Implant Supported Dentures

Once a patient begins to lose teeth due to damage, disease, decay or trauma the bone that once supported the teeth also begins to be lost. “This means that someone who initially was able to wear dentures pretty effectively, might find that years later there is just not enough ridge left to provide support,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Surgery practice.

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For patients who are finding it difficult to keep their dentures in place an implant supported denture is a great option.  “Many time with as few as four implants per arch a denture can effectively be placed,” adds Dr. Rice.

Implants have a great track record. According to the American Dental Association, with regular care between 98.1 and 99.2 percent of all implants are successful after five years. That’s why Dr. Rice feels comfortable standing behind the implants that she places. “I know that with regular hygiene visits, implants can be highly successful.”

And they change people’s lives. Having a smile you can count on builds confidence. If you are suffering with an ill-fitting denture, isn’t it time you consider implants? 

Denine Rice, DDS

All on Four

“All on Four” is the name for a procedure where a denture is placed on four implants. This procedure not only provides stability for a denture, but allows a patient to be effectively restored to full dentition in a short amount of time.

“Many patients report that wearing dentures is not at all as they expected,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Surgery practice. “They suffer from loose fitting dentures that move about creating embarrassing situations and/or speech difficulties.”

If you are someone who can identify with that statement, perhaps you are a candidate for “All on Four” implant supported dentures.

The first step in the process is sitting down with your dentist and/or periodontist to discuss treatment plan options.  Your dentist working in conjunction with a periodontist will put together a plan designed specifically for you. While most times four implants can be used to effectively support your new denture, your dentist will determine if that’s the case for you, then a denture will be created to fit to your newly placed implants.

 Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery

Tongue Tied – Can Your Dentist Help?

Tongue-tie is a medical condition otherwise known as ankyloglossia. It occurs when the tissue (frenulum) that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. It is many times congenital and hereditary, which can produce a challenge to the breastfeeding infant.

“Sometimes the frenulum will recede on it’s own, but in some that is not the case and it can cause other challenges long term,” says Dr.Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant practice. “When the tongue is unable to move freely, there is the possibility it could cause lisping.”

A lisp is a speech impediment where a person has difficulty pronouncing certain sibilants, such as ‘th’, ‘s’, ‘d’, ‘l’ and ‘t’. A lisp is not the only challenge that can come from being tongue-tied. A tongue-tie might also prevent a person from being able to play certain wind instruments or it could cause a gap between the lower front teeth, which might mean an orthodontic referral.   

The good news is the treatment for tongue-tie is easy. “Previously, many dentists would treat tongue-tie by clipping the tissue and freeing the tongue. Now we can do it using the laser, which means little discomfort, less bleeding and immediate results,” adds Dr. Rice. 

Denine Rice, DDS

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is the process where a frenulum or a small piece of tissue is removed in the mouth. “There are many reasons a frenectomy may be recommended,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Dental Practice.

You might be considered a candidate for a frenectomy if you:

·      Wear dentures: Sometimes the fit of a denture can be enhanced with the removal of tissue.

·      Have recession: Removing the tissue that is attached to the upper lip can prevent recession.

·      Have a gap between your front teeth.

·      Ankyloglossia: Otherwise known as tongue-tie, Anklyoglossia is caused by a frenum that is connected to the underside of the tongue. This can cause challenges for infants who are breastfeeding.

·      Are considering Orthodontics.

The procedure is quite simple, especially now when lasers are used to remove the tissue requiring no sutures, little discomfort and causing less bleeding.

“If you would like to know more about dental frenectomies, please contact our office,” adds Dr. Rice. 

Laser Bone Grafting – Moving into the Future with Technology.

A dental bone graft is a procedure that sounds much more frightening than it really is, and it allows your dentist to provide you with a host of other beneficial dental treatments.

First of all a bone graft is generally recommended when a patient loses a tooth. Over time without a tooth in place, the jawbone begins to erode. Placing bone immediately helps preserve the site for future treatment whether you will futuristically decide on a dental bridge or a dental implant, your result will be much better if a bone graft has been part of your treatment plan.

“Now we can provide patients with an even better service using a dental laser,” Dr.Denine Rice says from her Riverside Implant Practice.

When a tooth is determined to be hopeless the next step is to schedule your dental appointment for an extraction and bone graft. Once the tooth is extracted, the dental laser is gently guided into the extraction site, preparing the area for the granulated bone that will be placed next. Finally the entire area is again touched with the laser and now a temporary partial or flipper can be placed to temporarily replace the tooth until healing is accomplished.

“Using a laser means no suturing, which means more comfort for patients,” adds Dr.Rice.

If you have additional questions about whether you would be a candidate for laser periodontal therapy, please call our office. We’d be delighted to visit with you.

Dr. Rice

Comfort options in your dental office

“A trip to the dentist should not cause you fear,” says Dr.Denine Rice. Huge strides have been made to increase your comfort.  For example:

1.     Dental Chairs: Many have super soft material and are created with patient comfort in mind. “For some treatment, patients may spend a significant time in the dental chair, they should feel fully supported and relaxed during that time,” adds Dr. Rice.

2.     Anesthetic: There are many options that your dentist can use to assist them which will in turn make the process of getting numb that much easier for the patient. In our office, we use the Dental Vibe, which distracts patients and allows for more comfort.

3.     Music: “You are always invited to bring in an iPod or player in which to listen to music. We’ve found that this can also provide comfort for patients. And if you’ve forgotten your headphones, just ask us to change the station to one that sets you at ease,” she adds.

4.     Pillows and Blankets: These are kept on hand to make sure that knees, backs and necks are fully supported for comfort.

If we can provide anything else that will make your visit more pleasant, let us know. 

 Dr. Rice

What do insurance companies know that your dentist has tried to tell you?

For years dentists have tried to explain to patients how important it is to be seen on a regular basis for hygiene visits.  “More regular visits inevitably save the patient money,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal practice.

Now dental insurance companies have figured this out as well. In the past, most insurance companies paid for two visits each year to maintain the health of gums and teeth. It appears that recently they have studied the numbers and concluded that patients who are seen for those visits are less likely to need more costly treatment.

Which is what dentists have been saying all along. “When patients delay coming in almost always it results in more significant treatment, which in turn, costs more money,” adds Dr. Rice.

So what does this mean to the dental insurance companies and their plans? Many plans have begun to change how they are viewing regular visits. And some are now changing the benefit allowed if regular visits are not maintained.

“It just makes sense, if regular visits can save money for patients, those same visits can save money for insurance companies,” says Dr.Rice If you are past due for your regular visit, call today and get back on track.

 Dr. Rice

Recommeded frequency – how does it save money?

When your dentist or hygienist makes a recommendation to see you back in a given amount of time, keep in mind, they are making that recommendation based on your needs.

“Each patient that comes into our office is seen as an individual with a unique set of oral conditions,” says Dr. Denine Rice from herRiverside Periodontal Practice. With that in mind, the staff at Rice Periodontics makes decisions that will ensure their patients keep their teeth and gums healthy.

For some patients the recommendations are made because of disease. When patients have certain bacteria in their mouths, their disease is that much more challenging to control. These patients we want to see more frequently to disrupt the bacteria and keep the oral health in check. When patients opt to be seen less frequently it generally results in the necessity for surgical periodontal therapy, which is more costly to the patient.

Other patients are seen more frequently due to other oral conditions. They may be in orthodontic treatment, which means they may have a more difficult time keeping their teeth clean. We can help and make sure that when their braces come off, there is a beautifully bright and healthy smile waiting for them.

We also often see patients who, due to medications, have an increased risk of Xerostomia, which is dry mouth. Xerostomia increases the likelihood of decay. More frequent visits generally means we can catch the decay process early resulting in less invasive restorative procedures.

So when your dentist makes a recommendation for more frequent visits, listen to how this can save not only your teeth, but your money.

 Rice Periodontics