Implant Applications

Implants have added many more options for dentists to help replace missing teeth.  Implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or when there are multiple missing teeth, serveral implants can be placed to sustain a bridge.  Bridge supported implants allow patients to avoid the frustrations associated with partial dentures.  Dentures that move during eating, smiling and speaking can be greatly stablized with either traditional implants or with the more economical mini implants.   

Implant Surgery

I have placed over 250 implants and I am still amazed at how little discomfort is experienced during and after surgery.  In fact, having a tooth extracted is much more a difficult of a recovery than implant surgery.  Surgery is performed under local anesthetic, just like a filling.  Small vibrations during site preparation is usually all that is experienced by the patient.  Out of all the implants I have placed, only 3 patients have need more than Ibuprofen after the procedure!

Investing In Your Furture

The great thing about implants is that you can use them now and later.  For example, an implant placed now that would replace only one missing tooth can be use 10 to 15 years later to support a bridge with another implant.  It is the one of the few things in dentistry that allows us to do that.  Most treatments will wear out and then we have to start all over again.  Even though implants might be expensive at first, their logevity is what your paying for in the beginning.  Placement either immediately after tooth extraction or with in 6 months or so is a good idea.  Once a tooth is extracted, bone will begin to atrophy(shrink away).  If too much bone is lost, implant placement can be more expensive or not possible. 

If you have any questions about implant surgery, please contact me at drrobison@robisonfamilydental.com or call us at Robison Family Dental 801-784-1399.  Our office is located in West Jordan on the Jordan Valley Hospital Campus in the Medial Arts Plaza.   

 One of the many concerns that patients have regarding dental work is the cost of treatment.  Dental insurance can help soften the blow to the pocket book but copayments can still be costly.  So what kind of solutions can you expect to find at Robison Family Dental? 

 The Treatment Plan Estimate

 Before any treatment is performed, we take the opportunity to discuss the estimated cost of treatment with you.  We call your insurance company to find out the types of procedures that are covered.  Dental insurances always reserve the right to deny payment or even pay out less than expected, which can add frustration to the overall out of pocket experience.  When these circumstances arise, we will contact the insurance on your behalf, sending additional photographs, x-rays and any additional information that will help in the reconsideration of a denied dental claim. 

 Payment Options

 A few things that we can do to help soften the financial blow, is to break up the treatment into separate appointments.  This will allow time in between visits to recuperate financially.  As long as there is no risk for immediate infection, we can schedule treatment in longer intervals.  There is still risk, that decay or infection can get worse with time, so getting treated quicker is always the best option.  That is why we offer a financing option called CareCredit.  In about 15 minutes, you can apply for a no interest loan for 12 or 18 months.  Dental treatment can be completed quickly and you can have a full year to break up the payments. 

  If you have any question about third party financing, insurance coverage or anything else, call us at 801-748-1399 or send me an email at drrobison@robisonfamilydental.com.  Our office is located on the Jordan Valley Hospital Campus in West Jordan, Utah if you would like to stop by!

I recently returned from training in Las Vegas about root canal therapy.  I am sure that no one wants to think about root canals right now but unfortunately, it is a part of dental treatment.  Fortunately, it gives dentists an option to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.  Root canal therapy enables teeth to give years of service while helping to avoid the consequences of tooth removal. 

 What Causes A Need For Root Canal Therapy?

 A tooth may need a root canal for various reasons.  The two most common are trauma and bacterial infection.  Trauma generally causes the blood supply to the tooth to be severed where a bacterial infection usually comes from a cavity loaded with bacteria.  In both cases, the nerve will begin to die, leaving tissue to abscess and swell. 

 I Need A Root Canal, Should I Wait?

 I have heard people say that they need a root canal but they are waiting to have it done.  I would certainly recommend that it get treated right away for a few reasons.  Dental infections can cause damage to the bone surrounding teeth without any pain.  Like I have said before, you can have an illness and not even know it, until it gets bad enough to become symptomatic.  Teeth can begin to hurt for a short period of time and then it just goes away.  This can mean that the nerve became inflamed (painful) and then died (no pain or less painful).  Over time, the nerve tissue will begin to abscess, creating a cyst around the root of the tooth.  The infected tissue tries to find a way to release pressure created by the growing infection.  In this process, bone that supports teeth is eroded away until a “bubble” of infection is present on the gum.  Even when pressure is released, bone can be continually eroded by the infectious cyst causing loose teeth.   

This week a patient came in with abscesses around her two front teeth (above xray).  The infection from the two front teeth became large enough to travel, at the root level, to the adjacent tooth. Now, that tooth also needs root canal therapy even though it has no cavity.   The added cost of an additional root canal could have been avoided if the original teeth were treated promptly. 

 Should I Just Pull The Tooth?

 Tooth extraction definitely has its place in dental treatment.  The cost for tooth removal is much less than root canal therapy.  However, removing a tooth can bring negative consequences such as: bone loss, shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth, and increased wear and tear on remaining teeth.

If tooth extraction is inevitable, I would certainly recommend a procedure to maintain as much bone as possible.  It usually involves placement of a membrane at the time of the extraction.  Essentially, the membrane doesn’t allow the gum to grow down into the socket.  This gives time for the body to form bone that would otherwise have been gum.  This procedure will help keep teeth surrounding the extraction site more stable.  It also keeps options open for implant placement in the furture.  Bone is luxury that dentists strive to maintain.  Once it is gone, it can be very expensive to get back. 

 If you have any questions regarding root canals or tooth extraction, send me an email at drrobison@robisonfamilydental.com or give us a call at 801-748-1399.   

Gingivitis is concerning because it can lead easily to the next stage of gum disease called periodontitis if it is not treated.  The damage of periodontitis can be irreversible and be expensive to treat.  Imagine that the amount of skin from your elbow to your wrist equals the amount of skin in your mouth.  If this area was bleeding, you would probably go straight to the ER.  When gums bleed, it means that there is an open wound that bacteria will use to cause damage to the surrounding tissues of teeth.  Research has begun to link gum disease to general health problems such as cardiovascular disease, low birth weight babies and diabetes.  It makes sense that the mouth is a doorway to your body.  If it has increased amounts of bacteria, it is likely to get into your general circulation.   

Periodontitis is a more damaging form of gum disease because the bacteria reach the underlying bone that holds your teeth in place.  Bone loss results in gum recession and loose teeth.  Severe bone loss results in tooth loss all together even though teeth are cavity free.  Signs of periodontitis can be: loose teeth, bad breath and changes in your bite. 

So how do you know if you have gum disease?  Bleeding gums is the main sign.  Also, if you haven't had a professional cleaning in over a year, there is a good chance that there is something developing in your mouth.  Even if you are the best flosser and brusher, professional cleanings remove bacteria  that can't be reached at home.  Gum disease usually doesn't hurt until it gets into the advanced stages and by then, it can be too late to save teeth.  Just like high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, we want to detect it BEFORE symptoms occur  The best defense is to get a check up and stay up on professional cleanings.   

If you have any questions about gum disease, send me an email at drrobison@robisonfamilydental.com or give us a call at 801-748-1399.  www.perio.org is a great web page to get more information as well. 

One of the most rewarding procedures in dentisty is a smile makeover. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to improve someone's smile. Jagged edges or uneven front teeth can be adjusted in minutes, and the overall appearance of a smile can be greatly enhanced. Whitening can also add the finishing touch.

January's Makeover

This month, we are in the process of a mini makeover with cosmentic crowns. Granted this process is a little more involved than simple adjustments and whitening, however, the results can be extraordinary. The patient below, has not liked the appreance of her smile. Stained areas between teeth, an unnatural looking, metal/porcelain crown, and the overall color, have been the main reasons for her smile complaints.

Improved Materials

Metal/porcelain crowns tend to show dark lines at the gum line. Their metal substucture also creates a problem with translucency, which limits the amount of light that passes through teeth, giving the overall unnatural look. Over the years, cosmetic crowns have greatly improved on their natural-looking qualities. Metal-free crowns and veneers allow light to penetrate easily, thus mimicking the properties of tooth enamel.

The Results

Next week, we will finish up this mini makeover and post the results. Check out robisonfamilydental.com to learn more!

 Recently, my daughter and her friend were assigned a science project for school. Their idea for the project was to see, if indeed, smiles are contagious. Of course, being a dentist, I was thrilled with the idea! It made me think about how a beautiful smile can impact a person's confidence,mood, and anyone they meet.

About a year ago, a woman came into my office with a whole host of problems with her mouth. As you can tell by the first photo, her smile was in trouble, not just cosmetically, but structurally. Implants and cosmetic crowns were used to repair the damage cause be gum disease and tooth decay, and

with time, we were able to rehabilitate her mouth into a healthy amazing smile. It was interesting to me to see how the change in her smile increased her self-confidence! She seems to be happier, and she doesn't cover her mouth when she laughs anymore.As far as the results from the school science project, my daughter and her friend discovered that smiles ARE contagious. When they would smile at someone else, most of the time, they would get a smile back.

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the West Jordan area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Brandon Robison and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.

As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.