Baton Rouge Dentist

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Dentures or Dental Implants?

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After losing 7 teeth within a year, I finally got the courage to visit the dentist. She diagnosed me with advanced periodontal disease. My case is out of her hands, and she is referring me to a periodontist. Although I’ve neglected dental appointments all my life, the good news is that I am fortunate to have employment and good dental coverage. I don’t know what to expect with a periodontist, and my dentist hinted that I should save my questions for the expert. I still would like to know if my gumline is slow are both dentures and dental implants an option for me? I’m only 51 years old, and I prefer not to have full dentures. – Kinston from GA

Kinston,

Your dentist is wise to refer to a periodontist to treat your gum disease. The periodontist will evaluate your medical and dental history before recommending any form of tooth replacement.

Factors that can affect your options

  • Advanced gum disease– Healthy gums are essential for healing around the implant for a snug fit. Diseased gums will interfere will the healing process.
  • Bone loss – You need enough bone volume to support dental implants. Advanced gum disease spreads to the bone and can deteriorate it. Additionally, missing teeth result in bone resorption. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you might need bone grafting first.
  • Your physical health – Certain autoimmune diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. Your body must be healthy enough to promote healing, so the implants and your jawbone will fuse.

Removable dentures

Removable complete dentures will decrease your chewing efficiency. They are not stable, and they can lift or slip.

Implant overdentures

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Implant overdentures are affordable and will stabilize your dentures

Although it might not be possible or practical for you to receive individual dental implants, your dentist can secure a denture to two or more dental implants. Implants make dentures look and feel more like your natural teeth. Your dentist can snap—or screw—the denture onto dental implants. Any option that includes dental implants will give you a healthier and more attractive smile.

Best wishes for a steady recovery and healing from periodontal disease.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

 

What to Do If New Dental Crowns Left a Gap Between Your Teeth

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I have more teeth missing than I have left. I’m so frustrated that if anything else goes wrong, I’m going to get implants dentures and forget about trying to save any more teeth. I’ve always had a slight gap between my teeth, but now it’s noticeable. My dentist used crowns that are too small, and now whenever I eat, food gets stuck between them. Right after he placed the crowns, he had me look at them and sign an agreement that I liked them. It was a rushed process that I should have refused. Now what?

Diagram of snap-on dentures; affordable dental implants
Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

If food regularly gets caught between your teeth, it’s not just uncomfortable—bacteria will grow and lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If your dentist doesn’t correct the issue, you can get an infection in your gums or teeth that results in tooth loss. Although you might feel like giving up and getting implant dentures, it’s best to save your teeth if it’s possible to do so without compromising your oral or overall health. If you need dentures, dental implants will help them feel and look natural.

Although your dentist asked you to sign a document stating that you liked your crowns, he is still responsible for ensuring they are healthy.

Protocol for Healthy Crowns

When a cosmetic dentist provides new crowns, before cementing them, he or she takes the following precautions:

  • Temporarily cement the crowns on your teeth
  • Check the way your upper and lower teeth contact each other
  • Determine if he or she needs to adjust your bite
  • Ensure your smile is aesthetically pleasing

Talk with your dentist about your concerns and assume that he will want to correct the issue and ensure you like your smile. Your dentist will likely need to replace one—if not both—of your crowns. Don’t compromise. Poorly fitting crowns will cause problems in the future, and you’ll still need to address the issue. Don’t wait for your oral health to decline—schedule time to talk with your dentist.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Are redo dental implants more affordable?

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I have already had dental implants once. I’m now learning that I need to have them redone and am wondering if any of the expenses carry over to the second attempt. To give some background, I am learning that my original implants didn’t take and now my dentist is saying I need to have them redone and is expecting me to pay full-price for the procedure.

Is this advisable?

Thanks,

Mandi

Dear Mandi,

I’m not sure what your timeline looks like, as you didn’t mention how long ago you received your original implants. It usually takes six to 12 months for them to fully integrate with the bone. I’m wondering if you’re still within this time frame. While poor placement, infections, or some medical conditions can cause problems with the healing, it is rare for them to not take at all.

If your implants have in fact failed, the first step is to determine the root cause. Hopefully your dentist has already discussed this with you. However, if this discussion has yet to take place, try to find out the cause prior to any work being done.

In regards to the second procedure being more affordable, some sort of discount or comped work would be advisable. It’s unclear if your implant failure could have been predicted, or prevented. If it indeed could have been prevented, you should not have to pay a dime. If this is the case, request a refund and find a more skilled dentist. It would also be a good idea to get a second opinion before moving forward.

This article was provided by affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.