We are seeing an ever-increasing number of adults who opt for a dental implant or implants over other tooth replacement options. For most patients, the one and only ‘disadvantage’ of an implant is the initial cost, which is typically higher than other options in tooth replacement. However, the long-term benefits of an implant greatly outweigh the additional upfront expense. Over time, the health advantages alone make implants a better investment. Also, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. No crown-&-bridge combination, partial or denture can outdo the longevity of an implant.

From a Periodontist’s point of view, implants are especially superior in how they function BELOW the gums. Although you cannot see how implants are held in the bone, this foundation gives implants the same stability as that of natural tooth roots. Additionally, the presence of an implant keeps the bone from ‘resorbing,’ or shrinking. When tooth roots are no longer present in the bone, implants recreate the stimulation needed to maintain its mass.

Another bonus is the ability of an implant to hold one, two or more teeth without needing the support of adjacent teeth. Unlike a crown-&-bridge combination or some partials, a dental implant supports teeth on its own. With dental implants, there is no need to crown neighboring, otherwise healthy teeth merely to support replacement teeth.

Interested in learning more? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs and have your questions answered.

Long-time denture wearer?  If you suspect your face has grown longer, it is probably because jowls have formed on both sides of your face. This is often the result of facial muscles that have detached from the jaw bones once it shrinks to a certain point.

Here is why you’ve lost bone: When natural tooth roots are held by the upper and lower jaw bones, they provide stimulation to the bone, which helps to maintain its mass. When tooth roots are no longer present, lack of stimulation results in bone resorption, or ‘melting away’ of the bone.

Although resorption occurs slowly, pressure on the jaws from wearing dentures actually speeds the resorption process. Since many denture wearers also sleep in their dentures, this continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

When dentures are first placed, the fit can be satisfactory for one to five years. However, as bone loss progresses, it continues so the denture’s fit lasts at less-frequent intervals each time. For example, one year after the extraction of teeth, a denture wearer experiences a 25% bone loss. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While the biting force with teeth is 250 pounds, an average denture wearer bites with only 5 – 6 pounds of force.

Today’s implant dentistry includes types, such as the ‘All-On-4,’ that need minimal bone for placement. Because these implants are placed at unique angles, just four implants (upper or lower) can support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Although other implant types may require more bone, procedures that can rebuild the jaws to a healthy mass. Some cases are accomplished using bone generating materials. Others may require a bone graft. Upper implants may need a ‘sinus lift’ to ensure there is ample bone protecting the sinus cavity.

Regardless of the process, dental implants will enable you to chew comfortably and speak and laugh confidently without fear of embarrassment. Begin with a consultation and examination to learn what is required for your needs as well as treatment options. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.

The upfront costs of dental implants are typically the only obstacle for some patients who want to replace missing teeth. Although the long term cost efficiency of dental implants makes them a better option than other tooth replacement alternatives, dental implants do have a failure rate. Here are tips to help you enjoy a successful outcome and an excellent investment:

Select Your Dentist Carefully: Dental implants must be selected and placed properly, and then carefully maintained (at home and through regular dental check-ups). The success rate of dental implants is over 95%, although smokers have a failure rate 2.5 times higher than that of non-smokers. Experienced implant dentists have around a 99% success rate, which is why it’s important to ask about the implant training and success rate of your doctor.

Longevity: A dental implant that has been selected, placed and maintained properly should last for a lifetime. A bridge will need replacement in an average of 10 years on average. Dentures will also need replacing or modification in about ten years because bone loss changes the fit of the denture. This is caused by the absence of tooth roots in the jaw and pressure of dentures. Looking at a 20 year period, your bridge or denture costs have now doubled, whereas the dental implants are worry-free.

Protecting Oral Health: In order to support a bridge, healthy natural teeth have to be cut down to serve as anchors for the bridge. This creates more susceptibility for tooth decay. Because it can be more difficult to clean around bridges, the accumulation of plaque increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Jaw bone loss is also a problem with removable dentures, which can lead to an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years. Dental implants function the same as natural teeth without special care or requiring the support of adjacent teeth. The additional costs of treating decay or gum disease caused by a partial or full removable denture must be factored in when calculating the long term cost efficiency compared to the one-time expense of dental implants.

Enhanced Overall Health & Confidence: Dental implants give a natural look and feel while restoring a dependable, comfortable bite and chewing function. Trying to eat with removable dentures is often over-shadowed with fears of embarrassment. Those who wear removable dentures also have a tendency to select soft food that dissolve easily and quickly in the mouth. Thus, they often deprive themselves of fiber and protein-rich foods and satisfying, vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables.

Bottom Line: Initially, dental implants typically cost more than other dental restorations but are the clear winners when it comes to the investment. Because dental implants prevent bone loss, enhance dental (and overall) health and keep replacement teeth more secure for a lifetime, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense. Dental implants can also enhance your quality of life and actually lower the costs to maintain a healthy mouth over the course of your lifetime.

Occasionally, we have a Dental Implant patient who does not want to “be put to sleep” during treatment.

In our office, we use oral sedation. In pill form, no needles are used to administer the medication and the recovery is quick. Oral sedation enables patients to feel refreshed rather than the ‘spaced out’ feeling that I.V. sedation (or ‘twilight sleep’) can leave, although it does have an amnesiac effect. Some patients tell us they remember hearing  voices, but most have no memory of the procedure at all.

While the amnesiac effect is an appealing advantage of sedation, sedation helps patients be more relaxed. Since many implant placement procedures require over an hour’s time in the treatment chair, sedation helps to eliminate after-treatment fatigue from muscle tension.

In addition to sedation, we apply numbing medications to the area being treated to create optimal comfort for patients. We never want any procedure we perform to be painful at any time, regardless of the addition of sedation.

We treat all patients with respect and a gentle touch. We are just as committed to comfort for patients who do not want to be sedated as we are for those who are. Our goal is to help each person achieve a restored mouth that is healthy. If we can accommodate specific requests, such as treatment without sedation, then we will do what will provide the safest, most comfortable and successful outcome.