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.

Advantages Of Dental Implants In The Hands Of A Periodontal Specialist

Posted on Jun 14, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The American Academy of Periodontology defines a Periodontist as: “A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.”

(https://www.perio.org/consumer/what-is-a-periodontist)

For people who are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, a Periodontist brings a number of advantages to the table, many of which you may not be aware. For those who pursue the requirements for the periodontology specialty, most devote over 11 years to educational, clinical and specialty training once they’ve graduated from high school.

A Periodontist must first complete the requirements to become a dentist by attaining a bachelor’s degree before entering dental school, which typically requires 4 years of college. He or she then continues with further education and training to advance their skills in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the structures that support and surround the teeth. This is typically an additional 4 years.

With a dental degree in hand, the periodontist candidate begins a graduate program after successfully completing a rigorous National Board Exam.

Periodontal training is typically an additional 3 year period. The advanced training of a periodontist focuses on the development of gum and bone diseases as well as how they relate to other systemic diseases. They must participate in clinical trials of new therapies while learning intricate aspects of dental implants and other oral surgical techniques.

Once the educational phase is completed, licensing is required. The U.S. requires all those in the dental profession to pass written and hands-on examinations before they can begin in professional practice.

Once in practice, many Periodontists tackle the added requirements to become Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology. A Board Certified Periodontist is “one who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and who is certified by the American Board of Periodontology.”  (https://abperio.org/)

Board Certification requires: (1) Passing oral and written exams on all phases of periodontal disease and its treatment, including dental implants. (2) Presentation of detailed reports on a broad range of actual treatment. Once certified, Periodontists are required to take significant hours of continuing education on an annual basis and must be re-certified every 3 years to maintain Board Certification.

While some general dentists perform dental implant diagnosis and placement procedures in their practice, putting your care in the hands of a specially-trained periodontist can help you enjoy an optimal outcome with a lower risk of implant failure. And, implants can fail!

For a successful result, a periodontist uses specialized training and understanding to carefully assess the best type of implant system for you. He or she will treatment plan the most ideal positioning of the implant selected with a particular respect for the surrounding gum tissues.

It may be tempting to consider a “cheap” dental implant offer or a “one-stop clinic” for the treatment. However, your overall comfort and long-term success should be the guiding force in making your decisions in tooth replacement.

Begin with a consultation appointment. Call 828-274-9440. I’ll be happy to discuss the dental implant type that may work best for you and the process involved. We can also discuss anticipated fees and payment options, if desired.

Dental implants, when properly chosen, placed, and cared for, are designed to last your lifetime. In the proper hands, your new smile will be an everyday joy, every day of your life!

Is Insurance Coverage Ruling Decisions For A Confident Smile?

Posted on May 22, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I think we’d all agree that having insurance coverage today is necessary, albeit rather costly. For those who shell out hundreds of dollars each month (or more, based on deductibles and dependents), it can be an investment that gives peace of mind and strains our budgets at the same time. I have friends who pay MORE for health insurance coverage than their monthly home mortgage. Ouch!

Regardless of the type of insurance coverage you have, using its benefits to the max is a yearly goal. Some people have Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to help buffer certain non-covered, health-related expenses. However, because of the monthly costs, it is to no surprise that we monitor treatment accepted to keep our out-of-pocket within covered levels.

Dental insurance was developed to give people some help for typical annual expenses. For many, this includes twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Some policies include assistance for an annual crown or filling, and some coverage for periodontal (gum) therapy to treat gum disease. Higher end policies may cover portions of orthodontic treatment (braces) or oral appliances to treat TMJ (jaw joint) disorder.

For smile-conscious individuals, these benefits sound terrific. For an affordable monthly fee, the annual costs for dental care are more budget friendly. But, are they smile friendly?

The ‘catch’ for policy holders occurs in what these for-profit insurance companies deem coverage-worthy. What is appropriate for a patient’s long term oral health versus what is approved for coverage may be very different. This has become a real dilemma for many dentists and dental specialists.

For example, when I consult with a patient who is missing several teeth, I recommend dental implants. My recommendation is based upon what will provide the patient with a lifelong solution for missing teeth as well as other benefits.

I look at a dental implant as the ideal in tooth replacement, since it is held in the jaw bone just as natural tooth roots. An implant restores the dependable foundation necessary for biting and chewing, enabling the patient to eat a healthy diet and chew foods comfortably, which supports the digestive system and overall health.

Yet, dental implants are a more expensive option (initially) than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures, or partials. So, guess what is often deemed as ‘elective’ by insurance companies? Right! But, is protecting your overall health and smiling confidence elective to YOU?

What it comes down to is, essentially, how we perceive insurance coverage. While major medical insurance gives us peace of mind should we experience a health challenge that would otherwise drain us financially, most dental insurance coverages are different.

Dental insurance, for the most part with most policies, is set up to provide ‘support’ in maintaining a healthy mouth. For people who already have good oral health and are able to tend to it sufficiently between regular dental checkups, this is fine. However, for most American adults, tooth repair, tooth loss and gum problems are a fact of life, particularly as we age.

For most of us, the decisions we make today will affect us in the years to come. When it comes to your oral health, don’t let your long-term oral wellness, the longevity of your teeth, the comfort of eating, or the confidence of smiling and laughter be dictated by what insurance coverage allows.

If you trust your dentist and others involved to help guide you towards good oral health and maintaining your smile, consider the recommendations made and ask questions. Be an informed consumer. But, most importantly, be sure to make decisions that are in your best interests rather than that which a for-profit insurance company deems worthy for your smile.

You may be interested that the five largest insurance companies in the U.S. (Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, United Health Group) enjoyed $4.5 billion in NET earnings in just the first quarter of 2017. That’s BILLION, with a B! (https://www.axios.com/profits-are-booming-at-health-insurance-companies-1513302495-18f3710a-c0b4-4ce3-8b7f-894a755e6679.html) And, that’s just a 3-month period!

Healthcare is a dilemma our nation will struggle with for years to come. In the meantime, put YOUR needs first and take charge of YOUR well-being by finding dental caregivers you feel will guide you best to a lifetime of confident, comfortable, and healthy smiles – for a lifetime!

If you don’t have regular dental care and would like recommendations, feel free to contact us at 828-274-9440. We work with exceptional general dentists in Western North Carolina and will be proud to connect you. Or, feel free to begin with a thorough periodontal exam here. We will make recommendations based upon your unique needs and goals.