Archives for July 2021

Clear Choice Wants to Extract All My Teeth

Posted on July 21, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a dental bridge in good condition and one dental implant that needs a crown. I also have two teeth that need replacement. I went to Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers in the hopes of just getting the two implants plus two extra crowns. Instead, they want to extract all my teeth and do an all-on-four dental implant procedure. They kept insisting it was the best option for me and the rest of my teeth are going to go at some point anyway and this is preemptive. I felt really pressured and they were after me to set up the surgery. They even had me put $1500.00 down that day. Now I am having doubts about the whole thing. What do you think? Am I wrong to think I should not follow through with this?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

All-on-4 Dental Implants

I hear these stories about Clear Choice Implant Centers all the time. High pressure sales and a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. I am going to suggest you get a second opinion. Their explanation that teeth are going to fall out eventually doesn’t wash with me. In fact, I find it ridiculous. We’re all going to die eventually, that doesn’t mean we should hop to it and speed up the process. No. It is best you always try to save as many teeth as possible.

There is no reason for you to get the all-on-four dental implants procedure if you can keep your teeth. It is designed not just for people who have no teeth left, but who have also lost bone support and do not want to have the bone grafting procedure done.

If the remainder of your teeth are healthy, then just go with your original plan of two dental implants and two extra crowns. I think you’ll be better served with a private dentist who will be more invested in your case and not pressure you with corporate sales tactics.

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

Should I get my implants from ClearChoice?

Posted on July 21, 2021 by iowasmiles.

I need some advice. I do not live in your area, so would not be a potential patient for you. That is why I am writing you, in the hopes of getting an unbiased answer. I am needing to get dental implants. I was about to go to a seminar for the ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers when I came across some reviews about them being unethical and that has me worried. Do you have an opinion?

Carol

Dear Carol,

Implant overdentures

Bear in mind that each ClearChoice Center is a little different, though there are some consistencies overall. First, their dentists tend to be decent dentists. Some of the major complaints about ClearChoice are more about claiming they have high-pressure sales tactics, their one-size-fits-all treatment philosophy, and lack of follow-up care. If you NEED all of your teeth removed and to get the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, then they may be a good option. All-on-4 is their go-to procedure. Do try to talk them down on their price before agreeing. Depending on the center, I’ve known people to get them to drop $10,000 from their price. Though, that varies from center to center.

However, if you are not in need of that one specific procedure, you may be better off with a private dentist. If you just need individual dental implants for a few teeth, ClearChoice probably is not for you. We have heard that they’ll often try to pressure you to remove healthy teeth to fit their treatment philosophy. If you do need to remove all your teeth, my first choice in treatments would be to get implant-supported dentures. It is a better, more flexible treatment. Plus, if something goes wrong with one dental implant only that implant will need to be replaced. With All-on-4, the entire unit will have to be replaced.

Finally, I have heard reports complaining of a lack of follow-up care. If that is true, that does bother me. It is a signal that they are more interested in drawing in patients than in the outcome of your case. Replacing teeth, especially with any kind of surgical procedure is complicated and I am of the opinion patients need someone who will be there for them to make sure everything has gone according to plan once the work is done.

Bottom line, talk to Clear Choice if you need All-on-4 and get their pricing. Then, go to a private dentist for any other implant procedure. Though, even for the All-on-4, it might help to get a second opinion to get another price quote and get a feel for the difference in care you might get.

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

Tooth Replacements for Hockey Players

Posted on July 8, 2021 by writeradmin.

My son is a hockey player and he has just lost a tooth in a game. He was just going to get a dental flipper to replace it, but I think it would be better for him to get a dental implant. He’s worried that it will get knocked out again and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on the repair. I’m thinking more long-term. Is he right or am I? I think we need a professional to interject an opinion here.

Lucy

Dear Lucy,

In a way, you are both right. In the long-term, it would be better for him to have a dental implant. This will help with chewing capacity, security, and prevent bone loss in the area. However, if he does lose that same tooth again, which is a real possibility in his field, then it will do much more severe damage because the dental crown will be secured to the implant. This could end up ripping through bone. Getting a removable replacement, such as a dental flipper, prevents that.

What I am going to recommend is a sort of compromise that will give him both the long-term security he needs with the safety of a flexible, removable option.

I think he should get the implant fixture placed. This will keep his bone structure secure. However, he should not get the dental crown attached to the dental implant. That should wait until he has finished his hockey career. Then, they can secure the crown to the implant and he will have the complete procedure.

That does not mean he needs to leave a gap on his teeth. Instead, I am going to recommend he use his plan of a dental flipper. This will give him the appearance of a full set of teeth, but if he gets hit in the mouth, it is easily removable and will not do any damage to his jaw or gums.

I hope this helps. It is a win-win for both of you.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
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