Never Too Old For The Benefits Of Dental Implants!

Posted on Sep 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not unusual for our office to place Dental Implants in patients who are in the 80’s or 90’s. Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people, which is very high. As long as a patient’s gum tissue is at a healthy level prior to placement, they’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants.

Regardless of one’s age, Dental Implants continually 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. And, unlike crown-&-bridge combinations, 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.

If you are an adult age 65 and older, you are in a rapidly growing age group in the United States. 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.

Older adults are also going to the dentist more than at any time in history. In 1983, the average number of yearly dental visits per older adult was 1.5, the lowest for any reported age group. However, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that between 1983 – 1989, 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.

A Periodontist is the ideal member of your implant team. Periodontal Specialists have special knowledge, training and facilities for Dental Implant placement. A Periodontal Specialist is also adept in working with general dentists for an ideal overall result in function and appearance.

For more information on Dental Implants or to discuss your concerns, ask for a Consultation appointment by calling (828) 274-9440.

Psychological & Social Issues Associated With Tooth Loss

Posted on Sep 08, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Are feelings of depression overwhelming you? Is your self-esteem an issue? Having problems advancing in life or your career? Feel nervous or self-conscious in social settings? According to a presentation at an Annual Meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry several years ago, you may want to start by checking your smile.

Tooth loss may very well be the culprit, and you’re not alone. Nearly 20 million teeth are extracted each year, leaving scores of people to deal with the psychological affects of an “incomplete” smile.

Asuman Kiyak, PhD addressed the psychological issues affecting people who deal with tooth loss and discussed how this loss can affect one’s quality of life. In Dr. Kiyak’s course, she covered the traumatic effects a patient endures after tooth loss, focusing on ways to help them cope with and understand their options for restoring their smile.

In fact, survey results from nearly 20,000 AGD members revealed that over 86% of dentists reported social embarrassment is one of their patients’ greatest problems associated with tooth loss and more than half of these patients avoid social interaction because of it.

In coping with tooth loss, Dr. Kiyak encourages patients to:

•Weigh the pros and cons for replacement teeth or even root canal therapy to save a tooth.

•Review videos or photos of others who have lost teeth and their current status with removable or implant-supported dentures.

•Read testimonials of others who have undergone tooth loss and replacement of teeth with removable or implant-supported dentures.

Helping patients enjoy healthy, natural teeth for a lifetime is always our goal. However, for patients who must replace teeth, the look, feel, and function is no less important to their well-being. This is why many adults now select Dental Implants for tooth replacement. They restore biting and chewing function and are designed to last a lifetime. It’s like getting natural teeth back.

Call (828) 274-2990 to learn more or request a Consultation appointment.

Continual Problems In Your Mouth?

Posted on Sep 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whenever I meet a new patient who expresses frustrations about always being in need of dental repairs, I can almost predict that they’ll have some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

A mouth that has healthy pink gums is generally one that has minimal bacteria. The lower the bacteria level in one’s mouth, the less risk one has of developing cavities, gum problems (including sensitivity), tooth loss and underlying issues with supporting bones.

Once a patient’s mouth is restored to good health, we work in unison with their general dentist (or can recommend one, if needed) to ensure their teeth are sufficiently repaired and/or replaced.

From this point on, maintaining a healthy mouth requires just minutes each day for oral care at home along with regular check-ups and dental cleanings twice a year. Most problems that occur thereafter are typically minimal and can be repaired easily.

If you built a new home, you’d certainly make sure it was positioned soundly on a dependable foundation. Your mouth needs a good foundation as well. Once your gums are healthy, those continual visits to repair problems should no longer be the case. Call (282) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation or examination appointment.

 

 

Straight Teeth Can Help You Avoid Many Problems, Including Lost Teeth!

Posted on Sep 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I am often referred patients who have developed gum disease or are missing teeth. Although periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, you may be surprised to know how often this is a result of bite misalignment. While crooked or crowded teeth don’t always require bite realignment, they typically indicate problems that will occur, if they don’t already exist.

A bite that is not properly aligned can cause strain on jaw joints and facial muscles, which can lead to joint pain, headaches and migraines. Additionally, crowded and crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. This creates nooks and crevices where bacterial buildup can easily occur, leading to gingivitis and eventually gum disease.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Although wires and brackets have a less-than-fun reputation, today’s materials are more comfortable and can be barely visible. Some Orthodontists also offer clear molds that are removable for eating and brushing. However, these are typically recommended when minimal movement is needed.

Ideally, your smile should be a combination of healthy gums with a bite that works in harmony with head muscles and jaw joints. This provides you with a foundation that minimizes the risk for future problems.

Begin with an evaluation to ensure your gums are healthy so, if bite realignment is necessary, you’ll have minimal risks for complications during treatment. Also, ask about financial plans that can help you achieve a healthy mouth while making monthly payments that fit your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.