Tooth Loss NOT Natural Part Of Aging

Posted on Oct 08, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Your natural teeth are designed to last as long as you do, with proper care. It is a fact that denture wearers take more medications and have more gastrointestinal problems than those with their natural teeth. It should also be noted that denture wearers die ten years sooner, on average, than those who have their natural teeth.

When natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink in depth and height. The discomfort, inconvenience, and embarrassment experienced by most denture or partial wearers is due to this shrinking bone foundation. Denture adhesives only lessen the amount of movement for brief periods. When eating becomes difficult, people resort to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Bone loss also causes changes in one’s facial appearance, including deep wrinkling and a sunken-in appearance of the mouth. This causes denture wearers to look far older than their actual age.

Because Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, they help to halt the bone loss that dentures and partials actually accelerate. Another benefit is how Dental Implants are ‘self-supporting’ so it is not necessary to crown an otherwise healthy, adjacent tooth to serve as a support for a bridge. With proper maintenance, they will provide as much pleasure and satisfaction as natural teeth.

If you are interested in replacing a denture or partial, contact us at (828) 274-7440 for more information on Dental Implants.

Replace Dentures To Socialize

Posted on Oct 03, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In the United States, so many gatherings with friends, family and business associates occur with food as the centerpiece of the event. From business lunches to birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, and so on, food is often part of the pleasure of being with others.

For those who wear dentures, eating can become uncomfortable as well as worrisome. The pleasure of chewing delicious food can be overshadowed by fear of embarrassing denture slips. Seeds and bits of nuts or grains can become trapped between the denture and gums, causing so much discomfort that it’s necessary to retreat to rinse the denture.

With Dental Implants, these problems go away. Biting and chewing occurs with confidence, even crisp apples, thick steak and corn on the cob. Because there is no more uncomfortable rubbing, eating is a pleasurable experience again. People with Dental Implants can laugh easily and have close conversations with total confidence. They can even sneeze without worry!

It is a fact that people who wear dentures have more gastrointestinal problems, are less social and take more medications. Don’t let dentures have a negative effect on your quality of life. Dental Implants can make a world of difference! Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation to discuss your individual needs and goals.

Zinc Poisoning From Denture Creams

Posted on Sep 28, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may have read of lawsuits being brought against major manufacturers, such as Proctor & Gamble (maker of Fixodent) and GlaxoSmithKline (maker of Poligrip) due to the effects of zinc poisoning. One of the ingredients in denture creams is zinc. When overuse of denture creams put too much zinc in the body, it depletes the body’s natural balance of copper. Since copper regulates neurological activity, such an imbalance can lead to nerve damage or even neuropathy, a painful nerve disorder for which there is no cure.

The issue seems to evolve around the amount of denture cream an individual uses on a regular basis. Although the manufacturers estimate that one tube of denture cream will last between 1-2 months, some users admit to using a great deal more.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas) published findings from a study along these lines. They studied characteristics of denture-wearing patients who developed nerve damage after using more than the recommended amount of the product on a continual basis. Some were using as much as two tubes per week, and the findings showed that this was only commonality shared by those with nerve damage or neuropathy.

When an excessive amount of denture cream is used, it is typically due to trying to secure an ill-fitting denture or partial. When dentures are first made, they are shaped to conform to the gum ridge for which they are designed to adhere. Denture creams help to keep the denture in place moreso to this foundation. However, without natural tooth roots embedded in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink over time. As the ridge declines in height and width, there is less and less of a foundation to hold the denture. Reapplying denture cream several times a day may help for a brief amount of time, but by this extent of bone loss, no cream or adhesive can overcome the loose fit for very long.

Poor fitting dentures often cause adults to eat soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. These tend to lack a healthy balance of protein rich meats, hearty grains, and fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals. Not being able to chew properly compromises an important part of the digestion process. It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than adults who have their own teeth.

Not having a secure fit with dentures also prevents some people from being socially active. Because of the potential for embarrassing slips or clicks, many adults will shy away from gatherings rather than risk the worst. Plus, I’ve heard many patients tell how they detested the denture creams while drinking coffee because the heat would melt the coffee and that’s all they could taste.

Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, they restore chewing comfort and biting stability. Dental implants allow you to eat the foods you love and laugh without worry. Denture creams, pastes, powders, etc. are not needed. Dental implants are safe, successful, and designed to last a lifetime.

I can’t think of one good reason to select dentures over dental implants. Nor can the growing number of adults who are selecting dental implants as the nation’s preferred method of tooth replacement. If you’d like to discuss dental implants, call (828) 274-9440.

Never Too Old To Enjoy Dental Implants’ Benefits!

Posted on Aug 27, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If it seems you are surrounded by more older adults these days, you are! In 1900, only 4% of the population were age 65 and older. In 1990, this had jumped to 12.6%. By 2030, the projected numbers of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to be nearly 22% of the population.

Fortunately, older adults are now going to the dentist more. In 1983, the average number of dental visits per older adult was 1.5, the lowest for any reported age group. However, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that between 1983 – 89, there was a 30% increase by those aged 65 and older who were seeing the dentist on a regular basis.

This likely has much to do with the drop in total edentulism (having no natural teeth) for aging adults. According to the National Institute for Dental Research, there was a decrease of elderly adults who are missing all their natural teeth from 60% in 1957 to about 41% in 1986.

I recently read an article that shared predicted technologies and futuristic developments for ensuring the oral health of our population. One option stands out as fulfilling its task NOW at an exceptional level. Dental Implants continues to achieve their designed goals of recreating the presence of tooth roots and restoring one’s ability to bite, chew, eat, laugh, and speak confidently and comfortably.

The University of Kentucky and Sanders Brown Research Center on Aging included this statement in their report, Prevention: The Key to Retention A Look at Clinical Geriatric Dental Practice Now and in the 21st Century: “Implant technology has advanced to the point now that single tooth implants should be considered the first treatment option in many situations.”

Unlike options of crown-&-bridge combinations, Dental Implants do not compromise the health of adjacent teeth. As a matter of fact, their ability to preserve a healthy jaw bone structure and support proper alignment of neighboring teeth enhances the life of surrounding natural teeth.

Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people. As long as your Periodontist restores gum health, you’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants!

A Periodontist is the ideal member of your dental implant team. Not only do Periodontal Specialists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. For more information, call us at (828) 274-9440.