Rather Than Compare Price, Compare Quality

Posted on Jul 10, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, our front office receives calls from people who are calling different offices to check fees. While we all want to spend our money wisely, these types of comparisons don’t always give an ‘apples to apples’ accuracy.

Take, for example, the inquiry, “How much are Dental Implants?”  Is the caller wanting the cost of the implant and placement procedure? Or, does he want to know the added cost for the replacement tooth. And, since one implant can hold more than one tooth (in many cases), calculating the cost of three implants and three replacement teeth may be far more than is necessary, when one implant and a bridge of three teeth will suffice.

It’s also difficult to answer cost questions since no two mouths are alike and fees can vary according to the type of implant that’s best suited to the individual’s need. Or, for example, to learn the fees to repair a ‘gummy’ smile, the number of teeth involved will largely determine the rate. Although, veneers or crowns may be recommended as part of the treatment to improve or protect natural teeth. These fees are extra.

Another issue with cost comparison is even more concerning when people try to ‘shop’ for the ‘best price.’ While a dentist or specialist may have higher fees for certain procedures, there is often a good reason. Having your treatment provide a flattering, natural look and feel that gives exceptional longevity and does not compromise your bite alignment (which can eventually cause headaches, chipped teeth, sore jaws, etc.) is worth the extra for a dentist who is highly trained, skilled and experienced.

For example, a dentist who has taken a few weekend courses on placing one particular type of  dental implant may offer a terrific rate. However, doctors don’t ‘guarantee’ work since, once the patient is out their door, the dentist no longer has control over its care. With implants, when not selected or placed properly, failures (and therefore, removal) can occur. When implants have to be removed, the investment is down the drain.

Think of your dental investment like you would when selecting a new roof for your family’s home. Would you pick the cheapest company, realizing the materials and workmanship will likely be inferior? Be committed to finding the right dental professional to do the job to the highest standards. A healthy, appealing smile is an investment that’s worth the very best!

What Is A Periodontal Specialist & What They Can Do For You

Posted on Jul 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gums and all oral tissues) disease and dental implant placement. After completing 4 years of undergraduate school at a college or university, Periodontists continue another 4 years in dental school followed by 3 more years in extensive training in this specialty. They are considered experts in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease as well as cosmetic periodontal procedures such as gum recontouring and crown lengthening.

In addition to treating gum disease, Periodontists offer treatments such as scaling & root planing (which cleans infection below the gum line) or root surface debridement (a process that removes damaged tissue). They also treat severe gum problems and have extensive training in the placement of dental implants.

Because of the relationship between periodontal disease and chronic diseases, patients with signs of periodontal disease receive an optimal level of expertise by a trained Periodontal specialist. Patients with moderate or severe periodontal disease are restored to a healthy state more efficiently by a partnership between your general dentist and a Periodontist.

Because a Periodontist is specially trained to work with gum tissues, their skills in implant placement enhance treatment outcomes and typically shorten treatment times due to their expertise.

 

Dental Implants & Smoking

Posted on Jun 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We all know that smoking isn’t good for our health, which certainly includes oral health. Smoking complicates the body’s natural ability to heal. It has a drying effect on gum tissues and minimizes blood oxygen, resulting in delayed healing process. Smoking also contributes to a greater potential for bacterial build-up.

To place an implant, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. The dental specialist must go through gum tissues to reach the bone, placing each implant at a precise depth and angle. Once the implant is placed, it can take two to six months to become fully anchored by the bone.

For proper healing during this time, a patient needs normal blood circulation to ensure gum recovery and sufficient oxygen levels for the regeneration of bone surrounding the implant. Failures most often occur during this ‘osseo-integration’ phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition, patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. This can cause inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although the potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

For smokers who develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a lesser effect because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated and works its way into the implant area, your risk for losing the implant is significant.

Because of the greater risk factors, some dental specialists refuse to place dental implants in smokers. With so many negative effects, it is highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. Just like a hip or knee replacement, implants are not guaranteed because of extenuating circumstances while the healing process is primarily in the hands of the patient.

You can greatly enhance your success rate by quitting smoking at least one week prior to placement and throughout the recovery period. Consider using dental implant treatment to motivate you to become smoke free.

Keep in mind that dental implants enable you to eat a healthy selection of foods while restoring eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit.

Bone Loss Is Consequence Of Tooth Loss

Posted on May 22, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Tooth loss has many frustrations. Dentures contribute to discomfort, reduced confidence, decreased ability to chew and enjoy foods, and a daily inconvenience.

Unfortunately, many acknowledge these ordeals as “normal”, unaware that an underlying occurrence is taking place with even greater impact to one’s life … bone loss.  Bone loss, over time, contributes to deep wrinkling and a sunken-in appearance around the mouth, a “witches chin,” jowls and a severe reduction in biting strength.

When tooth roots are missing from the upper or lower jaw, the bone begins to shrink, or resorb.  This resorption continues and is even accelerated by the pressure of dentures. An indicator of bone loss is the change in the fit of your denture.  Dentures that once fit securely will eventually begin to loosen due to the change in the bone underneath the gum.  As the bone shrinks in size, the ridge under the denture slowly flattens out. Over time, the denture has less of a foundation, decreasing one’s ability to bite and chew comfortably. The biting strength of natural teeth is 250 pounds.  A denture wearer bites with 5 to 6 pounds, on average.

Emotional repercussions are equally as severe. In addition to a decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence, denture wearers tend to unplug from society, don’t look at people in the face, smile and laugh less, don’t leave home often, wear no make-up and eat out rarely.

There is a solution, however. Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, slowing bone loss and restoring the strength of your bite.  There are many types of implants designed to accommodate individual needs.  For those who have lost a great deal of bone depth, there are procedures that can rebuild the bone to a normal depth.

Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. When properly selected, placed, and cared for, they will bring you nearly as much pleasure and satisfaction as natural teeth. To discuss your options in tooth replacement, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment.