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.

One Dental Implant Can Support Several Teeth

Posted on Jun 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, I’ve been in Consultations with patients who have postponed or avoided Dental Implants because they felt they couldn’t afford them. Because they may be missing more than one tooth, they assume an implant is needed for each missing tooth.

The number of implants used in Dental Implant treatment is a significant factor in the overall cost. However, in many cases, one implant can support two or more teeth missing in one area. Teeth held by implants can replace a bridge without needing the support of adjacent teeth on each side. Since implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, this prevents having to crown two otherwise healthy, natural teeth for the mere purpose of supporting a bridge.

Additionally, people who wear partials are also pleased to learn that one implant can support several teeth, helping them to avoid the inconvenience of a removable appliance. They are able to eat the foods they love without worrying about slips or trapped food particles causing discomfort to gums.

Since Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they make an exceptional investment in your health and confidence level. Rather than assume Dental Implants are out of your reach, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. You may be pleasantly surprised by the affordable options available.

War On Gum Disease Gets Hollywood Boost!

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

It looks like, finally, periodontal (gum) disease is getting some serious press through a public relations campaign coordinated by the American Academy of Periodontists (AAP).

Chris Harrison of the ABC programs “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” has been appointed a national spokesperson for the AAP’s “Love The Gums You’re With” campaign. The goal is to utilize Mr. Harrison’s informative messages through television, radio, digital and social media. (Want to join the tweets? Go to #loveyourgums!)

The campaign is intended to give the public a voice that expands awareness of the importance of periodontal wellness. This effort follows a Centers For Disease Control study that showed that half of American adults over age 30 have some level of gum disease, an alarming statistic.

As prevalent as periodontal disease is amongst adults, it has remained largely an unfamiliar problem in the U.S.  Most adults are typically unaware of the health issues associated with periodontal disease.

Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss, the bacteria can become bloodborne through tears in diseased gum tissues. This can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Gum disease bacteria has been associated with heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, and other serious problems.

Be a spokesperson, too! Learn about the causes, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease at: www.perio.org.

 

Is Your Mouth In Need Of ‘Servicing?’

Posted on Jun 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say your home’s heating and air-conditioning system is getting quite old and hasn’t been regularly serviced. Inevitably, it will require repairs, which you know deep down. Some will need major repairs or even total replacement. Getting the estimate to get the system back in order may be a shock, however, life without heat and air conditioning would be rather challenging.

Life without healthy teeth would be terribly challenging as well. In addition to the regular maintenance of your daily oral home care regimen, your 6-month cleanings are designed to help you avoid problems or treat those that are still small.

If you have avoided dental care, you are likely experiencing symptoms associated with periodontal (gum) disease. You may have noticed your gums bleed when you brush or seem tender. You may also have bad breath on a persistent basis or have swollen gums at the base of teeth.

Periodontal disease does not improve without treatment. If untreated, it will result in eventual tooth loss. The bacteria of gum disease has also been associated with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, memory loss, stroke and more.

Our office offers several payment options so dental treatment is manageable to most budgets. So why miss out on a healthy, confident smile? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment. We’ll discuss ways we can restore a healthy smile for you while you make monthly payments that fit your budget.