Mini Dental Implants Vs. Traditional Dental Implants

Posted on Jul 28, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, I am asked my opinion on mini dental implants. Mini implants have a certain appeal to patients because the cost is nearly half of that required for traditional implants. However, like anything cheaper, these mini versions of traditional implants have their drawbacks.

Despite claims of mini implants being the same as traditional implants when it comes to strength, their placement in minimal bone leaves a compromised ability to withstand the normal forces of biting and chewing. Although, in cases where the anticipated load on the tooth will be less, such as canine (or ‘eye’) teeth, mini implants may be a consideration.

Because they are smaller and require a single placement procedure, mini dental implants are less costly than traditional implants. With traditional implants, placement is at a greater depth in the jawbone. There is also a waiting period before your final replacement teeth are attached. During this time, you are able to comfortably wear a denture, partial or temporary. This waiting period allows your bone to grow around the traditional implant, which securely anchors it in place and may take three to six months.

A traditional implant is a hollow titanium cylinder to which a post that supports replacement teeth is attached. Mini implants are shorter, solid posts placed in the jaw bone at less depth. Mini implants have no internal post and extend directly from the bone to the replacement teeth.

Being only two-thirds the size of a traditional implant, placement for mini implants can be done in one appointment with the immediate attachment of teeth. Combined with the cost savings factor, this naturally seems an appealing alternative to traditional implants.

However, traditional dental implants have withstood the test of time and have one of the most successful track records of all in-bone implants. Solidly anchored into the jawbone, just as natural tooth roots, they restore a dependable strength and stability so you can enjoy all the foods you love.

Mini dental implants are still a new concept with far less data to reasonably determine their success rate. When it comes to dental specialists who have years of experience with all types of dental implants, many are apprehensive about placing them because of an unknown potential for success. In spite of their appeal to patients as a less-costly option, seasoned periodontists know their risk for problems is at a greater level.

Every dentist wants you to enjoy a successful outcome when it comes to dental implants. Because of the failure potential, recommending mini implants in lieu of traditional implants is not something I do. Since every mouth is different, I can only make recommendations that I see as being the best for optimal outcomes. It is the patient who must ultimately decide on the option best for their long-term goals and investment.

Before making a final decision, I am happy to meet with you during a consultation. Here, we can discuss all your options and the advantages and challenges of each. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time.

It’s A New Age In Tooth Replacement

Posted on Jul 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to tooth replacement, I am naturally a proponent of Dental Implants for many reasons. For some people, their only hesitation is the cost, since the fees for implants are upfront and may not be fully covered by insurance. However, Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and require no repairs, root canals, and are self-supporting. This means that implants do not rely on adjoining natural teeth to serve as crowned supports, as with a crown-&-bridge combination.

Americans no longer wash clothes on a wash board with a bar of soap even though this accomplished the job much cheaper than a washing machine. The washing machine provides more efficiency and gives the user a far better experience while being more practical for today’s fabrics.

Althought dentures and partials replace the presence of teeth, they are a merely filling empty space. At one time, they were better than no teeth at all. They enabled an adult to have some ability to bite or chew. However, denture wearers endure all sorts of problems; some problems they are aware of and others they are not.

A typical problem of denture wearers is an unstable fit. This is the result of the ever-decreasing jaw bone that once supported natural tooth roots. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. The pressure from wearing dentures speeds up this process. When denture wearers sleep in their dentures, the rate of this bone loss accelerates from the 24/7 pressure the jaw bone experiences.

This is the reason long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” Their faces have a collapsed look and chins become pointed. Jowls form when facial muscles become detached and the entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond the actual years of the person.

When one dentures do not fit securely due to bone loss, the constant rubbing and discomfort often causes the wearer to eat a soft diet of foods that dissolves easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Not only is what you eat important to maintaining good health, being able to chew thoroughly and comfortably is important. Remember, digestion begins in the mouth. It is a fact that denture wearers experience a higher level of gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

Because food is often the centerpiece of many social occasions, people who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because they fear embarrassing moments. Studies have shown they tend to eat out less often and even wear less make-up.

Regardless of the advancements made in denture and partial design, they are simply outdated. No denture adhesive or paste or reline will truly make a denture a good substitute for natural teeth. Dental advancements have focused on implant dentistry because they have proven to be a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement that makes sense.

Let’s talk about your needs in tooth replacement during a Consultation appointment. Just call (828) 274-9440 for a convenient time.

Is Your Mouth In Need Of ‘Servicing?’

Posted on Jun 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say your home’s heating and air-conditioning system is getting quite old and hasn’t been regularly serviced. Inevitably, it will require repairs, which you know deep down. Some will need major repairs or even total replacement. Getting the estimate to get the system back in order may be a shock, however, life without heat and air conditioning would be rather challenging.

Life without healthy teeth would be terribly challenging as well. In addition to the regular maintenance of your daily oral home care regimen, your 6-month cleanings are designed to help you avoid problems or treat those that are still small.

If you have avoided dental care, you are likely experiencing symptoms associated with periodontal (gum) disease. You may have noticed your gums bleed when you brush or seem tender. You may also have bad breath on a persistent basis or have swollen gums at the base of teeth.

Periodontal disease does not improve without treatment. If untreated, it will result in eventual tooth loss. The bacteria of gum disease has also been associated with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, memory loss, stroke and more.

Our office offers several payment options so dental treatment is manageable to most budgets. So why miss out on a healthy, confident smile? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment. We’ll discuss ways we can restore a healthy smile for you while you make monthly payments that fit your budget.

Be Cautious Of ‘New-fangled’ Implant Types

Posted on Jun 04, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a periodontal specialist who places many Dental Implants, I frequently cringe when I see TV commercials promoting ‘clinics’ who tout a particular type of implant to the masses. For example, the latest is the ‘mini-implant.’ Although mini dental implants do work for a few, they fail to provide the stability and longevity of other types that may have been far more appropriate.

Everyone wants to save money; we all want a good deal. Because Dental Implants are a financial commitment for most, spending money on an implant system that does not fulfill its purpose (or even requires removal) is a mere waste of money spent.

I remember several purchases because the price was so appealing. What I realized, in due time, was I had not really saved money at all. As a matter of fact, I ended up spending MORE in the long-run for repairs and/or replacements. Plus, I felt ‘taken.’

Dental Implants are designed in many shapes and sizes so a skilled, experienced doctor can select and place the implant that will work best for your specific needs. Be cautious with excitement over a potentially ‘cheaper’ option. And, don’t be surprised if these implant clinics try to talk you into a higher-priced version.

We’ve all heard, “Do it right the first time!” And, deep down, we know that’s the wisest and most economical route. It’s no different with Dental Implants. Find a doctor in whom you have full confidence and let him or her guide you to a successful outcome!

For a consultation appointment, call (828) 274-9440. Here, you’ll learn the various options and what will, and will not, work best for you.