Psychological & Social Issues Associated With Tooth Loss

Posted on Sep 08, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Are feelings of depression overwhelming you? Is your self-esteem an issue? Having problems advancing in life or your career? Feel nervous or self-conscious in social settings? According to a presentation at an Annual Meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry several years ago, you may want to start by checking your smile.

Tooth loss may very well be the culprit, and you’re not alone. Nearly 20 million teeth are extracted each year, leaving scores of people to deal with the psychological affects of an “incomplete” smile.

Asuman Kiyak, PhD addressed the psychological issues affecting people who deal with tooth loss and discussed how this loss can affect one’s quality of life. In Dr. Kiyak’s course, she covered the traumatic effects a patient endures after tooth loss, focusing on ways to help them cope with and understand their options for restoring their smile.

In fact, survey results from nearly 20,000 AGD members revealed that over 86% of dentists reported social embarrassment is one of their patients’ greatest problems associated with tooth loss and more than half of these patients avoid social interaction because of it.

In coping with tooth loss, Dr. Kiyak encourages patients to:

•Weigh the pros and cons for replacement teeth or even root canal therapy to save a tooth.

•Review videos or photos of others who have lost teeth and their current status with removable or implant-supported dentures.

•Read testimonials of others who have undergone tooth loss and replacement of teeth with removable or implant-supported dentures.

Helping patients enjoy healthy, natural teeth for a lifetime is always our goal. However, for patients who must replace teeth, the look, feel, and function is no less important to their well-being. This is why many adults now select Dental Implants for tooth replacement. They restore biting and chewing function and are designed to last a lifetime. It’s like getting natural teeth back.

Call (828) 274-2990 to learn more or request a Consultation appointment.

Continual Problems In Your Mouth?

Posted on Sep 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whenever I meet a new patient who expresses frustrations about always being in need of dental repairs, I can almost predict that they’ll have some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

A mouth that has healthy pink gums is generally one that has minimal bacteria. The lower the bacteria level in one’s mouth, the less risk one has of developing cavities, gum problems (including sensitivity), tooth loss and underlying issues with supporting bones.

Once a patient’s mouth is restored to good health, we work in unison with their general dentist (or can recommend one, if needed) to ensure their teeth are sufficiently repaired and/or replaced.

From this point on, maintaining a healthy mouth requires just minutes each day for oral care at home along with regular check-ups and dental cleanings twice a year. Most problems that occur thereafter are typically minimal and can be repaired easily.

If you built a new home, you’d certainly make sure it was positioned soundly on a dependable foundation. Your mouth needs a good foundation as well. Once your gums are healthy, those continual visits to repair problems should no longer be the case. Call (282) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation or examination appointment.

 

 

Straight Teeth Can Help You Avoid Many Problems, Including Lost Teeth!

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

As a Periodontal Specialist, I am often referred patients who have developed gum disease or are missing teeth. Although periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, you may be surprised to know how often this is a result of bite misalignment. While crooked or crowded teeth don’t always require bite realignment, they typically indicate problems that will occur, if they don’t already exist.

A bite that is not properly aligned can cause strain on jaw joints and facial muscles, which can lead to joint pain, headaches and migraines. Additionally, crowded and crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. This creates nooks and crevices where bacterial buildup can easily occur, leading to gingivitis and eventually gum disease.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Although wires and brackets have a less-than-fun reputation, today’s materials are more comfortable and can be barely visible. Some Orthodontists also offer clear molds that are removable for eating and brushing. However, these are typically recommended when minimal movement is needed.

Ideally, your smile should be a combination of healthy gums with a bite that works in harmony with head muscles and jaw joints. This provides you with a foundation that minimizes the risk for future problems.

Begin with an evaluation to ensure your gums are healthy so, if bite realignment is necessary, you’ll have minimal risks for complications during treatment. Also, ask about financial plans that can help you achieve a healthy mouth while making monthly payments that fit your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Long, Sensitive Teeth From Gum Recession

Posted on Aug 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Gum recession occurs when gum tissues that frame the teeth wear or pull away. This exposes dark areas of the tooth’s root, which tend to be sensitive to hot, cold or brushing. Gum recession also causes “long” teeth, which detracts from one’s smile.

Receded gums are also a sign of gum disease. This occurs from the formation of “pockets” of pus or bacterial buildup between the teeth and gum line. If untreated, the tissues and bone that support the teeth can be damaged and eventually result in tooth loss.

In most cases, gum recession occurs gradually. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity or teeth that seem longer. Although gum disease is the leading cause of recession, there are other factors that can lead to gum recession as well, including:

Being too rigorous in tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth with too much pressure or “scrubbing” teeth with a hard bristle tooth brush can cause the enamel on teeth to wear away and the gums to recede.

Poor dental hygiene: When your brushing and flossing regimen is insufficient, bacterial accumulation results in plaque, which turns into calculus. Plaque (also known as tartar) is a cement-like substance that can only be removed from teeth by a professional.

Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco are drying to oral tissues. This increases your likelihood for the formation of plaque on teeth, which can lead to gum recession.

Grinding and clenching teeth: When you clench or grind your teeth at night, the force this places on teeth can cause the gums to recede.

Female hormonal fluctuations: When hormonal levels change, such as occurs in puberty, pregnancy and menopause, the gums can be more sensitive and more susceptible to gum recession.

Crooked teeth or bite misalignment: When teeth are not in proper alignment, there is added force placed on the gums and supporting bone. This often leads to gum recession.

Exposed areas of teeth can cause sensitivity as well as make you more susceptible to decay or gum disease. Repairing these areas can be performed in our office comfortably and quickly.

The best time to treat gum recession is as soon as it is noticed. Don’t wait until the gums have pulled away to the extent where more involved grafting is required. When caught early, your time and expense in treatment will be minimal. Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.