California Denture Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

How many appointments are needed for the complete case?
Does it hurt?
Can I be asleep for the procedure?
How long does the whole process take?
What will my new teeth be like?
Is financing available?
OK, then what is the cost?
What if I only need one bridge?
What about just a single tooth, or a few teeth in a row?
I am a smoker, what issues will I have?
I am diabetic. Will that affect my ability to get implants?
How about Coumadin and Plavix and other blood thinning medication?
Do you also do "conventional" implants?
Where is Chico?

Q: How many appointments are needed for the complete case?
A: The typical fixed hybrid bridge is normally done in four appointments as follows:

1. Initial consultation, I-CAT x-ray, medical questions, financial questions, and scheduling. The exam is free, however there is a charge for the I-CAT screening which is done at an office right next door to our office. Call for details.

2. Implant placement day. You will be here as the only patient. When you leave you will have all implants in place. In many cases we can use your existing denture as a temporary bridge.

3. Try in appointment. A Certified Lab Technician with over 30 years of experience will work with Dr. Clifford to be sure that your new bridge will be beautiful, functional, and entirely to your satisfaction. You will be able to see and request any changes before we go to completion.

4. Delivery. Your completed new hybrid bridge will be cemented and you can go enjoy a steak, salad, or any foods you wish without that miserable denture floating around and blocking your taste buds!

In some cases we can reduce this to three or even two visits with a good phone consultation where we discuss the possibilities.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: It depends. We do have to use local anesthetic, just like when you have a tooth pulled or a filling done. If you have good bone and everything goes smoothly, it usually only hurts for 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, and depending on individual pain tolerance, it can be sore for several days.

Q: Can I be asleep for the procedure?
A: Most of the time that is not needed. We can easily use "twilight sleep", which is just a pill to make you very sleepy and relaxed, but not completely out. Nitrous Oxide sedation is also available. In a few special cases, for an additional fee, the oral surgeon next door has offered to provide full anesthesia service. We will discuss all the options at your consultation visit.

Q: How long does the whole process take?
A: It takes four or five visits in most cases. At your consultation visit we will discuss your particular situation. It is better for all of us if we don’t have to rush the process. Just like constructing a quality denture, we do a try in before going to finish. Sometimes more than one try in is needed
if you are very particular about a certain look, and we are happy to accommodate if you allow us the time. If you are flying in or driving a long distance, we can complete a case in one week. Because we need to build our schedule around that short time frame, we do charge an additional fee to help convince our lab technician that he should give up an evening or two to help us.

Q: What will my new teeth be like? palate1
A: That's up to you! At your record taking visit we will discuss tooth shape, size, shade, and any customizing desired. This is not "cookie cutter" dentistry. We can go natural, copy your old teeth, make them bleach white, make them darker, make them slightly crooked if desired to simulate your own real teeth. Since we use high-end denture teeth to construct the hybrid bridge, the possibilities are limitless!

Q: Is financing available?
A: We offer 12 month no interest financing or up to 48 months with current interest rates through Chase Health Advantage. Just click on the blue Chase logo below for details. You can fill out an on-line application with Chase and receive an immediate answer on an available credit line. We also accept all major credit cards. Our cash discount can save you money. Call out treatment coordinator Scott at (530) 873-3798 for all the financial details.

Q: OK, then what is the cost?
A: Our current fee is $5900 for either the upper or lower, or $11,800 for both done at the same time. The current fee for the I-CAT x-ray scan is $300. This fee is paid directly to the I-Cat scan center. The consultation is free, but the I-CAT is required. If you still have remaining natural teeth
which need to be extracted, we will need to build you a transitional bridge to be worn for up to 6 months. The added cost for this bridge and the cost for extractions and possible bone augmentation will be discussed at your consult appointment.

Q: What if I only need one bridge?
A: If your remaining teeth are in good condition and we can do just one arch for our usual fee of $5900

Q: What about just a single tooth, or a few teeth in a row?
A: It is possible and necessary in some cases. Call or e-mail with questions.

Q:Is the procedure guaranteed?
A: As with any medical procedure, some factors are out of our control. Although rare, your body may reject the implants. In some cases, the bone does not have sufficient density to hold the implants. Usually this is predictable, but sometimes we will try to make it work because our patients are so miserable with their dentures they will try to make it work. We succeed in many of these difficult cases. If we don’t, or if you actually just prefer dentures after we are done, I will remove the
implants for you and build a quality conventional denture at no additional charge.

Q: I am a smoker, will that interfere with my implants?
A: Possibly. In fact, the failure rate is more than doubled for smokers versus non-smokers. Smoking not only has the implants and tissue in direct contact with a foreign substance, but smoking also interferes with your body's immune system. The possibility of implant rejection is so high that I require a special release of liability for smokers, and the above guarantee does not apply. In short, if you want implants, try to stop smoking at least six months prior to surgery.

Q: I am diabetic. Will that affect my ability to get implants?
A: Usually not for mini implants. Controlled diabetics are good candidates for this procedure.

Q: How about Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, and other blood thinning medications?
A: In consultation with your physician, this is usually no problem. The mini implant procedure is so non-invasive that very little bleeding is seen. There may be more problems with post-op swelling, but it definitely is not a contra-indication for this procedure.

Q: Do you also do "conventional" implants?
A: If I feel a conventional implant would be a better solution for you, I will refer you to another dentist for this procedure. My office is geared for mini dental implants only. This allows us to keep the price down and concentrate on perfecting the procedure.

Q: Where is Chico?
A: Just click on the links page for maps, directions, hotel accommodations, dining choices if you're from out of town, etc. Chico is a college town, famous for Chico State University, and has a wonderful small-town feel. The Diamond Hotel, a beautifully restored historic hotel in the center of town, is just a couple of miles from our office. Of course, we also have Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, and many other choices at any end of the price spectrum.