Travel Abroad To Save On Dental Implants Not Quite The Bargain You May Think

Posted on Oct 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In a recent issue of AARP’s monthly magazine, I came across cost comparisons of various medical and dental procedures that have lured Americans out of the country for ‘bargains.’

Although there was a significant savings in procedures like heart bypass and hip replacement, I was not surprised to see that Dental Implants in the U.S. are rather competitive and even less expensive than averages in many countries.

For example, the average Dental Implant cost in the U.S. is approximately $1200 (depending on type and location of placement). In Costa Rica, they average $900 and $950 in Mexico. However, implants are a whopping $2636 in Malaysia, $1600 in the U.K. and $1500 in Singapore. Average costs in India are $1100 but the lowest price we found was Hungary at an average of $650.

After you factor in air fare, hotel costs, ground transportation and travel insurance, you must also calculate the potential risks. For example, once back in the States, an infection or unusual pain indicates a problem, which typically requires immediate attention. Unless you’re willing to pick up the tab to repeat the trip (and absorb the travel costs again), a local doctor will need to be seen.

All in all, Dental Implants in the U.S. are a bargain. The training and safety standards for dentists in America are very high and our sterilization measures are essentially unsurpassed.

Your ultimate ‘deal’ when it comes to Dental Implants is having placement done right the first time. If complications do arise, which are rare, they can be dealt with promptly and effectively without a major travel ordeal required.

Why take a risk? Having Dental Implants placed in America gives you convenience, safety and a tremendous bargain. Let’s discuss your individual needs and options in a private Consultation. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Dental Insurance – Use Those Remaining Benefits!

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

We are now in the last quarter of 2014. Remember to take advantage of your unused insurance benefits before they disappear at year’s end!

If you have delayed treatment, please call soon. Keep in mind that some treatments require more than one visit to complete. So you receive the full coverage from remaining benefits, early scheduling allows us to arrange your treatment to be completed by a required date.

If you have questions about your insurance, call  (828) 274-9440 or bring your policy booklet in and we’ll evaluate the extent of remaining coverages with you.

People with healthy, confident smiles tend to smile more often. Enjoy the full benefits from your insurance to keep your smile at its very best!

The Problems With Dentures

Posted on Oct 06, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dentures, as we know them today, have been around for many years. The earliest dentures were carved from bone or made from human teeth. By 1775, porcelain dentures, which were more durable and attractive, were being made. However, early dentures were basically worn to replace the appearance of teeth rather than restore function and often removed before eating.

The challenge with dentures is how they eventually lead to a number of problems even today. The most common problem for denture wearers is an unstable fit. Even dentures that felt secure when first placed eventually loosen and slip while chewing. This occurs due to the declining foundation of jaw bone mass, which causes the gum ridge to flatten out.

Bone loss occurs without the stimulation of tooth roots in the jaw bone. Once it begins, the process of bone loss, or ‘resorption,’ is ongoing. The pressure from wearing dentures actually speeds up this process. For denture wearers who sleep in their dentures, this rate of bone loss is even more rapid from the constant pressure on the jaw bone. As the bone continues to resorb, even relines won’t help much.

Bone loss is also why you’ll see long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” The face takes on a collapsed look and the chin becomes more pointed. Jowls form as facial muscles detach from shrinking jaw bones. The entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years.

Difficulty eating a healthy diet with dentures leads to another set of problems. When dentures do not fit securely, the rubbing and discomfort often leads to a soft diet of foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Your overall health requires a diet of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables along with protein-rich meats. Since digestion begins in the mouth, dentures that rub sore spots on tender gum tissue causes many to swallow before sufficient chewing is done. It is no surprise that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

In our society, food is often the centerpiece of social occasions. Being socially active is an important part of our happiness level and overall well-being. People who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because of the fear of embarrassment.

No matter how many advancements are made in the development of dentures, they will never be a good substitute for teeth. They never were. On the market today, there is no denture adhesive or paste that can make dentures a good substitute for teeth considering they only add to the rate of bone loss.

Dental Implants provide a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement. They recreate the stimulation of natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting bone loss and restoring dependable chewing stability.

Considering all the long-term problems created by dentures, the one-time cost of Dental Implants makes them a far better value. Too, restoring your ability to eat comfortably and laugh confidently without the fear of embarrassment is priceless. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or request a Consultation.

Avoid Dental Disasters By Being Proactive

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

When I place Dental Implants to replace a single tooth, it is often because the tooth fractured below the gum line. When a tooth breaks or cracks beneath the realm of a protective crown, the tooth must be removed and replaced.

When hairline fractures appear, a dentist will typically recommend a crown to protect the tooth, avoiding a potential break. The reason many people decline or delay having a tooth crowned is due to dental insurance constraints. It is unfortunate when patients postpone dental repairs because of their insurance coverage.

Once a tooth is removed, the patient must decide how to replace it. Because insurance companies prefer to cover the least expensive methods of replacement, the patient must decide if their ‘approved’ option is what serves their long-term, best interest.

Keep in mind that these insurance companies are for-profit firms. Dental insurance is meant to HELP with expenses for basic procedures (cleanings, etc.) or repairs (a yearly allowance for crowns or fillings, for example). Dental insurance is not, and never will be, total coverage that ensures your long-term dental wellness.

Having a healthy, confident and appealing smile is a positive part of your overall health. Be proactive so you can avoid costly and time consuming repairs regardless of what dental insurance companies allow. If you do not have a regular general dentist, call our office at (828) 274-9440 for a recommendation. If you do, let your dentist guide you to lasting oral wellness.