Dental Insurance – Use Those Remaining Benefits!

Posted on Oct 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We are now in the last quarter of 2014. Remember to take advantage of your unused insurance benefits before they disappear at year’s end!

If you have delayed treatment, please call soon. Keep in mind that some treatments require more than one visit to complete. So you receive the full coverage from remaining benefits, early scheduling allows us to arrange your treatment to be completed by a required date.

If you have questions about your insurance, call  (828) 274-9440 or bring your policy booklet in and we’ll evaluate the extent of remaining coverages with you.

People with healthy, confident smiles tend to smile more often. Enjoy the full benefits from your insurance to keep your smile at its very best!

The Problems With Dentures

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

Dentures, as we know them today, have been around for many years. The earliest dentures were carved from bone or made from human teeth. By 1775, porcelain dentures, which were more durable and attractive, were being made. However, early dentures were basically worn to replace the appearance of teeth rather than restore function and often removed before eating.

The challenge with dentures is how they eventually lead to a number of problems even today. The most common problem for denture wearers is an unstable fit. Even dentures that felt secure when first placed eventually loosen and slip while chewing. This occurs due to the declining foundation of jaw bone mass, which causes the gum ridge to flatten out.

Bone loss occurs without the stimulation of tooth roots in the jaw bone. Once it begins, the process of bone loss, or ‘resorption,’ is ongoing. The pressure from wearing dentures actually speeds up this process. For denture wearers who sleep in their dentures, this rate of bone loss is even more rapid from the constant pressure on the jaw bone. As the bone continues to resorb, even relines won’t help much.

Bone loss is also why you’ll see long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” The face takes on a collapsed look and the chin becomes more pointed. Jowls form as facial muscles detach from shrinking jaw bones. The entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years.

Difficulty eating a healthy diet with dentures leads to another set of problems. When dentures do not fit securely, the rubbing and discomfort often leads to a soft diet of foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Your overall health requires a diet of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables along with protein-rich meats. Since digestion begins in the mouth, dentures that rub sore spots on tender gum tissue causes many to swallow before sufficient chewing is done. It is no surprise that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

In our society, food is often the centerpiece of social occasions. Being socially active is an important part of our happiness level and overall well-being. People who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because of the fear of embarrassment.

No matter how many advancements are made in the development of dentures, they will never be a good substitute for teeth. They never were. On the market today, there is no denture adhesive or paste that can make dentures a good substitute for teeth considering they only add to the rate of bone loss.

Dental Implants provide a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement. They recreate the stimulation of natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting bone loss and restoring dependable chewing stability.

Considering all the long-term problems created by dentures, the one-time cost of Dental Implants makes them a far better value. Too, restoring your ability to eat comfortably and laugh confidently without the fear of embarrassment is priceless. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or request a Consultation.

An Apple A Day For Dental Health, Too!

Posted on Oct 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We’ve all heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are loaded with antioxidants and are a good source of fiber, making them a good snack or dessert for your overall health, including your smile.

Munching a crisp, fresh apple requires chewing action that activates an increase in saliva. In addition to having more saliva to help cleanse your mouth, the texture of the apple gives teeth a mini-cleaning and the gums healthy stimulation for increased blood flow.

Just be sure to purchase organic apples only. An average commercially-grown apple has more pesticide residue than all other fruits and vegetables. According to USDA data, pesticides have been found in 98% of even washed apples and can contain up to 48 types of pesticides. This is definitely one food worth the added expense of buying organic!

If you’ve had to give up foods like apples because of undependable dentures, ask for a Consultation appointment to discuss Dental Implants. Implants can secure a denture, enabling you to eat all the foods you love again – including apples! Call (828) 274-9440.

Flossing Made Easier With These Options

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Daily flossing, combined with thorough brushing twice a day, is an effective way to minimize your potential for periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

As a Periodontist, I’ve heard every excuse under the sun why people don’t floss. “It hurts my fingers.” “I don’t feel I need to floss.” “The floss hurts my gums.” Yet, when people get into the habit of flossing, using the proper technique, most can’t go a day without flossing. Some tell me, “I don’t feel like my mouth is really clean if I miss flossing.”

Your dental hygienist is a pro at helping you develop a comfortable technique that effectively removes debris and bacteria between teeth. However, if you absolutely cannot get used to traditional dental floss, here are a few options you may wish to try:

Floss Holders – These are small plastic pieces that hold floss taut so you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers.  Many people feel Floss Holders make flossing easier and like that they can be used with one hand.  Like traditional flossing, it is important that you don’t ‘pop’ the floss in-between teeth. This can damage tender gum tissues, which leaves the gums more susceptible for bacteria to penetrate.

Oral Irrigators – An oral irrigator (or water flosser) uses a pulsating action of water to help remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.  They also stimulate blood flow. Use water that is lukewarm or at room temperature for additional comfort.

Electric Flossers – These flossers, such as Airfloss, use microburst technology to send a burst of pressurized air mixed with water to clean between teeth. These are excellent for people who struggle with hand coordination or strength (arthritis sufferers, for example). They can go into areas where a toothbrush doesn’t reach and gives a deeper clean than that of Oral Irrigators.

Regardless of which option you choose, DO choose something to keep oral bacteria from creating problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Think of your flossing aid as “an ounce of prevention.” Plus, your mouth will feel cleaner and breath will be fresher! So, no more excuses!