artefact_admin, Author at By Design Dental Implant Center

Comparing Dental Implant Systems for Tooth Replacement

Finding the Best Solution for Missing Teeth

It’s human nature to improve our lives by bettering ourselves, and one of the simplest and yet most powerful ways to do so is to increase your self-esteem. With more confidence, men and women have a greater freedom to pursue their goals and can more fully and naturally relax in social recreative pastimes, such as spending time with family, going out to restaurants, or taking selfies with friends during a vacation.

If you have missing or broken teeth, you know how it negatively affects these pursuits and activities, leading to greater stress in the short term (with every smile) and the long term (as this effect compounds and shapes lifestyle choices). Dental implants can clear away this stress with the rapidity of waking up from a bad dream, and unlike many other self-improvement options that require large amounts of striving and soul-searching, dental implants supply lasting self-esteem with a single decision and easy process.

If you’re set to make a big positive change in your life with dental implants, it only remains to be asked, what type of implant should you choose? To make your transition to a de-stressed life easier, this article will demonstrate the pros and cons of major replacement options and lay out which replacement option is best for you. All you’ll have to do is choose a provider and show up for the procedure.

Comparing the Major Dental Implant Systems

Immediate Load Dental Implants

Immediate load dental implants were developed to satisfy an increased demand for fast treatment and shorter downtime. The key feature of immediate load implants is a very small timeframe between the placement of the implant and the placement of a replacement tooth. They therefore offer the advantage of expediency to patients.

But there are drawbacks. Immediate load implants are only possible if the implant is determined to be stable enough immediately after being placed, which is less likely for patients who require larger implants or who have more extensive bone material loss. If the doctor does go forward with the procedure, to ensure continued stability, patient diets are highly restricted for months after surgery until healing is complete, and failure to follow restrictions could cause the implants to fail, meaning the procedure was a waste.

Even if the treatment is successful, immediate load implants carry a greater risk for early failure compared to other implants, so you may have to go through the whole procedure over again after a number of years. If you do choose immediate load implants, you’ll want to make sure you choose a trusted provider, as their sensitive nature requires advanced knowledge and care for success.

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

Mini dental implants are exactly what they sound like: implants that are smaller than traditional implants. About the size of a toothpick, they’re used for individuals who want to minimize surgery, don’t have the bone mass in their jaw to support larger implants, or want to avoid the expense of bone grafts.

Their small size comes at a price, however. Many dentists believe that the implants will not last as long as traditional implants, and failure rates have been shown to be as high as 13 percent.1 They also have a lower tolerance for stress from biting, which makes them more likely to bend or break. This relative weakness also means they’re not recommended for teeth grinders, as grinding may wear them down, making them an option that requires a lot of consideration for buyers.

The All-On-4® Procedure

The All-on-4® Procedure uses four implants as a base for a full arch of teeth, instead of individual implants for each tooth. After the procedure, patients are provided with a fully functional, temporary set of teeth until the tissues heal, at which point the permanent replacement teeth will be placed.

Like mini dental implants, they require a smaller number of implants and work well for people who don’t have enough bone mass in their jaw to support a traditional implant. There is also no need for bone grafting during the procedure. However, unlike mini dental implants, All-on-4® implants have a longer shelf life than traditional implants; the titanium implants integrate with the jawbone and are designed to last a lifetime.

The All-on-4® Procedure is also perfect for people who want to complete their tooth restorations quickly and avoid multiple surgeries, as the small number of implants allows the process to be complete in just one procedure without fear of needing replacements down the line.

Which is the Best Tooth Replacement Option?

Although immediate load dental implants can be completed in a single day, and mini dental implants can work for people with less bone mass, many dentists consider the All-On-4® Procedure the best option in both the short and long term. All-On-4® replacements have a higher stress tolerance compared to mini dental implants, and they work just as well for people with low jawbone mass.

Meanwhile, the sensitive nature of immediate load implants means that a doctor may determine that the implants are not actually secure enough to place replacements the same day, while an All-On-4® Procedure guarantees that the patient will walk out of surgery with a new set of temporary replacement teeth and receive their permanent teeth with no additional surgeries.

Add to these factors that the All-On-4® replacements are designed to last a lifetime, and it’s clear that this procedure has greater benefits and fewer risks and works as well for candidates with special needs. It makes sense then that the widely accepted superior option is the All-On-4® Procedure.

Where to Go from Here for Your Dental Implant System

You know that dental implants can change your life and now you have an idea of which dental option should work best for you. All you have to do is choose a provider. And since dental implants can and should last a lifetime, you need to choose the best provider available to you.

By Design Dental Implant Center is a trusted dental implant provider. They offer a worry-free experience with best-in-class technology for precise procedures and doctors recognized within the industry for setting new standards. If you’d like more information or you’re ready to take the first steps toward a new and improved smile, schedule a consultation today.

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Major Problems with Mini Dental Implants

Healthy Gums

What are the 25 best foods to eat for healthy gums?

When it comes to healthy gums, it’s critical that you have a proper diet, to support a clean and healthy gum line. While teeth are critically important to your overall oral health, it also is important to have healthy gums.

1. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds help to remove things from your mouth (like food), and they also help with plaque. As an added bonus, they also help to re-mineralize your enamel. As a third feature, sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which helps with bone density throughout your body (and mouth). Though they may be small, sesame seeds are a great food to start with, if you are looking to have healthier gums.

2. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great food to assist with healthy bones. It also provides many different benefits for your gums. One of the biggest benefits is the probiotic content of yogurt, which research seems to show, actually works against the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. By eating foods rich with probiotic content, you can help fight against cavities and plaque – even as you eat! Though no specific amount is certain to be best, a little bit of yogurt in your daily diet will help combat a wide variety of health concerns.

3. Whole Grains
Whole grains are lower in sugar than many foods, and as such, are a valuable option to help fight against gum disease. This is because research has shown that high blood sugar levels, as well as diabetes, are important risk factors for periodontal disease. Whole grains also assist with your ability to deal with blood sugar issues, and the fiber in whole grains helps you stay full. One study of over 30,000 people showed that over 10 years, the participants who ate three servings of whole grains each day, decreased their risk of poor gum health by over 20%.

4. Pears
Pears offer a somewhat unique benefit in helping to keep gums healthy – they neutralize acid. Why is this critically important? because acid causes enamel to wear away, and this then leads to cavities.

5. Carrots
Carrots help to increase production of saliva, which aids in clearing bacteria off of your teeth. Carrots also provide other benefits, like being high in fiber, and being very high in vitamin A. Your gums benefit from the increased saliva production, and also benefit from the multiple vitamins which carrots provide.

6. Gum
Gum is a great way to stimulate saliva production, as well as being a great way to get bacteria off of your teeth. Always opt for sugar free gum, as regular gum contains large amounts of sugar, which can result in cavities.

7. Raisins
Somewhat surprisingly, raisins are very good for your gum health. Traditionally, they have been thought of as a bad choice for oral health, as they are very high in sugar. Raisins are optimal for oral health and gums because they contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help prevent the growth of bacteria inside your mouth. The caveat here, is consuming raisins which contain no added sugar.

8. Onions
Onions are a fantastic food to consume for better gum health. Onions help to neutralize the many different types of bacteria found within your mouth. Even better than that, onions have unique microbial properties, which target the specific bacteria that causes gum disease, as well as cavities.

9. Apples
Apples can cause gum pain if eaten incorrectly, but they also provide plenty of nutrients and vitamins. Try cutting your apple into smaller pieces, or blending it, to lessen the risk of any gum pain when eating.

10. Kiwis
Vitamin C is critical for building and maintaining healthy gums, and kiwis have one of the largest amounts of vitamin C in any fruit. Though they are a little bit harder to find, their flavor and nutritional profile makes them well worth the extra effort.

11. Coffee
Coffee with sugar and creamer is not ideal here – go for the black. Coffee has been shown to have some beneficial elements in terms of protecting your gums and teeth.

12. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich with a wide variety of nutrients, chief among them – vitamin A. Providing almost 400% of your daily value for vitamin A, one sweet potato also provides vitamin B6, iron, vitamin C, and much more. These vitamins and minerals are all critical for healthy gums.

13. Nuts
Nuts provide a wide variety of nutrients, but they specifically contain phosphorous and calcium – two of the most critical elements for optimal gum health. Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews are three of the best nuts to consume on a regular basis, as they also actively fight against bacteria and decay.

14. Fish
Fish are loaded with many nutrients and minerals, especially if they are wild-caught. Besides the huge boost of omega-3s, fish provide vitamin D, as well as protein. All of these are crucial for healthy gums.

15. Garlic
Garlic is a great food for healthy gums, as it provides allicin – an organosulfur compound high in antimicrobial properties. This means that garlic actively fights against bacteria in your mouth, as well as tooth decay.

16. Water
Water is by far one of the easiest choices to make, when it comes to having healthy gums. Not only is water critical for nearly every human function, it is a great help in washing away sugar, bacteria, and food from your gums. Drink at least 64 ounces of water, every day. It is also always best to drink out of a stainless steel water bottle, as these types of bottles will not allow harmful bacteria to grow.

17. Oranges
Oranges are one of the best foods to eat, for healthy gums. They are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, and vitamins. Oranges offer a large amount of vitamin C, which is critical for gum health.

18. Ginger
Ginger is a great spice to consume, when it comes to having healthy gums. Not only does it have potent anti-inflammatory effects, it also offers natural protection against gingivitis.

19. Soy
Soy offers many different health benefits, but some studies show that it may help with healthy gums, and specifically may help in preventing periodontal disease. Soy also contains arginine, which is a very important amino acid in helping to prevent plaque and cavities.

20. Red Wine
Surprisingly, red wine may help with healthy gums. Multiple scientific studies seem to support the idea that the antioxidants found in red wine are beneficial, in fighting against oral bacteria.

21. Black And Green Tea
Black and green tea are great for healthy gums, and they also provide numerous other benefits. Some of these benefits include increased fat loss, a better metabolism, lowered disease risk, and better cognitive functioning.

22. Cranberries
Cranberries are great for you gum health, as they have a unique ability to get bacteria to avoid sticking to surfaces. This ability works wonders, as far as not letting as much bacteria stick to your teeth. This ability has been well-researched, and continues to intrigue numerous scientists. Since bad bacteria (or biofilms) cause more than 70% of all human bacterial infections, consuming foods which allow less sticking of bacteria, is an excellent overall health strategy.

23. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are single-handedly one of the best foods you can be eating, as they provide a whole spectrum of beneficial nutrients, phytonutrients, and bioactive compounds. However, when it comes to gums, leafy greens are especially great, as they provide calcium – a great building block for your gum’s health. Some of the best leafy greens to consume on a regular basis, are kale and spinach.

24. Strawberries
Strawberries offer vitamin C, which helps with a variety of processes in the body. However, most interestingly, strawberries are great for your gums, because the vitamin C found in them is a critical element in building collagen. Collagen is an essential protein for keeping your gums strong and healthy.

25. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have shown promise in some scientific research, as a food that helps regulate and less plaque. This is because they offer nutrients which actively work against the bacteria found in our mouths.

How Can I Avoid Problems With My Teeth?

Taking care of one’s teeth is truly a lifelong journey. It starts by brushing regularly. 2-3 times a day is ideal, and the ADA (American Dental Association) also recommends using a toothpaste with fluoride. Here are some of the toothpastes we recommend. Brushing is also key because it helps eliminate plaque and food, which creates a sticky white residue on your teeth, and contains large amounts of bacteria.

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are many different choices. Some of our patients prefer electric toothbrushes, others do not.

Another key step in maintaining optimal dental health, is flossing regularly. It is best to buy floss in bulk, if you are looking to not only save money, but to never be without it, so you can always have fresh and clean teeth. There are a number of great flossing options on the market, and in fact there is very little difference between most varieties.

We also recommend daily use of a mouthwash, usually after every brushing. This is – in our opinion – the best mouthwash on the market. Eating a diet low in sugar, and high in nutrients, is also critical in maintaining good dental health. Be sure to also drink plenty of water, and cut out beverages which can cause harm to the enamel of your teeth, like soda (even diet).

All of these practices can help you maintain healthy gums throughout your life. Avoiding gum disease and other diseases by eating healthy foods is just one way to avoid tooth loss. Contact By Design Dental for a free consultation if you have questions about dental implants.

How to React to Losing (or Breaking) an Adult Tooth

Adult teeth are commonly knocked out by falls, sports accidents, biting down on hard objects, and other mishaps. Damaging or losing permanent adult teeth can be scary. Minor tooth injuries can often be treated by your dentist, but severe tooth and mouth injuries require a specialist to perform expert extractions, restorations, and sometimes even bone grafting procedures. Oral surgeons are experts in repairing facial injuries of all kinds, including tooth replacements. In fact, many oral surgeons are on staff at major hospitals to treat emergency facial trauma patients.

All of us at By Design Dental Implant Center know how frightening losing your permanent adult teeth can be, which is why we’ve listed a few steps to help you prepare for broken and lost teeth. To improve the chances of saving your natural tooth with minimal discomfort, follow these helpful instructions on How to React to Losing (or Breaking) an Adult Tooth!

Broken Teeth: When you break a tooth, it’s vital that you immediately call your dentist or oral surgeon. Next, gently rinse your mouth with water, and bite on gauze or a damp tea bag to slow any bleeding. If you have one handy, use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help control pain.

Broken teeth can be caused by external factors, but internal problems (like cavities) often contribute to a tooth breaking. Root canals and other procedures are generally required to treat cavities, especially if they are severe enough to cause tooth breakage. You have the best chance of receiving the proper treatment for your condition if you seek treatment early.

Knocked-Out Teeth: When you have a tooth knocked out, it’s important to save the tooth and bring it to your oral surgeon quickly. Oral surgeons are experts in restoring teeth, and seeing an oral surgeon will give you the best chance of saving your natural tooth. An oral surgeon will also be able to address any issues with any surrounding facial muscles and tissues that were also damaged.

To preserve the tooth, make sure you only hold the chewing edge (crown) and not the root. Without cleaning the tooth, place it in a container with some whole milk or saliva to preserve it on your way to the office. Do NOT try to sanitize the tooth yourself using any sort of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

If bleeding occurs, bite down on gauze, replacing the gauze every ten minutes until bleeding subsides. In the case that your tooth cannot be saved, dental implants are the best option to restore your smile and permanently replace your tooth. Contact us for more information about dental implants.

We hope you won’t need to use these instructions, but it never hurts to be prepared. If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, contact our office. We will do our best to schedule your appointment as soon as possible (usually the day you call). Our restorative team specializes in replacing missing teeth, and in the case that your teeth cannot be saved, our practice offers the best dental implant options available. We encourage you to contact us for your tooth restoration needs.

Why smoking may put your dental implants at risk

For most people, the adverse effects of smoking are well known. People who smoke suffer from an increased risk of health complications, including lung cancer and heart disease. In addition, smoking may lead to the failure of dental implants. With today’s blog, your implant dentists in King of Prussia discuss why smoking may put your dental implants at risk when receiving tooth replacements.

The Effects of Smoking on Your Dental Health
When you smoke, you hinder both the appearance and the health of your smile. Patients may develop bad breath and teeth stains from frequent smoking. Over time, smoking may lead to the onset of gum disease, oral cancer, and even the loss of jawbone tissue. Quitting smoking can protect the beauty, health, and stability of your smile.

Smoking and Dental Implants
The integrity of your dental implant depends on the ability of the implant post to bond with the surrounding bone tissue. Also known as osseointegration, this process keeps your implants sturdy and long lasting. When you smoke, you expose your gum tissue to nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide. These toxic chemicals interfere with the healing process following the placement of the titanium implant post. As a result, your implant may fail.

Regular smoking also dramatically increases your chances of developing periodontal disease. Gum disease can dissolve the connective tissue between your teeth and gums. This often causes loosened teeth and, without treatment, tooth loss. Since your implant depends on the strength of these same connective tissues, your restoration can fail.

Finally, smoking can lead to bone loss. Losing bone tissue means a bone graft may be necessary to place an implant. Unfortunately, the compromised healing abilities of your bone tissue as a result of smoking may prevent the procedure from working, once again standing between you and a restored smile.

For all of these reasons, you now may understand Why smoking may put your dental implants at risk.

Smoking Is Not Alone

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implant procedures. There are a few conditions that can disqualify patients from receiving this treatment. To learn more about dental implants and problems with patient candidacy, click here.

Schedule a Visit with Your Philadelphia Implant Dentists
For a patient with one or more missing teeth, dental implants can improve the health and appearance of your smile. Interested in learning more about the implant process? Then schedule a free dental consultation and X-ray today by calling your Philadelphia implant dentists at 484-231-1177. At By Design Dental, we provide affordable and convenient dental implants, employing the latest in implant technology to restore your smile to full function and appearance. We look forward to seeing you soon at our office located at The Atrium, 234 Mall Blvd., Suite 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Convenient and Affordable Implant Tooth Replacement by Philadelphia Implant Dentists

Recent research shows that 69% of adults over the age of 35 are missing at least one permanent tooth. As we age, the risk of further tooth loss only increases. By age 74, nearly 26% of American adults are missing all of their natural teeth. A variety of causes can lead to tooth loss, including trauma, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Fortunately, if you have one or more missing teeth, your smile can still be restored to its former beauty. At By Design Dental we provide breakthrough dental implants with Convenient and Affordable Implant Tooth Replacement by Philadelphia Implant Dentists. In today’s blog, we discuss the advantages of dental implants for restoring smiles.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants usually contain three parts that include the fixture (or implant), the abutment, and the crown. The fixture is comparable to a small titanium wood screw and is placed into the jawbone. It replaces the root of a natural tooth.

Once the fixture is secured in the bone, a second component called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment is designed to attach the teeth, and keep them permanently in place. The abutment attaches to the fixture and crowns attach to the abutment. When everything is in place it looks and feels just like your natural teeth.

Convenient, Natural Looking Restorations

At By Design Dental, we provide Convenient and Affordable Implant Tooth Replacement by Philadelphia Implant Dentists. We don’t want your budget or hectic schedule to prevent you from restoring your smile. In addition to offering convenient financing options, By Design Dental is one of the few practices that can complete every step of the implant process in-house. Instead of relying on other facilities or offsite labs, we employ a team of an oral surgeon, a prosthodontist, and an in-house dental laboratory, all under one roof. In most cases, this allows patients to receive their new restorations in a single visit.

Our team works hard to ensure your restorations look and function like natural teeth. This is why we use biocompatible materials like titanium implant fixtures. Titanium allows the fixtures to bond with bone tissue. The materials used to create the teeth added to the top of the implants mimics the translucent qualities of enamel. As a result, your new implants have the ability to blend seamlessly with your smile.

Schedule a Visit with Your Philadelphia Implant Dentists

Interested in improving the health and beauty of your smile? Schedule a free consultation and a low dose panoramic X-ray today by calling 484-231-1177. At By Design Dental, we provide affordable and convenient dental implants, employing the latest in implant technology to restore your smile to full function and appearance. We look forward to seeing you soon at our office located at The Atrium, 234 Mall Blvd., Suite 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Philadelphia Implant Dentists Discuss Common Problems with Patient Candidacy

If you’ve ever read our blog, visited our website or performed any online research into solutions for missing teeth, then you’ve probably heard that dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement. Their innovative design mimics the structure of a natural tooth and provides years of exceptional aesthetics and functionality. However, your research has probably also shown you that not everyone qualifies for dental implant placement. Today, your Philadelphia dental implant experts at By Design Dental discuss a couple of the most common obstacles that might prevent you from qualifying for this procedure, and provide some simple solutions to these problems.

Problem 1: Tobacco Use
Most implant dentists will not approve the procedure for patients who smoke or use chewing tobacco regularly. The chemicals contained in tobacco products–specifically nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide–interfere with the body’s ability to heal properly and deliver adequate amounts of blood to the jawbone. Smoking dramatically increases the chances of dental implant failure. Therefore, most implant dentists simply won’t perform the procedure on patients who use tobacco.

Solution: Of course, if a patient can quit smoking or using other tobacco products, he or she may be considered for dental implants.

Problem 2: Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene, which leads to severe gum disease and tooth decay, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss in the U.S. Although dental implant-secured dentures and crowns are impervious to decay, the area around the implant can still succumb to a variation of gum disease called peri-implantitis (literally, an infection of the tissue surrounding an implant). If a person has consistently poor oral hygiene, he or she may not qualify for dental implants due to the heightened risk for implant failure.

Solution: An acceptable level of oral health is essential to qualifying for dental implants and, with some dedication, this can be attained by most people. Demonstrating a commitment to maintaining an at-home hygiene routine and receiving regular preventive dental care can help most people qualify for implants.

Schedule a Visit with Your Philadelphia Implant Dentist
If you have any further questions regarding the maintenance and care of your dental implants, contact your Philadelphia implant dentists today. Schedule a free thorough consultation by calling 484-231-1177. At By Design Dental, we provide affordable and convenient dental implants, employing the latest in implant technology to restore your smile to full function and appearance. Our Philadelphia Implant Dentists can Discuss more Common Problems with Patient Candidacy when you schedule a consultation.

We look forward to seeing you soon at our office located at The Atrium, 234 Mall Blvd., Suite 180, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Teeth Whitening with Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed

In partnership with Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed, By Design Dental Implant Center now offers in-office teeth whitening services. First-time and existing clients of By Design Dental are encouraged to ask our dental professionals about scheduling a Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed session, which is proven to transform smiles up to eight shades whiter in just 45 minutes.

Two of the most common questions about Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed are: is it safe? And, are my teeth too sensitive for whitening? Here’s what you need to know about Teeth Whitening with Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed.

Safe & Effective Method

Clinical studies have shown that using carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for both your teeth and your gums. Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed gels are formulated to actually aid with enamel protection throughout the whitening progression, while also helping remove difficult and stubborn stains.

Fast & Easy Outcomes

This innovative remedy will help you safely achieve a brighter smile in much less time than traditional whitening methods, making it perfect for anyone needing a quick whitening solution. Teeth Whitening with Philip Zoom WhiteSpeed sessions also make a great gift around the holidays, as well as for the upcoming spring season that often brims with graduations, weddings, vacations and other special occasions.

Professionally Guided Session

In addition to its effective and fast outcomes, Philip Zoom WhiteSpeed is further enhanced by being administered by the dental professionals you know and trust at By Design Dental Implant Center. Our highly skilled and professional team will facilitate your entire session, helping you achieve and maintain a bright and beautiful smile with ease.

Getting Started

And beyond all that, the best news is getting started is easy. You can easily obtain the safest, most effective, healthiest option when it comes to teeth whitening by scheduling a free consultation with our team to learn about the step-by-step process. Contact us today.

Dental Implant Recovery Diet

A very common question patients have after undergoing dental surgery is, “What can you eat after dental implant surgery?” Eating the right foods is a crucial part of every patient’s post-op care. It’s important that you help your body make the most of its natural resources to stay strong and heal quickly. Once a dental implant procedure is complete, our patients must often adjust their diet and create new nutritional habits from the time of their surgery date to the final delivery of their new teeth. Typically, we give our patients a recovery nourishment options list after treatment to ease this transition, but there are a few best practices everyone should be aware of.

Let’s review how to lead your teeth and your stomach down a safe, easy and healthier post-operative path.

Continue reading Dental Implant Recovery Diet

Dispelling 4 Common Myths about Dental Implants

Dental implants have long been associated with a laundry list of negatives; outrageous cost, large amounts of discomfort during and after the procedure, time spent away from work and avoiding favorite foods are all commonly thought to be synonymous with dental implants. Fortunately, advances in technology and practices have made dental implants much simpler and easier than they’re commonly thought to be.

Long-term costs are greatly decreased when compared to that of traditional dentures, and affordable payment plans are available for a wide range of budgets and financial situations. Discomfort is virtually nonexistent during the procedure, thanks to intravenous sedation and medications, and the time associated with surgery and recovery have been greatly reduced, thanks to advances in technique and technology. The technology used during the procedure has advanced beyond the usual selection of instruments, from custom, easy-to-install full sets of dental implant supported teeth to robotics that can guarantee advanced planning and incredible precision.

Dispelling 4 Common Myths about Dental Implants

Read on as we disprove four of the most common myths associated with dental implants. It should be noted that every patient is different; the information contained in this post is based on the typical patient that undergoes dental implant procedures.

They Cost Too Much

Cost is a major deciding factor for many people when it comes to dental procedures, and with good reason; a single dental implant can cost upwards of $4,000, while full sets can run into the tens of thousands.¹However, many dental practices have implemented cost-effective plans that allow a wide range of payment options for most budgets.

While dental implants can be costly upfront, the long-term costs of dental implants are far less than the cost of maintenance and upkeep associated with traditional dentures. Dentures require periodic cleaning and maintenance and have a tendency to become loose when eating most foods. Damage caused by hard or difficult to eat foods can require costly replacements or maintenance that adds up over time.

Dentures can also be lost or misplaced, meaning that another costly pair must be purchased to replace them. The cost of oral adhesives like Fixodent can add up as well, as they need to be periodically reapplied to dentures throughout the day, requiring a steady supply of funds reserved for purchasing more. Add in the cost of refitting dentures due to natural changes in a patient’s jaw, and the traditional denture user’s costs start to pile up.

Getting permanent dental implants is a huge advantage when it comes to saving on long-term costs and maintenance, as the initial installation is the only procedure required, and seldom do patients have to replace or perform regular maintenance on their dental implants. This has never been truer than with the All-on-4® dental implant system; it’s a permanent, single-procedure solution with minimal maintenance in which four fixtures are inserted into the upper and lower jaw, and full sets of custom-made teeth are affixed to the implants. After the initial cost of the procedure, there are no further costs to consider, and affordable payment plans exist that open up a permanent, dependable solution for a perfect smile to thousands of potential patients.

The Procedure and Recovery Are Uncomfortable

One of the most prominent stigmas of dental implants is the amount of discomfort associated with the surgery and the recovery post operation. While there could be minor irritation after the initial surgery, the actual procedure has none at all, thanks to intravenous anesthesia.

Intravenous anesthesia involves the use of an IV to directly administer a sedative to the patient, relaxing them for the procedure. While the levels of sedation differ, the anesthetic is administered to calm patients and prevent discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, some patients won’t even remember much of the procedure or experience any feeling of discomfort.

Most patients are able to return to normal activities within four to seven days and begin to eat normal foods within four to five weeks. This is especially true when patients choose the All-on-4 system; recovery time is usually three to four days, and three to four weeks is enough healing time to eat many foods comfortably.

Regardless, the discomfort associated with procedure and recovery time that is synonymous with dental implant surgery has been rendered nonexistent during modern procedures and greatly reduced during the post-op period. Recovery experiences are far superior to other procedures’ experiences with the All-on-4 system, as the number of implants required to successfully affix the prothesis is fewer compared to the traditional system of one implant per tooth.

Surgeries, Visits and Recovery Take Too Long

Coupled with the false belief that dental implants offer a negative experience, the belief that they take time, with repeat operations and recovery periods, has largely become obsolete in the current world of cosmetic dentistry. Most dental implant procedures now require a single visit and can be completed in a day.

As far as post-op time, most patients are able to return to normal activities within four to seven days and begin to eat most foods within four to five weeks. This is especially true when patients choose the All-on-4 system.

The time usually associated with subsequent office visits has also decreased. Dental implants now require fewer follow-up appointments, with a few initial post-op visits required to make sure that the procedure is taking successfully. Then patients can spend time enjoying their new smiles and their favorite foods without the worry, maintenance and potential damage associated with traditional dentures.

The Technology Used during Procedures is Outdated

Another stigma is that the technology involved in dental implant procedures is archaic and outdated. Luckily, this is also untrue, as monumental advancements have been made since the traditional picks and drills. Some recent technological advancements in dental surgery are:

Robotics and Guided Surgery
Digital X-Rays
All-on-4 Implants

New technology like Yomi, a robotic arm system that assists dental surgeons in a number of ways, is limited to only a few dental practices. With haptic guidance and multisensory feedback, Yomi allows dental surgeons to be more precise in the angulation and depth of implant drilling. It also provides a real-time view of the patient’s jaw while the procedure occurs, allowing dental surgeons to have a complete view of the surgery from every angle, ensuring the safest and most successful dental implant surgery on the market today. Yomi is controlled by a dental surgeon during the entire procedure, combining a professional’s insight with the unmatched precision of an automated drilling system.

Digital X-rays emit less radiation and are developed in mere seconds, decreasing patients’ exposure to harmful radiation and allowing dentists to address problems quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful to dental surgeons, as they can plan procedures based on the unique needs of every patient by generating an accurate X-ray in seconds.

All-on-4 implants is a dental implant system that is made up of full sets of teeth and arches and only requires four screws to be successfully implanted into a patient’s mouth. With robotics, digital X-rays and advanced implant systems, dental implants are now easier to implant than ever before.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

The dental implants of the past are just that—in the past. Advances in technology and procedure management have allowed for decreased time in the operating room and time spent away from work and other activities post operation. While the cost may seem significant initially, the long-term savings make them a great investment when compared to the upkeep associated with traditional dentures.

Dental implants are a viable option for anyone who is tired of the discomfort associated with eating while missing adjacent teeth or dealing with upkeep of traditional dentures. Dental surgeons want you to be comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. They strive for your procedure to be accurate and effective for your situation and want patients to return to their normal routine and favorite foods as soon as possible. Most of all, they want their patients to be happy with their permanent, perfect smiles.

Thanks to the advances in financial options, procedures, recovery time, pain management and technology, the happiness that a permanent smile from dental implants can provide is available to more individuals than ever.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in your perfect smile, it’s time to book a free consultation today.

Sources:

For Most, Implants Beat Dentures, but at a Price, The New York Times

Considering Dental Implants? 5 Things You Need to Know Now

Are you Considering Dental Implants? 5 things you need to know now.

What is one of the most common reasons that patients visit or look into visiting an oral surgeon? To replace missing teeth! Most patients end up choosing dental implants as their ideal replacement choice because dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. The popularity of this procedure has sparked so much interest that other dental practitioners and corporate dental companies are looking to capitalize on this opportunity to offer dental implantation services. But the unfortunate truth is that many practitioners don’t have the necessary training or experience to place dental implants. That is why we urge you to ask very specific questions of your doctor prior to making a selection for your dental implant placement.

Below are the 5 things you want to go over when you are choosing the right doctor for your dental implant procedure:

1. What kind of training has the doctor completed?

Before receiving certification, oral surgeons must complete additional training and gain in-hospital experience. Residency programs ensure they gain the licensure to practice individually. While many other dental professionals gain their training during a weekend course, oral surgeons are trained through specific requirements. The choice here is obvious! You can’t deny the value in experience.

2. How many dental implants has the doctor placed?

Once again, you cannot deny the value in experience. Most dental practitioners are not specialists and do not consistently perform dental implant procedures. Oral surgeons regularly perform dental implant procedures; thus you should expect them to answer with a relatively high number, depending on the size of their practice.

3. What is the doctor’s success rate?

For your sake, you want to go to a doctor that knows the procedure and is almost always successful! Shoot for someone who has a 95 percent success rate (or better).

4. How long will it take them to complete the procedure?

A dental implant procedure can vary; it should not be rushed or take too long. Normally, dental implant procedures take no more than half an hour to an hour.

5. What would disqualify me for dental implants?

The only way to find out is to schedule a consultation! You should visit an experienced oral surgeon. You will receive a consultation that consists of a thorough examination and a discussion of your medical history or other factors. This combination of factors helps them formulate your specific treatment plan.

When you undergo any procedure, you want to make sure you trust a true professional. While dentists and other institutions may claim they can place dental implants, they usually do not have the same kind of training or experience of a specialist, like an oral surgeon. Extensive experience and knowledge about the placement of dental implants is your best bet for the best results, which is why it’s important to have all the information you need to make the best decision for your oral health. When you select a trained oral surgeon, you get everything you need and more! If you still have questions, or you are ready to come in and meet our skilled team, please feel free to contact By Design Dental Implant Center and schedule a consultation appointment.