Does Dental Fear Give You Gum Disease?

Posted on Sep 18, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Nearly 70% of American adults have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Even worse, about half of those have such a high level of fear they are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who become so upset at the mere thought of dental visits that physical reactions (such as breaking out in a sweat) occur.

Often, those with dental fears aren’t sure of the origins, although many are related to traumatic childhood dental experiences. Fortunately, modern dentistry has made much progress in comfort options. Additionally, most of today’s dentists are more sensitive to patient comfort and strive to deliver ‘painless’ dentistry. Many offices offer oral sedation as well as topical numbing before injections and headsets with soothing music to help relax patients.

During many procedures, we use oral sedation to place our patients in a fully relaxed, serene state. Numbing is still provided but injections are delivered after the patient is sedated. Oral sedation is given prior to your appointment so you are relaxed by the time you arrive at our office. Oral sedation provides total relaxation throughout your visit and typically erases memory of the procedure afterward.

The first step is to choose the Doctor who is right for you. For some, just making the appointment and getting in the door for the initial visit is a challenge. I suggest starting with a consultation. This will allow you to meet the Doctor in a non-clinical setting and determine if this practice is a good fit for you.

Often, fearful patients relax just by meeting the ‘right Doctor.’ If it has been years (or even decades) since your last dental check-up and cleaning, it is vital to your overall health to rid your mouth of the oral bacteria that is surely present. Please call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation as soon as possible. The earlier your care begins, the less will be required to restore your mouth to a healthy state. And, your comfort will be a priority at every visit!

Never Too Old For The Benefits Of Dental Implants!

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

It’s not unusual for our office to place Dental Implants in patients who are in the 80’s or 90’s. Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people, which is very high. As long as a patient’s gum tissue is at a healthy level prior to placement, they’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants.

Regardless of one’s age, Dental Implants continually achieve their designed goals of recreating the presence of tooth roots and restoring one’s ability to bite, chew, eat, laugh, and speak confidently and comfortably. And, unlike crown-&-bridge combinations, Implants do not compromise the health of adjacent teeth. As a matter of fact, their ability to preserve a healthy jaw bone structure and support proper alignment of neighboring teeth enhances the life of surrounding natural teeth.

If you are an adult age 65 and older, you are in a rapidly growing age group in the United States. In 1900, only 4% of the population were age 65 and older. In 1990, this had jumped to 12.6%. By 2030, the projected numbers of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to be nearly 22% of the population.

Older adults are also going to the dentist more than at any time in history. In 1983, the average number of yearly dental visits per older adult was 1.5, the lowest for any reported age group. However, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that between 1983 – 1989, there was a 30% increase by those aged 65 and older who were seeing the dentist on a regular basis. This likely has much to do with the drop in total edentulism (having no natural teeth) for aging adults. According to the National Institute for Dental Research, there was a decrease of elderly adults who are missing all their natural teeth from 60% in 1957 to about 41% in 1986.

A Periodontist is the ideal member of your implant team. Periodontal Specialists have special knowledge, training and facilities for Dental Implant placement. A Periodontal Specialist is also adept in working with general dentists for an ideal overall result in function and appearance.

For more information on Dental Implants or to discuss your concerns, ask for a Consultation appointment by calling (828) 274-9440.

Gum Disease Can Affect Teens, Too!

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although periodontal (gum) disease is typically associated with adults, teens can also be affected. Even younger children can be victims of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. However, when untreated, it can advance to full-blown periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis can adversely affect the healthy development of first molars and incisors.

During puberty, hormonal changes place teens at greater risk for periodontal disease. Increased hormonal levels cause increased blood circulation to the gums, leading to gum sensitivity. This causes higher susceptibility to any irritation with the gums being swollen, red and tender. Gum disease in teens can evolve into inflammation of the gums and plaque build-up. Typical signs include bleeding gums while brushing, puffy and sore gums, seeing gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth and persistent bad breath.

It is important that teens be committed to a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups and cleanings. In some cases, a dentist may refer your teen to a Periodontist for treatment to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding teeth.

Periodontal disease in children and teens can be avoided with good oral care habits. To help your child maintain good oral health, the American Academy of Periodontology advises:
 •Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is one year old, begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. Begin flossing when the gaps between your child’s teeth close.
    •Be a good role model by having your child watch you during your own dental hygiene regimen.
    •Make sure your child has regular dental checkups, periodontal exams and cleanings.
    •Check your child’s mouth for signs of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding from teeth and persistent bad breath.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of any stage of periodontal disease. This is another reason why all children should have periodontal exams as part of routine dental visits. If your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, there is also a possibility that he or she is showing early signs of a systemic disease elsewhere in the body. In such cases, a medical evaluation should be arranged for children with severe periodontitis or who show minimal improvement after periodontal therapy.

You can learn more by visiting the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org. Or, call our office at (828) 274-9440.

Canker Sore Or Cold Sore?

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

We always urge patients to pay close attention to any unusual sore or discoloration in the mouth or on the lips. Oral cancer is one of the most deadly of all cancers when not caught early. However, at this time of year, it seems that canker and cold sores are more prevalent.

Do you have a Canker or Cold Sore? 
Typically, if the sore is located inside your mouth, it’s likely a canker sore. If it’s on the outside, it is probably a cold sore.

Canker sores (mouth ulcers) generally occur inside the mouth and are bacterial in nature. They are often triggered by trauma such as biting your cheek, jabbing your gum with your toothbrush or even overzealous tooth cleaning.

Cold sores are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus living inside nerve tissues. (It is not the same virus that causes genital herpes.) Here are some guidelines:

A cold sore occurs outside the mouth. A canker sore is on the inside of your mouth.

A cold sore appears as tiny, clear fever blisters. A canker sore is a small white or gray ulcer on the lips or under the nose base, often with a red border.

A cold sore will last about a week while a canker sore may hang around for one or two weeks. Keep in mind a cold sore is not contagious, but a canker sore is.

A cold sore can be treated with Aloe Vera or over-the-counter topical anesthetics to cut pain and discomfort. You can also rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or salt dissolved in warm water. Canker sores require over-the-counter medications or prescription antiviral drugs to prevent outbreak, especially if they are frequent. Over-the-counter oral anesthetics may help with pain relief.

Please remember that any sore or unusual spot that doesn’t get better in two weeks should be examined IMMEDIATELY. Oral cancer can take on many shapes and colors and is a serious, and even deadly, disease that requires early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or need an examination.