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.

Sources of Bad Breath

Posted on Oct 15, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We’ve all run into people who have “morning breath,” (the result of not brushing after the mouth has been closed all night while bacteria accumulates, developing a sticky film known as plaque). “Coffee breath” is another odor that can be offensive, which is the result of coffee’s drying tendency to oral tissues. Without sufficient saliva flow to give the mouth a natural cleansing, bacteria build and mix with the coffee scent to create a strong, unpleasant scent.

Dry mouth may also be a result of smoking or drinking alcohol. Other culprits are some medications, a problem with the salivary glands, or continual breathing through the mouth. Some diseases and illnesses can contribute to bad breath as well, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, diabetes, acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

Morning breath, coffee breath and odors from eating foods like onions and garlic are temporary. Once you brush and rinse thoroughly, you can expect your breath to become more pleasant. Persistent bad breath, however, may be the a side effect of medication, an illness, or periodontal (gum) disease.

As a periodontal specialist, I’m very much aware of the distinct odor produced by gum disease. Although it varies slightly from person to person, it has a different scent than that of typical bad breath. The best way to determine gum disease as the true source is through a periodontal exam.

In addition to persistent bad breath, periodontal disease symptoms include gum tenderness, gums that bleed when brushing, and gums that are red in color rather than a healthy pink.

It’s not unusual for adults to avoid much-needed dental care because of dental fears. Many adults carry with them traumatic dental experiences from the past all of their lives. Although new techniques and technology now create more comfortable procedures, a relationship of trust between the patient and his or her dentist is needed.

Oral sedation is one option that can help fearful patients have the dental treatment they need. This places the patient in a totally relaxed state and erases most memory of the procedure afterward.

Regardless of the source of unpleasant breath odor, it is imperative to one’s overall health to have and maintain good oral health. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, impotency and others.

If you’re past due for dental care, call us at (828) 274-7440. You can begin with a Consultation to discuss your symptoms and have all your questions answered.

Oral Sedation May Help You Kick Dental Fears For Good!

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that nearly 70% of American adults have some level of dental fear, and about a third of those have such deep levels of fear that they’re classified as ‘dental phobics.’ These are people who find it difficult to even call a dental office.

The majority of fears begin with a traumatic dental experience in the past. Those with severe levels often avoid dental care until they have an emergency need. Typically, the discomfort becomes so intense that it forces them into treatment. What I often see, at this point, is a mouth full of problems that could have easily been avoided had they been able to receive regular check-ups and cleanings.

Regardless of an individual’s level of fear, we know people must feel a sense of trust that we won’t hurt them. We begin with a conversation in a Consultation Room that’s removed from the clinical side of the office. We sit in comfy arm chairs and discuss your oral problems, what you’d like to accomplish and what may have triggered your dental fear.

During this conversation, I explain the various options we use for comfort. Since many people are uneasy about dental visits before they walk into a dental office, I may recommend oral sedation. In pill form, oral sedation is highly-effective and safe. The patient takes the pill before leaving home (with a companion who drive them to our office). By the time of arrival, they are very relaxed but able to walk in on their own.

Before treatment begins, the medication has taken full effect and you are totally relaxed. Sedated patients are fully monitored by a trained staff member along with monitoring equipment to ensure safety and comfort. Too, I administer numbing medication to the areas being treated so there are no worries about discomfort.

Another plus with oral sedation is its ability to erase most or all memory of treatment afterwards. Some patients recall hearing my voice but most have no memory of their time in the chair at all. Oral sedation has a quick recovery as well. After a brief nap at home, most patients feel refreshed and back to normal.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I appreciate oral sedation’s ability to enable fearful people to have much-needed dental care. A healthy mouth plays a significant role in your overall health, as research has shown. Oral bacteria can become bloodborne in the body and has been linked to heart disease, memory loss, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Often, after one or two visits with oral sedation, patients feel they no longer need sedating and overcome their fear altogether. Seeing a formerly fearful patient able to have regular dental care and enjoy a healthy, confident smile gives our entire office tremendous joy.

Don’t let fear prevent you from a healthy smile. Begin with a friendly phone call as a first step: (828) 274-9440.

A Worry-Free Smile Is Closer Than You Think!

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I never cease to be amazed at the transformation of people who regain a healthy, confident smile. It’s easy to be excited with them! The benefits they’ll come to realize are much more than an improved smile’s appearance.

A healthy mouth, free from persistent bad breath, plaque, tartar and periodontal problems and disease, is the foundation to a more confident smile. It also helps to lessen the constant dental repairs that many people endure as a result of an unhealthy oral environment.

If you’re frustrated by continual oral problems, overcoming these perceived obstacles may be easier than you realize.
•Cost: Granted, many dental treatments that require extended chair time and advanced skills can be quite the financial commitment. While I’ve never had a patient say their restored smile wasn’t worth every cent, those who forgo treatment due to cost are often missing the big picture. Spending large amounts on trips, cars, boats, etc. may give a temporary feeling of excitement, yet, the daily and longterm physical and psychological benefits of healthy smiles are priceless.
•Financing: When a patient makes the commitment to optimize their oral health or have dental implants, many inquire about financial options. We offer excellent payment plans, some with no down payment and no interest the first year. For those who prefer to pay without financing, our Financial Coordinator is a wiz at helping patients combine insurance and financing. Ask to meet with her after you have your treatment plan — you may be surprised how manageable our payment arrangements can be!
•Fear of discomfort: In this day and age, it’s sad that many adults still have dental fears. Today’s dentistry offers many comfort options and many practices use advanced technology, which optimizes comfort and shortens treatment and healing time. We offer sedation to help patients relax before and throughout treatment, typically erasing memory of the procedure afterward. I’m pleased that most patients who opt for sedation initially soon feel they don’t really need it. This comes from a relationship of trust and our commitment to making comfort a priority at every visit.
•Treatment time: Many procedures can be completed in just a few visits. Our advanced technology also helps lessen treatment time while increasing your level of comfort. Some patients prefer to combine several appointments into one or two long appointments. With the help of Oral Sedation, they are able to remain totally relaxed throughout and enjoy a quick recovery afterward.

Your smile plays a significant role in your appearance and overall health. Having a confident, healthy smile helps you avoid time and expense for repairs in the future. If you have questions, please call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation so we can discuss treatment options. You may be closer to a healthy, worry-free smile than you know!