Should I Get Dental Implants or Dentures?

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Hi there,

I have struggled with my teeth my whole life. My gum line is very low due to my periodontal disease. I’ve even had teeth fall out! Are dentures my only option? Or can I opt for dental implants?

Sarah, from Florida

 

Hi Sarah,

Dental implants are an option for you. However, whether you can get them or not depends on a number of factors. For one, your periodontal disease may be too advanced to get dental implants — you may have had a lot of bone loss, and may need a bone graft before you can get them. Be sure to check your prospective cosmetic dentist‘s continuing education in dental implants before an appointment.

Dental implants feel more natural than dentures. There is no plate that goes across the roof of your mouth, so your chewing and swallowing isn’t affected. You also do not need to make any changes to your diet. Removable dentures can also move around in your mouth, which causes anxiety and lack of confidence.

The other problem with dentures is that once your teeth have been pulled, your mind gets the message that your jaw is no longer needed, and it begins to break down the minerals in your jawbone. This is called resorption and it happens over a long period of time, but it doesn’t happen with dental implants. Getting a post surgically implanted in your jaw sends the same message to your brain as a natural tooth. So bone loss or facial collapse are not an issue with dental implants.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dental implant provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

Can a Hockey Player Get Dental Implants?

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Hi there,

I’m a college hockey player and my front tooth got knocked out. My dentist recommended a dental implant, and started the process. However, my teammates said it was a bad idea while I’m still playing hockey. What if I get hit in the face again? Should I get something temporary, like a bridge? I want an implant for cosmetic reasons.

Peter, from Brooklyn, New York.

 

Hi Peter,

Your teammate’s concern is valid. If you had an implant that got knocked out, it would knock out the bone and the hardware. Repairing it would require a bone graft and extensive surgery. Hockey players are prone to dental injuries, so waiting until you’re done playing before getting anything permanent done would be a good idea.

A bridge is not a temporary fix, and would involve multiple adjacent teeth to place properly. Instead of just one tooth being at risk, there would be a higher risk of more teeth being injured. In the meantime, a root fixture or plug can be placed.

The best temporary fix would be a removable partial flipper. if done by an expert cosmetic dentist and ceramist, it will be indistinguishable from the rest of your natural teeth.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dental implant provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.

 

 

 

How Can I Get My Medical Insurance to Cover My Implants?

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Hi there,

I would like to get implants to replace my upper teeth. I have advanced perio disease but go in every six months for scaling and root planing. I think dental implants will help me more than something removable — I tried one of those and it made me gag. However, I don’t have dental insurance, only medical. If it’s considered a medical condition that affects my daily life, could my implant be covered? How much would an implant be without insurance?

Thank you,

Bruno, from Des Moines, Iowa

 

Hi there Bruno,

Unfortunately, medical insurance will not cover this. While your teeth do affect your general health, medical insurance has a clause preventing it from covering dental issues. Otherwise, everything would be covered. If you are injured in an accident — such as a broken tooth from falling down the stairs — then your medical insurance will cover the repair.

If a removable device made you gag, then going with an implant is a good idea. Removable devices, such as partial dentures, cover the roof of your mouth, and can cause problems. Dental implants have no extra pieces, so they feel more natural.

For estimates on how much implants cost without insurance, you will need to contact local affordable cosmetic dentists. Calling a few offices for quotes will give you a better idea of cost.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dental implant provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.

5 Ways to Get Quality Dental Implants Without Draining Your Wallet

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If you are missing teeth or if you need dentures, there are ways to get dental implants that will last and that you can afford.

Ways to Receive Implants You Can Afford

1. Receive fewer implants

Dentures can be secured with as few as two dental implants. More implants will increase stability, but if your budget is limited, start with two implants. More implants can be added at a later date. What are your options for stabilizing your dentures?

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.
Snap-on denture
  • Removable implant overdentures – Ball retained (snap-on dentures) or bar retained
  • Fixed implant overdentures – Two to six standard implants can be placed, and tiny screws will be used to secure your dentures to them.

2. Limit the size

Mini implants are smaller and more affordable than standard implants. But they are not as strong—and in most cases, they cannot be used for a single tooth, unless the tooth is small. Dentures can be secured with two mini implants, but you can increase stability with four of them.

3. Have the work done in phases

It’s possible to have your dental work completed in phases.

  • You can receive high-quality dentures first. Later, they can be fitted for dental implants.
  • If you want good stability with your dentures, you can have two implants placed at a time.
  • If you are replacing single teeth, replace one tooth at a time with a dental implant. Wear a partial denture while you’re waiting to replace teeth.

4. Consider financing

Most dentists offer financing or payment plans. CareCredit is a common financing option that is available through most dental offices. Or you can apply for CareCredit on your own and use it for medical or dental expenses. You will be able to pay for treatment over time. Once a phase is completed, you can apply for additional credit.

5. Carefully select a provider

It’s easy to find a dentist to place your implants at a low cost. Make it a priority to find a dentist who is experienced and trained in implantology. What should you look for?

  • Dentist’s advanced training in implantology and the amount of training received
  • Ask how many dental implants he or she has placed
  • Look on the website for patient photos of implant cases the dentist has completed, or ask to see photos
  • Ask what protocol the dentist uses to ensure accurate placement. 3-D digital x-rays should be used.
  • Find out who will be performing the surgery (dentist, a periodontist, or an oral surgeon)

Your choice of a dental implant provider is crucial to the success of your implants. You will likely regret selecting an inexperienced dentist or one who take shortcuts just to save you money.

Schedule Consultations First

Ask family members or friends for a recommendation of an oral surgeon or implant dentist. Also search online for an implant dentist with advanced training and years of experience. Schedule at least two consultations. Take notes to compare your options and make a wise decision about getting implants that you can afford and that won’t have to be redone.

  • Horizontal diagram of four phases of the dental implant process: 1 - implant inserted in bone; 2- healing process; 3- placement of the abutment, or connector; 4 dental crown is attached to the abutment.
    Implants need to be precisely placed for proper healing and function

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher. Dr. Brooksher is a fellow of the  International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Swelling Around Dental Implants? What you and your dentist can do

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If it’s caught early, swelling around dental implants can be treated. In most cases, swelling can also be prevented. How? Both you and your implant dentist can help.

Healthy dental implants fuse with the bone

If you just received dental implants, swelling around the surgical site is normal. It will peak in two to three days and should progressively diminish. Call your dentist if the swelling doesn’t resolve or if it gets worse.

Your dentist’s role

  • Proper planning and placement – Before you receive dental implants, proper planning is required to aid healing. 3-D diagnostic studies reveal if you have enough jawbone to support implants. And digital placement ensures the fixtures are positioned in the best location. If your dentist takes these precautions, it can help prevent swelling later.
  • Examine the dental implant – If you’re experiencing swelling around the dental implant, your dentist will check the position of the fixture and ensure it is not damaged. If an implant is defective, your jawbone can permanently detach from it. The implant will need to be removed, and after a few months of healing, it will be replaced.
  • Identify the cause of infection – If debris is trapped between your gums and the implant, or beneath the implant crown, bacteria will grow and cause infection. Smoking, certain medical conditions, and gum disease can also cause infection.
  • Treat the swelling – After cleaning and disinfecting the area, your dentist will decide if antibiotics should be prescribed to treat the infection.

What can you do?

Diligent oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and avoiding smoking and tobacco use can help you maintain a clean environment for dental implants.

  • Your diet – Popcorn, chips, nuts, shells and other food can get stuck between your gums and your dental implant. Try to avoid or limit these foods.
  • Oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice daily and thoroughly floss between dental implants to loosen trapped food.
  • Smoking – Smoking restricts blood vessels and the flow of blood. Avoiding the habit can prevent infection or help infection around a dental implant health.
  • Dental exams – Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams. Your dentist and dental hygienist will examine the area around your dental implants to spot signs of infected oral tissue. Prompt detection and treatment can help prevent dental implant failure.

An infection around dental implant can affect your gums, weaken your jawbone, and leave the implant without proper support. If you have swelling, pain, or redness around your dental implant, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.