Atlanta Periodontist Archives - Atlanta Dental Implants

My Full-Mouth Reconstruction Went Bad and Wasted $40k

Posted on May 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I got full-mouth reconstruction in 2019. I spent $40,00 on veneers, crowns, and implants. Although my teeth looked good initially, I progressively had problems with them. I was in the dental office almost every month, trying to get my teeth patched up. Now, I have exposed implant screws and cannot eat anything above the consistency of a Ritz cracker. Chewing hurts. So does talking. My mouth is raw, and my heart aches over the condition of my teeth. The dentist wasted my time and money. It is insulting! The dental office moved to an undisclosed location, and I cannot find a trace of him online. Some people say he left the country, but now I don’t know where to begin or who to trust. I don’t have a question, but I am looking for advice on where to start. Thanks. Roz from Michigan

Roz,

We are sorry about your dental nightmare and the dentist who ruined your teeth and took your money. Unfortunately, you have no legal recourse, but we can recommend your next steps.

How Can You Find a New Dentist for Implants?

You can find a new dentist for implants and restoring your full-mouth reconstruction by taking the following precautions.

Avoid cheap the cheap route

Dentists whose fees are much lower than the average in your community may use cheap materials or take shortcuts in diagnostics or procedures. Their means of saving you money can cause even more oral health problems.

Look for a specialist

A dental implant with components labeled - crown, abutment, implant screw

Schedule a consultation with a periodontist for dental implant replacement

A periodontist specializes in teeth, gums, and dental implants. Periodontists spend two to three years of training after dental school in tooth replacement with dental implants. Their training sets them apart from general dentists in the ability to diagnose and treat your gums, bone, and remaining teeth.

Insist on careful diagnosis and planning

Whether you choose an implant dentist or periodontist, avoid any provider who does not use a 3D CT scan for diagnosis. The 3D scan identifies your bone volume, dental implant position, and other factors essential to restoring oral health and choosing the best treatment techniques.

Check online patient reviews

Google and Yelp reviews from patients can reveal any clinical problems people have experienced with the specialist or implant dentist. Check reviews thoroughly before selecting a dentist or periodontist.

Schedule consultations

Consult with at least two doctors before choosing one, even if you prefer specialists. Schedule consultations with each doctor before allowing one to replace your failed dental implants and restore your gum health.

You will likely need new dental crowns for your teeth and dental implant crowns. Include an expert cosmetic dentist on your dental team for quality, natural-looking results. Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist or a dentist with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.

Best wishes for a smooth treatment and recovery.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

My Tooth Fell Out, and Now I Have a Hole Left

Posted on January 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My tooth fell out, and now I have a hole. I’m not surprised because when I saw a dentist last year, they said my periodontal pockets were deeper than ever. I went to two or three deep cleanings but stopped due to anxiety and out-of-pocket concerns. The tooth fell out two days ago, and I saved it, but I suppose it’s too late for a dentist to put it back in. I don’t know what to ask, but other teeth are loose, too. Maybe I need to figure out a way to follow through with the deep cleanings. Thanks. Matt for Jacksonville, FL

Matt,

Thank you for contacting Pumphrey Periodontics in Atlanta. We understand the challenges of dental anxiety and how it can interfere with getting the care you need.

What Can You Do If a Tooth Fell Out and Left a Hole?

If a tooth fell out and left a hole, you should schedule an appointment with a periodontist for an exam and x-rays. Although you saved the tooth, it is too late for a dentist to put it back in its socket. When a tooth falls out of its socket, you need immediately follow these steps:

Pick it up by the crown.
Rinse the tooth with water without patting or touching it.
Put it back in place and hold it in place.
See a dentist within 30 minutes.

If you have loose teeth and deep periodontal pockets, you will need a periodontist’s help before seeking a tooth replacement option.

What Are Periodontal Pockets?

Periodontal pockets are spaces between your teeth and gums below your gumline. Ordinarily, your gums and bone should support your teeth snuggly.

Periodontal pockets form for these reasons:

You have untreated gum disease.
The infection destroys gum tissue and bone that should fit snugly around your teeth.
Missing tissue and bone leave spaces or pockets.

How Will a Periodontist Treat the Pockets?

A periodontist will close the pockets or spaces between your teeth and gums with these steps:

Folds back the gum tissue next to each tooth
Remove the bacteria from your gums and bone
Smooth tooth roots and irregular surfaces of the bone
Secure the gum tissue

The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that periodontal pockets will deepen and damage bone and tissue without treatment, leading to tooth loss.

Schedule a Consultation and Discuss Your Anxiety

A periodontist can restore your oral health and help save your teeth. We encourage you to consult with a periodontist to discuss a treatment plan. Talk to the specialist about your anxiety and learn about sedation options to relax you. A representative at the dental office can explain options for payment plans and financing to make your dental care affordable.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Why Are My Gums Sore?

Posted on January 20, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Sore gums are common. Gum disease is usually the cause, but it is not always the problem. If your gums are sore, don’t ignore them. Why not? Healthy gums cover the tooth neck—between the crown and roots. Our gums protect tooth roots and the bone that supports them. So, a gum problem can lead to issues with your teeth or bone. What could be the cause of your sore gums? We explain seven possible causes of sore gums what to do about them.

Why Are Your Gums Sore?

Irritation to your gum tissue causes sore gums. And the source of the irritation can be external—such as rough oral hygiene habits or tobacco use. Or the cause may be internal, such as a side effect of medication or a vitamin deficiency. Explore seven possible causes of gum disease.

1. Gum Disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of sore gums. Gum disease affects more than 47 percent of U.S. adults age 30 and over. And research shows that gum disease affects more men (56.4 percent) than women.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease in its beginning stage. It can have these effects on your gums:

Tenderness
Swelling
Recession

Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. Periodontitis symptoms include:

Soreness
Swelling
Bleeding
Painful chewing
Red or purple gums
Changes in your bite
Loose teeth
Bad breath

2. Brushing Too Hard

A hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing your teeth and gums too hard can make your gums sore. Try brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush. And go easy on your gums, applying gentle pressure.

3. Improper Flossing

Flossing usually does not hurt your teeth. But flossing too hard or too often can make your gums sore. Limit flossing to once daily. But if food gets lodged between your teeth or gums before your usual floss time, it is okay to use floss to remove it.

4. Prescription Medication

The American Dental Association article, How Medications Can Affect Your Oral Health, confirms that some medications can cause oral soft tissue reactions. The signs and symptoms may include gum irritation, swelling, and overgrowth. And if you already have dental plaque buildup, the risk of sore gums increases.

Examples of medications that can cause gum soreness:

Nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, and amlodipine – Treats high blood pressure
Cyclosporine – Suppresses the immune system to prevent organ transplant rejection
Phenytoin – Treats and prevents seizures

Talk to your doctor if you suspect that prescription medication makes your gums sore.

5. Vitamin Deficiency

The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition and vitamins for healthy gums and teeth. When your body lacks the minerals it needs, inflammation can result. Folic acid and vitamin C deficiencies can lead to swollen gums.

Folic acid

Folic acid supports blood flow, tissue growth, and cell function. Without enough folic acid, gums can swell become sore. And your risk of gum disease will increase.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes tissue growth and repair and helps your body fight infection. Without it, gums can swell and bleed more easily.

If you think a vitamin deficiency is the cause of your sore gums, talk to your doctor about it before taking supplements.

6. Hormonal Changes in Women

Hormonal changes can affect the way your body supplies blood to your gums. These factors may alter a woman’s hormones and cause sore gums:

Birth control pills – Altered hormones can affect your body’s response to plaque.
Menopause – When hormones decrease saliva, sensitivity to heat and cold in your mouth can increase and irritate gum tissue.
Pregnancy – Increased progesterone can affect how your body handles tooth plaque and lead to infection and soreness.

Hormonal imbalance can be challenging to correct. Consult with your doctor.

7. Tobacco Use

The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that tobacco use is one of the highest risk factors that lead to gum disease. Chemicals in tobacco irritate gum tissue and cause soreness and swelling. Also, tobacco weakens your body’s immune system and makes it difficult to fight infection. So as bacteria builds up between your teeth and gums, your inflamed gums will be sore. Quitting the habit will make a difference.

Summary

Gum disease is the primary cause of gum soreness. But other reasons include rough oral hygiene habits, prescription medication, vitamin deficiency, hormone changes, and tobacco use. If you have ongoing gum soreness, don’t ignore it or guess what is causing it. Schedule an appointment with a gum specialist, or periodontist.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist with more than 35 years of experience, sponsors this post.

Can I Get Dental Implants Instead of Dentures?

Posted on July 16, 2019 by writeradmin.

I finally have dental insurance. I’ve lost eight teeth because of gum disease. I’ve been trying to get them healthy but know I’m going to lose a few more in the meantime. Is it possible for someone like me to get dental implants or will I have to get dentures?

Ellie

Dear Ellie,

You are definitely on the right track. Plus, dental implants are the top-of-the-line tooth replacement option for you, especially when you’re losing so many teeth. It’s great that you are getting your gum disease under control because that is the first step you’d have to take in order to be a candidate.

It’s possible that you’ve lost a significant amount of bone as well, which will require an additional procedure called bone grafting. This is necessary because you need the bone to integrate with the implant to keep it secure.

Once those things are taken care of you are good for getting your dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

No matter how well-fitted dentures are, they reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. With dental implants, your new teeth are completely secure. You’ll be able to eat whatever you want without any trouble.

The biggest benefit of getting dental implants, however, is it prevents facial collapse. When your teeth are removed it signals to your brain the roots of your teeth are no longer there. Because your body strives to be efficient, it resorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere.

After about ten or more years you no longer have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

Getting dental implants prevents this because the implants let your brain know there are still teeth there which need the bone support, so the minerals are left in place.

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

Allergic to Her Maryland Bridge

Posted on June 29, 2019 by writeradmin.

I recently had a Maryland Bridge placed, but it turns out I’m allergic to it. There’s not really enough space there for a full-sized implant, so my dentist is suggesting we take out the adjacent tooth and put a large implant crown there to replace both teeth. I know he’s the dentist but won’t that look weird? Do I have other options?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

Metal-free Zirconia Dental Implants in three shapes

Zirconia is metal-free and dubbed “ceramic steel”

I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to laugh or cry when you told me your dentist’s solution. Yes, he’s the dentist, but you will not be happy with this solution. He sounds like your typical dentist who is good for bread and butter dentistry but hasn’t invested a lot of time learning about the more advanced procedures. He certainly hasn’t taken an interest in any cosmetic dentistry or that suggestion would have never come out of his mouth.

About 10% of the population have allergies to the alloy used in etching a Maryland Bridge. You seem to be in that group. You can have a dental implant done, but not the way your dentist is suggesting. A better solution would be to remove the adjacent tooth and still have a single dental implant placed, but use it to support two porcelain crowns. This will allow your smile to look natural without needing additional space by the roots.

Metal Free Dental Implants

Typically, dental implants are made from Titanium. These are highly biocompatible and have been used for years in things like dental implants and hip replacements. There haven’t been many cases of people proving to be allergic to the titanium. It’s has a great proven track record with dental implants as well.

Given your allergic reaction to your bridge, I’m also going to tell you about the zirconia option. That now make metal-free dental implants using zirconia. These are very strong and have been nicknamed “ceramic steel”. Because there is no metal, there is no worry of a metal sensitivity. The only downside is these haven’t been around as long. There is no reason to think they won’t be as durable over the course of a lifetime as their titanium counterparts, but there hasn’t been enough usage to give evidence either way.

I’d talk to a good implant dentist and see what they suggest.

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

Gum too High With Temporary Crown

Posted on June 24, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve gotten a dental implant on a top tooth. My dentist put a temporary crown in to see if my gum would drop down. It hasn’t and the temporary looks to be obviously fake. I’m starting to regret getting this dental implant. I wanted a smile which looked natural. What can I do?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A healthy smile is attractive and brings confidence

When you pay to get a natural looking smile, you should get one. It was a good idea to do a temporary crown first to see if the gum will drop, though truthfully it may not.

I’d start by smiling your widest smile in the mirror. While some people’s gums show when they smile, other’s don’t. If your gums don’t show, there’s no reason to do anything further. It won’t affect the look of your smile. However, even if your gums don’t show, I would insist the temporary crown be made to look natural and match your other teeth.

Have your dentist get the temporary crown right before you get your permanent one. This way you know he can match it properly.

If your gums do show when you smile, you will want them even and symmetrical. If the one with the implant crown is too high, there is a fairly easy solution for this.

If Your Gums are Too High

Gum surgery is usually recommended if your gums are too high, especially if it is exposing the root. These days, you can have it done much more simply. The pinhole gum surgery technique actually can do it without any stitches at all. There are no incisions, the healing time is faster, and there’s no need for donor tissue.

Not many dentists are trained in this procedure yet. You may have to call around starting with periodontists, who invest more time in procedures related to the gums.

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

Mom’s Teeth Falling Out

Posted on June 8, 2019 by writeradmin.

My mom is 83. I have recently taken over her care. I was appalled at the conditions of her nursing home my siblings had her in. I’d been out of the country for about 7 years. I’ve moved her into my home and have a nurse here for her. One thing I’m not sure what to do about is the condition of her teeth. She recently had two teeth just fall out. I’m wondering if I should get her two dental bridges (because they are in different parts of her mouth) or two dental implants. I know the implants are superior, but they are way more expensive. All my money is currently going to her nurse. Are there affordable implant options or is the bridge the better way to go at this point?

Drew

Dear Drew,

First, I just want to say that the care you are giving your mother does you credit. I’m sure she’s much more comfortable with you. As for her dental care, I’m a little concerned because it sounds like her teeth are just falling out. This suggests she has very advanced periodontal disease. Your first priority will be to get that under treatment or she will continue to lose teeth. Get her in to see a good periodontist who can treat both her gum disease and her missing teeth.

Yes, dental implants are a superior treatment, however, if she’s losing her teeth you may end up with her needing a full-mouth reconstruction. This can cost between $20-$40 thousand dollars. While there are some affordable dental implant options, I don’t think you will need this for your mother.

The biggest benefit to implants is the prevention of facial collapse. This is the gradual loss of jawbone. However, at your mother’s age, this is not likely to be a big issue.

Replacing Your Mother’s Missing Teeth

I’m not going to recommend a bridge, though. A bridge puts pressure on the remaining teeth and that is the last thing your mother needs right now. My recommendation to you is going to be a special type of denture. Cu-Sil Dentures, leave space for remaining healthy teeth.

If she ends up losing one of those teeth it will simply be a matter of closing that space and adding another false tooth.

Best of luck to you and your mother.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

My Dentures Won’t Stay In

Posted on May 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I”ve had dentures for almost 30 years and can no longer keep them in my mouth. Are they worn down and I just need a new pair or do I have something more serious going on?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Image of a woman before and after the affects of facial collapse

Wearing dentures leads to a condition known as facial collapse

Re-doing the dentures won’t fix your problem. I’m afraid my answer to your question is there is something more serious going on. When your teeth were first removed and you were fitted for dentures, your body recognized you no longer had any teeth. As a result, it came to the conclusion you no longer needed your all of your jawbone to retain the teeth roots and began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. This causes your jaw to slowly shrink leading to what you are now facing— facial collapse.

You don’t have enough jawbone left to provide a ridge for your dentures. This is why they are not staying in place. The solution to this is two-fold.

Step One: You will need to have bone grafting done. This is a surgical procedure where an oral surgeon or qualified dentist will build back up the bone in your jawbone.

Step Two: You will then need to have a new replacement made for your missing teeth. You could get dentures again, but I’m going to suggest a better, more permanent solution.

Preventing Facial Collapse with Implant Overdentures

Instead of getting dentures again, which will just restart the cycle of mineral and bone loss again, I would like you to consider dental implants, using implant overdentures. With dental implants, a prosthetic tooth root is placed in your jawbone Then a dental crown is placed on top. The implant signals to your brain there are still teeth there and no minerals are leached from your jawbone to use elsewhere leaving it firmly intact.

It would be too expensive to do a dental implant for each and every missing tooth in your situation. Instead, I suggest you have implant overdentures made. These require four to six implants be placed and then anchored to your newly made dentures. Not only will you find this prevents facial collapse, but you will find your chewing capacity and quality of life with your bite go up significantly.

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

Traveling for Implant Overdentures

Posted on May 17, 2019 by writeradmin.

I recently got dentures and have decided it was a mistake. I want to replace them with implant overdentures. I originally went with the dentures because there isn’t a reputable dental implant dentist in my area. If I am going to do this, I want to do it right. That will require me to travel for my dental implants. I’m thinking of traveling a couple of states away. This particular dentist is very well known for both his dental implant skills as well as his cosmetic work. Patients travel from everywhere, including other countries, to have their work done by him. What recommendations do you have for this type of arrangement?

Amaya

Dear Amaya,

Implant Overdentures

I am very glad to hear that you’ll be able to get the treatment you really want and not have to limit yourself to what is available in your geographic area. You’ll find implant supported dentures a huge step up from what you’ve been dealing with. When it comes to traveling to get this care done there are a few considerations. Some of them you’ve already taken care of. However, I’m going to list them anyway for the benefit of others.

It’s Imperative You Check the Dental Implant Qualifications of the Dentist

You want to make certain the dentist you choose has done extensive training in the dental implant procedure post-doctorally. In addition to that, you want to ask how many dental implant procedures he’s completed along with his success rate. It needs to be a large number of procedures with around a 98% success rate.

No dentist will have a 100% success rate. Both the patient and the dentist can do everything perfectly and some dental implant procedures will fail. This is because of the differences in our biological makeups and sometimes a body just rejects an implant.

Budget Carefully for the Number of Trips You’ll Have to Take

Truthfully, you should plan on at least six different appointments. Some of them will include: the initial consultation, surgery, post-op checks, healing checks, impression appointments, and placement appointments. Each dentist is a little different in how they handle these so discuss this thoroughly with your caregiver.

You’ll need enough money to travel back and forth to all of these appointments, as well as gas, food, and lodging.

Understand the Dentists Emergency Protocol

Make sure you know how he’ll want you to handle any dental emergencies which pop up during your treatment. Will he want you to come in to see him directly? Will he do an evaluation over skype first?

Plan Your Post-Surgical Care Giver

You’ll be in no condition to travel after your dental implant surgery. While you may have a nice cozy hotel room, you will need someone to be with you for at least the first day after surgery. Plan on having someone come with you whom you trust and who has the personality to deal with someone post-surgery.

I hope this helps. As you are seeing a dentist who already deals with both national and international patients, he likely has a system in place to make this very easy for you to plan out, so your first order of business is to set up that consultation with him.

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

Can You Get Titanium-Free Dental Implants?

Posted on May 3, 2019 by writeradmin.

I have serious metal allergies, including dental cement and even titanium which I hear is rare. My dentist said because of that I cannot get dental implants. Instead, he wants me to get a five-unit bridge. I’m really not crazy about this idea. Do I have no other option?

Greg

Dear Greg,

Yes, there are metal-free dental implants. However, you may have to go to a different dentist to get one. Based on your metal allergies, you would likely be better served with a dentist willing to do some research to work around the limitations you have. It doesn’t sound like your current dentist is willing to think outside the box.

These dental implants are made from zirconia. It is quite strong and is nicknamed liquid steel. Some dentists still steer away from them because they haven’t been around as long. There isn’t as much documentation as to how long they last, though I don’t think you’d have anything to worry about.

I wouldn’t recommend a five-unit bridge for three reasons. One, it will put a lot of undue pressure on the anchor teeth, putting them at risk. Two, those teeth will be unnecessarily ground down even though they are likely perfectly healthy. Three, if one part of the bridge is damaged or fails, the entire unit will have to be replaced.

Cosmetic Considerations with Dental Implants

The implant crowns can be made to match any color, so they can blend in naturally with your natural teeth. However, their color will be permanent. If you’ve even considered getting your teeth whitened, it will save you money to do it before your porcelain crowns are made for your implants.

You don’t have too. However, if you decide to have teeth whitening done at a later date, only the natural tooth structure will whiten. That will require you to have the dental crowns re-made to get them to match. This creates an additional cost that would be unnecessary if you whiten first.

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