I often consult with patients who are contemplating a bridge replacement for Dental Implants. The only obstacle, for most, is the higher cost for implants. However, there are many reasons why a bridge is not necessarily the best investment or the best option for your oral well-being.

When a bridge is used to replace missing teeth, it must be attached to natural teeth for support. These natural teeth must be crowned (or ‘capped’). Once a natural tooth is shaved down in order to have this crown covering, it is never the same. Unlike your natural tooth, it will always need a crown to protect it and is also susceptible to requiring a root canal.

Underneath the gum tissue in the area where you have missing teeth, bone ‘resorption’ is occurring from the absence of tooth roots. ‘Resorption’ is the term used to describe the shrinking process of the bone that once supported natural teeth. As the bone shrinks, susceptibility increases for the natural teeth supporting the bridge. On average, the next teeth you’ll lose are teeth adjacent to areas of missing teeth. Because Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, they halt the process of bone resorption.

When a Dental Implant is placed, it does not need the support of other teeth. It is held by the jaw bone, just as a natural tooth root. This also gives you dependable biting and chewing strength.

For those who are missing several teeth, one Dental Implant can often support a ‘bridge’ of several teeth. Since the cost of implant treatment depends greatly on the number of implants used, this keeps overall expenses lower.

Dental Implants are made from a material that bonds successfully with your jaw bone. Once placed and properly maintained, an implant should last your lifetime. The initial costs are higher since placement is a surgical procedure and due to the materials used. However, the lifelong advantages are a bargain by comparison.

Dental Implants need no root canals, do not decay and do not compromise the well-being of adjacent natural teeth. Unlike a crown-&-bridge combination, they become a ‘part of you’ that can actually enhance your overall oral health. If you are contemplating replacing a bridge with Dental Implants, please call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Whenever I meet a new patient referred by a current or former patient, I take it as the ultimate compliment! Too, we often see people who have not seen a dentist in years. It is not unusual to meet a new patient who was forced to delay care for many years due to fear, financial issues or serious illness. Regardless of the reason, we are always happy to make them feel ‘at home’ and confident in allowing our office to restore them to optimal oral health.

We are always pleased to welcome others who are seeking the specialized care other patients have come to know! Suggest they visit our web site or call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

A healthy, attractive smile is a major player in your well-being. It affects your appearance, self-esteem and self-confidence, and even impacts your overall health. Eating, smiling, speaking, laughing and even your quality of sleep are all related to your oral health.

According to a survey that asked readers to describe the dental health and cosmetic treatments they received in the last five years, cost was given as the biggest reason for delaying care. The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, cited cost as a barrier by 43% of readers who delayed treatment.

Some of those with insurance coverage said they had put off a treatment because they had used the maximum amount their insurance plan would cover for the year. Twenty-four percent said they delayed treatment because insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure.

Although dental insurance is designed to help you manage typical requirements for dentistry, most plans are not structured to cover treatment that will prevent problems from getting worse later or from occurring altogether in the future. Rather than allow dental insurance to dictate how you attend to your oral well-being, we have payment options that are easy to manage for most budgets.

Remember that oral health problems tend to require more treatment time and greater expense the longer treatment is delayed. Let’s discuss your oral health needs and determine the fees, insurance coverage (if applicable), and a payment plan that will work for you. Through this, you can enjoy a healthy smile now while easy payments are made over time.

Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation.

Dental insurance policies cover some basic oral health needs, such as filling a cavity, as well as routine care of check-ups and cleanings. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are in the business to make a profit. It is up to you to ensure your needs are being proactively met for your long-term oral health. Because insurance companies seek to cover ‘basic’ needs with the least expense to them, Dental Implants are often not covered by many group insurance policies.

Dental Implants are an upfront expense, meaning the total cost occurs at the time of treatment. For example, the treatment fee for those who select Dental Implants is higher than those who opt for a three unit crown & bridge. However, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. Therefore, future expenses are not incurred.

Insurance companies realize the probability that you will change insurances in time. By providing coverage for only the crown-&-bridge, they are hoping they won’t be covering you for future needs that may include a broken bridge, root canals and replacement crowns. And, if you are on their plan should these incidences occur, there is a limit to what they’ll cover in any given year, regardless.

The fact that Dental implants are not covered by many policies has nothing to do with their effectiveness. It has more to do with what gives these companies (not you) the best deal. When health care decisions are made based upon what is in your long-term best interest rather than the bottom-line of an insurance company, your oral well-being will serve you well through an overall healthier you!

If you’re not sure about your insurance coverage for Dental Implants, bring your insurance information to our office and we’ll review it to give you and idea of the type of coverage you may receive. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time convenient to your schedule.