Referral To Our Office Not Required

Posted on Oct 29, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a dental specialist, most new patients are referred to our office by others in the medical and dental community. For these, I see myself as a member of the ‘care team’ and interact with general dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, plastic surgeons and others to create ultimate outcomes of our mutual patients.

However, for those who are interested in our services, patients can, and do, come to us on their own. For example, some patients haven’t been to the dentist in years and come because they suspect gum disease is present. Some come because they are unhappy with having a “gummy smile.” Some are the result of their long-time dentist retiring and they haven’t yet found the ‘right fit’ for their regular dental care.

Western North Carolina is fortunate to have so many outstanding health care professionals for the warm, friendly smiles that reside here. We are happy to support our fellow practitioners as well as offer a ‘front door’ for those who have pertinent needs. Feel free to call and inquire about your periodontal health and appearance! We’re as close as 828-274-9440!

Imagine That Ideal Smile!

Posted on Oct 21, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When children pretend, they enjoy time with friends and learn by role playing. For a few minutes, ‘pretend’ you have the smile of your dreams. Perhaps you have all of your natural teeth again instead of a partial or crown-&-bridge. Maybe you no longer have a ‘gummy smile’ or worry about persistent bad breath.

Now, imagine smiling with that fabulous, confident smile. How do you feel — more confident? Do you smile more often? Is your smile bigger or do you laugh easily with more pleasure? Are you more outgoing since eating and speaking with others is more comfortable?

You CAN have that smile! I see patients all the time who overcome dental fears, financial constraints and other concerns who are now smiling how once was felt to be a distant dream. Often, just a consultation allows us to address obstacles that are often perceived, but may actually be dealt with easier than you thought.

A healthy, confident smile is a significant part of your overall health as well as your appearance, self-confidence, and even self-esteem. Let’s discuss the smile you’ve always wanted and address those concerns. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Bridge Vs. Dental Implants?

Posted on Oct 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are missing one or more teeth in one area, an option growing in popularity is an implant-supported bridge. Anchored by the jaw bone, Dental Implants can replace missing teeth without requiring adjacent, natural teeth for support (as in Crown-&-Bridge combinations).

Although a fixed bridge or partial denture replace the presence of teeth, an implant-supported bridge helps to preserve the bone that previously surrounded tooth roots. The implanted portion acts as a tooth root replacement and halts “resorption” (or shrinking in mass) of the jaw bone. Since implants recreate the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots, they help to preserve your jaw bone.

Dental Implants also restore the look feel, and comfort of natural teeth. Gums and bone can recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a visible defect. Additionally, removable partial dentures can move around while chewing, which interferes with your ability to eat all the foods you love.

Whether you opt for an implant supported bridge, a fixed bridge, or partial denture, we feel you deserve to know all the advantages and challenges of each. The only obstacle with Dental Implants, for some people, is the cost. However, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime with proper care. They are an excellent investment.

Ask us about Dental Implants before making your final decision regarding tooth replacement. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions during a Consultation appointment. Call (828) 274-9440.

What ‘Ups’ Your Risk For Gum Disease?

Posted on Sep 30, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may not realize it, but over 47% of adults in the U.S. who are 30 years and older have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. To understand gum disease, it is important to know how it begins.

Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria buildup that attaches to teeth. Tartar, the hardened form of plaque, develops when plaque is not removed on a daily basis. Tartar, also known as calculus, can only be removed by special tools in your dentist’s office.

Even though good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups help most people avoid gum disease, certain factors can cause some to be more susceptible, including:

Aging: Studies have indicated that the incidence of periodontal disease increases as we get older. Over 70% of adults who are aged 65 and older have some form of gum disease.

Dry Mouth: Smoking, certain medications, drinking alcohol and aging all contribute to a dry mouth. The saliva in your mouth plays an important part in removing food particles and bacteria. When insufficient saliva cannot cleanse the mouth adequately, bacteria buildup results.

Being Male: Periodontal disease occurs more in men than women (56% vs. 38%).

Smoking: Smoking dries out the tissues in the mouth, increasing one’s susceptibility to calculus. Research shows that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers and typically require longer healing times after treatment with results that are less predictable.

Genetics: Because of genetics, you can be predisposed to develop gum disease. Research indicates that 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Stress: It has been proven that people who endure long-term stress have a greater risk for developing diseases such as cancer, hypertension and even gum disease. Stress takes a toll on the body’s entire operation, weakening its ability to fight infection.

Medications: The side effects of some drugs can dry out oral tissues and even weaken the density of bones, opening the door for gum disease. Like your physician, your dentist should have an up-to-date list of all medications you take, including herbal supplements.

Grinding Teeth: When you grind and clench your teeth during sleep, the teeth wear down and connective oral tissues are weakened. When the tissues surrounding your teeth are vulnerable, your entire jaw bone area is exposed to certain infections, which can lead to gum disease.

Other Health Issues: People who have diseases such as cancer or heart problems already have weaker immune systems. When the bacteria of gum disease enter the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues, harmful clotting factors and proteins can occur elsewhere in the body. Research has linked gum disease bacteria with heart disease, diabetes, stroke, preterm babies, and memory loss.

Don’t assume, “If it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong.” Like other diseases that form in the body, gum disease begins silently.  When symptoms become obvious, they include bad breath, bleeding gums, soreness in the mouth, and gum recession. Often, these symptoms are assumed to be temporary, enabling the disease to progress further.

A committed oral care regimen as well as involvement with your dentist help, but are not guarantees you’ll avoid them. The more you know about periodontal disease and what makes you individually more susceptible, the more proactive you can be.

To learn more, visit the American Academy of Periodontology’s web site: www.perio.org. Or, call our office at (828) 297-2774 to arrange a periodontal exam.