Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Hamblin Dental Compared to Clear Choice


It is my opinion that 'chain' clinics tend to have a cookie cutter approach to every patient. That has been my experience with patients that have come to see me after going to a ClearChoice center. Most people who have come to me for a second opinion were given only one option at Clear Choice. Their ONE choice was the 'All On 4' surgery and hybrid screw retained denture. If you have been to one of these centers please let us know what your experience was like.


One patient that came to us after going to ClearChoice for their free evaluation felt suspicious when they felt pushed to start treatment immediately. We feel that with big decisions like this you should feel comfortable and be given ample time to discuss things with your family.


I am not certain as to their exact fees for implant surgery, the temporary prosthesis, or the final prosthesis. I do know that patients i have treated with dental implants have told me that they 'wished they had done this years ago'. So I am saying, that from my experience, patients have felt that they value they have received from us was well worth it. I know that no matter where you go to have dental implants surgery, the feel you will be quoted will probably be twice what you expected. You need to decide if the improved quality of life is worth it, if the doctor is experienced, and if you are getting the best VALUE and the best care for YOU.


Clear choice, being a chain, may have some of these problems and complaints nationwide. It is important to know that dental implant surgery fees are not just the cost per implant. If the treatment plan is given too aggressively the cost of the surgical phase and the prosthetic phase could be more than is what is best for you and your budget. It is always in your best interest to go to a dentist you trust who is more conservative in their treatment and gives you options.


You should never feel pushed or rushed into making a decision. We had one patient who felt that they were too expensive and asked for other options. She said when ClearChoice was asked for optional treatment, she was given no choice. We believe that patients should do what they feel is best for them. Not what a certain doctor or clinic does. You have heard that 'when a carpenter has a hammer, everything looks like a nail'


Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers can be found in many cities now. You have seen their TV ads, radio, billboards and large full page newspaper ads. They are very agressive in advertising.


The 'All On 4' technique was developed by Nobel Biocare and Paulo Malo from Portugal. Nobel is a reputable dental implant company and Dr. Malo is one of the most knowledgeable dentists I have heard. I agree with his concern about helping patients by avoiding extensive bone grafting and trying to keep the costs affordable. I just feel that for the same fee as placing 4 implants, I can place 6 implants. With the 'All On 4' technique, if just one implant fails, the prosthesis or final teeth will not function properly. If I place 6-8 implants for the same fee, and if one implants fails, the final prosthesis can still function properly.


I also like using a porcelain fused to gold or porcelain fused to titanium final prosthesis, as this looks very natural, involves less maintenance, and doesn't pick up bad odors over time as an acrylic prosthesis will. Regardless of which final prosthesis you opt for (acrylic or porcelain) be sure your dentist is highly experienced and willing to stand behind his or her work.


Some patients ask me if age is a factor, or "Should I do this at my age?". I think The question you have to ask yourself is, "Can I live with these dentures or these teeth for even 5 more years?". To be a good dental implant candidate, you need to be in good general health but age is not a factor. It really is a quality of life issue for most of our patients. They just want to be able to chew and smile without showing unsightly or painful teeth. one thing I will say about being a good dental implant candidate, you have to promise to take immaculate care of your new teeth. If you can't do that, there really is no reason to go on with treatment. It would just be a waste of your time and money and a waste of my time as well. So, if you are in good general health, and you promise to take immaculate care of your new teeth, you qualify as a candidate for dental implants in our office. One more thing to know about dental implants is that smoking increases the risk of failure. Smokers are 2 1/2 times more likely to have implant failure than a non-smoker. Don't even think about having dental implants placed if you plan on staying a heavy smoker.


In order for dental implants to be able to be placed in your jawbone, there needs to be enough bone present. If you are lacking good quality and quantity of bone, there are bone grafting procedures that may be able to give you back enough bone to now place dental implants. I try yo avoid bone grafting, but when it is in the patient's best interest, know that i will discuss this with you as an option.


Dental implants cost is made of two parts. There is the cost of the surgery-placing the implant fixtures in the jaw. Then there is a cost for the crown or false tooth that is placed on the implant. Quotes from dentists are ordinarily separated into these two parts because the procedures are often done by 2 different dentists. This is not the case in our office just 20 minutes outside of Salt Lake City in Sandy. We take care of you from start to finish.


Utah has some of the most competitive fees in the country. In fact, we have had many patients fly in from California, Florida, Georgia and save tens of thousands of dollars. To give you some guidelines though, you are looking at from $1000 -$2500 for the surgical fee for a single dental implant. That is assuming that no bone grafting or special procedures are required. Placing the crown or false tooth is an additional $1000- $2500.


If you are having a complete set of teeth placed with dental implants, there is more variation possible because there are so many different ways to tackle that problem. For example, a simple snap-on denture for the lower teeth, retained by two dental implants, can cost from $2500-$7000. If you want to go first class with your new smile, you could spend $50,000- $100,000 for complete replacement of each tooth of both upper and lower teeth.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

One Of Our Many Amazing Patients Sent This To Us

I just wanted to send a big huge “Thank You” to Dr. Hamblin, Becky & Sabrina for the excellent job you did on my new Crowns & Veneers. They are absolutely gorgeous and I have the whitest, brightest smile in town! You guys are always so genuinely pleasant when I come into your office, treat me with respect, try to make me as comfortable as possible and are the consummate professionals. I consider myself very lucky to have such a wonderful group handling all my dental needs.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sedation or Sleep Dentistry In Salt Lake Utah

Go to our website to see how you can rid yourself of your dental fears. Dr. Hamblin was a founding member of the American Academy of Painless Dentistry so you know that his goal is to keep you comfortable and pain free. If you are curious how Hamblin Dental can help you go to our website @ http://www.todayteeth.com or give us a call at (801) ALL-SMILe (255-7645) We also offer interest free payment options. Don't wait to have your new smile. We want to help you.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Rates for Oral Cancer in The US

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that there would be 23,100 cases of oral cancer in 2009 with 5,370 deaths from the disease.

Source: Rethman M et al, Evidence-based clinical recommendations regarding screening for oral squamous cell carcinomas, PEAK, RCDSO, August 2010, pg 1-15.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Glenda's Fear

Glenda's Fear

For many years I had, what I labeled, an incurable, unrealistic fear of the dentist. It wasn't a fear obtained through a horrible incident. For me, it was an imagined, "what if" fear. I didn't like having "NO CONTROL" over the dentist's actions. My mind said "What if his instrument slipped and it hit my nasal passage, or worse yet, my brain? What if I had a heart attack from my fear? Would he be able to save me? What if they didn't numb me enough? What if I felt pain?" I used to joke that I'd rather give birth on the floor in the middle of a huge, unknown crowd rather than go to the dentist. Next there were the noises and smells. I didn't want to hear the "whir" of an instrument. I couldn't stand the antiseptic smell. How would I truly know if the instruments were sterilized? My mind just went into a frenzied state. I just plain did NOT like going to the dentist.

So, over the years I had issues which ultimately led to a gap in my smile. I had a temporary "flipper" but wanted a "real" tooth in its place. I covered my mouth when I smiled, didn't like the feel of this foreign object in my mouth and wanted my smile back. I began researching dental implants and really loved the idea. I got up the nerve to, at least, go in for a complimentary exam. My heart was racing. The thought of even sitting in the chair gave me great anxiety. I chose Dr. Hamblin because he did offer sedation dentistry. I called Becky, his receptionist, who is wonderfully supportive and caring! His entire staff is very caring and supportive of each patient.

I expressed my fears and unrealistic concerns to Dr. Hamblin and he assured me that he would make me as comfortable as I needed to be to have the implant. He didn't underscore my fears. He and his staff guided me through each and every step of the implant. I chose the sedation more from fear and anxiety than anything else. On the day of the start of the procedure I was still panicky and scared. His assistant gave me another "pill" shortly before the procedure and the next thing I knew my sister-in-law was calling me to check in on me after she had brought me home. Becky called to check on me the same day. I had very minimal pain and had the necessary medication in case it was too awful.

Dr. Hamblin and his staff have helped me release most of my fears of the dentist and I am proud and happy to say I can go for a cleaning without any medication and a minimal amount of fear. "Thank you" seem like such simple words but they are deep from my heart to Dr. H and his staff! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Monday, September 27, 2010

A testimonial we thought we'd share with you



I met Becky over the phone after calling numerous doctors throughout the Salt Lake Valley. It was because of her warm and caring personality that came through the phone that I first chose to make my appointment with Dr. Hamblin. Over the phone I explained my dire situation. I had many dental procedures through out my life. Just about everything on up to seeing endodontists. But I found myself in a nightmare. I had no teeth at all. In 45 minutes a local dentist removed all of my remaining upper and lower teeth. I didn’t feel like I was old enough to need dentures. I was desperate. My first meeting with Dr. Hamblin was very comfortable physically and emotionally as well. He took the time to go over every procedure he felt I would qualify for. In the end I decided to go with Implants. “Teeth in a Day” sounded so far fetched but I am proof of it! After a couple more consults, a very complete step by step procedure list, and cost evaluation, I went in for my ‘surgery’, the actual implants. To my disbelief it was the definition of quick and painless. I don’t remember any of the actual time in the chair and my recovery was one third of what my healing was after my previous extractions. I had teeth! I could smile! I could go back out in public and most of all I could once again join my only daughter in her life outside our home. The impact of having such a drastic situation of having zero teeth, I mean NO teeth, just gums, was for me, life threatening. I was on the edge of considering suicide. All I had ever wanted was something so small, just to be able to have my picture taken with my beautiful daughter. Sounds so small, but it was impossible before becoming a patient of Hamblin Dental. I was back to work in 2 days and didn’t even finish my pain management medication. I didn’t need it. THERE WAS NO PAIN!!!!!!!! Let me say that again, THERE WAS NO PAIN!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn’t have believed that if 100 Heavenly Angels came before me and said that. I knew dental procedures and this one was going to hurt. Wrong! Somehow Dr Hamblin and his incredible staff of professionals have perfected everything about implants. Everything from the impressive location of his office to the warm nature of Becky, on to the very competent and friendly assistants for the doc, but mostly to Dr. Hamblin’s up to the minute current education, skill, drive, knowledge, wonderful human nature, and desire to help others reclaim their lives. Every step of the way I felt no anxiety, and no unforeseen problems have come up. The cost was sizable-but when in return I get to talk & smile, interact with others, I get to live again. How do you put a price on that? I have my life again. For years I had been depressed over my appearance and wouldn‘t interact socially with anyone except immediate family. Now I have that interaction back in my life. So if you can qualify for the financial, have the need, and want the BEST, then Hamblin Dental is the place to go. If my before picture is included in this testimony it is scary, more to me than anyone. I know this, and this was one reason I felt I had to agree to show it and was asked for my testimony. If he can help me, he can help you. I think I have to be one of his complete restorations! It is such a drastic difference, so only click on it if you’re not weak at heart! Drastic Picture Warning!!! These words are just a summary of what I could go on and on about, really, how in the world can I put into words what it feels like to have another chance to live life??? It’s not easy. So if anyone has any questions, ask! Your answers are right here at Hamblin Dental.



Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Want veneers, Crowns, Dental Implants, or just need a general dentist? Give us a call today and see what we can do for you. Becky would be happy to answer your questions. (801) ALL-SMILe 255-7645

Follow the link to our list of cosmetic procedures offered. Doctor Hamblin would love to help you smile again! Look your best and live longer!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

New Website's New Look!

Check out our new look! Now with more testimonials, videos, and before and after dental photos!

Astra Tech Launches New Atlantis(TM) Interfaces -- for Dentsply Friadent and Straumann - MarketWatch

We thought you might enjoy the news about Astra-Tech implants. Have a look. If you're looking into dental implants and have any more questions just give us a call. We would be happy to give you any information. (801)255-7645 Our website is also available for more information. www.todayteeth.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Dental Implant Before and After Photos!

Check out our new website with gorgeous new smiles! On this page you can see patients who have had dental implants to replace their missing teeth.

Are you missing teeth and want to best for your mouth? Dental Implants are the way to go! No more dentures and sticky denture adhesive.

See the kind of results dental implants have and read testimonials from our patients. Dr. Hamblin is the best at what he does! You'll see why we have patients come from all over the country to our Salt Lake office.

Call today for your consultation! (801)255-7645

Monday, July 12, 2010

3 Days to a New Smile!

For some, it's Hollywood-style perfection. The cover of Vogue or Glamour. For others it's simply the confidence that comes from having brighter, whiter, teeth. Whatever your ideal smile, we at the Hamblin Dental Office can help you achieve it...OFTEN in as little as THREE DAYS!

Traveling from a distance? Let us make is easy for you...from arranging limousine service to excellent hotel accommodations within minutes of our practice. In the majority of cases, a smile makeover can be completed in three days!

Your cosmetic options include bonding, porcelain veneers and whitening. You may choose Concept Onlays or white fillings if you prefer esthetic alternatives to silver/mercury fillings. The ultimate esthetic crown for front teeth is the all-porcelain Empress. Undetectable, it blends in naturally with your own smile. In many cases, "Instant Orthodontics" allows us to straighten and realign crooked teeth -- often in just two visits!!

Latest advances in cosmetic dentistry mean that we can create a complete new smile in 1-3 days. Clients desperate to have a radical transformation but don’t wish to wait the usual 3 weeks, can now visit us in the morning to start the treatment and return to us 2 days later to have their new smile fitted.

After assessing the client and considering the expectation, Dr Scott Hamblin shows the client their new smile by using Photo Imaging. This state of the art digital photographic equipment is used to take and sca n the client’s picture demonstrating how a number of different cosmetic procedures could improve your appearance. These include gum sculpting, teeth straightening, gap closing, teeth whitening and fillings being replaced with new (white) ones, if necessary.

The majority of cosmetic improvement is achieved by introducing Porcelain Veneers which allow problems such as gaps and crooked teeth to be corrected aesthetically. Working closely with the laboratory, Hamblin Dental can create porcelain veneers of the highest aesthetic standard, which can be fitted by the end of the next day instead of the usual 3 weeks. Obviously costs for this 3 day treatment are slightly higher, but for the busy professional this is the ideal solution.

3 day treatments can only be carried out after a full consultation and assessment, and is subject to the client having good oral health.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Porcelain Veneers

What is the dental science behind porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are the most recent application of the art and science of cosmetic dental bonding. For decades dentists have had available to them materials which can create a durable bond to tooth enamel. Porcelain veneer technique utilizes the bonding capabilities of these materials to securely attach a thin sheet of porcelain (the porcelain veneer) to a tooth. Although porcelain is inherently brittle, when it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.

What are the advantages of Porcelain Veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding? Two of the greatest advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding are:
A) Porcelain Veneers create a very life-like tooth appearance.
You might be surprised to learn that while yes, a major component of teeth is enamel, they are not solid enamel. The enamel component of a tooth is actually only an outer shell.
B) Porcelain Veneers resist staining.

Cosmetic dental bonding materials utilized in the past had the shortcoming of being susceptible to staining and discoloring. This was especially a problem for those people whose teeth had excessive exposure to tea, coffee, red wine, or cigarette smoking.
A significant advantage of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding is related to the fact that a porcelain veneer's surface is just that, porcelain. Since porcelain is a ceramic, and therefore glass-like, its surface is extremely smooth and impervious. This means that the surface of a porcelain veneer will not pick up permanent stains.

What are the advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers (porcelain laminates) can often be an effective method by which to make cosmetic changes in teeth that are chipped, worn, stained, crooked, or discolored. Please note that case selection is an extremely important factor in the success of this technique. Porcelain veneers cannot be utilized in every situation.

Only an examination by your dentist can determine if porcelain veneers are an appropriate method by which to make the changes you desire. Even if you find that porcelain veneers are not appropriate for your circumstances, your dentist will most likely be able to suggest other treatment options that are suitable.

One property of this enamel covering is that it's translucent. This means that when light strikes a tooth's surface it is not immediately reflected off, but instead penetrates into the thickness of the enamel. This light will subsequently be reflected off the non-translucent tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel. This property of translucency is an important part of what gives teeth their characteristic appearance.

Historically the cosmetic dental bonding materials dentists have had available to them were only semi-translucent. This means that most of the light striking the tooth did not penetrate into the bonding layer but instead was reflected off the bonding's outer surface. The net result was that while the bonding did give the tooth an improved appearance, there was no sense of depth projected. No sense of a tooth's characteristic translucency.

Porcelain veneers, because they are glass-like, have a great advantage over other types of cosmetic dental bonding by the fact that they are translucent. When they are bonded onto a tooth's surface they mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel.

Light striking a porcelain veneer will penetrate its thickness, and then subsequently be reflected back out once it has reached the opaque cement and tooth structure lying underneath the veneer. This translucency effect provides a sense of depth, and thus a very life-like appearance.

What happens during the procedure?
Patients need three appointments for the entire procedure: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding.

Diagnosis and treatment planning: It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure. Have more than one consultation, if necessary, to feel comfortable that your dentist understands your objectives.

Preparation of teeth: This appointment will take from one to two hours. To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. At this appointment, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This can take about one to two weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

Bonding of veneers: This appointment will take about one or two hours. First, the dentist places the veneers with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

How about maintenance?
For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your "new" teeth that have been changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, you'll return for a follow-up appointment.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Facebook page!

Just a little reminder of our facebook page! You all should go check it out. We are constantly changing and adding more to it. Let us know your dental questions and we can give you answers! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandy-UT/Hamblin-Dental-Implant-and-Aesthetic/133128899923
We are also on Twitter! Follow us for updates and specials! http://Twitter.com/TodayTeeth

Monday, June 28, 2010

Hamblin Dental is changing

Just as a fun update, we'd like to announce that we're changing the website! Keep Looking back for our new look. We can also be found on Facebook and Twitter now. So exciting! More news to come.