Smoking Complicates Dental Implant Procedures

Posted on Jul 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Smoking complicates the body’s natural ability to heal. It has a drying effect on gum tissues and minimizes blood oxygen, resulting in a delayed healing process. Smoking also contributes to a greater potential for bacterial build-up.

To place an implant, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. The Periodontist goes through gum tissues to reach the bone, placing each implant at a precise depth and angle. Once the implant is placed in the bone, it can take two to six months to become fully anchored.

Proper healing requires normal blood circulation to ensure gum recovery and sufficient oxygen levels for the regeneration of bone surrounding the implant. Failures most often occur during this osseo (bone) integration phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition to smoking’s effects on the rate of tissue and bone recovery, 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 a 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 and works its way into the implant area, the risk for losing the implant is significant.

Because of the greater risk factors, some dental specialists refuse to place dental implants in smokers, especially heavy ‘chain’ smokers. So many negative effects from smoking make it highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. You can greatly enhance your success rate for dental implants by quitting smoking at least one week prior to your placement procedure and throughout until you are fully recovered.

Keep in mind that dental implants enable you to eat a healthy selection of foods while restoring eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit of smoking. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a Consultation so we can discuss your potential for a successful outcome.

It’s A New Age In Tooth Replacement

Posted on Jul 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to tooth replacement, I am naturally a proponent of Dental Implants for many reasons. For some people, their only hesitation is the cost, since the fees for implants are upfront and may not be fully covered by insurance. However, Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and require no repairs, root canals, and are self-supporting. This means that implants do not rely on adjoining natural teeth to serve as crowned supports, as with a crown-&-bridge combination.

Americans no longer wash clothes on a wash board with a bar of soap even though this accomplished the job much cheaper than a washing machine. The washing machine provides more efficiency and gives the user a far better experience while being more practical for today’s fabrics.

Althought dentures and partials replace the presence of teeth, they are a merely filling empty space. At one time, they were better than no teeth at all. They enabled an adult to have some ability to bite or chew. However, denture wearers endure all sorts of problems; some problems they are aware of and others they are not.

A typical problem of denture wearers is an unstable fit. This is the result of the ever-decreasing jaw bone that once supported natural tooth roots. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. The pressure from wearing dentures speeds up this process. When denture wearers sleep in their dentures, the rate of this bone loss accelerates from the 24/7 pressure the jaw bone experiences.

This is the reason long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” Their faces have a collapsed look and chins become pointed. Jowls form when facial muscles become detached and the entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond the actual years of the person.

When one dentures do not fit securely due to bone loss, the constant rubbing and discomfort often causes the wearer to eat a soft diet of foods that dissolves easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Not only is what you eat important to maintaining good health, being able to chew thoroughly and comfortably is important. Remember, digestion begins in the mouth. It is a fact that denture wearers experience a higher level of gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

Because food is often the centerpiece of many social occasions, people who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because they fear embarrassing moments. Studies have shown they tend to eat out less often and even wear less make-up.

Regardless of the advancements made in denture and partial design, they are simply outdated. No denture adhesive or paste or reline will truly make a denture a good substitute for natural teeth. Dental advancements have focused on implant dentistry because they have proven to be a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement that makes sense.

Let’s talk about your needs in tooth replacement during a Consultation appointment. Just call (828) 274-9440 for a convenient time.

Contact sports? Take no chances with your smile!

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

In my office, I see few things as unfortunate as an adolescent or adult who has had a tooth (or teeth) knocked out from sport participation. This ranges from bike accidents, soccer kicks, baseball and even T-ball. When it’s an adult tooth, the optimal solution is a Dental Implant, although it’s a shame to put a child or teen through that when it could have been so easily prevented.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that over half of the sports-related injuries that occur annually happen to those between 5 and 24 years old. Of course, most seem to occur during summer months when we’re taking advantage of the outdoors more frequently.

Because mouthguards separate soft tissues in the mouth from the teeth, they prevent cuts and bruising of the lips and cheeks. They also help to prevent broken or knocked out teeth. Mouthguards can also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.

However, many people are unaware that, in some contact sport mishaps, the lower jaw can be jammed into the upper jaw, leading to jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries. Mouthguards help to prevent or greatly decrease the severity of these dangers as well.

A custom-made mouthguard provides the greatest protection, fit and comfort. Unlike drug store ‘boil-&-bite’ types, a custom fit doesn’t move around. Typically, the more comfortable the fit, the more willing an individual is to wear it. However, any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard!

Enjoy your summer and play til your heart’s content! With a custom-made mouthguard, you can play with more confidence and comfort.

 

Aim For Lowest Number When Hygienist Performs ‘Probing’ Of Gums

Posted on Jun 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Gum disease affects over 80% of the population at some time in their life. This is why your 6-month dental check-ups include ‘probing’ of the gums.

A periodontal probe is a thin instrument with a blunted end. It has markings that measure ‘pocket depth’ of gums. Using light pressure, the Hygienist places the probe’s tip into the gum tissue between each tooth and at front and back sides. The probe measures the pocket depth in six points around each tooth.

The depth of the periodontal pockets around teeth is the main indicator for the progression of gum disease and level of tissue destruction. Periodontal probing is the main tool used by dentists and periodontists for evaluating the severity of periodontal disease. Probing is also the recommended system in the U.S. to calculate levels of periodontal disease and is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the probing process, you’ll likely hear the Hygienist call out numbers as she probes different points around each tooth. These are recorded in your patient chart. Hearing a ‘one’ or ‘two’ is an indication of healthy gums. Measured depths of ‘three’ and over indicates the presence of gum disease. When gum disease is classified at depths of 3 to 5, mild periodontal disease has begun. Five to 6 indicates moderate periodontitis and over 6 or 7 is severe periodontitis.

These measurements determine the level gum disease present as well as the treatment needed. Anything over a ‘3’ or ‘4’ level typically requires the skills of a Periodontal Specialist for successful treatment.

Periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Early diagnosis of gum disease can prevent or minimize damage to teeth, supporting bone and connective tissues around teeth. Gum disease in initial stages (when bleeding is noticed while brushing teeth, for example) can often be treated with a thorough dental cleaning and committed at-home oral hygiene routine.

However, many people with periodontal disease delay care, allowing damage to progress. In addition to tooth loss, gum disease bacteria can create inflammatory triggers in the body. The bacteria associated with gum disease has been associated with severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, memory loss, pre-term babies and more.

If you have delayed or avoided your 6-month dental check-ups, you are missing an important step in maintaining good overall health in addition to a healthy smile. If you find that dental check-ups and cleanings are uncomfortable, mention this to your Hygienist at the beginning of your appointment.

Keep in mind that patients who have 1 or 2 probing measurements don’t complain about discomfort during these visits. Healthy gums aren’t nearly as sensitive as those with bacterial inflammation. Ask your Hygienist how you can achieve a “number one” smile!

Call (828) 274-9440 if you’ve noticed bleeding when brushing, have sore or swollen spots on gum tissue, have persistent bad breath, or have gums that are red rather than a healthy pink. The sooner you receive diagnosis and treatment, the less involved your treatment needs will be.