Causes Of Pain When Consuming Hot Or Cold

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

Do you get painful jolts when you drink hot or cold beverages or eat ice-cream? This commonly stems from sensitivity caused by gum recession.

When the gums pull away from teeth, they leave portions of tooth roots exposed. Unlike the enamel-coated tooth that extends above the gums, the root portion below relies on gum tissue to protect the dentin.

Dentin is a porous layer around the neck of the tooth. It consists of tiny tubules that surround the root’s nerve center. If the dentin is exposed, the nerve center responds with pain signals. This typically happens when the bristles of a tooth brush or hot or cold foods and beverages reach exposed areas.

As a periodontal specialist, what I most often see are gums that have pulled away from teeth due to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a common cause of gum recession as well as the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Smoking, certain illnesses or poor oral hygiene can be factors in gum disease. When bacteria in the mouth are not removed on a daily basis, plaque forms around the teeth. Plaque is toxic and causes irritation to the gums, which can develop into gingivitis. As the gums become more inflamed, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (gum disease).

As the bacteria of gum disease destroy healthy gum tissues, the gums lose their attachment to the teeth. This becomes apparent when teeth appear to be long and reveal darker portions near the gum line. Even worse than having the appearance of your smile compromised, gum recession allows for easy entry of bacteria to penetrate bones and tissues that support teeth. This leads to a more severe level of gum disease.

Another cause of gum recession can be from rigorous tooth brushing or using an overly-abrasive substance such as baking soda. When tender gum tissues are literally scoured away day after day, you’ll eventually erode tooth enamel and the gum tissue protecting sensitive areas.

Gum recession can also occur from trauma that results from teeth clenching or bruxing (tooth grinding). This most often happens during sleep, leaving many people unaware that this is occurring. This action can break down gum tissues and eventually lead to recession. In addition to receded gums, clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become worn or chip.

If gum recession is minor, we recommend switching to a soft bristle tooth brush and lighten up on your stroke. Rather than a back-&-forth ‘scrubbing’ motion, swipe from the base of each tooth to its end. Then, clean the tops of teeth with a circular motion. Use a sensitivity toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to block the nerve endings.

In more severe cases of gum recession, surgery may be recommended. Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting can protect tooth roots and restore the appearance of your smile. Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure and performed with a high level of comfort and an excellent outcome.

The best way to remedy gum recession is sooner than later. Begin with a periodontal examination so you can hopefully avoid extensive treatment or expense. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Tooth Loss Causes Jowls – NOT The Aging Process!

Posted on Nov 12, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Long-time denture wearer? If you feel your face has grown longer, it is probably because jowls have formed on both sides of your face. This is typically the result of facial muscles that have detached from the jaw bones once they shrink to a certain point.

Natural tooth roots, which are once held by the upper and lower jaw bones, provide stimulation to the bone. These tooth roots help the jaw bones to maintain mass. When tooth roots are no longer present, the lack of stimulation results in bone resorption, or ‘melting away’ of the bone.

Although resorption occurs slowly, pressure on the jaws from wearing dentures actually speeds the process. Since many denture wearers also sleep in their dentures, the continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

When dentures are first placed, the fit can be satisfactory for 1 – 5 years. However, as bone loss progresses, the denture’s fit will last at less-frequent intervals each time. This is why relines are periodically needed. For example, one year after the extraction of teeth, a denture wearer experiences a 25% bone loss. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While the biting force with natural teeth is 250 lbs., an average denture wearer bites with only 5 – 6 lbs. of force.

Today’s implant dentistry includes options, such as the ‘All-On-4,’ that require minimal bone for placement. Because these implants are placed at unique angles, just four implants (upper or lower) are able to support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Regardless of the process, dental implants will enable you to chew comfortably and speak and laugh confidently without fear or worry. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to learn what is best for your needs and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Dental Implants Make A Lasting Gift!

Posted on Nov 06, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

My family is already talking about our holiday ‘wish list.’ It has reminded me of how many patients I see who struggle daily to bite and chew comfortably because of a denture. What a gift it is to have a confident smile and to be able to eat without discomfort and laugh without worry.

Some individuals who would like Dental Implants but continue to endure a ‘wobbly’ denture do so because of mis-information or outdated opinions. Some have been told they don’t have enough remaining jaw bone to support the implanted posts. Some assume they’ll need an implant for each missing tooth and cannot afford the total amount. Some have even been told horror stories about implant failures.

Today’s implant dentistry offers many affordable and successful options. Some types overcome bone loss issues while others stabilize a denture with only 6 or 8 strategically-placed implants. Payment plans are available that break the fees into monthly payments that fit most budgets.

Additionally, the success rate of dental implants is higher than any implant-in-bone type. Although heavy smokers do have a higher risk of implant failure, the majority of patients who are compliant with post-surgical instructions have very few, if any, problems.

Before you assume that Dental Implants are out of reach (for yourself or someone you love), schedule a Consultation. During this time, I’ll explain all options and answer your questions thoroughly.

I can’t remember one implant patient who has not felt Dental Implants were the best thing they ever did. As you compile your ‘wish list’ this holiday, put a confident smile at the very top! Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Is Your Potential For Tooth Loss High?

Posted on Oct 31, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that adult tooth loss in the U.S. has decreased from the early 1970s. Yet, percentages remain high and vary according to age range, race and sex.

For example, adults between ages 20 – 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth rather than 32 in a normal adult mouth. Nearly 4% of adults in this same age group have no remaining teeth. For adults ages 65 – 74, both male and female averaged approximately 19 remaining teeth.

Older adults, Black and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes were shown to have higher percentages for being totally edentulous (no remaining teeth).

Males showed slightly higher averages in tooth loss than females while current smokers averaged having only 23.47 teeth. Non-smokers (never smoked) had nearly 26 remaining teeth. Nearly half of smokers ages 65 – 74 had lost all teeth versus about 22% of the same age group who had never smoked.

Your teeth are much more than mere components of a smile. While teeth can be replaced with dentures, partials, crown-&-bridge combinations and Dental Implants, there is nothing as dependable as healthy, natural teeth. Your teeth affect your appearance, self-confidence and self-esteem. They are also an important part of the digestive process and help to maintain a healthy jaw bone mass.

Renew your commitment to have a healthy smile and keep your teeth for a lifetime. Arrange for a thorough periodontal examination so you can begin with a sound foundation of healthy gums. Brush and floss twice daily and be diligent about keeping your 6-month check-ups.

If you’ve avoided dental care due to fear or other concerns, call to arrange a Consultation. We are experienced at helping fearful patients and are a ‘lecture-free’ practice. You’ll be warmly welcomed and respected by each member of our team.

Don’t be one of the statistics of tooth loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation soon!