Wear Dentures? The Problems They Cause You May Not See.

Posted on Aug 24, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, my advanced training and skills are ideal for people who have any stage of periodontal (gum) disease as well as those who are seeking dental implants to replace missing teeth.

When it comes to dental implants, I often see patients who have worn dentures for many years. Most are frustrated by the uncomfortable rubbing and inability to eat foods they love.

Patients are perplexed as to why their once-secure denture no longer stays in place, even with the aid of denture adhesives and pastes. For those who have had their denture relined, most are surprised when the denture begins to slip and wobbly yet again.

Unfortunately, when many adults first agree to wearing a denture they are not told what lies ahead. The problem is not obvious since it occurs underneath the gum tissue. The denture is not expanding or changing shape. The change is actually occurring with your jaw bone.

When natural tooth roots are removed, the jaw bone that once held them no longer receives the stimulants that kept it healthy. In only a year or so, the jaw bone will begin to shrink. This decline in mass also causes changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth, a sunken in mouth, and jowls.

With each passing year of wearing a denture, the process of bone loss continues. The ‘ridge’ your denture was custom-designed to contour flattens out. Relines can reshape the denture to accommodate some of the change. However, as the bone continues to decline, the denture’s fit loosens again.

The pressure of wearing a denture merely accelerates the rate of bone loss. For denture wearers who sleep in their denture, the 24-7 pressure accelerates the pace of bone loss even more.

Not being able to eat and fear of embarrassment are common complaints of denture wearers. The solution is dental implants. Dental implants restore the ability to bite and chew comfortably while halting bone loss by recreating the presence of tooth roots.

When people select dental implants to replace an unstable denture, their ability to smile, laugh and eat comfortably and confidently is restored. After all, eating a healthy diet, socializing with friends and family, and feeling confident are essential to a healthy, happy life.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. During this, I’ll explain the type of implants that may be best for your needs and goals. We can also discuss estimated costs and payment options.

Smokers Add Challenges To Dental Implant Success

Posted on Aug 09, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Not only does smoking complicate the body’s natural ability to heal, it is a particular challenge to oral tissues. The chemicals in cigarette smoke have a drying effect on the gum and decreases blood oxygen levels. This results in slower healing and can lead to a greater risk of bacterial build-up.

In implant placement, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. Through gum tissues, I position each implant in the upper or lower jaw bone at a precise depth and angle.

Once the implant is placed, it requires a healing period as the bone grows around it, securing it in place. This process is known as ‘osseo-integration.’ Proper healing requires normal blood circulation and sufficient oxygen levels. Implant failures occur most often during this phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition to smoking’s effects on the rate of tissue and bone recovery, smoking patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. Peri-implantitis leads to inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although the potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

When smokers develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a reduced effect. This is because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated before it can work its way into the implant area, the risk for losing the implant is significant.

Keep in mind that an implant that must be removed due to the healing complications of smoking is not refundable. This means that the investment you made has gone up in smoke – cigarette smoke.

So many negative effects from smoking make it highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. If you don’t stop, you can increase your potential for success somewhat by reducing your smoking by half at least one week prior to your placement procedure and throughout the healing period.

Having dental implants allows you to eat the foods you love again and restores eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation to discuss your potential for a successful outcome.

The Road To Gum Disease

Posted on Aug 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

People are often surprised to hear that they have developed periodontal (gum) disease. And no wonder. When gum disease first begins, it’s often without obvious symptoms. Then, once it’s fully underway, the warning signs are often ignored.

Yet, the road that leads to gum disease is shorter than you might imagine. Below is the typical process of how gum disease begins and progresses:

•  Oral Bacteria: We all have bacteria in our mouths. This warm, moist environment takes in an enormous amount of bacteria-laden items. Bacteria is on our food, utensils, the glass we drink from and the pencil we hold between our teeth. Of course, bacteria cannot be prevented altogether. However, the problem begins when too much bacteria accumulate.

•  Plaque: Without proper brushing, flossing, saliva flow and diet, oral bacteria can reproduce rapidly. Their accumulation over the course of a day forms a sticky film you feel on teeth. This is known as plaque.

•  Tartar (or Calculus): In just 48 hours, unremoved plaque can harden into tartar. This is actually a cement-hard colony of oral bacteria that attaches to teeth. And, like plaque, tartar will continually reproduce and grow as the bacteria feed on tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

•  Gingivitis: This is actually the first stage of gum disease. At this level, gum tissues are under attack and become sore. They may bleed easily when brushing and you may experience an aching sensation in some areas. Your breath will no longer feel fresh. At this point, with proper measures, you can restore your gums to a healthy state. However, there is a fine line between being able to undo gingivitis and its progression to gum disease.

•  Gum Disease: At this level, the gums are inflamed and tender. You may notice them darken in color and begin to pull away from the base of some teeth. You’ll have persistent bad breath. As it progresses, pus pockets will form in some areas. Without thorough treatment, teeth will loosen and may eventually require removal.

Nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. Sadly, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Yet, it’s one of the most preventable diseases with simple measures.

Twice daily brushing (at least two minutes per time), daily flossing, drinking ample water and limiting sweets and caffeine are simple ways to keep your mouth healthy between regular dental check-ups and cleanings. And, those 6-month check-ups are important. At this time, any tartar that has accumulated can be removed and signs of early gum disease can be noted.

Imagine losing your teeth and having to decide on a crown-&-bridge combination, partial, full denture or Dental Implants. These procedures can be avoided. And, contrary to what many believe, losing teeth is not a natural part of the aging process. With proper care, you can easily enjoy a smile of natural teeth all your life.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call 828-274-9440. We’ll restore your smile and develop a program to help you keep it at its best.

Diabetes Related To Your Oral Health?

Posted on Jul 19, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared diabetes to be at a pandemic level with a prevalence that has risen dramatically over recent decades. And, the number of those affected by diabetes is expected to triple in the next decade.

Diabetes is a leading cause of death due to the vascular complications it causes. The most common types of diabetes are type 1, which requires insulin control, and type 2, which is non-insulin dependent.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that results from insufficient insulin secretion or being resistant to insulin. This occurs when the body is unable to properly process carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Regardless of the advancements in treating diabetes, the U.S. National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health reports that it is “a growing public health concern and a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide.”

Diabetes affects all age groups but is most common in adults. According to the American Diabetes Association, the largest segment of those who suffer with diabetics have Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45.

Initial warning signs of Type 2 diabetes are bad breath and bleeding gums, which are also symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease has been found to be more frequent and severe for patients who have poor control of their diabetes. It has been shown that diabetics can help to prevent periodontal disease by properly controlling glucose levels. This is also helpful in the successful treatment of periodontal disease.

To those in the medical and scientific fields, the initial emergence of diabetes in the form of oral problems makes perfect sense. For decades, various inflammatory diseases and periodontal (gum) disease have shown connections. Not only is gum disease the sixth greatest complication of diabetes, research has shown that one triggers the other.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that can create inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Because of this relationship, diabetics are advised to have frequent dental exams (every 3-4 months) to avoid the inflammatory reactions of gum disease, and vice versa.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include gum tenderness, bleeding gums when brushing, frequent bad breath, gum recession and gums that darken in color. When these signs are present, an individual should arrange to be promptly seen by a Periodontal specialist before gum disease worsens. For diabetics, the need for treatment has even greater urgency since they have a particular vulnerability to inflammatory reactions in the body.

After a periodontal examination, we will discuss treatment recommendations if gum disease does exist. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange an appointment. And remember, gum disease only worsens without treatment, resulting in greater treatment time and expense with delays. It is also the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.