Today's Options for Tooth Loss Would Leave George Washington Biting into an Apple

Tooth Loss- One in Four Adults Will Lose a Tooth During Their Lifetime.

Today's options for tooth loss would leave George Washington biting into an apple.  Many suffers of tooth loss are left with the complicated decision of which option to choose, dental implants or the more common and least expensive option of dentures.  For those who are missing teeth, both lower and upper, the research shows the least expensive option may not be the best.  The inconvenience of a denture isn't the only side effect.. bone loss and the compilations thereof play a significant factor in why your dentist may recommend dental implants. 

Custom dentures, carefully crafted by a qualified dentist may be the only option for some patients but, those numbers are being reduced as further advances in implant dentistry is making huge strides in the use of dental implants.  Careful impressions, digital X-rays and fittings are initially made as your dentist and dental laboratory design your denture. When a denture is first placed, the fit is fairly secure since it’s designed to conform to the gum ridge and jaw bone arch that exists at the time the procedure is done.  But over time the absence of the natural tooth root may cause problems.

Without the presence of tooth roots the bone begins to ‘resorb,’ or shrink in height and width. This is  accelerated by the pressure of wearing dentures. For those who sleep in their denture, resorption is a 24/7 process. This is why dentures that fit well when they were first made begin to slip, causing uncomfortable rubbing or sore spots on the gums. Relines may help at first, but eventually, so much resorption occurs that there is too small of a ridge for the denture to ‘grip.’

Those complications and the inconvenience of dentures are factors many adults consider as they face their options.  Eating becomes difficult with a denture that slips and shifts against the gums. Uncomfortable rubbing occurs and many people resort to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Denture adhesives and pastes only help for brief periods but have to be reapplied frequently.Most adults are selecting Dental Implants for tooth replacement.  Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting (or greatly minimizing) bone loss. They provide dependable biting and chewing stability and are designed to last a lifetime.  Dr. David Zelby usually ask a final questions as he explains the pros and cons of a patients options, "Do you want to eat a steak?"  Interview a denture wearers and you will hear the embarrassing stories of slippage, clipping and the insecurity of not knowing what will happen as you smile, chew and talk.  Dentures are becoming an artifact of history and pleasantly so when patients place their dentures on the shelf for good.

When thinking of a dental implant consider that it is acting a natural tooth root for the missing tooth.  The implant is actually a small titanium alloy screw that is permanently anchored into the jawbone.  After placement your prosthodontist will place the newly crated "tooth."

For long-term, lifelike replacement of missing teeth, dental implants are the most technologically advanced solution.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Assists in proper chewing for a healthy and improved diet.
• Allows for a comfortable, secure and radiant smile.
• Improves speech pronunciation and supports natural facial contour.
• Eliminates the need to grinding healthy teeth nearby
• Decreases bone loss and gum recession.
• Proven long term history of success.

Discuss the benefits of tooth replacement options with Dr. David Zelby in a private consultation.   The dental implant procedure at his office incorporates a team of specialist doctors.  Dr. Zelby is a prosthodontist, which is a speciality in dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association® which focuses on complete restoration of damaged or missing teeth.  a prosthodontist is a "true cosmetic dentist," with advanced education and skills.   At your consultation the dental professionals at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta will answer your questions and assist you as you make the best decision for your individual needs. Call (770) 955-0559 or visit our website at www.davidzelbydds.com. Dentures are becoming an artifact of history and pleasantly so when patients place their dentures on the shelf for good.  

Are there risks involved in Dental Implants?

 Dental implant surgery does include risk, although they are rarely serious.  As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of infection.  Surgery on the jaw carries a slight risk for nerve damage or bruising, which may affect the sensation of the lower lip.  While most nerve damage does heal, there are incidences in which the nerve damage is permanent.  When an implant is placed next to a natural tooth, it is possible that the root of the natural tooth could be affected.  If the natural tooth is affected it may heal naturally or your doctor may suggest  root canal treatment.

Most dental implant treatment is successful.  Dental implants with today's technology and modern techniques are the treatment of choice for people with missing teeth.  Your dental implant specialist will  perform a variety of test and medical screenings to determine if you will be a successful candidate.  The trend toward dental implants is growing rapidly.  David Zelby, DDS, a prosthodontist at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta, works in tandem with an oral surgeon.  The dental implant is placed into the bone by the surgeon and Dr. Zelby constructs and correctly places the "crown," for the implant.  We have achieved a much better success rate when you have actual specialists joining together and taking a team approach to dental implant therapy," says Dr. Zelby.  You, as the consumer, should be well educated and research the treatment with your dentist.  After your consultation, you should have your questions answered fully and understand what to expect and the complications that can occur.

Halloween is almost here! If you're giving away candy, sugar-free lollipops may be the way to go!

A recent study, published by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, demonstrated that sugar-free lollipops containing licorice root extract significantly reduced the bacteria that causes tooth decay, specifically in pre-school children with high-risk of tooth decay.

The study, funded by the Research and Data Institute of the affiliated companies of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico and North Carolina, analyzed 66 preschool students ages 2 to 5 enrolled in the Greater Lansing Area Head Start Program. Each student received a lollipop for 10 minutes twice daily for three weeks.

"Dental decay is one of the most common childhood diseases with more than half of children ages 5 to 17 having had at least one cavity or filling," said Jed J. Jacobson, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., chief science officer at Delta Dental. "We are working to find simple, effective regimens that will encourage prevention and control of dental disease. While the results of this pilot clinical trial are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm these early findings."

Results showed a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay, during the three-week period when the lollipops were being used and lasting for an additional 22 days before beginning to rebound.

Using a saliva test, the amount of S. mutans in the patient's mouth was measured before and during the three-week period where lollipops were used, as well as for several weeks thereafter.

"The use of the licorice root lollipops is an ideal approach as it will stop the transfer and implantation of the bacteria that cause dental decay from mothers to their infants and toddlers," said Martin Curzon, editor-in-chief, European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "It also has the merit of being a low cost-high impact public dental health measure."

"This study is important not only for dental caries prevention research, but also demonstrates the feasibility of a classroom protocol using a unique delivery system suitable for young children," said Jacqueline Tallman, R.D.H., B.S., M.P.A., principal investigator of the study. "Early prevention is key for lifetime oral health and effective innovative protocols are needed."

The investigation was a collaborative effort of the Greater Lansing Area Head Start Program, the University of Michigan and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Delta Dental's Research and Data Institute provided the grants as part of its mission to remain on the cutting edge of finding solutions to oral health problems.

"Our Head Start program was excited to participate in the Lollipop project," said Teresa Spitzer, R.N., Health Programs Manager, Capital Community Head Start Inc. Head Start and Early Childhood Programs. "Staff and parents were intrigued by something as simple as a special Lollipop having the ability to decrease the incidence of dental caries in children. The outcomes only reinforced the value the parents placed on the project."

The lollipops, manufactured by Dr. John's Candies of Grand Rapids, Mich., were developed using FDA-approved materials by Dr. Wenyuan Shi, a microbiologist at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and C3 Jian, Inc., a research and development company in California. The orange-flavored, sugarless lollipops contain extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), which targets and is thought to kill the primary bacteria (Streptococcus mutans or S. mutans) responsible for tooth decay.

About Streptococcus mutans

There are approximately 700 types of bacteria in the human mouth. While most are harmless, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is considered the primary culprit in tooth decay. They live in a biofilm (plaque) that adheres to the teeth, consume sugar and release acid that erodes tooth enamel, causing decay. Regular brushing and flossing, along with dental checkups, can help to keep S. mutans and Lactobacillus casei in check.

Source: Delta Dental of Michigan


For more information about Aesthetic and Atlanta Cosmetic Dentistry go to
http://www.drdavidzelby.com/

Insurance Companies are Finally Beginning to See the Importance of Oral Health!

ATLANTA, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire -- 

 Georgians now have even more reasons to smile! Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofGeorgia (BCBSGa) today announced the availability of new dental plans in Georgia for small groups with effective dates of July 1, 2011 and later. These new plans from BCBSGa – Dental Prime and Dental Complete – are designed to support both oral health and overall health.

Why is this important? Research suggests a connection between poor oral health and certain health issues like gum disease, heart disease and stroke(1).  Evidence also suggests poor oral health can complicate or is linked to diabetes, heart disease, pneumonia, stroke and pre-term/low birth weight babies(2).  However, those who have dental benefits exhibit healthier behaviors, such as getting yearly physicals, dental check-ups, brushing twice daily, regular exercise and eating a low-fat diet(3).  In addition, 62 percent of employers view dental benefits as an essential component of their benefits package(4).

"We know dental insurance is one of the most valued benefits employers can provide to their employees and we are proud to offer these new plans to Georgians," said Morgan Kendrick, state plan president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. "These new plans offer Georgia small group employers and their employees, industry-leading benefits that focus on dental health."

The networks supporting Dental Prime and Dental Complete are some of the largest dental networks in Georgia – Prime includes more than 85,000 access points nationwide, and Complete includes more than 96,000 access points nationwide(5).

"Having a choice of contracted networks allows small group employers solutions for controlling costs without reducing dental benefits," said Stuart Watts, regional vice president, Specialty Business. "Employers can select the Dental Prime-contracted network, which is the lower cost network, or they can pick the Dental Complete-contracted network, which allows even greater network access."

In addition, this new dental portfolio includes three core plan designs – Value dental plans, Classic dental plans and Enhanced dental plans. The Value plans include coverage for basic services such as cleanings, exams, X-rays and fillings. The Classic plans include basic dental services and additional coverage for major services, including implants. The Enhanced plans offer the greatest level of coverage with a higher annual maximum benefit and lower member coinsurance amounts. Both Classic and Enhanced plans can be quoted with a new optional feature to stretch benefits dollars even further via a maximum carryover provision. And, all three dental plans include coverage for brush biopsies for early cancer detection.

"We also offer voluntary dental plans for small groups, which are a win-win situation for employers and their employees," said Watts. "Employers can offer benefits to their employees at no cost to their company – employers only need to choose a benefits package, explain the benefits to their employees and administer the payroll deductions. In the end, employees are offered a benefits package that is usually more robust than they would receive on an individual plan, plus they receive the group rate."

For more information about the new Dental Prime and Dental Complete products, click here.

(1) Source: 2009-2010 Specialty Trends Report For the Employer Market
(2) Source: Oral Health America, http://www.oralhealthamerica.org/news/062204.html
(3) Source: NADP, The Haves and the Have-Nots: Consumers With and Without Dental Benefits, 2009
(4) Source: NADP, Purchaser Behavior Study, 2008
(5) Source: Definition: An access point is a location where a dentist practices. For example, if one dentist works at two different offices, that dentist has two access points.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofGeorgia is available at www.bcbsga.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HealthJoinInBCBSGa, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin or check out the Our Health Connects Us campaign site at http://connects.bcbsga.com/.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgiahttp://www.bcbsga.com

To get a consultation on your dental insurance coverage contact Atlanta Dentist
http://www.drdavidzelby.com/