If you began 2014 with a resolution to “get fit,” you may be finding your enthusiasm is waning about now. As we age, losing weight and keeping in shape is a daunting task for most of us.

Findings of a survey of over 1,000 American adults were recently shared by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The survey assessed how today’s consumers invest in their appearance.

A whopping 80% of those polled said they would invest to minimize the effects of aging. And, while 48% claimed they would spend on weight loss measures, 62% said they would spend money on their smile, with females more likely to invest in their smile than males.

About half felt the appearance of a smile can conceal the effects of aging while only 10% felt a physique could conceal one’s true age. Adults age 50 & over claim a smile is a better feature at camouflaging the years than adults in the 18-29 age category.

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the health AND appearance of gum tissues. Two procedures I regularly perform involve gum recontouring. Most contouring is performed as a gingivectomy that removes excess gum tissue around teeth. This is frequently done to repair a “gummy smile,” for example.

Gingivectomies are also performed in crown lengthening. This enhances the appearance of a smile for people who have porcelain veneers or crowns placed. This gives an even line of gum tissue for a smile that is flattering and attractive!

The appearance of your smile can be a major factor in self-esteem, self-confidence and of course, appearance. It is important to have both a healthy smile and one that makes us feel good from the inside out! To discuss your smile, feel free to contact us at (828) 274-9440.

If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 30% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of some level of anxiety or fear. Even worse, about 10% of those are classified as “dental phobics,” or persons with such a high fear level that they avoid the dentist until an emergency need arises.

With these statistics, it comes as no surprise that the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. Without 6-month check-ups and cleanings, your risk of developing gum disease, among other problems, is high.

If the fear of discomfort has prevented you from regular dental care, you are encouraged to share those feelings with a dentist who is sensitive to your concerns. This discussion will allow us to understand your level of fear and explain the methods of comfort available.
In our office, we offer both Oral Sedation, which is in pill form so there are no needles used to administer the medication. You are totally relaxed throughout treatment and have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. The medication is safe and recovery time is quick. For added safety and comfort, you are monitored by a trained staff member and sophisticated equipment throughout your procedure.

I believe the confidence of a beautiful, healthy smile enhances one’s quality of life and every person should feel achieving this is within reach. Hopefully, the advancements in dental techniques and technology will result in a new generation who live their lifetime with all their natural teeth.

If you have dental fear or know someone who does, suggest they begin with a consultation by calling (828) 274-9440. This conversation could be the first step to a terrific smile!

The leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. is Periodontal (gum) Disease. Yet, our general population is largely unaware of this. Although treating gum disease requires less time and expense in its early stages, the expertise of a Periodontist to treat all stages of gum disease can often save teeth for those who even have advanced stages.

As a Periodontal Specialist, our ultimate goal is to restore your mouth to a healthy state, helping you avoid tooth loss and the health risk of inflammation throughout your entire body. While some general dentists may see a tooth as “hopeless,” we are often able to save many teeth from extraction. Why is it so important to save your natural teeth?

There is a domino effect with tooth loss. Once you lose a natural tooth, studies show the next one lost will be an adjacent tooth, and so on. Replacing teeth can be an expensive process, even for denture and partial wearers. While dentures and partials may seem a less-costly method, over time, they can cause devastating health problems. Not only will biting and chewing become more difficult, your overall health declines after tooth loss.

Denture wears tend to take more medications, avoid social gatherings, and have more gastro-intestinal problems than those with their natural teeth. It is estimated that denture wearers die at an age that is ten years younger than those with their own teeth, on average.

Make every effort possible to save your natural teeth. This begins with keeping a healthy mouth and maintaining regular dental cleanings. When a tooth cannot be saved, replacing it with Dental Implants is your wisest investment. Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and are the closest thing to your own, natural teeth.

Keep in mind that there is a good reason your dentist doesn’t wear dentures (and never will!). Saving a tooth is worth all you can give it. Before giving in to removal, see a Periodontal Specialist. You may find your tooth is anything but “hopeless.”

Call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange a Consultation appointment.

I was driving down the interstate recently and saw a billboard advertising “Dental Implants – $999!” As a Periodontist who places Dental Implants for patients referred by highly qualified General Dentists, this worries me. Those drawn initially to a “good deal” on implants aren’t always getting the whole picture.

Although the dentist using the billboard may, indeed, be well-qualified to place and restore Dental Implants, this price is deceiving, in my opinion. What is not made clear is the fact that $999 only covers each implant, which is the portion that is placed into the jaw bone to serve as a tooth root replacement. Not included in this price (mentioned in small print that most folks can’t read going 70mph) is the “abutment” that is placed inside the implant. This ‘implant post’ is what holds the crown or bridge of two or more teeth.

Then, there is an additional cost for the replacement teeth. Once you pay the $999 for the implanted portion and another fee for the abutment, these items won’t do you much good without replacement teeth. The teeth are another fee. Other fees that may not be included are sedation, operatory suite fees, etc.

My recommendation? Ask your General Dentist to refer you to dental specialists who are specifically trained in Dental Implant placement (primarily Periodontists). During the consultation, ask about his or her success rate, number of years of experience, and the steps they take to avoid the risk of implant failure. Then discuss fees.

Once your implants are placed and ready for restoration, your General Dentist will guide you from that point. The key to getting the most for your investment with Dental Implants is having the treatment done right the first time. That’s what creates the ultimate bargain!

For more information, call (828) 274-9440, or ask for a Consultation to get started in the right direction.