Comparisons That Could Save You Dental Treatment Costs

For the most part, it’s a good idea to think ahead. Forward thinking keeps you aware.

Awareness can save you costs on your dental treatment too. With that in mind, it’s always a good time to review your dental insurance benefits and evaluate how much of yours remain before the end of the year.

Cost-savings and cost-effective thinking

I talk a lot about dental implants on this blog. The reasons vary but primarily it’s about two.

1-Dental implants are a superior treatment.

They are superior, in essence, to dental bridges or dentures. Though your dental implant costs are higher, the long-term benefits can equal savings for you and your family.

Dental implant treatment has a confirmed high success rate over other tooth replacement options. The primary reasons include the fact that dental implants do not negatively impact the health of your adjacent teeth like dental bridges, for example.

Bone tissue health is supported with dental implant treatment as well. Your bone tissue can continue to deteriorate over time with denture treatment, another popular tooth replacement solution.

2-Dental implants are cost-effective.

Your dental cost considerations should include how much additional treatment you will require over time. For example, if your tooth-supported dental bridge fails it will typically cost more long-term due to required additional treatment.

A bridge replacement also involves preparation. This can involve removal of your tooth structure and other related fees for treatment.

An implant-supported crown doesn’t compromise adjoining teeth. Thus, you can avoid additional treatment costs with this implant based procedure.

Talk of costs and long-term investment is a good reminder to carefully review your insurance benefits. Consider how much less out-of-pocket expense you would have if your current benefits are substantial enough to begin effective long-term treatment you’ve been postponing.

Ask our front office business team about how your remaining annual insurance benefits can supplement your treatment costs. If you’ve been delaying tooth replacement remember that timing is essential to preserving your bone tissue and your adjoining teeth.

Dental implant treatment could be more possible than you’ve thought. Now is a good time to think ahead and explore your options for long-term, cost-effective treatment for missing tooth replacement.

Implant Dentistry 101

Conversations jump topics frequently. Maybe it’s because attention spans are tested these days.

Information flows freely. That’s a good thing but it can make you pause and wonder, “Now what was it you were saying about…?”

That said dental implants are a dominant theme on this blog. I cover a variety of related topics here.

It’s important that you understand all the so called ins-and-outs, or 101-level information about implant treatment. Having covered some of those corollary topics, let’s return to the basics for a moment.

Fill in the gaps

A discussion about dental implants typically begins with a missing tooth or teeth. Losing a tooth triggers a series of emotions, panic for starters.

But once the panic subsides, it’s easy to become accustomed to the space left behind. But ignoring tooth loss is where your problems begin.

A missing tooth or teeth affects more than your smile or the embarrassment that you might feel as result. Tooth loss impacts your lifestyle.

The most noticeable areas are speaking and chewing. And the challenge remains until you learn to compromise and alternate your routine.

Your teeth begin to shift and move not long after tooth loss. The damage caused by shifting teeth is a priority concern.

Also, plaque often hides in your missing tooth gaps. This increases the potential for tooth decay to take hold and lead to other dental treatment or worse, gum disease.

Stop it before it starts

You have options for tooth replacement. Implant dentistry is popular for restoring your natural tooth function.

Unlike implants, dentures sit on top of your gums. A dental bridge depends on the anchoring support of your adjacent teeth.

The implant integrates with your jawbone and gum tissue to prohibit tooth movement and further damage to your gum and bone tissue. Dental implants look and function as your natural teeth.

A solution that lasts

Implants can replace a single tooth or several teeth. Dental implants are also a common support for securing a dental bridge or implant-supported dentures.

Implant treatment is a more permanent solution than dentures, partial dentures, or dental bridges. Your cost comparison should consider the long-term effectiveness of dental implants over other tooth replacement solutions.

What to expect

Your dental implants treatment can most often be completed in two to three phases. Keep in mind that your implant treatment is an oral surgery procedure using local anesthesia and/or sedation dentistry (if you choose).

Phase one: involves the actual placement of your titanium implant within your jawbone. Your gum tissue is placed over your dental implant to begin the initial healing process.

This allows your new implant to fuse to your bone (osseointegration). The osseointegration period usually lasts three to six months as healing occurs.

Phase two and three: your post is placed within your dental implant. This extends above your gum line and creates the location for your new, visible tooth.

A dental crown will be placed on the post once your gum tissue has healed. The crown, post (abutment), and implant fill the missing tooth gap and give you a secure, functional new tooth.

There are many questions and considerations for dental implant treatment. Cover the basics of implant dentistry with a consultation in our Wayne dental office.

Problem with Your Dentures? Here’s an Option

What’s inevitable in your life? I agree that’s a broad question.

Let’s narrow it down to at least one certainty.

Change.

Moods change. Minds change. Bodies change.

And if you’ve experienced tooth loss (for whatever reason) your jaw will inevitably change. This is even more common if you’re a denture wearer.

Perhaps you chose dentures because of their cost or convenience. At the time you might have believed that dentures were your only tooth replacement option.

Are your dentures changing?

Actually, your dentures aren’t the biggest concern. What’s beneath them is – where change happens.

You might not be aware of it at first. But over time your jaw will change when you wear dentures.

The changes often become more noticeable. Your dentures could shift, become loose, and show signs of not fitting as well as they did when you began wearing them.

Your deeper issue.

The primary reason your jawbone is wearing away has to do with your tooth roots. When you lose a tooth you lose a primary part that’s connected to your jawbone tissue – the roots.

Missing tooth roots causes your jawbone to gradually wear away. That slipping you’re noticing with your dentures? Stability is lost due to loss of bone.

A more permanent solution.

Jawbone atrophy is common if you’re a denture wearer. You can apply temporary fixes to keep your denture in place – reline it for a more secure fit or replace it.

Dental implants are a more permanent solution. And they can prevent long term costs associated with denture replacement due to poor fit.

The best result of implant treatment is ending your jawbone atrophy. As denture wearer, you can have four permanent dental implants placed to replace your traditional denture.

Think of the four implants as the legs of a table. The table is sturdy, doesn’t wobble, and can be trusted to hold whatever you place upon it because of its four legs.

Remember your tooth roots?

Dental implants become your new tooth roots. Each implant is placed in your jawbone at a specific location to support your new prosthetic tooth arch.

Your dental implants will be absorbed into your bone tissue over time. This process prevents jawbone atrophy from occurring.

Typically, the four implant approach allows each implant to be placed in the front of your jaw. This supports your new tooth arch.

If you’re missing back teeth and bone loss occurs, as few as four dental implants can be used there as well.

Change for the better.

Count on your prosthetic teeth supported by dental implants to be stronger than your current, traditional denture. It’s a better tooth replacement option because it’s actually anchored to your bone tissue by each implant.

You will chew and smile more confidently with an implant supported denture. The changes associated with traditional dentures disappear with dental implants.

Ask us about an implant supported denture. Schedule a consultation to explore your options as a denture wearer who is ready for a change – the good kind, that is.

What Dental Implants Can Do for the Unfortunate Results of Untreated Dry Mouth

One problem can often lead to another. I think it’s safe to say that you would prefer to avoid as many problems as possible.

Tooth decay is one dental problem that can quickly escalate. Be aware that your risk of decay is high if certain factors are present.

Bacteria and food particles are top decay producers. But there’s good news.

Let’s talk saliva (Really, it’s important)

Your saliva is a natural cleansing element for your mouth. This is why dry mouth often causes many dental problems such as tooth decay.

Saliva keeps your mouth moist. It also rinses away food particles and potentially harmful bacteria.

It’s not uncommon for you to lose teeth if your dental problems resulting from dry mouth issues go untreated.

The reason?

Bacteria thrive in your mouth. Food particles, sugars, and starches that remain on your teeth are like a buffet-line for hungry bacteria.

Brushing and flossing clean your mouth and tooth surfaces. Between meals, saliva helps rinse your teeth of the particles left behind from your most recent meal or snack.

This is why dry mouth or a lack of saliva increases your risk of tooth damage from decay. In most instances a dental restoration is necessary to repair or replace your damaged teeth.

Dental implants and dry mouth

Dental implant treatment is recommended for tooth replacement however your tooth loss occurs. Implants are also a go-to solution even with complications from dry mouth that result in tooth loss from decay.

Treat your dry mouth although lacking saliva should not impact your teeth replaced with dental implants. The reason is that tooth decay isn’t common for implant restorations.

Yes, dental fillings and dental crowns provide an effective treatment for problems associated with decay. Also understand that the natural tooth beneath those restorations can still experience damaging decay.

Your dental implant is a natural-looking, artificial tooth replacement. The root (implant) and surface tooth structure (crown), each being artificial, are therefore immune to decay.

Dental implants look and function as your natural teeth. But they avoid the problems commonly associated with tooth decay.

Ask us about solutions for dry mouth. And in our Wayne dental office to discuss how dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for tooth damage or loss caused by decay.

The Other Area of Your Mouth Where You Can Trust Dental Implants

If you say something will “take-a-backseat-to-no-one” you’re admitting that it’s not lacking in confidence. Trusting your dental implant is like that for missing or damaged tooth replacement.

In fact, speaking of “taking-a-back-seat,” dental implants are equally trustworthy for replacing your back molars.

A high-function zone

There are common functions that a lost or missing tooth affects. Eating, and more specifically, chewing your food, would rank high on the list of functions.

Losing your back or rear molar has a significant impact on your lifestyle. You should also be concerned about the ongoing risk of bone loss in your jaw if you are merely content to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate a missing tooth in that quadrant of your mouth.

Bone loss can lead to greater function loss. This is especially true if your adjoining teeth begin to shift because you delay tooth replacement.

Beware of more rapid bone atrophy

Preserving the bone tissue where you’ve lost a tooth is vital. The quality of available bone can determine the capability or effectiveness of your dental implant.

Jawbone atrophy is known to occur more rapidly in the back portion of your mouth following tooth loss. This is due to thinner bone tissue in that region of your mouth.

A thorough examination of your jaw and targeted x-rays will determine if dental implants can thrive in your available bone tissue. This makes it all the more important to schedule a consultation as soon as possible following your tooth loss.

Back in business

You have options to replace a missing back/rear tooth if bone loss has already occurred. A bone graft can be used to supplement the tissue.

Typically, bone grafts are obtained from your own tissue. Or an outside and compatible source can be used as well.

This necessary step will lengthen the time of your treatment. But it’s worthwhile given the significant functional and aesthetic benefits of a dental implant.

Avoid bone loss and the need for a bone graft. Schedule a consultation within a few days of your tooth loss and allow us to determine if dental implant treatment is your best tooth replacement solution.

Why Dental Implants are THAT Popular and What It Means for You

We hear the term used frequently. It’s become the measure of internet fame.

I’m talking about something “going viral.”

If you could gauge the success of missing teeth treatment there’s one you could safely say has “gone viral.”

Dental implants have gained popularity year after year. The reasons have as much to do with practical functionality as with cosmetic appearance and return on investment.

The procedure is often misunderstood. And some consider it an intimidating option for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

Allow me to alleviate the fear and misunderstanding. In fact, you’ll find the answers to most of your questions about dental implants on this blog.

•How implants function

•The cost effectiveness of dental implants

•Deciding between dental implants and dentures
And the list goes on.

Your concerns are valid.

The decision is ultimately up to you. But it’s helpful to understand the bottom-line benefits of dental implant treatment.

The basics…

• Your dental implant is made of titanium and resembles a small screw.

• It’s surgically implanted in your gums and adapts to your bone tissue forming a new tooth root.

• A crown will be placed on top of the abutment (secured post) to create an appealing and functional new tooth.

The real-deal

Dental implant treatment is somewhat “viral” in popularity because the benefits are outstanding. Missing teeth can create a number of concerns and each one is overcome with your implant procedure.

1-A permanent solution

Your dental implant is commonly a onetime tooth replacement option. The shelf-life of dentures and dental bridges do not typically compare with implants.

Your dental implant is solidly anchored to your jawbone. And it will not loosen or lose its shape throughout the years unlike regular dentures.

2-Lasting durability

Remember your dental implant is made of titanium. This strong metal substance forms your new tooth root.

The crown attachment is crafted from porcelain. It will sustain bite and chewing force in the same way your natural tooth would.

3-Natural appearance

Your dental implant will blend in with your natural teeth. Shading and shape are matched to enhance the appearance of your smile alongside your adjoining teeth.

4-Physically compatible

That’s an easy way to say, “Your dental implant will get along with your gum and bone tissue.” Your bone will actually adapt to the implant and form a new, strong tooth root.

5-Fully functional

Your dental implant will function comfortably alongside your surrounding teeth. Biting and chewing will be evenly distributed onto your implant as it would your natural tooth.

6-Low maintenance

Use common, daily oral hygiene on your dental implant as you would your natural teeth. Careful flossing and brushing around the edges of your crown is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria from infecting your adjoining tooth/teeth.

It’s important to make an informed decision about implant treatment. These days there’s information of viral proportions to assist you with your choice.

I also recommend a face to face consultation in our dental office. You will receive answers relevant to your specific oral health condition.

A Few Cost-Benefit Facts You Might Not Have Considered About Dental Implants

Demand for products and services can drive cost. One trip to the gas pump or your grocer’s produce department is proof of this economic reality.

Dental implant treatment is in high demand today. And this may prompt you to ask:

“Does demand drive the cost of implant treatment up?”

Or…

“Can I get long-term, cost-effective benefits from dental implants instead of dental bridges or dentures?”

Your questions can indicate that you’re thinking this common oral surgery procedure might be out of your league financially.

Hold that thought.

Relief comes when you begin comparing dental implants to other, popular, tooth replacement options.

Perspective can save you money.

Tooth loss is traumatic. I don’t need to tell you that, right?

When you’re the victim it’s no surprise that you want a cost effective option. And you want something that lasts without added expense alongside a procedure that restores your appearance.

The “Facts” are in your favor.

Fact: Dental implants are more durable than dental bridges and dentures.

Reason: Your implant actually becomes part of your jawbone structure. When it’s surgically inserted into you bone tissue it is absorbed over time, anchoring your surface tooth (dental crown) to your new tooth root (dental implant).

Bonus: Dental implants prevent movement and bone atrophy in your jaw. Bridges and dentures are not secure like implants.

They shift. And their mobility wears away your bone structure over time.

Fact: Dental implants stay put.

Reason: They will not lose “fit” as your jawbone structure changes. Bridges and dentures change the shape of your jawbone when changes occur.

Bonus: Your dental implant(s) require fewer appointments in our dental office. Less follow-up and adjustments translates to cost-savings.

Fact: Dental implants get-along with your surrounding teeth.

Reason: Your implant is independent yet supportive of your adjoining and neighboring teeth. Bridges and dentures require the support of your adjacent teeth. They can wear down your bone tissue and vital surface tooth enamel.

Bonus: Your dental implant(s) are easier to maintain. They can be brushed and flossed in the same period of time as your other teeth.

Don’t be discouraged about the high demand and perceived cost issues of dental implant treatment. Schedule a consultation to ask all your questions and receive answers about the long-term health and cost benefits of dental implants.

When Tooth Durability is Compromised and What You Can Do About It

Durability. Companies like to promote their product’s ability to withstand everyday disasters.

And your teeth are not to be ignored in a discussion about durability.

You subject them daily to temperature extremes and acid via what you eat and drink. Your teeth are being attacked by bacteria as we speak.

The routine force exerted on them can exceed 120 pounds per square inch. And yet all things considered, if you take care of them, your teeth will last decades.

It’s a harsh environment

Keeping your mouth healthy is a major challenge. Common threats like bacteria, infection, cavities, decay, trauma, or tooth loss make protecting your teeth a top priority.

Teeth are durable. In fact, they’re among the most durable bones in your entire body.

But they are not indestructible. The big question is, can they be saved if they become a victim of trauma or dental health issues such as decay.

Should you feel threatened?

The topic of decay leads the discussion of threats to your oral health. This is especially true if dental decay advances deep into your tooth or teeth.

Once the pulp or nerve tissue is compromised a full-blown infection can set in. If the infection is sourced in your tooth roots the threat increases.

Scary language isn’t often enough to motivate change. You’re accustomed to hearing about the danger and damage that your diet can have on the health of your teeth.

Diet isn’t the only issue. Poor dental care is also to blame.

The threat is imminent if you avoid routine, daily dental care (brushing and flossing) plus scheduled dental exams and teeth cleanings (recommended two times per year).

The silent “enemy”

Bacteria were mentioned earlier. They cause problems for your teeth, out of sight, as a microscopic enemy.

The result of a bacterial attack is tooth decay that leads to gum (periodontal) disease and bone loss. Be concerned because this can happen slowly, silently, and sometimes without pain.

Again, it’s important to schedule regular dental check-ups and exams. These appointments give us opportunity to detect potential risks that you’re not aware of.

Watch your blindside

It’s those seeming out-of-nowhere circumstances that can also do damage to your teeth. And even cause tooth loss.

Sports injuries, random accidents, clenching or grinding your teeth threaten your teeth with fractures and in some instances with a loss of tooth structure.

Once an infection sets in you could require root canal therapy. This procedure is successful to treat your severely decayed teeth, especially when the damage is into the pulp portion.

Your Plan B

Tooth damage, tooth loss, and tooth decay, no doubt, require care. On occasion, the recommended care will include dental implant treatment.

For example, root canal failure could be cause for a reassessment. Before root canal re-treatment is pursued it’s necessary to evaluate the reason for the failure, how strong the treated tooth and its root are, your overall health, and what could be involved in retreating the tooth.

Dental implants provide a solid tooth replacement option when your damaged tooth or teeth have been compromised by decay or the need for a treatment reassessment following root canal therapy

Dental implants:
• Have predictable outcomes
• Last for decades
• Are functional and enhance your appearance
• Can effectively replace single or multiple teeth in your upper or lower jaw
• Help maintain your jawbone and facial structure
• Provide stand-alone support without the need for adjacent teeth
• Will not be a victim of tooth decay

It’s important to talk with me about the circumstances of your tooth loss, tooth pain, or the damage caused by progressive tooth decay. Your treatment success depends on a careful assessment of the factors that uniquely affect you.

How Prepared Are You for Tooth Loss?

Maybe you’re one who likes to “file-things-away.” If so, you get credit for thinking ahead and being prepared.

No one plans for tooth loss. But you can “file-away” a solution that will come in handy should the need arise.

Regardless of how it happens, a missing tooth is traumatic. In fact, mouth trauma ranks high on the dramatic life event scale.

The first thing that comes to mind.

Almost reflexively, you will reach for a mirror when mouth or tooth impact occurs.

Why?

You’re checking to see the gap and how large it is. This cosmetic-level reaction is normal.

Your smile frames your face. One missing tooth, especially front and center, can alter your appearance.

This alone is baseline motivation to seek a solution. And who would blame you.

As important as your appearance, there’s another reason tooth loss is traumatic.

Your teeth have a practical function. Lose one or more of them and you’ll immediately feel the impact at meal time.

A single missing tooth can impact your ability to chew effectively. Poor chewing can lead to digestive and dietary issues too.

Also, your remaining teeth must compensate for the one that’s absent. This can cause wear and eventually create alignment problems.

What starts with a single missing tooth can transition to damaged surrounding teeth and possible orthodontic treatment challenges.

Let’s go a bit deeper.

Your tooth roots create stability within your jawbone. When tooth loss occurs, the root is damaged or it accompanies the traumatized tooth.

Root loss is a problem also. If your tooth root isn’t replaced your jawbone will begin to atrophy and potentially lead to the loss of other, currently healthy, teeth.

The shift and drift effect.

Tooth movement can lead to misalignment. Untreated tooth movement can cause bite and gum issues – some as serious as periodontal disease.

And we haven’t even mentioned the impact a missing tooth can have on your speech. So, add that to the list of tooth loss drama.

A tooth replacement option to file-away (and use when necessary)

Dental implant treatment replaces your missing tooth or teeth and puts an end to tooth loss drama. Implants are uniquely designed to mimic your natural tooth structure and function.

They improve your appearance with a visible, natural looking crown on the surface. More significant, they create a solid, new tooth root that stabilizes your jawbone and surrounding teeth.

Your jawbone will bond with your dental implant. This process restores the practical function of your missing tooth.

Plan now so you’re prepared later.

Sooner is better when replacing your missing teeth. Having this information on-hand will enable you to respond quickly when you, a family member, a friend, or colleague experiences the trauma of tooth loss.

Contact us about a free consultation. This quick and easy appointment will provide you answers to your tooth replacement questions.

Who Said Dental Implants are Foolproof?

Some people bail at the first sign of failure. Others cry, “Foul,” and tell themselves it was destined to fail anyway.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of perspective. And one that builds an allowance for failure into the process.

Dental implants, it’s safe to say, are not foolproof. It’s important to understand this so you can anticipate the potential for failure and put contingencies in place.

It might seem strange that a fan of implant treatment would even admit to its shortcomings. Again, the success of your dental implant procedure will increase if you’re aware of how they can fail.

“Know thy enemy…”

We’ve talked about the importance of your implant integrating with your bone and gum tissue. This process is known as osseointegration.

Dental implants are certainly a solid tooth replacement option. And once yours adapts with your jawbone it will function as if it’s a natural part of your mouth.

But this is where familiarity and function can collide. When it does your implant can fail.

Enemy 1: Stress and bite force.

Once your dental implant has been accepted into it’s easy to forget it’s there. This is a good thing…until you exert too much force while biting.

You might also discover another issue too. Clenching or grinding you teeth can stress your dental implant just as it would your natural teeth.

The downside: stress can lead to bone loss around your implant, your dental crown can break or wear excessively, or your implant could fracture.

The upside remedy: your teeth grinding or clenching can be treated with a dental night guard. Wearing this treatment during sleep will counter the negative impact of biting stress on your implant, crown, and the surrounding gum and bone tissue.

Enemy 2: Gum disease

This is a significant cause of trouble for your dental implant. You are at greater risk when your gum tissue become infected or inflamed.

Causes vary. The most common involves bacteria growth within your tissue.

The downside: painful inflammation that leads to infection.

The upside solution: treating the source of the inflammation before it transition to full-blown infection and maintaining your gum health with consistent oral hygiene.

Your gum tissue forms a tight pocket for your healthy teeth. Your implant relies on the security of healthy gums as well.

All infection risks should be monitored and treated before they worsen. Inflammation that’s untreated can infect the tissue and compromise your dental implant.

Another big problem you shouldn’t ignore

Inflammation and infection are also a threat to your bone tissue. You jawbone forms the anchor point for your dental implant and must remain healthy for long term success.

Watch for redness, swelling, and bleeding around your gum and bone tissue. These are warning signs of deeper problems that could loosen and ultimately cause you to lose your implant.

Preserving your bone tissue is a high priority. And if necessary, additional oral surgery can repair bone loss and re-anchor your dental implant.

It’s best to avoid these lurking enemies. Routine dental check-ups, consistent dental hygiene, and responsive treatment options help guarantee the health of your dental implant.