Difficult Battle With Oral Cancer

Posted on Sep 25, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

This past year, former Padres’ ball player and Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn died from oral cancer. Mr. Gwynne felt this was a result of years of using smokeless tobacco, a habit that is fairly common among Major League baseball players.

Gwynn’s oral cancer was diagnosed in 2010, which began in his salivary glands. Even after a rigorous fight with chemotherapy and radiation, it’s progression was beyond treatment. Oral cancer has some of the worse statistics of all cancers. It takes the life of an American every hour and has one of the worst survival rates.

Apparently, smokeless tobacco had become such a problem that a survey was conducted to determine just how rampant its use had become. The survey found that about one third of Major League rookies were regular users of chewing and snuff. Also revealed was that, when including all players, approximately 30% overall used smokeless tobacco. This was a disturbing find since it showed that once a user the habit had very few giving it up.

Because the MLB felt this growing trend was sending a message to young fans, they have since set rules regarding the use of these products. There is still much work to do, obviously, since a 2012 study showed that nearly 11% of high school males were smokeless tobacco users.

Users typically tuck chewing tobacco or snuff between their cheek and gums and spit out the juices. Snuff is occasionally snorted directly into the nostrils. And, while the hazards of cigarette smoke are better known, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention warns that smokeless products contain 28 carcinogens and are a known cause of oral cancer.

Too, it is common knowledge that cigarettes are addictive. However, just like cigarettes, nicotine occurs naturally in all tobacco products – smokeless, too. It is also physically and emotionally addictive. Many don’t realize just how addictive these products have become until they try to quit. Common symptoms, similar to those experienced with giving up cigarettes, include weeks of depression, irritability, headaches, weight gain and dizziness.

In addition to giving up the use of all tobacco products, current and former users, especially, should be aware of warning signs. These include a spot or sore in the mouth, tongue or lips that does not heal within 10-14 days. Other signs may be a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or change in the voice. These symptoms should be checked by your dentist or periodontal specialist immediately. When treated early, oral cancer can be survivable.

Also, please share this information with team coaches when you notice signs of smokeless tobacco use. You may be helping to save a growing smile from disfiguration or even death. For more information, call us at 828-274-9440, or schedule a prompt appointment if you’ve noticed any of the above mentioned symptoms.

YOU Can Affect Dental Implant Success

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Studies show that dental implants continue to be one of the most successful of all implant-in-bone procedures, over 90%. As a Periodontal specialist, dental implants are an area in which I have received advanced training.

Periodontists are uniquely skilled in diagnosing a patient’s best options when it comes to dental implant treatment – the number of implants needed, the type of implant system, selection of placement locations and actual placement.

I pride myself on our success rate when it comes to selecting and placing dental implants. Absolutely, a successful outcome begins with the part of treatment I can oversee in my office. Once the patient leaves our office, however, the ability to enjoy the benefits of implants for a lifetime are mostly in their control. There are ways a patient can affect the outcome of dental implants — for the good and bad.

When dental implants ‘fail,’ it is typically due to the onset of infection. This occurs when an overload of oral bacteria has accumulated in gum tissues surrounding the implant. Infections cause gums to become inflamed. This inflammation can travel down the implanted post and attack the bone structure supporting the implant. When caught and treated early, many infections can be eliminated. If not, the implant must often be removed to allow the area to heal.

A common cause for infection is poor oral hygiene. Other reasons for failure include smoking, diabetes, teeth grinding during sleep and diabetes.

Although smoking is a well-known risk factor when it comes to implant success, bruxing (clenching and grinding teeth) can cause implant failure to a higher level than many realize. In one study on dental implants, 29% of patients who had bruxing problems experienced implant failure. Nearly the same percentage of patients with diabetes suffered implant failure.

Studies show that implant failure rates are higher when the placement doctor has less than 5 years of experience. Because your choice of who places your implants can have an impact on their success, choose carefully. Having a successful outcome will save you time, money and allow you to enjoy your dental implant without undue delays. To begin, ask for a consultation. During this time, I’ll answer your questions and make recommendations. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Every doctor wants their patients to enjoy a positive experience when it comes to any procedure. While not all aspects of treatment are within the control of the doctor, being thoroughly communicative with patients on ways THEY can enhance the success of their implants is as important to us as the exceptional care you’ll receive.

Tackle Gum Disease Quickly To Save Time & Money

Posted on Aug 24, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say you noticed a spot on the door to your home that looked like termite damage. Because the results can be costly, you’d react quickly to have the problem resolved before the damaged progressed further. Right?

Then wouldn’t the same reaction be warranted when signs of gum disease appear?

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the care of oral gum tissues and the placement of dental implants. The majority of patients I see have periodontal (gum) disease that requires specialized treatment. Without this, tooth loss occurs as well as a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Often, the patients I treat were aware that something about their oral health wasn’t right. Perhaps they began having tender gums and noticed blood in the sink when brushing. Perhaps their gums receded, exposing sensitive, darker tooth root areas. Perhaps their breath was frequently bad, even shortly after brushing.

Sadly, the general population is more aware of the damage termites can cause than the destruction and heighten health risks associated with gum disease. However, the bottom line is this: When it comes to your smile, early care is the best way to save time and money required for more complex treatment later.

One of the reasons your dentist arranges your check-ups and exams is to remove built-up plaque (a hardened form of oral bacteria) and note areas that are at risk. Those who delay or avoid these visits thinking “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong” not only delay costs, they are actually adding to overall expenses that will eventually be required once something does hurt.

Think of your mouth as the front door of your home and oral bacteria as termites. (Except oral bacteria are far worse! Termites eat wood. Oral bacteria eat YOU!) Gum disease can be easily avoided with regular check-ups and a thorough oral hygiene routine at home (totaling about 5 mins. a day). Think of this commitment to your smile as money you keep!

If you suspect you may have any stage of gum disease, call our office at (828) 274-9440. Time is not on your side.

Signs Of Gum Disease

Posted on Aug 19, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When something is wrong with our vehicles, we typically see a warning light. These may indicate low oil, a door not shut tight or even a tail light outage. Seeing these lights gives us reason to react promptly since ignoring the problem could have serious, and even deadly, outcomes.

Your mouth also sends off warning signs when something is wrong. For example, an ache coming from a tooth may indicate a cavity or crack. A sore spot in the mouth could be caused by a canker sore or warning sign of oral cancer.

Warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease can occur and should not be taken lightly. Gum disease begins with sore spots on gum tissues. You may notice some blood in the sink when brushing teeth. Your mouth may feel ‘icky,’ having a sticky feeling. You may sense you have bad breath more frequently, even shortly after brushing.

Unfortunately, these signs are often ignored, allowing gum disease to progress further, which it will. Signs of its advancement includes gum tissues that pull away from teeth, typically exposing tender, darker root sections of teeth. Your gums will bleed easily and swollen spots may appear near the base of teeth. The gum tissue will likely darken from a healthy pink color to a deeper red.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Additionally, it has been associated with a number of serious health risks. The oral bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, memory loss, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Gum disease will not improve without treatment and will eventually lead to tooth loss. Don’t delay care when you experience the very first warning sign. Early treatment will save you in time and expense – and may save your teeth! Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we’ll help you maintain it by recommending home care steps combined with periodic check-ups.

Call 828-274-9440 if you have any symptoms of gum disease. Time is of the essence.