becomes less secure and even adhesives won’t help much. While relines help, the “re-fit” is only a temporarily fix.

Without tooth roots in the jaw bone, the ridge that once held natural teeth begins to shrink. Dentures add to this bone loss through the pressure they place on the ridge. For those who sleep in their dentures, this continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems, take more medications and are less socially active. Additionally, many sacrifice the fiber and protein-rich foods they once enjoyed for softer foods that dissolve easily in the mouth.

Dental Implants are tooth root replacements that halt bone loss. With the jaw bone as their foundation, your ability to bite and chew is stable. Plus, you can eat all the foods you love without worry of slips or uncomfortable rubbing.

Dental Implants are also designed to last your lifetime. Dentures and the detrimental problems they contribute to will require ongoing expenses – in your mouth and with your overall health.

When weighing the REAL cost of dentures vs. Dental Implants, look into the future. The higher, one-time expense of implants may be the best investment you ever made! Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

One-Stop-Shop For Implants May Have Risks

Posted on Apr 14, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Recently, I’ve been seeing ads for ‘clinics’ promoting dental implants. They make the process sound quick, easy and a good deal. However, as a dental specialist, I understand these ‘quick and cheap’ options come with risks.

When someone offers a ‘package deal’ on something as intricate as dental implant procedures, it can quickly fall short of the good deal it seems. We all want to know that the time and money we invest in anything is a good value. Putting your long-term oral health and well-being in the hands of quickie solutions can have pitfalls.

Your dentist knows your health history, commitment to oral hygiene in the office and at-home regimen. He or she also understands your preferences in appearance and function as well as comfort needs. When working with a periodontist, he or she communicates all history and aspects of your oral health and overall preferences. We then work together as a personalized team on your behalf. This lessens the potential for factors that can contribute to implant complications or eventual failure (resulting in removal).

Since some clinics offer only one particular implant system, performing them in bulk may allow them to give you a better rate. Yet, the type of implant placed may not be the best one for your individual needs; something that can come back to haunt you later.

There are many types of implants designed for specific needs, such as those for people who have lost a lot of jaw bone mass or those who want non-removable teeth. The cost for dental implants is such that ‘having it done right the first time’ is not something to be overlooked.

You deserve to know all the options that are appropriate for your individual needs and goals. Having it ‘done right the first time’ is the best way to achieve a lasting, successful outcome. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation.