Archives for December 2018

Why are Dental Implants So Much Cheaper Over the Border?

Posted on December 31, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve been trying to find affordable dental implants. All the research I’ve done has pointed to going over the border. Apparently, it’s cheap enough that you can pay for the implants and travel and still come out on top. I’m not trying to be a cynic, but this just sounds too good to be true.

Alan

Dear Alan,

I’m very glad you wrote and that you have a questioning mind. That could save you from a nightmare scenario. Yes, things do cost more in the United States. One of the reasons over-the-border dental care is cheaper (at least on our southern border) is because of the quality of treatment you’ll receive.

For example, in Mexico, there are zero regulations requiring dentists to sanitize equipment. Whether or not the dentist sanitizes his or her equipment either between patients or at all is totally up to the dentist. There have been countless horror stories of people who’ve left the country to get “affordable dental implants” only to end up losing half their jaw due to serious infections.

As if to add salt to the wound, there is no recourse for the patient when things go wrong. You can report it to the authorities, but it’s up to the dentist whether or not he will admit any fault or even try to make things right.

Finding Safe Affordable Dental Implants

There is a big difference between cheap and affordable dental implants, as you read above. You should also look at the Mansueto Case sometime. This was an American Dentist who lost his license but would take patients over the border to Tijuana to give them affordable dental implants. One woman almost lost her life as a result.

The best way to get safe dental implants in an affordable way is to speak with an implant dentist who offers implant overdentures, sometimes called implant supported dentures, as well as payment plans.

These allow you to get 4-6 implants for your arch, cutting down costs significantly. Some dentists offer in-house payment plans. Others work through a company called Care Credit, which is a medical credit card offering low (and sometimes no) interest payments.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Dentist Said No to Metal-Free Dental Implants

Posted on December 25, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have metal allergies and my dentist is refusing to let me get zirconia implants. His reasonings were as follows: First, according to him, no one is allergic to titanium. Second, he feels the zirconia implants do not have enough of a track record. The thing is I don’t want to do is spend a fortune and have surgery that I end up being allergic to. Is he correct? Should I just get a large dental bridge? I have to replace three teeth.

Camille

Dear Camille,

While your dentist is overstating his case, he is not being a complete liar. Don’t panic though. You can still get metal-free dental implants. I just want to go over his reasoning so you’re aware of where he’s coming from.

Titanium and Metal Allergies

I don’t think your dentist can say with true certainty that no one is allergic to titanium. While it is more bio-compatible than most metals and has been used for years in surgeries such as hip replacements, there is bound to be someone allergic to it.

However, if you’re concerned, he should take that seriously. Maybe YOU ARE allergic even though he hasn’t had a patient who has been in the past. It sounds as if he’s blowing off your concerns.

The Longevity of Metal-Free Dental Implants

Here’s where he’s coming from with his second concern. Titanium implants have been in use for decades and have a proven track record. Zirconia implants are fairly new in comparison. While there isn’t the backed up evidence that they’ll last as long as traditional implants, there’s not yet evidence they won’t either.

What we do know is they’re extremely strong. Zirconia is nicknamed ceramic steel. It will not fail because of strength.

Getting Your Metal-Free Dental Implants

If you’re a good candidate for traditional dental implants, you shouldn’t have any trouble with their metal-free counterparts. That being said, you will need to see a different dentist to have them done. This one isn’t going to listen to you.

You may want to see if you can find a dentist or periodontist who has a lot of experience in placing dental implants. This will give you a better chance of a successful outcome.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Can a Smoker Get Dental Implants?

Posted on December 11, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’m a lifetime smoker and have started losing some teeth. I’d really like to replace them with dental implants, but one dentist said no and another yes. Part of me is like jump at the yes, but the other part of me wonders why the first dentist said no. He said he doesn’t give them to smokers, but didn’t elaborate. Is there something wrong with that? Can smokers get dental implants?

Marie

Dear Marie,

This is tricky. The first question you need to ask is why are you losing teeth. Smokers are at an increased risk for gum disease. Advanced gum disease leads to tooth loss. If your teeth are falling out for this reason, that automatically knocks you out of contention for dental implants.

If your gums are unable to support your natural teeth, they will not be able to support your dental implants any more successfully. They will fall out just like your teeth.

If they’ve fallen out for other reasons, such as decay or trauma, it is technically possible. However, being a smoker puts you at a greater risk of dental implant failure. This is for two reasons:

1. Smoking decreases the blood flow in your gums. This makes healing more difficult and increases your chances of infection. Infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure.
2. As mentioned above, smokers have a much higher incidence of gum disease. This is devastating for implants.

Should You Get Dental Implants?

You could get dental implants from the second dentist. While it is the best tooth replacement option, it is expensive and requires surgery. As a smoker, you are at a greater risk of dental implant failure. You’ll need to ask yourself if you are willing to do what it takes to make the procedure as successful as possible.

It would help if you didn’t smoke, or at the very least cut down significantly. Make sure you take very good care of your teeth. That will mean brushing twice a day and flossing every day. In addition, you’ll want to get regular checkups.

It’s also important, because you are a high-risk case, to see a doctor with a great deal of experience placing dental implants. A periodontist would be a good option or an oral surgeon.

Gum Disease and Dental Implants

If gum disease is keeping you from getting dental implants, that should be your first priority. Without dealing with that, you will continue to lose teeth. If your heart is set on getting dental implants, my suggestion is to get temporary tooth replacements to hold the space open, while you undergo treatment for your gum disease. Then, when it’s dealt with, you can go forward with your implants.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.