Cost Of Dental Implants Based On…

Posted on Feb 22, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There are many reasons Dental Implants are such a wise choice for people missing one or more teeth. Many see the biggest benefit is the restored ability to bite and chew comfortably and without worry. However, as a Periodontal specialist, I know there are additional benefits that occur beneath the gums that aren’t as obvious to the patient.

Because Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, they recreate a type of stimulation that helps to preserve the bone’s mass. Without natural tooth roots or the presence of Dental Implants, the bone resorbs, which is a melting away process of sorts.

Resorption is why dentures that fit well when they were first made will begin to move and slip over time. The change in the jaw bone directly affects the fit of a denture that was originally made for the unique contours of the gum ridge. When the jaw experiences a decline in mass, or resorption, this ridge flattens out over time.

There are denture wearers who are completely fine with their denture. They don’t mind having teeth that come out at night and feel they can chew sufficiently. While I want every person to have the tooth replacement option that is aligned to their preferences, it is their comfort ten years from now that is a concern for me. While they may be comfortable with their denture now, being happy with its fit years later is doubtful.

The obstacle with Dental Implants, for most individuals, is the cost of treatment. Here is where I’d like to correct a misconception. The cost for treatment is based largely on the number of Dental Implants needed. However, while you may be missing several teeth or even a full arch (all upper or lower) of teeth, an implant is not needed for each missing tooth.

For example, when several teeth are missing in one area, one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth. There is an additional bonus of using a Dental Implant to support the bridge. Unlike a traditional crown-&-bridge that requires crowning adjacent teeth to support the bridge, an implant does not rely on neighboring teeth.

A Dental Implant is held in the jaw bone. This not only provides stability and dependability, an implant helps you protect the integrity of otherwise healthy natural teeth. This is because it is not necessary to have teeth shaved down for crowning merely to lend support for a bridge.

Another example is when is a full arch of teeth is missing. In most cases, several implants (3-6) can be strategically positioned to support an arch of replacement teeth. Often, these are non-removable teeth that are securely ‘fixed’ to the implanted posts.

By placing a conservative (yet sufficient) number of implants, costs are more manageable for most budgets.

A Periodontist has extensive training in assessing the type and number of Dental Implants you’ll need and in placement techniques to provide an optimal outcome. Knowing your care is in specialized hands helps you achieve your goals to eat comfortably and laugh confidently, without fearing implant failure in the future.

Regardless of what you’ve heard in the past about implant cost, I encourage you to have a consultation. Here, we can discuss today’s many implant systems and those that will work best for your needs and goals. I’ll explain the associated costs and have our administrative staff go over payment options. These are structured to help you enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants while making affordable monthly payments.

Call 828-274-9440 for an appointment.

The 1-2-3 Of Dental Implants

Posted on Feb 05, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As dental implants become more mainstream in tooth replacement, people are beginning to better understand what they are, and aren’t. However, for some, there are still some misconceptions. I thought I’d give a basic outline of what they are and how they work.

1.  Dental Implants are actually replacements for tooth roots. The implanted portion is placed in your jaw bone where a tooth root was once held.
2. The implant is not the tooth. It will help to hold the tooth (referred to as the ‘restoration’) but its primary function is to serve as the anchor for an attached tooth. By being placed in the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, the implant can support the replacement with a firm foundation for optimal stability.
3. The implant becomes anchored in the jaw bone through a process known as ‘osseo-integration.’ The word ‘osseo’ refers to bone, and the integration process is like a rope tied around a tree branch. In time, the branch grows around the rope. Osseo-integration is like this but occurs at a much more rapid pace.
4. Once the implant has become secured by the bone, a post is inserted into the center of the implant. The replacement tooth (or teeth) is attached to this post. You are then ready to enjoy a tooth that looks, feels and functions like the natural tooth once positioned there.
5. An implant is not always necessary for each missing tooth. In some instances, one implant can hold two or a bridge of teeth. Several strategically-placed implants can also support a full arch of teeth in many cases.
6. Implants CAN fail. If infection sets in and reaches the implanted portion, the implant may need to be removed so treatment can resolve the problem. Clenching or grinding teeth can also lead to implant failure. Smoking complicates and delays the healing process and is also a known contributor to implant failure.
7. A dental implant is designed to last your lifetime. Made from titanium, this metal bonds to living bone successfully. As a matter of fact, dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any implant-in-bone procedures.
8. Dental implants do not decay. They will not need root canals. And, with proper care, they’ll last as long as you’re alive.
9. Dental implants restore the ability to eat with stability, chew comfortably, laugh and speak with confidence and even sneeze without worry!

There are many types of implants, each designed to accommodate specific needs. As a Periodontist, I have extensive and specialized training in the diagnosis and placement of the implant that will work best for you.

Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation. Together, we’ll discuss treatment that will achieve your needs and goals as well as the process and anticipated costs.

Replacing Teeth – Weighing Your Choices

Posted on Dec 29, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

While today’s dentistry offers a number of excellent methods for replacing teeth, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. It is my goal to help patients understand why we recommend Dental Implants so they can determine what is best for their needs.

Missing teeth can be replaced with crown-&-bridge combinations, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. Crown-&-bridge is only possible when natural teeth border both sides of the area of missing teeth since crowned, natural teeth are the bridge’s support.

A partial denture does not require teeth on each side for support. However, it does need teeth on one side to provide support for clasps or framework that attach to adjacent, natural teeth.

A full denture replaces a teeth for those who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. These teeth are held by a base that mimics gums, which is contoured to the shape and size of your ridge. The ridge, which is actually the jaw bone covered by gum tissue, is the raised arch that once supported natural tooth roots.

In these options, the absence of natural tooth roots leaves the gum ridge without the stimulation that once kept it healthy. Thus, the bone will eventually begin to shrink in height and mass.

The pressure of wearing dentures or partials accelerates the pace of bone loss. For those who sleep in their denture or partials, the 24/7 pressure speeds up the rate of bone loss even more.

As the bone declines, the fit of the denture or partial changes. Slips become common when eating, often rubbing sore spots on gum tissues. Although a crown-&-bridge will not slip, bone loss will be apparent when an open space develops below the bridge.

Because Dental Implants are placed in the jaw bone, they recreate the stimulation of tooth roots. This halts bone loss and preserves the stability of your bite as well as a healthy facial structure.

Dental Implants are also designed to last your lifetime. With proper care, they will never need removal or replacement. They do not need the support of adjacent teeth and actually help preserve the integrity of other teeth.

The downside? The cost is higher than other tooth replacement options. However, over time, they are a far better investment. With the upfront cost being the ONLY problem associated with Dental Implants, the fact that it is a ‘one and done’ expense (with a lifetime of benefits) really makes them a better choice compared to other tooth replacement options.

If you are missing natural teeth and would like to discuss replacement with Dental Implants, call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. During this time, we’ll discuss how Dental Implants may be the perfect choice!

Easy Ways To Lower Your Costs For Dental Needs

Posted on Dec 01, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is wise to care for our health (and the health of our loved ones) by taking proactive measures. Having annual exams and screenings can help prevent or minimize expenses for more-complex needs in the future. As a dental specialist, I see firsthand the many problems (and subsequent expenses), many that could have been avoided in the first place. Spending a few minutes each day and having 6-month exams and cleanings can save you greatly.

It’s actually easy to prevent oral problems and costs for repairs. Your regular oral hygiene visits are opportunities to remove buildup that can lead to problems. They can also catch problems that may have arisen since your last visit. Early treatment will help you minimize time and expenses needed for repairs.

Your home care regimen can help you avoid problems by keeping oral bacteria under control. You may feel that twice-daily brushing and flossing routines have minimal impact on avoiding problems. However, these steps are actually very effective in reducing oral bacteria and preventing buildup. Be sure to brush twice a day (for at least two minutes) using a soft to medium bristle brush and fluoridated tooth paste.

Flossing is another powerful way to reduce bacteria in the mouth. Even after brushing, food particles can remain between teeth. These particles literally rot over a day’s time. Oral bacteria feed on this and quickly reproduce. This is why you feel a sticky coating on teeth and gums, known as plaque. Plaque is an accumulation of oral bacteria.

Daily flossing takes only a minute or so once you are in the habit. Our hygienist can demonstrate how to comfortably hold floss and move it easily between teeth (even those hard-to-reach teeth). If preferred, an electronic flosser can be purchased to make the task easy yet effective. These are especially helpful for people with dexterity problems, such as adults with RA.

Dry mouth is a another reason for oral bacteria growth. Saliva in the mouth continually rinse oral bacteria away. When saliva levels are low, these bacteria can multiply quickly. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, some medications and mouth breathing (such as snoring) are all drying to oral tissues. Some health conditions, including anemia, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes, also have symptoms of dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be improved by drinking plenty of water and using an over-the-counter oral rinse designed for those with dry mouth. If you are taking medications that have drying side effects, ask your doctor about alternative options.

Oral bacteria can also be reduced by using a tongue scraper. This uproots deeply-embedded bacteria in the tongue. Scrape 2 or 3 times over the tongue, starting at the back of the tongue where most bacteria exist. Scrape forward and rinse after each pass. An alternative is to brush your tongue after each tooth brushing.

To protect the tooth’s protective shell of enamel, avoid brushing right after eating. Whenever you consume food or beverages, an acid attack begins in your mouth as part of the digestive process. Unfortunately, these acids soften tooth enamel for about 30 minutes after eating. Brushing can wear away this precious enamel so wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush.

Crowning a tooth before problems begin can prevent costly future problems, including tooth loss. Missing teeth affect the alignment of neighboring teeth, increasing the risk for broken, chipped or worn teeth as well as migraines, sore jaw joints and ear ringing.

Be committed to spending wisely this year by being committed to your dental health every day. You’ll likely spend far less over time while enjoying a confident, healthy mouth and appealing smile.

If you are experiencing problems with missing teeth or have tender gums, call 828-274-9440 for an appointment.