Travel Abroad To Save On Dental Implants Not Quite The Bargain You May Think

Posted on Oct 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In a recent issue of AARP’s monthly magazine, I came across cost comparisons of various medical and dental procedures that have lured Americans out of the country for ‘bargains.’

Although there was a significant savings in procedures like heart bypass and hip replacement, I was not surprised to see that Dental Implants in the U.S. are rather competitive and even less expensive than averages in many countries.

For example, the average Dental Implant cost in the U.S. is approximately $1200 (depending on type and location of placement). In Costa Rica, they average $900 and $950 in Mexico. However, implants are a whopping $2636 in Malaysia, $1600 in the U.K. and $1500 in Singapore. Average costs in India are $1100 but the lowest price we found was Hungary at an average of $650.

After you factor in air fare, hotel costs, ground transportation and travel insurance, you must also calculate the potential risks. For example, once back in the States, an infection or unusual pain indicates a problem, which typically requires immediate attention. Unless you’re willing to pick up the tab to repeat the trip (and absorb the travel costs again), a local doctor will need to be seen.

All in all, Dental Implants in the U.S. are a bargain. The training and safety standards for dentists in America are very high and our sterilization measures are essentially unsurpassed.

Your ultimate ‘deal’ when it comes to Dental Implants is having placement done right the first time. If complications do arise, which are rare, they can be dealt with promptly and effectively without a major travel ordeal required.

Why take a risk? Having Dental Implants placed in America gives you convenience, safety and a tremendous bargain. Let’s discuss your individual needs and options in a private Consultation. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

The Hazards Of Sleeping In Your Dentures.

Posted on Oct 23, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A recent study has found that elderly patients who wear dentures while they sleep have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. The study included over 450 denture wearers and tracked their oral health and hygiene as well as medical status. Nearly 41% of the participants reported that they slept in their dentures.

The three-year study found that those who wore their dentures while sleeping had a higher risk for pneumonia than those who slept without their dentures. Additionally, this group was more likely to have gum inflammation, plaque buildup on the tongue and denture and be more prone to other oral health issues.

When dentures are worn 24/7, oral bacteria reproduce on a continual basis. In addition to an increased risk of pneumonia, this can lead to other problems, including:

Halitosis – Bad breath is a common problem for denture wearers. The material that forms the gum portion of dentures is porous and provides a dark, warm and moist breeding ground for bacteria. Oral bacteria growth leads to the formation of plaque and frequent bad breath.

Mouth Irritation – Loose dentures can move while eating and create sore spots on tender gum tissue.

Burning Mouth Syndrome – Dentures can place stress on facial muscles and oral tissues. This can lead to pain and soreness in the mouth that tends to worsen throughout the day. It also causes an increase in thirst and loss of taste.

Oral Thrush – The fungus Candida albicans can overgrow in the mouth, creating lesions on the tongue and cheeks.

Bone Loss –  Wearing dentures places pressure on the upper and lower jaw (the gum ridge that supports your denture), which causes the bone to shrink. Wearing dentures all day and all night creates continual pressure, which accelerates the rate of bone loss.

Although many people are committed to wearing dentures or partials, we in the dental field typically recommend Dental Implants for a number of reasons. If your denture is uncomfortable or you are concerned about associated health risks, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your potential for Dental Implants.

The Problems With Dentures

Posted on Oct 06, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dentures, as we know them today, have been around for many years. The earliest dentures were carved from bone or made from human teeth. By 1775, porcelain dentures, which were more durable and attractive, were being made. However, early dentures were basically worn to replace the appearance of teeth rather than restore function and often removed before eating.

The challenge with dentures is how they eventually lead to a number of problems even today. The most common problem for denture wearers is an unstable fit. Even dentures that felt secure when first placed eventually loosen and slip while chewing. This occurs due to the declining foundation of jaw bone mass, which causes the gum ridge to flatten out.

Bone loss occurs without the stimulation of tooth roots in the jaw bone. Once it begins, the process of bone loss, or ‘resorption,’ is ongoing. The pressure from wearing dentures actually speeds up this process. For denture wearers who sleep in their dentures, this rate of bone loss is even more rapid from the constant pressure on the jaw bone. As the bone continues to resorb, even relines won’t help much.

Bone loss is also why you’ll see long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” The face takes on a collapsed look and the chin becomes more pointed. Jowls form as facial muscles detach from shrinking jaw bones. The entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years.

Difficulty eating a healthy diet with dentures leads to another set of problems. When dentures do not fit securely, the rubbing and discomfort often leads to a soft diet of foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Your overall health requires a diet of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables along with protein-rich meats. Since digestion begins in the mouth, dentures that rub sore spots on tender gum tissue causes many to swallow before sufficient chewing is done. It is no surprise that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

In our society, food is often the centerpiece of social occasions. Being socially active is an important part of our happiness level and overall well-being. People who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because of the fear of embarrassment.

No matter how many advancements are made in the development of dentures, they will never be a good substitute for teeth. They never were. On the market today, there is no denture adhesive or paste that can make dentures a good substitute for teeth considering they only add to the rate of bone loss.

Dental Implants provide a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement. They recreate the stimulation of natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting bone loss and restoring dependable chewing stability.

Considering all the long-term problems created by dentures, the one-time cost of Dental Implants makes them a far better value. Too, restoring your ability to eat comfortably and laugh confidently without the fear of embarrassment is priceless. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or request a Consultation.

Want A ‘Problem’ Tooth Pulled? Read This First!

Posted on Sep 29, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When a person wants a tooth extracted because it’s a ‘problem’ tooth, it’s often because it is requiring continual repairs. Unfortunately, ridding yourself of one problem can open the door to a long list of others.

Each tooth in your mouth holds other teeth in proper position. This includes the teeth on each side and the one above or below. A missing tooth enables neighboring teeth to ‘drift.’ This eventually leads to drifting of teeth adjacent to them, and so on. Misaligned teeth can lead to chips, broken teeth, night-time clenching or grinding, headaches, worn teeth, jaw joint pain and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

It is a fact that when a tooth is removed, if not replaced, the tooth next to the open space will be the next you’ll lose. Thus, replacing a missing tooth should occur as soon as possible. We recommend Dental Implants rather than a Crown-&-Bridge combination since implants use the jaw bone as their foundation, just as natural tooth roots. Crown-&-Bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, natural teeth on each side to serve as supports for the bridged tooth.

Dental Implants provide another advantage as well. Since they are held in the jaw bone, they recreate the presence of a tooth root. This stimulates the bone to help the jaw maintain a healthy depth and mass. Like the gap left by a missing tooth, bone loss from missing tooth roots enable drifting of neighboring teeth. Implants, when placed soon after extraction, help you avoid that.

‘Problem teeth’ are often avoided with a healthy foundation of gum tissue and proper oral hygiene. Unless the tooth has been severely compromised due to periodontal disease or has broken below the gum line, removal is seldom the easiest and cheapest solution. Let’s first establish a healthy mouth so all teeth have a better environment with a reduced risk for problems. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment.