Why A Dental Implant?

Posted on Dec 13, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When deciding on a new easy chair for my den, I could have purchased one for less than the one I ended up purchasing. My decision to buy the higher priced chair was made based on its construction, workmanship, materials used and overall feel that would give me many years of pleasure.

While we all want to be budget conscious, it is just as important to make wise investments that give us true value. When contemplating tooth replacement, cheaper options may be a partial or crown-&-bridge combination. Even though a Dental Implant will cost more initially, it is designed to last your lifetime.

Partials and crown-&-bridge typically need repair or replacing periodically. Plus, they can affect the health of neighboring teeth. It is a fact that the next tooth you’ll lose is a neighboring tooth when replacing teeth through these means. This is not the case with Dental Implants.

Dental Implants do far more than merely restore missing teeth. They protect your overall oral health, preserve underlying jaw bone structure, and create a wise investment you’ll never regret! Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Tooth Loss Results In A Shrinking Jaw Bone

Posted on Nov 11, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you wear a denture or partial, you can assume you’ve lost jaw bone mass. This is due to “bone resorption,” (a shrinking in the mass of bone).

In a healthy mouth, the upper and lower jaw bone support natural tooth roots. While the roots of each tooth enjoy the jaw bone as it’s foundation, the tooth roots stimulate the bone, helping it maintain healthy dimensions.

After teeth are removed, the jaw begins to shrink without the interaction of tooth roots. In a mouth where all natural teeth are missing, the process of bone resorption actually speeds up from the pressure of dentures or partials. For those who sleep in dentures, this rate of resorption occurs at a constant and more rapid pace.

The extent of bone loss experienced can be visible by looking in a mirror without dentures in place. You may see deep wrinkles around your mouth and corners of your mouth turn downward. Your chin may be more pointed than before you lost your natural teeth. Your mouth may also appear collapsed in your face or you may notice jowls starting to form. Dentures have a tendency to conceal bone loss because they fill out the face when in place. However, the problems of losing jaw bone mass go far beyond facial cosmetics.

Once bone loss begins, it occurs at a more rapid pace as you age. This is why a denture that fit well when first made will eventually move around when you bite and chew. Over time, even denture adhesives and relines won’t make eating comfortable.

This is why so many adults are now turning to dental implants for tooth replacement. They provide a dependable foundation for biting and chewing a thick steak and crisp apple without worry. They speak and laugh with others confidently and without the fear of embarrassing slips. Because dental implants restore the presence of natural tooth roots, they also halt (or greatly slow) the process of bone resorption.

An added advantage of dental implants is that they are a wise investment. While dental implants are more costly, initially, than a denture or partial, they are designed to last your lifetime. With proper care, dental implants will enable you to eat and laugh confidently and comfortably.

Modern dentistry offers exceptional options in implant dentistry for many situations, including those who’ve experienced severe bone loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange a Consultation.

Bridge Vs. Dental Implants?

Posted on Oct 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are missing one or more teeth in one area, an option growing in popularity is an implant-supported bridge. Anchored by the jaw bone, Dental Implants can replace missing teeth without requiring adjacent, natural teeth for support (as in Crown-&-Bridge combinations).

Although a fixed bridge or partial denture replace the presence of teeth, an implant-supported bridge helps to preserve the bone that previously surrounded tooth roots. The implanted portion acts as a tooth root replacement and halts “resorption” (or shrinking in mass) of the jaw bone. Since implants recreate the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots, they help to preserve your jaw bone.

Dental Implants also restore the look feel, and comfort of natural teeth. Gums and bone can recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a visible defect. Additionally, removable partial dentures can move around while chewing, which interferes with your ability to eat all the foods you love.

Whether you opt for an implant supported bridge, a fixed bridge, or partial denture, we feel you deserve to know all the advantages and challenges of each. The only obstacle with Dental Implants, for some people, is the cost. However, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime with proper care. They are an excellent investment.

Ask us about Dental Implants before making your final decision regarding tooth replacement. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions during a Consultation appointment. Call (828) 274-9440.

The Appeal Of All-On-4 Dental Implants

Posted on Sep 24, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth (or all teeth in your mouth), you probably experience the common frustrations of most denture wearers. Typical complaints are difficulty chewing, embarrassing slips and sore spots where dentures have rubbed gum tissue.

It’s no surprise that many denture wearers are turning to the All-On-4 Dental Implant system. This is a highly-successful type of implant that is:

• Affordable – Since the cost of implant treatment is largely based on the number of implants placed, this system uses just 4 implants on the upper arch and 4 on the lower, creating a less expensive option.
• Non-Removable Teeth – Once the implants are secured, the attached teeth are designed to remain in the mouth always. You’ll wake up with a terrific smile and brush your teeth in your mouth again!
• Provides Immediate Attachment of Teeth – Many adults fear having to go without their teeth during various stages of treatment. Not with the All-On-4 system that allows for the attachment of teeth as soon as your implants are placed.
• Overcomes Bone Loss Issues – Some adults have been told they are not candidates for dental implants because they’ve experienced too much bone loss. Because the All-On-4 system was designed with unique angles, it does not need the same amount of bone depth as traditional implant types.
• Existing Dentures May Be Used – Some adults have good-condition dentures and like the appearance. In some cases, we can attach an existing denture to All-On-4 implants for additional savings.
• Designed For A Lifetime – Like traditional dental implants, the All-On-4 system is designed to last a lifetime. With proper maintenance, you’ll enjoy a secure, confident smile for all of your life!

The All-On-4 implant system restores your ability to bite, chew and savor all the foods you love. You’ll be able to laugh and even sneeze again without worry!

Begin with a consultation appointment. I’ll explain your options and answer all of your questions so you can make the decision that is best for you. Call (828) 274-9440.