Zirconia dental implants, otherwise known as ceramic dental implants, are a recent advancement in oral surgery. As a natural alternative to traditional titanium, these implants are resistant to corrosion and won’t trigger metal allergies. These implants are known to be hypoallergenic and safe for patients with sensitivity or allergies.
A More Natural Look
Another advantage to Zirconia dental implants is they have a creamy white color — there is no risk of the dark color leaking through the gums as you have with titanium dental implants. Since these implants are ceramic, there’s no chance of heat conductivity or possibility of corrosion.
A Recent Advancement in Oral Surgery
The catch with Zirconia dental implants is they are relatively new. They were first used in Europe in 1987 and have only been used in the US since 2007. That said, we don’t know much about their long-term effects. Traditional dental implants are known to be a permanent solution to tooth replacement. While we expect similar results from ceramic dental implants, they haven’t been around long enough to know.
So far, however, success in terms of bone integration and longevity is about the same as with titanium. But patients who grind their teeth may experience difficulties because ceramic does not hold up to the constant force as well as titanium.
Limits to Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia dental implants do have their challenges. First, their abutment position is very critical. Titanium implants have more leeway when it comes to their positioning. Ceramic dental implants must also be one piece — this presents challenges in terms of the rigidity and stability of a cemented restoration. One-piece implants are less flexible than those with two parts secured by torqued screws.
Zirconia dental implants may not be the best for patients with bone density issues, especially those who may need a dental bone graft to accommodate the implant. That’s because Zirconia dental implants come in one piece, unlike titanium implants which can be two different pieces, which allows for greater customization of the implant. As single piece implants, ceramic tend to be more limited.
Zirconia dental implants also tend to be more expensive. Because of this, they are not always covered by dental insurance.
Are Zirconia Dental Implants Truly Metal Free?
Since Zirconia dental implants are offered as a metal free alternative to traditional implants for those who may be allergic to metal, many ask if zirconia is truly metal free. Zirconia is manufactured from zirconium dioxide, but during the manufacturing process an irreversible chemical reaction occurs where electrons move from the zirconium to the oxygen molecules. As a result, ceramic zirconia has completely different material properties compared to the metal zirconium, including wear resistance, toughness and conductivity. That’s why Zirconia implants are known to be “metal free” and a healthy alternative for those who may suffer from metal allergies.
Are you considering dental implants? They are the best option for tooth replacement because they look and function like your natural teeth. But they are also expensive and not all insurance companies cover them. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to dental implants and insurance plans — how to choose a plan that will cover your dental implants and reduce their cost.
Dental Insurance & Implants
Your basic dental insurance package may cover dental implants. If a plan covers the procedure, it may cover up to 50%, which means you’re responsible for half of the cost. You should also be aware of your deductible — how much you pay before the insurance plan covers it. You will also need to be aware of your yearly available benefits.
You should also keep in mind that many dental insurance plans have waiting periods. While they will cover basic cleanings and checkups, you’ll need to be on the plan a few months before any major dental work is covered — if you’ve just signed on to the plan.
Insurance & Dental Implants: Other Factors to Consider
If your policy does cover dental implants, there are still other factors you’ll need to consider when weighing the cost. Most dental plans are capped at a certain amount of coverage — meaning if you’ve already had dental work done for the year, you may have exhausted it. That’s why we recommend sitting down with your dentist and planning your dental work for the year — particularly any extensive work like oral surgeries, tooth extractions, or dental implants. That way if you need wisdom teeth removed, you can plan the oral surgery for when the work will be covered.
You should also check your dental insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions — especially if it’s a new plan. If you have a missing tooth prior to signing up for the dental insurance, the company may not cover the dental implant. They will consider it to be a pre-existing condition because you had the problem prior to signing up for the dental insurance.
Bottom line — it’s always best to talk to your insurance provider about what is and what isn’t covered. This can vary according to the policy, the type of work being done, and how much work you’ve had done for the year. Your dentist or oral surgeon can work with the insurance company to determine what exactly is and isn’t covered.
How Much Can a Dental Implant Cost?
Even if your dental insurance does cover some cost for a dental implant, you’ll likely need to cover some portion of the cost. Out of pocket, one dental implant can cost anywhere from $4,300 to $6,500. It is a major oral surgery, after all. And you might need dental bone grafting, if your jawbone isn’t strong enough to accommodate a dental implant, which can drive up the cost. If you should choose to do same day dental implants or get Zirconia dental implants (ceramic dental implants), this can further affect the cost.
If you are looking at full mouth reconstruction or need to replace several teeth that are next to each other, you could get a dental implant bridge which can make the procedure more affordable.
Questions You Should Ask Your Insurance Provider Regarding Coverage of Dental Implants
Like we said, it’s a good idea to speak to your dental insurance provider directly about your coverage. This is especially true if you are shopping for a carrier that will cover the cost of your dental implants. Here are some questions you should consider asking them.
1. Does My Oral Surgeon Need to Be Within the Network?
Some insurance companies will require your dentist or oral surgeon to be within a certain network. Fortunately, if your dentist is covered by the insurance company, the oral surgeon they recommend will typically be within a similar network.
2. Can I Choose Who Provides the Oral Surgery?
Some providers will stipulate who you need to go to for oral surgical care. Ask them if you can choose your oral surgeon and if your preferred choice is within their network.
3. Does Your Provider Carry a Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) Clause?
A LEAT clause is when your provider requires you to go with the least expensive option, particularly if there is more than one solution to your dental problem. This could limit your options for Zirconia dental implants, same day dental implants, or it may force you to consider a dental bridge in place of a dental implant.
4. What Percentage of the Dental Implant Do You Cover?
If your insurance provider covers dental implants, they will likely cover only a portion — typically 50%. You will be responsible for the remaining cost.
Do You Have an HRA?
An HRA is a healthcare reimbursement arrangement, when your provider pays you back for dental and medical expenses you have already paid directly. You’ll need to receive a qualifying medical treatment and submit proof of that expense to your employer. Either you will work with your dentist, oral surgeon, or medical provider to file a claim, or you will file the claim with your insurance provider yourself.
Dental Insurance Plans That Cover Dental Implants
Looking for a dental insurance package that does cover dental implants? The financial site The Balance recommends:
- Best Overall: Delta Dental Insurance
- Best for No Waiting Periods: Spirit Dental
- Best Price: DentalPlans.com
- Best Rewards Program: Ameritas
- Best Value (Coverage for Price): Aetna® Vital Savings
- Best for Convenience: Renaissance
- Best Group Benefits: Cigna Dental Insurance
As your oral surgeon, we want you to be able to keep your teeth for a lifetime. We care about you and your teeth, after all, so nearly everything we do has the goal of prolonging the life of the teeth in your mouth to ensure a beautiful smile for as long as possible.
But life happens. Sometimes tooth extraction is not only necessary — it’s the best course of action for your oral health.
The good news is that thanks to modern medicine, tooth extraction is also relatively painless. Dr. Puckett prioritizes comfort and care. Because he’s certified to offer a wide variety of sedation dentistry, he’s able to deliver painless oral surgery. The entire experience will be just like a dream — like riding on air.
Why Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a mature tooth from the roots. We only offer it as a last resort — ordinarily; everything we do has the goal of preserving teeth. But sometimes it is necessary. You may need a tooth extraction as a result of:
- Severe tooth decay
- Infection — especially in the case of infected gum tissue
- Wisdom teeth (this is a common procedure more people have done in early to mid-20s)
- Crowded mouth
- Significantly broken tooth
If you need a tooth extraction, rest assured our oral surgery is relatively painless. We also offer a number of viable options for tooth replacement that will have your smile looking as good as new.
Sedation Dentistry for Comfortable Care
We offer all forms of sedation dentistry to ensure comfortable care for our patients. Our commitment to a painless surgical experience is why many patients tell us we’re worth the drive — why they come from Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and surrounding areas. With Dr. Puckett, you know you’re in good hands!
The most comfortable approach is IV sedation — pain medication administered through an IV. You won’t technically be unconscious, but will have little to no memory of the surgical experience after waking up. You’ll need someone to drive you home from your appointment as it will take some time for the medication to wear off.
Using these sedation methods, we ensure your oral surgery experience is painless and easy. Your (safety and) comfort is our priority. If there is anything you need throughout the procedure, be sure to let us know!
The Process of Painless Tooth Extraction Explained
After you are sedated we make a slight incision into the gum tissue. Once the tooth is exposed, we loosen the tooth in the bone. Sometimes we need to remove the tooth in a few pieces.)
There will naturally be some bleeding in the site, which we’ll control by packing it with gauze. We may have you bite down on the gauze to stop the bleeding. This helps the blood to clot, which will help the area heal.
Sometimes — but not always — we’ll need to stitch the site together. These stitches will naturally be absorbed into your mouth, disappearing on their own. There is no need to remove them.
The entire process takes about 20 minutes. Many of our patients are surprised the experience is so easy. We’re here for you every step of the way. Dr. Puckett is committed to a painless oral surgery experience.
After Care Treatment for Tooth Extraction
All that’s left to do following the surgery is to heal. You may experience some discomfort, but we’ll do everything we can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
We’ll prescribe you painkillers to help manage the pain. Don’t wait until you are in pain to take them. They take some time to kick in. Take some as soon as you get home to soothe the pain before it arrives.
In fact, an hour or two after the procedure, we suggest you treat yourself to some ice-cream. You deserve it — and it will help calm the pain that may occur during the healing process.
So your oral surgeon confirms that you are a candidate for dental implants, but you’ll need a dental bone graft first. This is a fairly common procedure in oral surgery. It is sometimes needed if the jawbone isn’t strong enough, as is often the case if you’ve had missing teeth and the jawbone has worn away as a result.
A dental bone graft involves removing parts of bone from your jaw and transplanting them in the area of the jaw that needs support — where you’ll get the dental implant. Once your dental bone graft is complete, it will need to heal until we can proceed with the dental implant surgery.
Who Typically Needs a Bone Graft?
Not everyone needs a dental bone graft in order to have a successful dental implant. It is usually needed for people who have lost a tooth, suffered tooth damage, or other facial trauma. These situations can cause your jawbone to deteriorate to the point that your mouth wouldn’t otherwise accept a dental implant.
Bone deficiency is typically caused by several ailments or incidents, including:
- Gum disease/periodontal disease
- Developmental issues or natural defects
- Tooth loss or removal of teeth
- Facial trauma
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
There are a number of different approaches to dental bone grafts, depending on the extent of the damage as well as the location of the lost tooth.
A socket graft is the most common type of dental bone graft. Its goal is to prevent the atrophy of the alveolar bone before it can occur. We place the bone right in the socket to prevent the collapse of the socket. You’ll need about 4 to 6 months to heal before we can proceed with the dental implant surgery. The good news is a socket graft can minimize postoperative pain from the implant surgery.
Another approach is the lateral ridge preservation graft, used to increase the width of the jawbone in order to accommodate a dental implant. We’ll typically use your own jawbone for this procedure.
For large defects to the jawbone, we’ll perform a block bone graft. First we’ll harvest a small block of bone from the back of your jawbone, which will place into the defect. The bone graft will need to be held in place with small titanium screws.
Finally, there is the sinus lift procedure, which we’ll use a combination of equine bone and your own bone. This approach is typically necessary when the patient needs an implant in the upper jaw, which is not typically stable enough to hold the implants on their own.
Are Dental Bone Grafts Painful?
Not at all! We use a variety of methods of sedation dentistry so you are completely comfortable throughout the procedure. You may experience some discomfort in the days following your dental bone graft, but this pain can be managed through medication.
You may experience swelling after the procedure. We suggest applying an ice pack (or even a bag of frozen veggies in a pinch) to bring down the swelling.
Dietary Considerations After a Bone Graft
For a few days after your oral surgery, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat. Stick to soft foods, fluids and soups. Avoid eating hard, crunchy and sharp food like fried chicken or nuts. If the bone graft surgery is fairly minor, you may be able to eat oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, puréed fruit, and pudding.
After Your Dental Bone Graft Surgery
For the next several nights after your dental bone graft, sleep on your back with your head elevated by several pillows. Avoid sleeping on the side where the surgery was performed.
You should also avoid any strenuous activity, work or exercise. Don’t engage in football, running, wrestling, boxing, or any other physically demanding sports.
After a few days of recovery, you should be able to return to your normal activity.
A Word About Smoking
Smoking severely diminishes the body’s natural ability to heal because it impedes blood flow. It will slow down the healing process. We recommend you quit smoking altogether, or at least stop a month before your surgery and avoid smoking until your surgery has completely healed.
Same day dental implants — how is that possible?
That’s usually the reaction we get when we mention the option for same day dental implants. It seems too good to be true, but unlike the advice your mother taught you, in this case it’s for real. Dental implant technology has come a long way. Thanks to advances in oral surgery and science technology, same day dental implants can be a reality — if you are the right candidate.
The Advantages of Same Day Dental Implants
The process is just as it sounds — you walk into our office and in a single appointment you walk out with a perfectly functioning dental implant like a brand-new tooth. This minimizes time in the dental chair. You have fewer commutes to our office — convenient if you’re driving from Cincinnati or surrounding regions. You face less time being numb and recovering from Novocaine. Your schedule is more simple and free.
Potential Risks of Same Day Dental Implants
Same day dental implants are certainly convenient, but they do have a slightly higher risk of failure compared to traditional dental implants. With any implant procedure, osseointegration can be risky. Usually taking 3 to 6 months, this is the natural process of the implants fusing with the jawbone.
The success of same day dental implants depends greatly on the implant immediately fusing to the bone. Any slight shift can lead to complications in the healing process. The titanium surface of each plant (or ceramic if you are getting zirconia dental implants) melds into the entire bone. The implant must be stable and unmoving to allow for proper healing.
For same day dental implants to be successful, osseointegration must properly take place as the bones heal. You get a brand-new implant tooth immediately but the actual permanent fusion to the jawbone will take time. You must closely follow all post-treatment guidelines for the same day dental implants given to you by your surgeon.
Proper Care for Same Day Dental Implants
After you get same day dental implants, please remember that your implants are still healing as osseointegration takes place. You’ll need to stick to soft foods during recovery. Biting onto hard foods can cause the implants to shift, which can lead to implant failure.
We also caution against smoking, which makes it harder for your mouth to heal. Smoking affects blood flow and prevents your body from completely healing.
What to Expect When Getting Same Day Dental Implants
Though dental implants can successfully be done in a single day, a few appointments before your oral surgery will be necessary.
On your first appointment, we’ll examine your mouth using a 3-D cone beam computer tomography (CT) scan. This technology uses scatter radiation to provide clearer images than X-rays. We can manipulate views and angles in order to gain superior insight into your condition and limit the risk of complications.
The technology utilizes a focused X-ray beam in the shape of a cone that moves 360 degrees around your head to make up to 600 images, also called views. This approach allows us to perform implants, even same day dental implants, on challenging patients that have deteriorated jaw lines in a way that was not previously possible.
We’ll work with your dentist and the dental lab to formulate a procedure plan to eliminate any unnecessary steps. This allows us to map out the procedure in detail so the actual surgery goes like clockwork with a minimal amount of treatment time.
We’ll place the new teeth in your mouth in a way that prevents them from moving around.
Once the implants heal fully, they will be as strong as your natural teeth. Until then, you’ll need to be careful.
If you break a bone in your face or jaw, you may suffer serious problems that can affect your eating, speaking and even the ability to smile. You may require surgery to repair your face so you can enjoy normal activities again. Sometimes full mouth reconstruction is necessary. Repairing facial trauma usually requires a maxillofacial surgeon — a doctor who specializes in oral surgery.
If you think you may have facial fractures, or suffer serious injury to your jaw, teeth, or face, you need to contact a doctor or dentist right away. He or she can recommend a facial trauma surgeon who can help get you patched up so you can heal.
What Are Common Causes of Facial Injuries?
Facial injuries happen due to a sudden impact in the facial area. Indeed, the bones of the face are some of the most commonly fractured in the entire body.
The major bones in the face are the forehead (your frontal bone), cheekbones (known as zygomas), the eye sockets, or orbital bones, the two jawbones. Your two jawbones consist of the upper jaw (maxillary) and lower jaw (mandible). Because of the way they jet out from your face, jawbones are especially susceptible to facial injury, especially in face forward falls.
Here are the most common causes of facial injury:
- Sports injuries (especially high impact sports like football, boxing, baseball, and basketball)
- Vehicle accidents
- Work injuries
- Bone loss
- Certain oral pathology (i.e. cancer and periodontal disease)
- Physical assault
Why You Shouldn’t Let Facial Injuries Heal on Their Own
The truth is you run a great deal of risk if you let facial trauma injuries heal on their own without medical attention — not to mention you’ll be in a great deal of pain. The truth is without help from a facial injury surgeon, the injury can lead to permanent damage to your face and jaw structure. It can even put your life at risk.
It’s important to understand how delicate a structure the facial skeleton is. Furthermore, it contains many of the nerves responsible for smell, sight, and touch. If not properly repaired, these injured bones could impede your nerve endings, resulting in a severe loss of sensation. Fractures to the jawbone can even cause breathing difficulties, affect your ability to chew, and limit your speaking capabilities.
Due to the proximity of the face to the central nervous system, facial injuries can even damage or affect the spinal cord, leading to paralysis in extreme cases.
What to Expect from Facial Trauma Surgery
Facial trauma surgery is done to repair an injury to the face or jaw. We may need to stop bleeding, repair damaged tissue, or fix broken bones.
Very often, your face will be sore for a week or two. Eating may be difficult for a while.
You may require stitches to your face, jaw, or mouth. We’ll remove them about a week after surgery.
The healing process may take several months. You may not look the same after a severe facial trauma injury. It may require ongoing work with a surgeon who specializes in facial trauma to return your face as close as possible to its original appearance.
When Can You Return to Work?
How long before you can return to work will depend on the nature and severity of the facial injury, as well as the type of work you do. For many facial injuries, you should expect to need to rest from work for at least a week or two.
How to Care for a Facial Injury at Home
When recovering from facial trauma, easy does it! Rest whenever you feel tired. Getting adequate sleep will greatly improve your recovery. We suggest sleeping with your head up using 2 to 3 pillows. Sleeping with your head up in a reclining chair can also be helpful.
Avoid any activities that may reinjure your face and jaw until your doctor says it’s okay. Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you to drive again, what approach you should take with speaking and eating. Every patient’s case is different and requires a doctor-customized approach to care.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for brushing your teeth and other oral care. You may require a special diet of soft foods or soup for a time. You may have to drink your meals through a straw.
We recommend drinking plenty of fluids. Keep a water bottle or glass of water on hand, using a straw if necessary. You need to avoid dehydration to encourage recovery.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you take. These may need to be adjusted while healing from facial trauma. If you take any medication that includes aspirin or a blood thinner, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe.
You’ll likely be given pain medications by your doctor to help in the facial trauma recovery process. It’s important to use only as directed. These medications can run a high risk of addiction and can lead to overdose.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed — and continue to take them until they are completely gone. Infections can sometimes linger, even if you are feeling fine, and can relapse if antibiotics are not fully used.
If you have incisions, cuts, or scrapes on your face, wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Your doctor may give you other instructions on caring for your wounds. Follow these instructions carefully.
If you need ice to relieve swelling or pain, place ice or a cold pack on your face or jaw for 10 to 20 minutes at a time — 2 to 3 times per day. Wrap the ice in a soft towel.
If your jaw is wired shut, keep wire cutters on hand in case you throw up. Your doctor can instruct you on how to use them.
Follow Up with Your Facial Trauma Surgeon
It is important that you follow up with your facial trauma surgeon throughout the recovery process. Be sure to go to all your appointments. If you are having any problems, call our office. Keep track of your test results. Make a list of all medications you are taking and keep this on hand.
When your child needs a pediatric oral surgeon, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. It’s your baby after all — do they really need oral surgery?
The important thing to keep in mind is that oral surgery for children isn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Like pediatricians and pediatric dentists, pediatric oral surgeons are specially trained to work with children. They know how to put your child at ease and explain the process. They will do everything they can to ensure the oral surgery is a relaxed and comforting experience as much as possible.
What Ages Do Pediatric Oral Surgeons Treat?
Pediatric oral surgeons treat babies, children, and teenagers — anyone under the age of 18. Dr. Puckett once treated a patient as young as 48 hours old — the baby was tongue-tied and could not latch to feed. We regularly remove wisdom teeth from teenagers. We’ve helped young children with dental trauma and tooth removal. Dr. Puckett understands these experiences can be intimidating, especially for the parents, but he tries to make them as easy on the patient as he can. He believes in gentle care and does everything he can to help ease a child’s fears.
Oral Surgery Procedures that May Require a Pediatric Oral Surgeon
What kind of oral surgeries might a child need?
Root canals are one common procedure, especially if there has been oral trauma. Keep in mind that primary teeth act like guides for permanent teeth. If something happens to the guide, this can have a negative influence on the adult teeth that follow. If the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected, it may need to be removed. Sometimes even children need root canals. Don’t worry — the process is relatively pain free, aside from the initial pinch as we apply the numbing agent.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a fairly common procedure performed by a pediatric oral surgeon in teenagers. Wisdom teeth removal is often the last experience that will take place over the course of your child’s pediatric dental history. It’s an important step on the path to adulthood. Some people wait until they are young adults to have their wisdom teeth removed. Others do so when they are teens. It depends on the development rate of the wisdom teeth. Due to the expense, the procedure is best performed while the child is still covered under the parent’s dental insurance plan.
Dental trauma is probably the most common need for a pediatric oral surgeon. Playing sports, being a rambunctious kid, or suffering a car accident could lead to tooth extraction. Depending on whether the tooth lost is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, we may need to find a solution to tooth replacement.
Oral surgery may also be necessary on infants to fix tongue-tied problems that could be disrupting the feeding process.
A pediatric oral surgeon may also be necessary to address overbites, underbites, and crossbites. A bite that does not meet together properly is known as a malocclusion. It can sometimes involve missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. These issues can be the result of an accident, or a developmental challenge — finger or thumbsucking are common causes.
We can address malocclusion through oral surgery. Surgical reshaping, also called orthognathic surgery — a specialized type of oral surgery — can be used to lengthen or shorten the jaw through a combination of stabilizing screws, plates or wires.
Relax! Your Child is in Good Hands
Pediatric oral surgery is sometimes necessary, but nothing to be afraid of. Dr. Puckett is a trained maxillofacial surgeon who will do everything he can to put your child at ease and ensure their oral surgery experience is as relaxed, comfortable and pain free as possible. He is trained in all forms of sedation dentistry to minimize pain and discomfort. If the oral surgery is extensive, your child may not even be awake or remember much from the experience.
We invite you to come to our office where Dr. Puckett will explain the surgery process. You’ll be invited to ask any questions you may have. Your child will meet Dr. Puckett and his staff. We’ll help put you both at ease with a personalized meet and greet so you and your child know what to expect.
Full mouth reconstruction is the process of rebuilding or restoring all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. The treatment essentially gives you a completely new mouth from the ground up. It usually involves multiple dental implants, but it can also include dental bridges and veneers. The process may also require a dental bone grafting if you don’t have a strong enough jawbone to allow for dental implant surgery.
How Much Does Full Mouth Reconstruction cost?
Since we’re essentially replacing all the teeth in your mouth, it’s understandably not cheap. The cost is going to be based on a number of factors — the extent of the oral surgery, how many dental implants you are getting, whether you will use bridges to fill in the gap for multiple nearby teeth.
Your average dental implant can cost several thousand dollars per tooth. Dental bridges generally cost about $1,500, while a crown can cost you $1,400. If you need dental bone grafting surgery, that can cost you another $2,500.
On average, it’s not unusual for a full mouth reconstruction to cost anywhere from $30,000 to $45,000. But it really depends on your budget — what you can afford. Talk to a full mouth reconstruction dentist. They may be able to come up with an affordable plan that meets your budget, say by using multiple bridges to replace nearby teeth, rather than replacing every single tooth with a dental implant.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Dental insurance will likely cover some cost for full mouth reconstruction. This depends on your diagnosis and the treatment plan you work out with your full mouth reconstruction dentist. It also depends on the quality of your insurance plan. Your full mouth reconstruction dentist can consult your insurance company to get an idea of what will be reasonably covered.
As a full mouth reconstruction dentist, we understand this is an expensive oral surgery procedure. We can usually work with you and would be happy to set up a payment plan to help you better manage costs.
What’s Involved in Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction generally involves a variety of oral surgery and dentistry procedures. It really depends on your unique dental needs and budgetary constraints. A full mouth reconstruction will usually involve a number of dental fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures. The more dental implants you use in your full mouth reconstruction, the more expensive the procedure will be.
Think About Your Goals for Full Mouth Reconstruction
We strongly recommend you consider your goals for full mouth reconstruction surgery: Why are you doing this?
Are you looking for teeth that are more functional — a way to fix missing teeth or teeth that have come out of alignment? Do you tire of wearing removable dentures and want something more natural, permanent, and less embarrassing? Would you like to stop changes in your jaw that may be happening as a result of missing teeth?
Or are your goals more aesthetic — purely appearance related? Are you looking for a more beautiful and attractive smile? Does your current smile make it challenging in getting a job or advancing your career?
Are you addressing issues with periodontal disease? It’s not uncommon for people suffering from advanced stages of periodontal disease to lose all their teeth and need full mouth reconstruction.
Talk about these issues with your full mouth reconstruction dentist. Knowing what your goals are — your reasons for getting full mouth reconstruction in the first place — can help guide your treatment plan as we work to develop an approach that meets both your needs and your budget.
Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Right for You?
We’ll level with you. If you can keep your teeth, this is always a better option than replacement. Preserving your natural teeth allows you to eat better, more easily enjoy food and eating, and, let’s face it, vastly cheaper.
You need to have an honest conversation with a full mouth reconstruction dentist. Perhaps you just need a few teeth replaced. Maybe dental bridges can help restore your chewing ability without completely replacing all your teeth. Give us a call for a consultation. As a trained maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Puckett would be happy to discuss your options.
You’ve probably heard that dental implants are your best option for tooth replacement — for all intents and purposes, they look and chew just as well as your natural tooth. In fact, to the naked eye, you really can’t tell the difference — aside from the fact that the dental implant is not subject to tooth decay.
The only catch with dental implants is their cost — they can cost thousands of dollars between the dental implant surgery and the placement of the tooth crown itself.
But did you know dental implants can actually be affordable — or at least relatively cheap? Dr. Puckett takes an unusual approach to dental implant surgery — he views insurance and treatment strategies differently than your average oral surgeon. He likes to think outside the box. Because of this, Dr. Puckett is able to deliver on average $300 to $800 in savings per dental implant.
So with Dr. Puckett, dental implants are truly more affordable — by $300 to $800, which can add up significantly if you are getting several dental implants or need a full mouth reconstruction. Let’s save you money and get you a beautiful set of new teeth. Here’s how we do it.
Our Approach to Sedation for Oral Surgery
One innovative way we approach dental implant surgery is in our sedation methods. You get the same quality pain treatment, but we’ll only charge for the amount of anesthesia time needed for the procedure. Most oral surgeons charge for the “insurance allowed” anesthesia time (60 minutes in four 15-minute increments), despite the fact that most sedation for oral surgery takes considerably less than 60 minutes. You only pay for the amount of anesthesia time that is actually necessary (down to the exact minute) — never more. In that way, we can deliver significantly more affordable dental implants.
Fee Schedule? Smee Schedule!
Most oral surgery and dental offices base their fees on the recommended amounts listed in the ‘Fee Schedule’ book — an industry standard measurement of the cost value of services. Dr. Puckett prefers to instead base his fees on a fair and reasonable understanding of our costs and value of the service provided. We gauge it according to the resources it costs our office — never more. You deserve great dental care and oral surgery — and it shouldn’t have to be expensive. We promise to deliver quality service without the exorbitant cost.
Your Dental Insurance Isn’t the Boss — We Are!
Dr. Puckett recognizes that dental insurance companies are businesses — they aren’t dentists or oral surgeons. Therefore, he’ll never allow the insurance company to dictate what his patients need. Frequently, insurance companies don’t cover extraction codes. They might “review anesthesia coverage.” But Dr. Puckett refuses to let the insurance companies push him or his patients around. Your care is our top priority — we do everything we can to make sure you get the best treatment for your dental implant surgery. We also hold insurance companies accountable so they pay their fair share.
So yes, dental implants can be more affordable through Dr. Puckett, about $300 to $800 per tooth on average. We can offer cheaper prices through a more thoughtful and proactive approach to dental implant surgery. That’s why many of our patients say we’re worth the drive. They come from Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and surrounding areas to see us at our office in Wilmington.
Want affordable dental surgery? Dr. Puckett provides high quality service for cheap! Give us a call today.
A gummy smile is when there is a noticeably high amount of gum tissue around your teeth. It’s the complete opposite of a toothy smile, which is usually the result of receding gums due to gum disease like periodontal disease or gingivitis. Gummy smiles aren’t when the roots or base of the tooth is exposed, just the opposite. There is too much gum tissue, and this can affect the beauty of your smile.
It’s a common condition, and there are a number of oral surgeries that can be done to correct it.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is caused by a number of factors.
You may suffer from an abnormal tooth eruption — where your teeth are a proper length but haven’t emerged fully below the gumline for some reason.
You may also have a hyperactive upper lip muscle. This is when an especially strong upper lip muscle pulls your lip up higher, exposing a high amount of gum tissue when you smile.
You may have a problem with your upper jawbone development. Sometimes a protruding upper jaw can make the jaws appear bigger whenever you smile.
Oral Surgeries to Help a Gummy Smile
We have a number of oral surgery approaches, depending on the cause and nature of your gummy smile.
We might reposition your lips. Or perhaps we’ll numb the lips and gums with a local anesthetic, and then gently separate your hyperactive lip muscle. Then we’ll reattach your upper lip closer to your teeth.
We may also lengthen your crowns with mouth surgery. We’ll numb the lips and gums with a local anesthetic, surgically reshape the bone and gum tissue around a single tooth or across the entire gum line. This brings out the tooth surface to expose more of the tooth and less of the gums.
For a short-term fix, we’ll inject Botox into the upper lip to freeze the muscles and prevent contraction of the upper lip when you smile. This is a way of trying out gum contouring to see if you like the new look. The effects are temporary, but if you like the look of your smile, we can try other more permanent approaches.
We can also inject gel substances like Juvederm into the upper lip to make it fuller. This way, your gums will be less noticeable. This approach is a little more expensive than Botox.
We can also perform a gingivectomy, where the excess gum tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped to expose more of your teeth.
