dentist - Dream Dental Implant Center

Apr 18

The Link Between Oral and Heart Health

A lot has been said about the link between heart health and your teeth. Science on both sides of the isle (those who claim that teeth impact heart health and those that deny it) seems to support the position of those promulgating it. That should not surprise most readers. If a person has their mind set on a position, they can find a way to support it regardless of the popularity of it. This is true of all areas of science, but I won’t get into those arguments. Our primary concern is to establish whether or not there is a direct or indirect connection between oral health and heart health.

Scientists with the American Heart Association back in 2012 reviewed available scientific evidence and concluded that poor oral health hasn’t been proven to cause heart disease. These experts painstakingly reviewed published research from all over the globe prior to making their determination. Taking the source of the proclamation we can most likely say that heart health is not directly related to oral health and this would be the shortest article ever written on the subject.

Further research into the matter shows that researchers have produced studies wherein gum disease has been proven or rather associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. They’ve shown that poor dental health increases the risk of bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the valves in the heart. This is particularly relevant to those with artificial heart valves.

Further studies have shown that patterns of tooth loss are connected to coronary artery disease. In March of 2012 researchers published findings that a type of bacteria from the mouth can cause blood clots and lead to serious heart problems if it enters the bloodstream. The bacteria mimic a human protein called fibrinogen which is a blood-clotting factor. The platelets in the blood surround the bacteria thus protecting it from elimination from the human immune system thus delivering it to the heart, or brain.

The bacteria associated with periodontal disease if permitted to enter the bloodstream can cause a hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis which can lead to blood flow problems and heart blockages. I can site several more studies wherein a correlation has been established between heart health and oral health, but I believe that I’ve established enough of a basis to support my opening hypothesis, you can find support for any stance you take scientifically.

What should be your takeaway from this treatise on oral health? Basically this, people who have bad teeth or who have had serious dental issues wherein their teeth are in a constant state of decay have to pay close attention to their heart and should see their doctor regularly to have their hearts checked to ensure that they are healthy, and should especially see their medical providers at the first sign of problems. Don’t take risks with your heart, it is easier to replace teeth than it is your heart.

Dental implants should be seriously considered when facing persistent dental issues that are causing tooth decay and failure. Dream Dental Implant Center focuses 100% of their efforts to providing dental implants and not only giving people a reason to smile again, but a shot at a better, more healthy life.

Schedule a time to meet with Dream Dental by requesting a consultation here. The staff will help you understand your options to a better life.

Mar 20

Dental Tourism in Mexico

By dreamdental | Dentist | No Comments

Dental Tourism is a relatively new phrase coined to identify the rise in individuals leaving their own community to travel elsewhere to receive dental services. This industry has grown a lot in Mexico as US citizens have flocked to Mexico seeking dental help. The US vs. Mexico sounds like a rematch of a soccer (fútbol) game from a couple of years ago. But today we are talking about something more than a competition of athleticism on an open field between two team vying to be victorious and prove who’s the best. No, we are talking about dentistry, that age old profession that has evolved from the rudimentary procedures of 7000 BC to the more complex procedures of providing implants of today; and with this discussion of dentistry we are going to evaluate the dental services of the United States of America to its neighbor to the south, Mexico. Is there really a difference or is the service you get there the same as here, just cheaper?

Well, first things first; Why would anybody choose to go to Mexico to receive dental services? The answer is quite simple, cost. The cost of dentistry in Mexico is dramatically different compared to costs in the United States. We are talking 66% in most cases if not more. A procedure that you might pay $1400 for here will cost you about $265 there. I bet you are now thinking to yourself that that should be a no-brainer, why wouldn’t everyone go to Mexico for dental work? While cost is a deciding factor for many people, there are other things to take into consideration as well.

The US State Department recently upgraded its travel advisory status for Mexico identifying five Mexican states as “Do not travel to”, due to crime. The rest of the states in Mexico are either lower levels of “do not travel”, “exercise extreme caution” or “reconsider travel”. Border states are on the “do not travel” list therefore you would have to go deeper into Mexico to find a state that is at least “reconsider travel” or “exercise extreme caution”, this means you either drive through the heart of crime country or you fly over it. Guess what if you choose the later, you just wiped out your savings in going to Mexico. So while deciding cost you need to look at the all the costs, not just the cost of dental services, but travel and accommodations if that should be needed.

The next thing that you must consider is the training of the dentist providing the dental services. You know that they went through their 4 years of school and then the one year of civil service and then started practicing dentistry. In most cases they are very proficient at the basic services like cleanings, and other general dental care. When you start getting more advanced, although they provide one stop shops, you can’t always expect them to be proficient. For example, let’s look at implants, since Dream Dental specializes in implants. A dentist in Mexico might see one or two implant cases during their training, and then never see one again until you show up saying that you need an implant. Are you willing to trust someone without experience to do something as important as provide you with an implant? Then since their services are provided at a cost-effective price point, they are known to rush procedures causing complications and failure. If you return home and experience the failure, what will you do then? You would have to deal with the issue until you are able to make it back down to hopefully get it fixed, or to have them tell you that they can’t help you. That is unacceptable in my book.

In closing, although a very viable part of the tourism industry, dental tourism isn’t always what it appears to be on the surface. There are some things more important than cost, like personal safety and quality. I could go on for a while longer on some other reasons why you should not choose Mexico as your destination choice for dental services, but I think that I’ve proven my point with just these two. Always keep in mind that when deciding on where to get your dental implants, consider the experience of the team providing them for you and the care that you will receive. When you do that we hope to see you here at the Dream Dental Implant Center.

Feb 16

ALL-ON-FOUR Dental Implants NEW SMILE makeover IN ONE DAY!

By Trent Packer | All on 4 dental implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Dentist, Dentures | 2 Comments

A New Approach to Dentures

Whether you’ve got dentures currently or you’re thinking that dentures may be an option for you, the All-on-Four Procedure may just be the answer you’ve been looking for. With the many advancements that have been made in Dentistry, old-fashioned dentures and the issues that come with them, such as slippage, gaging and loss of taste are a thing of the past. In fact, denture-wearing patients or those considering denture options, are relieved to discover that they can replace their missing or broken teeth with dental implants, and even rebuild their full arch foundation in one groundbreaking procedure.

The reality is, that there is no comparison between traditional dentures and the All-on-Four Full Arch Procedure because unlike traditional denture devices, the All-on-Four Arch is built on a foundation of dental implants which fuse to your natural bone, allowing the dental implants to literally become part of your body. Building the All-on-Four Arch Bridge on this foundation of implants allows for a stable, durable non-removable, comfortable, and beautiful option that allows patients to regain their confidence, functionality and quality of life in one groundbreaking procedure.

Patients who have experienced life with the All-on-Four procedure, rave about the life changing difference this procedure has been for them. Giving them back their confidence, bite force, and ability to eat the foods they love again all while looking and feeling amazing in their new natural smile! Read more on this ground breaking procedure here.

All-on-Four dental implants Process

The first step in your road to an All-on-Four procedure should always be to get a 3D CT scan and comprehensive consultation with treatment plan by an implant and All-on-Four specialist.
The next step is your Pre-Surgery. In your pre-surgery appointment, impressions of your current teeth, and photos of your smile and side profile are taken to create an individualized smile
The third step in the process is your Surgical procedure and placement of your temporary prosthetic. This appointment is the one you’ve been waiting for. When you leave our office, you will leave with a brand-new smile. During surgery you will be sedated and comfortable throughout the entire procedure where we will extract all your remaining teeth, place implants and insert your custom device. When you wake, you will be greeted by the brand new you!
After your surgery your implants need to endure a healing phase of six months, to ensure that the implants have ample time to fuse to your bone and be successful you will need to adhere to a soft diet during this time. During this phase you will come into our office for two short appointments so that we can look at how you are healing, check your bite in your temporary device and monitor the progress of your implants.
At the six-month mark of your healing phase we will bring you in for the Smile Design process. During this phase of your All-on-Four journey, final impressions will be taken, and you will sit down with our team for the smile design of your new smile. You will have the opportunity to choose the size, shape, color and essentially design your new smile with the guidance of our expert smile design team.
Once your smile has been designed, we will bring you back in for a Try-In in wax of that smile and you will be able to bring your loved ones with you to see your new smile in your mouth and to make any changes. Once your new smile is signed off as perfect for you, we begin building your final, fixed device.
The Delivery of your Dream Smile will come a few weeks later. You will come into our office and we will change out your temporary device for your custom designed final All-on-Four device. We will make any adjustments to your bite and fit and ensure that you’ve got perfect functionality, fit and comfort before you leave. Speech may be a little different for a short time after delivery while your mouth gets used to this new device, but this generally lasts a short time. While we advise to take it slow eating and chewing new foods with your final device, once you’re comfortable you are free to eat and chew any foods you like!
Checkups and cleanings are still a necessary part of your new All-on-Four device. You’ve made quite a big investment and it’s important to protect it. Periodically we will recommend for you to come in for checkups and cleanings so that we can monitor your case and ensure that there are no issues. Coming in for these checkups on a regular basis will ensure that we can be preemptive about protecting your investment, and ensure that you continue to have the best fit, comfort and functionality as possible. Read a more in depth description of the process here.

What Makes the All-on-Four the Best Option for You?

Simply put, the life changing effect. The impact that the All-on-Four procedure has on each patient makes it the best and most exciting option for patients in need of a full arch or full mouth solution. What’s more, for patients who are ready to make a real change in the way their mouth functions, feels and looks, the All-on-Four procedure will shorten the timeline to reaching their goals than procedures of the past. The Titanium and Zirconia materials Dream Dental utilizes in their All-on-Four implants and prosthetics are the strongest materials in dentistry which are often stronger than the patient’s natural teeth being replaced, making the All-on-Four procedure the most permanent solution on the market for those patients looking for a total rehabilitation. Another great incentive of the All-on-Four procedure is that due to the technique and the way implants can be placed, it makes this procedure one that allows for better use of available bone while possibly also reducing the need for bone grafts, sinus lifts, and other preliminary procedures. Further, for patients who may have been told other options wouldn’t work for them due to; sinus, nerve, bone deterioration or other factors, this procedure becomes a viable option for them to still get the smile and functionality they want when other options don’t exist. Read more here.

Why Choose Dream Dental

Dream Dental is the premier implant center facility in Utah. As you find yourself searching for the right dental provider it can be challenging to know where to go. At Dream Dental we pride ourselves on our uniqueness, commitment to patient care, expert providers, and state of the art technology. We stand out in setting our practice apart from other Dental practices who provide implants in many ways:

We are the most experienced implant center in Utah. Dream Dental places thousands of implants each year, which expert providers in their fields with Dr. Bryan Hendriks, Dr. Preston Hansen and the Dream Team.
We provide IV Sedation with every patient surgery, for FREE
Our procedures are virtually painless, with pain management systems pioneered by Dr. Hendriks DDS, MBA
Dream Dental has its own accredited teaching institute where Doctors from around the country travel to learn the techniques and procedures taught by Dr. Bryan Hendriks
We are conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah close to the airport for those coming in from out of state
We have a new 16,000 sq ft facility with state of the art technology including Cone Beam imaging, In house prosthetics laboratory, laser dentistry, digital imaging and much more!

Or contact us directly to schedule a free consultation via the information below.

Email: [email protected]

Call Us: 801.990.1706

Visit Us: 268 W. 400 S. SLC, UT 84101

Schedule Free Consultation click here