The Problem

With the economy tight on everyone, adults are increasingly facing tough medical decisions. Teeth are easy to take for granted…until you have a problem. Most people don’t really consider the long term effects of missing teeth. It’s too easy to say, “Just pull it, Doc.” and hope the pain is gone for good. But, the future may not be as pain-free as you would think. Missing teeth may be cute on kids, but they’ll get a second set. With adults, there are no second chances. While it may be tempting to look at a $2500 dental reconstruction bill and choose the tooth removed option for $200, there is a bigger picture to see, complete with risks and long-term consequences.

First, it’s important to understand that the mouth is one functioning puzzle. With a piece missing, teeth drift into the open spot making it easier to lose more. With nothing to hold teeth in place, gravity will naturally take its toll, pulling the supporting bone down and causing stress on the jaw joints. Since teeth stimulate the jaw bone, without them, the bone begins to deteriorate and the gums recede, making it harder to use teeth implants later. With the jaw shrinking, an adult’s face will begin to age prematurely when its structure begins to collapse, becoming hollow and sagging.

Causes and Risks

The American Dental Association recommends bi-annual cleanings and check-ups for a reason. A routine exam (normally around $100-$150) can reveal the beginnings of decay that, when properly treated, will avoid thousands of dollars in medical bills and months of intense pain. Tooth decay, infections and periodontal disease are the main causes of losing teeth. Also, without teeth to grind food, many adults over the age of 40 experience gastrointestinal problems. Because the intestines are made to absorb nutrients from well-grinded food, when large chunks are introduced, it can cause indigestion or longer term medical issues.

Treatment Options

There are three possible treatments for missing teeth. The first is a partial denture that can be taken out of the mouth at night. It’s bulky and awkward, but the upside is the cost. Patients can have 1-15 teeth replaced and it’s the same price since there’s just one denture. The second option is a bridge (or a fixed partial denture). This option replaces the missing tooth and crowns the teeth around the missing area into one solid piece. It essentially ties the teeth together and permanently cements it into the mouth so there’s no nighttime removal and doesn’t feel out of place. The bad side of a bridge is that it is harder to clean and if part of it fails, the whole bridge collapses. The final option for missing teeth are dental implants. Implants are made of three pieces: a titanium screw into the jawbone (that works the same as a tooth root), the implant to replace the tooth and a crown to protect the whole thing.

How JFD Can Help

Partners in both life and business, Drs. Spencer and Leigh Griffeth are dedicated dentists with a desire to help their patients. Jasper Family Dentistry is a 30 year old practice with the latest technology and equipment and are one of the few practices in the area to offer dental implants. “We started offering implants because we got tired of seeing bridges fail,” says Dr. Spencer. “We price them lower than a bridge on purpose because we believe it’s the best option for our patients.” Like playing dominoes, prevention is the key with dental health. If one part of a patient’s mouth fails and isn’t fixed, the rest will fall. Dr. Spencer and Dr. Leigh know that the key to healthy mouths is education. Dr. Spencer says the best tools for your mouth are a toothbrush and floss and routine dental cleanings. He notes, “The overall health of the body begins in the mouth. For my wife and I, our ultimate goal is to treat disease and disease processes. We take that very seriously and want our patients to have long-term health.”

Especially in today’s economy, Spencer and Leigh know that money plays a role in all the decisions that have to be made, so they offer several treatment options and payment options to help facilitate treatment for their patients. They even offer free consultations for dental implants. They are willing to work with patients on a case-to-case basis and accept most insurance programs. There is even a no-interest payment plan for those who qualify. “We offer it so that the patients can come in and get the treatment they need today. They don’t have to wait or feel like they can’t afford it.” They also recognize that there is more than one means to an end. If a patient is missing a tooth, Spencer and Leigh can help a patient decide what works for them. As Dr. Spencer says, “We explain the pros and cons and ultimately, it’s the patient’s decision for what they want and can afford.” Above all, Jasper Family Dentistry cares about their patients and offers comprehensive dental care so patients can rest easy about their dental health.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Spencer Griffeth or his wife Dr. Leigh Griffeth, please call 706-692-2646. Their office is located at 391 N Main St. Jasper, Ga 30143.