How A Denture Can Be Ruining Your Health

Posted on Aug 13, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Since 1962, the U.S. has allowed pharmaceutical companies to advertise their drugs directly to the public. New Zealand is the only other country that has legalized this, which (to me) is rather telling of its ‘benefits’ in educating the general public.

It’s legality is not the issue here. In the promotions, these ads may name some of the side effects associated with that particular medication. These can include minor problems, such as “redness at the injection site,” to greater issues such as “weight gain,” to dire concerns, such as “increased risk for leukemia.”

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t know that can be the greatest detriment when it comes to our health and well-being. As a periodontal specialist, this has always been a particular concern: Do people really know the full story when it comes to dentures?

Since full dentures are not a prescribed medication, they are widely recommended and placed to replace a full ‘arch’ of upper or lower teeth. Although a denture can replace missing teeth, it falls very short when it comes to actually ‘restoring’ teeth.

There are far more things that a denture cannot do than what it can.

For example, a denture can give you the appearance of teeth and enable you to speak properly. A properly-fitted denture can also enable you to chew food again. But, the snug fit of a denture when initially made may be very different to how it fits a year later.

It is what occurs BENEATH the gums that can trigger a detrimental chain of events.

Natural tooth roots are held by the upper and lower jaw bones. With this as their foundation, tooth roots are able to support teeth that can function dependably. For example, having the sturdy foundation of the jaw bones, teeth can bite and chew with stability.

This means your teeth can endure the rigorous action of biting into a crunchy carrot or chewing a thick pork chop without the worry of movement. Natural teeth are held firmly by a solid mass of bone.

Here’s the problem many people are unaware exists: When the roots of natural teeth are removed from the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. This process is known as resorption. As the bone declines in height and width, the gum-covered ‘arch’ where teeth were once held begins to flatten out.

Because a denture is first made to conform to the specific contours of this arch, this means that the denture’s foundation is declining, providing less and less of a base for the denture to wrap.

Bone resorption is the beginning of a long list of problems.

When a denture is not secured by the bone, it must rely on what it rests upon. When the arch is high and full, the denture can hold on more securely while eating, speaking, or laughing.

However, as the arch shrinks, the added help of denture adhesives or pastes are needed. Unfortunately, once the denture begins to move or slip, the underlying problem will only worsen. As bone loss becomes more severe, these denture products will be of little help.

What a “rocky” denture does to your overall health often hides in the background. But, the problems exist all the same. For example, people find that eating some foods are too challenging for a denture. They resort to eating foods that are soft and dissolve easily in the mouth.

A healthy diet includes foods that provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, we want to eat foods that are flavorful and satisfying – right?!!! So, when a denture wearer switches from a kale salad to mashed potatoes, the trade-off is in nutrition along with the satisfaction that chewing provides.

There is an intricate relationship between the function of chewing and the brain’s ability to signal satiety (the perception of being full). When people are able to chew without the worry of a denture’s movement (which leads to uncomfortable rubbing on tender gum tissues), they are able to chew longer and more efficiently.

Additionally, proper chewing is a known support to the digestive process. In grade school, we all learned that the first phase of digestion begins in the mouth. As we chew, saliva automatically surges digestive acids into the mouth to help break down foods so they are ready to be processed further once swallowed.

However, not being able to chew well typically means it is done less. It is to no surprise that people who are denture wearers have more gastro-intestinal problems than people who have their own teeth. Of course, inadequate digestion causes a domino effect throughout the body.

In a 2013 article shared by the International Journal of Dentistry (through the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health) edentulism (losing all of one’s natural teeth) leads to:

• Lower intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, and carotene and increased cholesterol and saturated fats, in addition to a higher prevalence of obesity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.
• higher rates of chronic inflammatory changes of the gastric lining, upper gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer, and higher rates of peptic or duodenal ulcers.
• greater risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes.
• greater risk of heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
• decreased daily function, physical activity, and resulting quality of life.
• higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
• higher risk of sleep apnea.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664508/

The periodontal specialty includes the advanced training and skills of diagnosing and placing dental implants. They are so beneficial to your oral and overall health that this specialized branch of dentistry includes them in our ability to enhance the oral wellness of patients.

Dental implants are positioned in the jaw bone. This not only restores the same, sturdy foundation that natural teeth once had, the presence of the implanted portions provide stimulation to the bone.

Dental implants provide three major benefits…

(1). An implant helps to halt the process of bone loss, preserving bone mass. This not only supports the ability to bite and chew, dental implants enable eating to occur without movement. No more slips, clicks or uncomfortable rubbing on tender gums.

(2). With implants, people are able to eat a healthy diet AND chew it properly. This support digestion, which in turn supports every part of the body.

(3). When people feel confident smiling, laughing, and eating in social settings, they tend to be more active socially. Being active with other people is a basic human need and necessary for our mental well-being. When the fear of embarrassment because of “slippery” dentures is eliminated, people have more confidence in these settings.

If you wear dentures, PLEASE learn the facts surrounding dental implants. Many people assume they are too expensive. Yet, what is needed for your specific situation may be less expensive than you realize.

Often, just 4 or 6 strategically-placed implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth.

Too, many dental offices offer payment plans so monthly fees are manageable to most budgets. Some plans are interest-fee and require no down payment.

It is important, too, that you know this: Once bone loss begins, it will continue at a more rapid pace with each passing year. This means that your bone will become thinner and thinner at a faster and faster rate each year.

If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, call 828-274-9440 soon to schedule an implant consultation. During this time, I’ll explain the implant systems best for your needs and the process involved. I’ll also answer your questions thoroughly. This will help you make decisions that are right for you.

 

Gum Disease, Dental Implants – A Periodontist Can Make A BIG Difference.

Posted on Aug 06, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to our health, most of us have an internist, or a ‘primary care’ physician. This doctor oversees our general health. However, should a strange rash appear, our internist will likely refer us to a dermatologist. The same is true if we experience persistent back pain; the internist is likely to refer us to an orthopedist.

When it comes to the best way to pinpoint and tackle specific issues with our health, it makes sense to see a doctor who has received specialized training in that area. This helps to take the guesswork out of diagnosis and enhances the potential for a successful outcome in an efficient process.

As a periodontal specialist, I work with a large number of general dentists in Western North Carolina as well as other dental specialists and physicians. In many cases, we work together in “team treatment” so the patient receives specialized dental care that blends comfortably with the positive relationship each has with his or her regular dentist.

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who has continued in education to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all areas of the tissues in the mouth. In addition to treating all phases of periodontal (gum) disease, we are uniquely qualified to reshape gum tissues.

For gum disease, we are able to help patients overcome the problems caused by the infectious bacteria in the mouth. Through decades of research, this bacteria has been associated with many health problems elsewhere in the body. It has been found to trigger systemic inflammation and has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and arthritis.

We begin by accurately diagnosing the stage of gum disease present. From there, we develop a customized treatment plan based upon factors such as the patient’s current overall health, their diet, medications, whether they smoke or drink alcohol, and age.

Treatment recommendations are made based on what will effectively resolve the problem without over-treating or under-treating. By restoring the patient to good oral health, we are able to help them avoid tooth loss and rid their mouths (and thus, their bodies) from an overload of oral bacteria.

Gum tissues also play an important role in protecting teeth. When they recede, or pull away from the base of teeth, tooth roots may be exposed. These darker, sensitive areas can be re-covered through procedures that restore the protective seal around teeth as well as the level of the gum line, which plays an important role in a smile’s appearance.

A periodontist specializes in gum contouring to enhance the look of your smile. For example, when the gum tissues that arch over each tooth are a different levels, it can distract from a smile’s appearance. Through reshaping procedures (often referred to as a gingivectomy), we can correct this for a more balanced “smile line.”

The same is true for an individual who is born with a “gummy smile.” This occurs when too much gum tissue shows above top teeth in a full smile. Often, with minor reshaping or “crown lengthening” procedures, we can adjust the gums to a more esthetically-pleasing level.

Periodontists also specialize in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. They are trained to understand all the intricate concepts involved in selecting the proper type of implant. Then, they are skilled at placing implants at proper depths and angles. As they oversee your “healing” time, periodontists are also able to optimize your comfort and outcome.

A periodontist receives 4 years of “undergraduate” training at a college or university and then goes on to earn a dental doctorate. After 4 years of dental school, they further their education for another 3-4 years before completing stringent requirements for a specialty certification in periodontics.

This 11 years of higher education is a commitment I made with enthusiasm, and I have relished staying on the cutting edge of new developments in the field throughout my career. On an ongoing basis, periodontal findings have revealed the integral connection between our oral health and our overall health.

As research continues, the understanding of good oral health as it benefits our overall health will hopefully become common knowledge to every individual. Sadly, our nation now has an adult population of nearly half that have some level of gum disease.

If you would benefits from the advanced skills of a periodontal specialist, please know that we are fully trained to attend to your specific periodontal needs in a comfortable, effective manner. Our entire team is committed to compassionate, respectful care that is appropriate for each need and our office is equipped to handle your care efficiently, effectively, and gently.

Call 828-274-9440 to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

 

 

Suffer From Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Why To Make Good Oral Health A Priority.

Posted on Jul 23, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful, debilitating disease. It is primarily known to destroy joints but can also affect internal organs (including heart, lungs, and kidneys). Although more common in older adults, RA can occur in younger ages as well, including adolescents and children.

For most people, the symptoms of RA begin with morning stiffness along with weak and aching muscles. As it worsens, joints become sore and stiff, most often affecting the fingers, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and neck.

An inflammatory disease, RA can further lead to swelling in the joints, disfigurement of the hands and feet, and numbness and tingling in the extremities. While there is no cure for RA, its discomfort and progression can be eased through medications, physical therapy, or surgery.

Like RA, periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory disease. And, like RA, gum disease causes pain, swelling, and tenderness. As it worsens, the inflammation can extend beyond the gums and attack the bone structures supporting the teeth as well as surrounding tissues.

For years, research has been following the close connection between RA and gum disease. They’ve even noted that gum disease and RA share a genetic likeness, having similar pathogen structures ( agents that cause disease or illness). Another close similarity is in the formation process of both gum disease and RA.

And, the similarities between the two diseases continue further. While both conditions cause chronic inflammation in tissues that connect to bone, researchers have found the particular species of bacteria in each of nearly identical makeup.

A recent study has shown that people who are deemed “at risk” for RA have noteably higher incidences of gum disease. In the study, gum disease was diagnosed in 73 percent of individuals shown to have RA-associated antibodies before any evidence of joint disease (versus 38 percent of individuals without the antibody marker for RA). This suggests they originate from a site outside of the joints.

Perhaps from bacteria in the mouth? Based on its genetic similarities, this would be a logical conclusion.

The study, presented at the 2018 Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, took age, gender, and smoking into consideration.  (http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/3499-gum-disease-may-initiate-autoimmunity-related-to-rheumatoid-arthritis)

Previous studies support this connection, even showing how a particular pathogen associated with periodontal disease activates the same destructive process of RA. On a positive note, research has shown that the successful treatment of gum disease can improve RA symptoms, which likely lessens the body’s inflammatory load.

A periodontal specialist has advanced training in the treatment of all stages of gum disease (as well as in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants). As a periodontist, it is troubling to know that nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. (https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm)

For our nation’s health, this poses a particular challenge since research continually reveals close connections between the bacteria of periodontal disease and serious health conditions. For example, research has linked gum disease to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, diabetes, some cancers (including pancreatic and lung cancer), Alzheimer’s disease, and impotency — in addition to its connections to RA.

I believe the prevalence of gum disease is mainly due to how its symptoms can go easily ignored until it’s potent bacteria are running rampant. By the time the disease is well underway, gum disease bacteria can have penetrated weakened gum tissues and entered the blood stream. This is how it is able to trigger inflammatory reactions that can reach far beyond the mouth.

When gum disease begins (due to an over-accumulation of oral bacteria), it causes the gums to become sore and often bleed when brushing. As the disease progresses, it can lead to persistent bad breath and gum tissues that darken in color. Untreated, pus pockets may form at the base of teeth and teeth can loosen. In advanced stages, teeth may require removal. Gum disease is the nation’s main reason for adult tooth loss.

The findings of research is indisputable in this: Our oral health is intricately connected to our overall health. As more adults understand how the presence of gum disease can greatly increase the risk for serious health conditions, we will hopefully see a better commitment to protect overall health through good oral health.

If you need to renew your own commitment to good oral health, or if you have signs of gum disease (as mentioned above), begin by calling 828-274-9440 to learn more or to schedule a consultation appointment (or tap here).

 

Ways To Have A Successful Outcome With Dental Implants

Posted on Jul 16, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For many individuals who wish to replace one or more missing teeth, dental implants have become the leading preference. Dental implants restore the look, feel, and function like that of natural teeth. They also help to prevent bone shrinkage that occurs when tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone.

A periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. He or she can help you enjoy a higher potential for dental implant treatment that lasts your lifetime. There are a number of reasons you should strongly consider having a periodontal specialist involved in your treatment.

SELECTION OF IMPLANTS – Dental implants come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Each system is designed to accommodate certain needs and preferences. For example, some implants are designed to support a full arch of teeth while others can be placed in areas where a great deal of bone loss has occurred. The selection of the implant type that is appropriate for your needs and goals requires a unique understanding of all implant types. That is, a periodontist can select the type that will work best for you rather than go with the one or two in which they have received training.

PLACEMENT OF IMPLANTS – In addition to selecting the best type for your needs, proper placement of implants has a great deal to do with having a successful outcome. When an implant that is too long, for instance, is placed in bone that is too shallow, it can have future repercussions that may require its removal. This could occur when a lower implant is placed too close to a nerve that runs horizontal through the jaw bone (mandible). Or, when an upper implant is placed in shallow bone, it can work its way into the sinus cavity. A periodontal specialist considers intricate factors that can effect your potential for success.

STRUCTURAL ISSUES – In addition to the factors involved with bone loss, other issues can ‘make or break’ having a successful treatment outcome with dental implants. For example, for people who have bite misalignment or TMJ disorders, they may be grinding or clenching their teeth during sleep – often unknowingly. Telltale signs of ‘bruxing’ including remaining, natural teeth that are chipped or worn. These forces have been measured to that enough to crack a walnut! When dental implants endure these forces, especially during their ‘healing’ phase, there is greater risk for implant failure. A periodontist considers these issues prior to your treatment, helping you to bypass problems that can result in eventual removal.

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS – Our goal is to help you get the most from your dental implants. When there are individual habits or preferences that can complicate success, we work with each patient to help them enjoy their dental implants for a lifetime. For smokers, we advise ways to support saliva flow and minimize oral bacteria levels. For people who take certain medications that can interfere with oral moisture, we recommend methods to keep the mouth properly hydrated. And so on. We want to make sure your care is individualized so your potential for implant success is high!

Unfortunately, I have seen a number of patients over the years who have had implants that were improperly placed or chosen. It is a significant loss for the patient when they have to have these implants removed and start all over. Like any procedure, you want your treatment time and investment to be successful and a pleasant experience. We do, too!

If you’ve considered dental implants to replace missing teeth, let’s discuss how a periodontal dental office can enhance your potential to enjoy confident smiles and chewing comfort for your lifetime! Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an appointment.