Important Reasons Why You Need Healthy Gums

Posted on Dec 06, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As responsible adults, we take certain precautions that help to keep us healthy. We use sun screen when we’re going to spend time in the sun. We wear appropriate shoes when hiking or jogging. We wear a helmet when biking or motorcycling. We assign a designated driver rather than drink and drive.

These actions help to protect us and hopefully prevent occurrences that may otherwise result in health problems. Certainly, it makes more sense to avoid problems in the first place rather than endure the time, expense and even disabling consequences of ignoring practical preventive measures.

Then, doesn’t it make sense that adults would be especially devoted to having good oral health?

The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that over 47 percent of American adults have some level of gum disease. This is astounding for a country as advanced as the U.S.

I believe one of the reasons the rates of periodontal disease are so high is largely based on a population that is unaware of the ramifications of gum disease. This, in addition to a high number who are unfamiliar with its symptoms.

Let’s look at just a few reasons to be highly-committed to achieving and maintaining good oral health.

• Periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. I believe it reaches such a state because people are not aware of the warning signs. For example, some people believe that seeing blood in the sink when brushing is a sign they’re doing a good job at tooth brushing. (It’s not.)

• Research has found that the bacteria of gum disease is linked to systemic inflammation. This is when the body’s immune system goes out of whack and can’t turn itself off. Symptoms of chronic inflammation are chronic pain, fatigue, obesity, memory loss and insomnia.

• The bacteria of gum disease doesn’t necessarily stay confined to the mouth. Through tears in weakened gum tissues, the oral bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream. As it travels throughout the body, it can contribute to serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, some cancers, preterm babies, impotency, arthritis and diabetes.

• Good gum health is the foundation for keeping your natural teeth healthy, and for a lifetime. Research has shown that people with their natural teeth live ten years longer, on average, than those who wear dentures. And, healthy teeth support the ability to eat a healthy diet and feel socially confident to smile and laugh.

A 2006 report by the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated “the baby boomer generation will be the first where the majority will maintain their natural teeth over their entire lifetime.”

It adds, “Over the past 10 years, the number of adults missing all their natural teeth has declined from 31 percent to 25 percent for those ages 60 years and older, and from 9 percent to 5 percent for those adults between 40 and 59 years. However, 5 percent means 1 out of 20 middle-aged adults are missing all their teeth.” (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html)

It’s easy to enjoy good oral health. It takes just minutes for proper brushing twice daily and daily flossing so the overall health advantages of healthy gums can be enjoyed. It is also important to have 6-month dental cleanings and exams. These opportunities help to remove bacterial buildup between appointments, often preventing the need for more expensive and time-consuming treatment later.

Symptoms of gum disease include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums, gums that turn red in color (versus a healthy pink), and pus pockets that form on gum tissues. Without treatment, teeth will eventually loosen and may require removal.

Protect your smile AND your overall health by keeping your gums healthy. If you’ve delayed care or suspect you have gum disease, call us at 828-274-9440. We are a ‘lecture-free zone’ and respect each patient and his or her needs. We just want to help you enjoy the advantages of a healthy, confident smile!

Facing Tooth Removal? Why Dental Implant Placement Is Best Done Within 24 Hours.

Posted on Nov 20, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For various reasons, a number of adults face the removal of a single tooth at some time in their lives. This may be necessary when a tooth is beyond repair than can be resolved with a crown or because of a fracture that extends below the gum line. Since every tooth plays a role in keeping adjacent teeth in their proper positions, promptly replacing a tooth after removal is a wise move.

A growing number of adults are now choosing to replace teeth with dental implants. There are a number of advantages in doing so at the time of removal, a particular one being the prevention of bone loss. By placing the implanted portion when the tooth is extracted, the risk of bone loss, known as ‘resorption,’ is minimized.

Resorption occurs when tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone to provide stimulation. Without the nourishment and stimulation of tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink over time. It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.

Another benefit of immediate implant placement is the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is removed, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ that dip slightly between each tooth begin to flatten. When an implant is placed promptly after removal, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.

When two or several teeth in a row are missing, immediate implant placement can also be beneficial. Because one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth, this can help to curtail treatment cost while preserving the natural contours of the gum tissues.

Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant following removal may simplify the treatment time and procedural requirements.

As a periodontal specialist, I have advanced training in treating all levels of periodontal (gum) disease as well as in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. I regularly work with general dentists and dental specialists in team treatment so the patient enjoys an optimal outcome in minimal time.

To discuss dental implants, call 828-274-9440 for a consultation appointment to discuss the process and associated expenses.

 

Difference Between Crown-&-Bridge And Dental Implants

Posted on Sep 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When replacing one, two or several teeth in one area, one option is a crown & bridge. For many individuals, it seems most practical to go with the less-expensive option. Yet, there are several reasons you should weigh the advantages of Dental Implants vs. crowns and bridges, which are far more important than ‘perceived’ costs.

A bridge, initially, costs less than Dental Implants. Although the cost of a crown-&-bridge combination seems like ‘the way to go’ when it comes to replacing a tooth or teeth, many people are unaware of the long-term expenses and underlying issues.

Yet, over time, a crown-&-bridge can require upkeep. From root canals to crown replacement to cracked bridges that need replacing, these costs add up, and up and up and…

Let’s look at the differences between Dental Implants and crown-&-bridge other than cost.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, which provides the same foundation as that of natural tooth roots. This means that replacement teeth do not need the support of adjacent, natural teeth that have been crowned to serve to support a bridge. By keeping your natural teeth ‘natural,’ you are able to maintain the integrity of natural tooth structure, giving a strong advantage to your oral health.

Because Dental Implants use the natural foundation of your jaw bone, they give another advantage to your oral health. Dental Implants integrate with the structure of your bone. They recreate the presence of natural tooth roots and halt the process of bone loss.

Bone loss from missing teeth, or ‘resorption,’ occurs from the lack of stimulation that tooth roots provide to the jaw bone. Through this, they help to prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and partials.

Bone loss is a concern since it can place neighboring teeth at risk. As the bone shrinks in the area of missing teeth, the foundation of those teeth is compromised. Odds are, when a tooth is lost, the next one you’ll lose is one adjacent due to this bone loss.

Yet another advantage of Dental Implants? – Their ability to look, feel and function just as natural teeth.  Some people prefer to keep the fact that they wear Dental Implants a private issue. With Dental Implants, no one need to ever know you have a ‘third set’ of teeth. Non-removable implant systems allow you to wake up with a smile and brush your implanted teeth along with your natural teeth!

The success rate of Dental Implants is one of the highest implant-in-bone types, including hips and knees. Properly selected, placed and maintained, Dental Implants offer a lifetime solution for tooth replacement. As a Periodontal specialist, I provide specific expertise in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. This gives our patients an edge — specific knowledge, training and skills so they can enjoy teeth that look and feel just like their own (because they are!).

Consider Dental Implants based on the long-term advantages, for optimal oral health as well as a wise investment that will last your lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your needs.

New Technology Means No More Messy Impressions

Posted on Sep 22, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In addition to staying on top of the latest techniques and materials in periodontal treatment, I select advanced technology based upon its benefits to our patients. In addition to technology that helps to optimize treatment outcome, I incorporate advancements that allow patients to move efficiently and comfortably from the exam process to treatment to the final results.

This is what Carestream 3600 provides with fast, easy and accurate digital imaging. What is this?

If you’ve had impressions of the inside of your mouth made, you probably recall having a mold filled with an oozy substance placed over the upper or lower portion. This was held in place to ‘set’ firm and was then rocked back and forth to remove. From this impression, a mold was made to show unique contours that would be involved in treatment.

Using Carestream 3600, we are able to eliminate that process altogether while creating vibrant full HD 3D images. Using a small handheld device, I scan the full arch in one continuous motion for a more comfortable experience for our patient.

Carestream provides precision dimensions at every angle. While this helps us to achieve outstanding clinical results, our patients no longer need to have messy impressions taken.

Carestream 3600 also makes sharing the images with referring doctors or with a dental lab more straightforward—resulting in clearer communication and faster turnaround. I have found it to be especially helpful for Dental Implant cases.

We are pleased that our patients can enjoy a simpler process through this advanced technology. For more about Carestream 3600, visit: http://carestreamdental.com/us/en/scan/CS%203600#Features%20and%20Benefits