Archives for March 2021

Should He Trust Clear Choice Dental Implants?

Posted on March 23, 2021 by writeradmin.

I was about to go to a Clear Choice Dental Implant Center after seeing their commercials. Then I saw some reviews that make me nervous. Can they be trusted? Should I go somewhere else? I don’t want to waste time and money on something that won’t work.

Paul

Dear Paul,

Each Clear Choice Implant Center has different employees and dentists and I am sure that many of them are good, ethical people. That being said, there are a few things that cause me concern with the way their corporation is run.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

First, there is a big emphasis on marketing. I have found that tends to mess with the patient’s best interests.

Another concern I have is that I hear they have a tendency to recommend removing all of your teeth and replacing them with all-on-four dental implants when other dentists may give people an option of saving their teeth. I don’t have anything against that particular procedure as a whole. In fact, we do the procedure ourselves. But if you have teeth that are savable, I think you should be given that option.

There are also drawbacks to the all-on-four procedure. If that is the treatment plan they’ve given you, I’d suggest getting a second opinion to see if there are other options. For instance, if one dental implant in an All-on-4 denture fails, then the whole appliance has to be redone. Other options would be an implant overdenture or an implant bridge. Either of these could allow you to have more dental implants, making your denture even more secure. Plus, if an implant fails it is only that implant that would need to be replaced.

Implant bridge

I also have heard complaints from some patients about a lack of follow-up with their patients. To me, follow-up is important. This is especially true with such an advanced procedure as implants.

My suggestion would be to go to Clear Choice and get their recommendation. However, don’t let them pressure you into signing anything. Insist that you want to get a second opinion. Then, go to a reputable dentist with post-doctoral training and a good amount of experience in dental implants. See what he or she has to say. Compare their treatment plans and make your decision based on that. Your teeth are really important, even if they are fake. You’ll want to go with the plan that will give you the highest quality of life.

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

Ordering Implant Parts Online

Posted on March 14, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’m in a bit of a pinch. I have four upper implants that my denture snaps onto. I need the male retention caps replaced periodically. My dentist charges $30 for one individual piece. This is more than I can continue to afford. I see that online you can get them for $20 for a set. However, because I am not a dentist, I can’t order them. Do you know a way around this?

Mark L.

Dear Mark,

Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

Times are tough these days and I completely understand the need to save money. There are three possibilities here. I am certain one of them will work for you.

First, I would start by asking your dentist if he would be willing to sell them to you for a little less. I know that they mark things up in order to cover some of their overhead, but this particular item won’t make much of a difference in his or her overhead and will certainly help a struggling patient.

If it turns out your dentist says no, then I would simply call around to other offices. Most dental staff are compassionate people who want to help others. I would explain the situation and see if they are willing to work with you. Often, the dentist is not even the one who does the ordering, but one of his staff members.

Finally, if that doesn’t work, you can order these yourself but will need to do it through a company that is not specifically a dental supply company. I’m seeing sets on eBay for the price you mentioned. These are available from overseas sellers who do not require you to be a dentist. Just make certain you know exactly what you need because there are various strengths to these so you’ll want to make sure you order the right thing.

Best of Luck!
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
Click here to learn more about implant-supported dentures.

Replacing Missing Teeth at Sixteen

Posted on March 10, 2021 by writeradmin.

I am sixteen years old and still have two baby teeth. They make my smile look weird. If I took those teeth out what would I replace them with?

Callie

Dear Callie,

I am glad you are writing and wish that your dentist had helped you with this before now. Fortunately, there is a solution. You’ll want to first determine if there are adult teeth beneath the baby teeth. If there are teeth there, you’ll want to extract the teeth and meet with an orthodontist to see the best way to get them to erupt in their proper place.

If there are not teeth under there, that is known as congenitally missing teeth. In that case, you will still want to extract the baby teeth, just as before. Then again orthodontics, such as Invisalign, to open up the space to contain the right amount of space needed for adult teeth.

Once ready, you will need a temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper. Then, as you get old enough and your jaw is fully developed, you can get a permanent replacement.

My suggestion is that you get a dental implant for your permanent replacement. It is the closest thing to having healthy natural teeth again.

You have time, so make sure you and your parents research the dentist who does your dental implant dentist carefully. This is not a procedure that is taught in dental school. Because of that, you will need someone who has invested in significant post-doctoral training. This is something you want done carefully.

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