Occasionally, I’ve been in Consultations with patients who have postponed or avoided Dental Implants because they felt they couldn’t afford them. Because they may be missing more than one tooth, they assume an implant is needed for each missing tooth.

The number of implants used in Dental Implant treatment is a significant factor in the overall cost. However, in many cases, one implant can support two or more teeth missing in one area. Teeth held by implants can replace a bridge without needing the support of adjacent teeth on each side. Since implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, this prevents having to crown two otherwise healthy, natural teeth for the mere purpose of supporting a bridge.

Additionally, people who wear partials are also pleased to learn that one implant can support several teeth, helping them to avoid the inconvenience of a removable appliance. They are able to eat the foods they love without worrying about slips or trapped food particles causing discomfort to gums.

Since Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they make an exceptional investment in your health and confidence level. Rather than assume Dental Implants are out of your reach, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. You may be pleasantly surprised by the affordable options available.

It looks like, finally, periodontal (gum) disease is getting some serious press through a public relations campaign coordinated by the American Academy of Periodontists (AAP).

Chris Harrison of the ABC programs “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” has been appointed a national spokesperson for the AAP’s “Love The Gums You’re With” campaign. The goal is to utilize Mr. Harrison’s informative messages through television, radio, digital and social media. (Want to join the tweets? Go to #loveyourgums!)

The campaign is intended to give the public a voice that expands awareness of the importance of periodontal wellness. This effort follows a Centers For Disease Control study that showed that half of American adults over age 30 have some level of gum disease, an alarming statistic.

As prevalent as periodontal disease is amongst adults, it has remained largely an unfamiliar problem in the U.S.  Most adults are typically unaware of the health issues associated with periodontal disease.

Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss, the bacteria can become bloodborne through tears in diseased gum tissues. This can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Gum disease bacteria has been associated with heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, and other serious problems.

Be a spokesperson, too! Learn about the causes, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease at: www.perio.org.

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.

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.