Selection Of Dental Implants Offers Affordable Options

Posted on Mar 20, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Have you ever made a purchase decision based on a lower cost but found you ended up with less than pleased with the outcome? We all have. It’s natural to want a ‘good deal’ when it comes to how we spend our hard-earned money. However, there is nothing worse than the feelings of regret upon realizing the savings weren’t worth what was sacrificed in the end.

When I discuss dental implants with new patients, I find some arrive with preconceived notions that Dental Implants are out of their price range. Since the costs for dental implants are, for the most part, upfront, they are often assumed as more expensive when comparing costs to other tooth replacement options. With implants, however, there is far more to consider when comparing actual costs.

When it comes to replacing teeth, the majority of adults understand options like dentures, partials and crown-&-bridge combinations. While people are generally familiar with how these work, dental implants can be more complicated.

For example, dental implant systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Some are designed for minimal bone depth and others help to support a full arch of teeth. Naturally, a number of factors play a role in calculating the overall cost for treatment.

Yet, unlike a bridge or dentures, dental implants are a one-time expense when it comes to replacing teeth. Dental implants will never decay, need root canals or compromise neighboring teeth or supporting structures. Even more appealing – dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper selection, placement and maintenance, dental implants are designed to last your lifespan.

The advantages of dental implants go beyond tooth replacement. Dental implants are positioned in the jaw bone, which provides the same, dependable foundation as natural teeth. Their presence restores stimulation to the jaw bone, helping to preserve the bone’s mass. Without this stimulation, the bone resorbs, which is a process of continual decline in bone mass.

Resorption is the reason that dentures that fit snugly when first made will begin to move and slip over time. Because resorption reduces bone height, the ridge that the denture was made to conform to begins to flatten. The declining ridge can no longer provide the denture with a sufficient base. Denture adhesives become of little help while chewing. Eventually, people opt for a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth to avoid sore spots on tender gum tissues or embarrassing slips.

Declining bone mass also leads to changes in facial appearance, contributing to an appearance that is far older than one’s actual age. As bone mass declines, people see the formation of jowls, deep wrinkling around the mouth, and having the corners of the mouth turn downward, even when smiling. As the bone thins further, the chin points and the nose moves closer to the chin, creating a ‘granny look.’

The fees for Dental Implants are largely determined by the number of implants placed. In most cases, an implant is not necessary to replace each missing tooth. For example, if you are missing several or even a full arch (all upper or lower) of teeth, several strategically-placed implants can often provide sufficient support. To replace several teeth that are missing in one area, one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth.

An added advantage of implants is they do not rely on the crowning of adjacent teeth in order to support a bridge. While a traditional crown-&-bridge combination relies on adjacent teeth for support, an implant uses the sturdy foundation of your jaw bone.

We believe the investment you make when replacing teeth should make you as happy now as it does twenty years from now. If you feel the barrier to achieving a confident smile is the cost, begin with a consultation appointment. During this time, we will discuss the implant system that will work best for your individual needs and goals and anticipated cost. We can also recommend payment plans that help you achieve your goals while making easy monthly payments.

The comfort and confidence of your smile is too important to compromise. Call 828-274-9440.

Individualized Care For Unique Patient Needs

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I once heard the term, “not everything fits into a box.” I agree. While this may be related to the phrase, “think outside the box,” it reminds me of how we approach patient care.

As a Periodontist, my specialty includes treating all levels of periodontal (gum) disease, reshaping gum tissues, and the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Summed up, however, I restore smiles to a healthy, confident state. This is why I love what I do.

In our office, we only exist because of our patients. That’s where our commitment lies and is the foundation for every decision we make. This is also why we look at each patient’s needs individually. No two mouths are alike and no two patients are alike.

As far as gum disease goes, there are various stages that require different approaches in order to effectively treat it. Although some individuals may have similar stages of gum disease as others, certain factors must be considered as the most appropriate treatment is determined.

In addition to their existing level of gum disease, we take into account the patient’s age, medical and dental history, their current medications, and number of remaining teeth. We also consider any anxiety or fears associated with dental procedures.

Fear has been a major deterrent for many to receive regular dental care. This is why adults often end up with gum disease and tooth loss. By the time many arrive at my office, they are at a point where they have no other choice in order to rid their mouths of the infectious bacteria or replace missing teeth from to the destructive nature of gum disease.

To help anxious or fearful patients relax, we make sure we are communicating thoroughly. Our belief is that patients who are fully informed of their needs and the procedures required are more confident in proceeding with treatment. This, in turn, creates a patient who is able to relax and let fears go.

Some patients are unable to relax, however. This is why our office provides Oral or I.V. Sedation. Oral sedation is a pill form of relaxation. Although most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards, this provides deep relaxation with a quick recovery.

I.V. sedation (also referred to a ‘twilight sleep’) is a deeper level of relaxation. This is an in-the-vein medication administered via a drip. Patients doze while their procedures are accomplished and have no memory of their treatment. Recovery time is longer but some patients are fine with that. Most are able to resume normally within 24 hours.

Regardless of the sedation chosen, patients are closely monitored by trained staff and advanced safety equipment. Your safety is as important to us as your comfort, so we ensure all measures are taken to provide both to optimal levels.

Please know that your procedure, comfort option, and individual needs are important to everyone in this office. We promise you’ll be respected, given exceptional care, and never over-treated or under-treated. We are here to help you regain the smile you desire.

Your oral health is a vital component of your overall health. Research has shown that the health of your gums and number of teeth directly correspond to a healthier you. Don’t delay care that you need, even if fear has prevented this in the past.

To begin, call 828-274-9440 and schedule a consultation appointment. During this time, we can discuss the treatments that may work best for your needs. I’ll explain comfort options and have our financial coordinator review payment options with you, if desired.

 

Advantages of Dental Implants Are Many

Posted on Jan 18, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When a patient is missing natural teeth or describes trying to eat with a ‘wobbly’ denture, I spend time explaining the advantages of Dental Implants. Although patients may also be considering other options, I find many don’t realize the unexpected future costs associated with less expensive methods.

Here are a few of the many reasons we feel make Dental Implants the ideal tooth replacement option:

• Dental Implants restore biting strength and chewing stability: Dental Implants are supported by the upper or lower jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots. After implants are placed in the bone, the bone grows around them to fully secure them in the jaw. This enables confident biting and chewing without fear of embarrassing slips or uncomfortable rubbing.

• Dental Implants help to prevent declining mass of the jaw bone: When natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw, the bone that once held them no longer has the nourishment and stimulation once channeled through the roots. This causes the bone to shrink and what continually changes the fit of a denture or partial. In addition to undependable biting and chewing, bone loss causes changes in facial appearance that are aging far beyond one’s actual years. An implant restores stimulation to the bone and halts the progress of bone loss.

• Dental Implants are successful: Dental Implants have one of the highest success rates of any in-bone implant in the body, including hips and knees. When properly selected, placed and maintained, they are designed to last your lifetime.

• Dental Implants are a one-time expense: Because Dental Implants do not decay, require root canals, crack or break, future expense for upkeep or repairs is not needed. The material they are made of biologically integrates with living bone and is not rejected nor will it cause adverse reactions to surrounding structures. With proper care, they will last as long throughout your life.

• Dental Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support: Unlike crown-&-bridge combinations or partials, Dental Implants do not depend on adjacent teeth. And, because they help to preserve the bone that supports neighboring teeth, they are actually beneficial to the life of other natural teeth.

• Dental Implants support your overall health: The ability to eat a diet rich in healthy, fibrous and protein-rich foods enables our bodies to function properly. And, the ability to eat without fear of embarrassing moments or uncomfortable rubbing instills the confidence to be socially active. Because many social settings are centered around food, people who have Dental Implants know they can confidently eat, laugh and speak closely with others.

• Dental Implants are a ‘no regrets’ method of tooth replacement: I’ve never had one patient who felt their implants were anything but “the best investment I’ve ever made!”

For some people, the only ‘challenge’ when it comes to Dental Implants is the all-upfront expense. While they are an excellent investment, implant fees are paid before treatment completion. Budget constraints make some people uneasy with this type of commitment, especially when they’ve become used to a minimal investment and limited insurance coverage for most dentistry each year.

Some dental insurances tend to label Dental Implants as elective, as dentures and bridges require less coverage. However, when patients decide they will not allow an insurance company to dictate their health, comfort and self-confidence, insurance coverage becomes less important.

We believe an educated patient makes decisions that are best for their needs. To discuss replacing teeth with Dental Implants, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and discuss potential treatment expenses.

The Lifetime Value Of Dental Implants

Posted on Nov 14, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you make a purchase based on quality – how long it will last and how well it will hold up over time – paying more is well worth it when calculating how much you actually receive for the investment made along with future savings. This is true when it comes to replacing teeth. Your decision to get the most from your dollars begins with opting for the best outcome long-term.

As a Periodontist, a dental specialist, I’ve seen how dental fear can be the prevailing reason that causes many people to delay or avoid looking into replacing teeth. This is ironic, mainly because the reason many people lose teeth in the first place is due to dental fear. When dental fears prevent adults from having regular cleanings, exams and repairs, the results are often periodontal (gum) disease and/or tooth loss.

Dental fear is no small problem in this country. Quite frankly, it is estimated that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. There is no ‘typical’ age group, gender or education or income level that predisposes these individuals to having dental fears. It runs rampant throughout all walks of life.

With the addition of I.V. or oral sedation, many fearful adults are able to relax and have much-needed dentistry. Although sedation and the other comfort options we offer provide a way for high fear patients to relax throughout care, the bigger obstacle for many is implant treatment cost.

Because the costs for dental implants are all ‘up front,’ many people perceive them as more expensive. While implant treatment may seem more costly than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures or partials, it’s actually a far better investment. For example, after a dental implant is placed and the final teeth attached, your investment is intended to last your lifetime.

Dental implants are constructed from a material that biologically bonds with living bone known as titanium. For decades, titanium has been implanted into the body, accepted by surrounding bone, and have had bone grown around it. This process, known as ‘osseo-integration,’ embeds the implant in the jaw bone so it can serve as a replacement tooth root.

Not only is the implant intended to last a lifetime, the replacement teeth attached to it will not experience cavities, need a root canal or cause problems for neighboring teeth. With the treatment costs upfront seeming to be a larger investment, dental implants are actually a savings when considering the future expenses to maintain other tooth replacement options.

Crown-&-bridge combinations are a common way to replace one or several missing teeth in one area. However, a crown-&-bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, neighboring teeth on both sides of the bridge. The potential for future costs includes root canals, crown repair, bridge replacement, etc.

There is another issue that can evolve in future costs that lies beneath the gums. Without the presence of natural tooth roots, the bone that once held them begins to shrink. This process, known as ‘resorption,’ impacts the health of remaining natural teeth and weakens the strength of the jaw bone.

Once set into motion, resorption continues to make matters worse. As bone loss continues, it also creates changes in facial appearance. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, jowls, and a mouth that appears to sink inward.

Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, they halt the potential for bone loss. Since they have the same, sturdy foundation that natural teeth enjoy, implants do not reply on neighboring teeth to support replacement teeth.

Dental implants also support good physical and psychological health. Having the ability to properly chew healthy foods is paramount to maintaining a healthy body. Implants make it possible to bite and chew all types of food you love without uncomfortable rubbing or embarrassing slips. 

Eating a diet of foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein helps to keep our bodies in tip top shape. And, when chewing is performed with stability and comfort, people feel more confident joining others for meals and outings that include food. Being socially active is a bonus to our mental stimulation and well-being.

If you are considering dental implants, begin with a no obligation consultation. Call 828-274-9440 to discuss your individual needs and goals. From there, I’ll explain options best for your needs and goals so you can decide what is best for you. I’ll also have our Financial Coordinator discuss ways you can make easy monthly payments for your implant treatment, often without a down payment and no interest charged.