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.

Be Cautious Of ‘New-fangled’ Implant Types

Posted on Jun 04, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a periodontal specialist who places many Dental Implants, I frequently cringe when I see TV commercials promoting ‘clinics’ who tout a particular type of implant to the masses. For example, the latest is the ‘mini-implant.’ Although mini dental implants do work for a few, they fail to provide the stability and longevity of other types that may have been far more appropriate.

Everyone wants to save money; we all want a good deal. Because Dental Implants are a financial commitment for most, spending money on an implant system that does not fulfill its purpose (or even requires removal) is a mere waste of money spent.

I remember several purchases because the price was so appealing. What I realized, in due time, was I had not really saved money at all. As a matter of fact, I ended up spending MORE in the long-run for repairs and/or replacements. Plus, I felt ‘taken.’

Dental Implants are designed in many shapes and sizes so a skilled, experienced doctor can select and place the implant that will work best for your specific needs. Be cautious with excitement over a potentially ‘cheaper’ option. And, don’t be surprised if these implant clinics try to talk you into a higher-priced version.

We’ve all heard, “Do it right the first time!” And, deep down, we know that’s the wisest and most economical route. It’s no different with Dental Implants. Find a doctor in whom you have full confidence and let him or her guide you to a successful outcome!

For a consultation appointment, call (828) 274-9440. Here, you’ll learn the various options and what will, and will not, work best for you.

Dread Dental Cleanings? Here’s An Easy Fix.

Posted on May 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Being in the dental field, it’s not unusual to hear, “I hate going to the dentist,” or “I’d rather (insert various phrases) than go to the dentist.” Yet, there ARE those who actually enjoy having their teeth cleaned and their smile brightened every six months!

If you dread dental cleanings, it’s likely because it’s uncomfortable. The reason it’s not comfortable is probably because (drum roll) you don’t floss on a daily basis.

Daily flossers remove bits and particles between teeth before they begin to breed bacteria. As these particles rot, bacteria accumulate and form a sticky substance known as plaque. When plaque is not sufficiently removed on a daily basis, it hardens into tartar that the Hygienist has to scrape away during your cleaning.

Oral bacteria not only eat away at tooth surfaces (causing cavities), they attack gum tissues, which causes inflammation. This makes your gums tender and sore. When the hygienist scrapes tartar off teeth that are surrounded by inflammed gum tissue, it’s not going to be without sensations.

The good news is – you can prevent all of this in just two minutes a day! Commit to daily flossing for two weeks, which should be enough to get you comfortable and in the habit. Most daily flossers feel uneasy when they DON’T floss because a flossed mouth is a cleaner mouth.

If you need help, ask your Hygienist to work with you so flossing is easy and to ensure you are doing it effectively. Be sure to brush at least twice daily (for a minimum of 2 minutes each time) and use a tongue scraper to remove embedded bacteria from the tongue.

Your breath will be fresher, you’ll save time and money by avoiding dental repairs, and you will hopefully change your dread of dental visits to actually looking forward to 6-month cleanings!

If you are experiencing tender gums that bleed when you brush, you are in the initial stages of periodontal disease. This will only worsen without treatment. Call us at (704) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Why Dentures Contribute To Bad Breath

Posted on May 28, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although Periodontal Disease is one of the first symptoms associated with persistent bad breath, denture wearers often complain about an unpleasant odor on a frequent basis. This is due to the bacterial presence in dentures and partials.

The material that holds the replacement teeth of dentures and partials is porous. This means that bacteria can become embedded in it. Not only do bacteria reproduce at a rapid rate, these organisms eat, and therefore produce waste, continually in your mouth.

This bacterial reproduction can result in painful inflammation, cracking at the corners of the mouth, redness and soreness. But, once established, disease-causing microorganisms (like Candida albicans, for example) won’t go away on their own. Ridding them may require powerful antifungal medications.

Full and partial denture-wearers must rinse their appliances after every meal and soak them in disinfectant solutions nightly. Although this process is burdensome, many people sleep in their dentures and partials. This warm, moist, dark environment is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, exacerbating the bacterial onslaught in one’s mouth.

This is yet another reason we advise dental implants. Dental implants are tooth root replacements positioned in the jaw bone. They restore chewing comfort and biting stability. Implants allow you to eat the foods you love and laugh without worry. They also help to preserve the jaw bone by recreating the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots. They are safe and designed to last for a lifetime.

If you’re ready to rid yourself of the inconvenience and discomfort of dentures or partials, please call for a Consultation. Your confidence in eating and being close with others is worth exploring this option. And, today’s dental implants are more affordable than you may think! Call (828) 274-9440.