Don’t Let Tooth Loss Equal Bone Loss

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

What we DON’T know CAN harm us. As a periodontal specialist, I wish every American was aware of what happens in their mouth when they lose teeth. By understanding the ‘domino effect’ created by tooth loss, I believe the oral – and overall – health of the U.S. population would significantly improve.

When natural teeth are lost, some adults still believe that the sufficient replacement of teeth is through a denture or partial. Although this does, indeed, replace teeth, these are not ideal solutions.

When a tooth is lost, surrounding natural teeth shift out of proper position if the tooth is not replaced. However, using a denture or partial to replace teeth puts pressure on the gum-covered ‘ridge’ that once held natural teeth. This pressure accelerates the rate at which the underlying jaw bone shrinks.

Without natural tooth roots in the bone, the jaw bone begins to shrink, losing height and thinning over time. This not only puts the jaw at risk for fractures and breaks, it can lead to changes in one’s facial appearance. Bone loss causes deep wrinkling around the mouth with corners of the mouth that turn downward, even in a smile. The chin takes on a more pointed look and the mouth tends to sink into the face, creating what is known as a ‘granny look.’

Bone loss can be halted with the placement of Dental Implants. One type of implant is suitable even when severe bone loss has occurred. For those missing all of their upper or lower teeth, the All-On-4 Implant system is affordable, placed in a simple procedure, and can have teeth attached immediately.

Few things in life deserve more than the benefits of a healthy smile. We rely on it to bite, chew, speak, and express ourselves. It is the beginning of the digestive process and the “window to our bodies.” Consider your options for replacing teeth so you can enjoy a healthy, worry-free smile. And remember, bone loss will not stop on its own. The sooner you put a halt to the process, the more options you’ll have.

Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation to discuss tooth replacement through Dental Implants. I look forward to hearing from you!

A Worry-Free Smile Is Closer Than You Think!

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I never cease to be amazed at the transformation of people who regain a healthy, confident smile. It’s easy to be excited with them! The benefits they’ll come to realize are much more than an improved smile’s appearance.

A healthy mouth, free from persistent bad breath, plaque, tartar and periodontal problems and disease, is the foundation to a more confident smile. It also helps to lessen the constant dental repairs that many people endure as a result of an unhealthy oral environment.

If you’re frustrated by continual oral problems, overcoming these perceived obstacles may be easier than you realize.
•Cost: Granted, many dental treatments that require extended chair time and advanced skills can be quite the financial commitment. While I’ve never had a patient say their restored smile wasn’t worth every cent, those who forgo treatment due to cost are often missing the big picture. Spending large amounts on trips, cars, boats, etc. may give a temporary feeling of excitement, yet, the daily and longterm physical and psychological benefits of healthy smiles are priceless.
•Financing: When a patient makes the commitment to optimize their oral health or have dental implants, many inquire about financial options. We offer excellent payment plans, some with no down payment and no interest the first year. For those who prefer to pay without financing, our Financial Coordinator is a wiz at helping patients combine insurance and financing. Ask to meet with her after you have your treatment plan — you may be surprised how manageable our payment arrangements can be!
•Fear of discomfort: In this day and age, it’s sad that many adults still have dental fears. Today’s dentistry offers many comfort options and many practices use advanced technology, which optimizes comfort and shortens treatment and healing time. We offer sedation to help patients relax before and throughout treatment, typically erasing memory of the procedure afterward. I’m pleased that most patients who opt for sedation initially soon feel they don’t really need it. This comes from a relationship of trust and our commitment to making comfort a priority at every visit.
•Treatment time: Many procedures can be completed in just a few visits. Our advanced technology also helps lessen treatment time while increasing your level of comfort. Some patients prefer to combine several appointments into one or two long appointments. With the help of Oral Sedation, they are able to remain totally relaxed throughout and enjoy a quick recovery afterward.

Your smile plays a significant role in your appearance and overall health. Having a confident, healthy smile helps you avoid time and expense for repairs in the future. If you have questions, please call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation so we can discuss treatment options. You may be closer to a healthy, worry-free smile than you know!

Tooth Replacment That LASTS!

Posted on Sep 04, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Replacing a tooth (or teeth) is very important, even more than for the sake of appearance. Each tooth in your mouth holds neighboring teeth in proper position, including those on each side along with the one above or below. Without it, other teeth begin to shift. This can alter your bite alignment and lead to a long list of problems, including chipped or cracked teeth, greater susceptibility for cavities and TMJ disorders.

Replacing teeth with today’s exceptional materials, techniques and technology can provide a highly-natural look and feel with exceptional longevity. While Crown-&-Bridge combinations are still good choices, the modern ‘ideal’ in tooth replacement has become Dental Implants, for many reasons.

Unlike Crown-&-Bridge, Dental Implants do not rely on healthy, natural adjacent teeth to be crowned for the mere purpose of supporting a bridge. Implants are positioned into the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, giving the same, sturdy foundation as that of natural teeth. Too, one implant can hold several teeth, so you don’t necessarily need an implant for each missing tooth.

The other – and even greater – advantage of Dental Implants is their longevity. Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. There are few things that give that much staying power and Dental Implants can truly be permanent teeth when properly maintained.

To learn more about Dental Implants and the type best suited for you, call our friendly staff at (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. A ‘lasting smile’ can be yours!

Path To Become Periodontist Requires Many Years & Many Phases

Posted on Sep 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Labor Day always reminds me of how we choose our careers, sometimes knowing it will take years before we can actually “roll up our sleeves” and begin. When I decided to go into Periodontology, I knew it was a commitment of many years of study.

To clarify, a Periodontist is a dentist who continues in education and training, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the structures that support and surround the teeth.

To become a Periodontist, one must begin by attaining a bachelor’s degree before entering dental school, which typically requires 4 years of college. Once they graduate, they must pass a Dental Admissions Test.

Most dental school programs consist of 4 years in the classroom and laboratory, with the last two involving actual treatment of patients in clinics. Once this is completed and a dental degree attained, a graduate program in periodontics follows. In addition to a dental degree, entrants must first pass the rigorous National Board Exam.

Periodontal training is commonly a 3 year period. This covers how gum and bone diseases develop, as well as how they relate to other systemic diseases. The dentists participate in clinical trials of new therapies while also learning intricate aspects of dental implants and other surgical techniques.

When the educational phases are completed, licensing is required. In the U.S., all those in the dental profession must pass written and practical examinations before they can begin practice.

Once in practice, a Periodontist may begin his/her requirements to become Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology. A Board Certified Periodontist is “one who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and who is certified by the American Board of Periodontology,” as defined by the ABP.

Board Certification requires: (1) Passing oral and written exams on all phases of periodontal disease and its treatment, including dental implants. (2) Presentation of detailed reports on a broad range of actual treatment. Once certified, Periodontists are required to take significant hours of continuing education on an annual basis and must be re-certified every 3 years to maintain Board Certification.

For those willing to tackle the rigorous educational, clinical and training requirements,  requiring 11+ years after high school, periodontology is, indeed, an interesting and exciting profession as research now relates so much to oral health. But moreso, I am so pleased to see patients go from a mouthful of problems to one with healthy, confident smiles. When it comes down to it, it’s not the ‘gums and supporting structures in the mouth’ that brought me to this profession. It was having the ability to help better the lives of people. That makes it all worth it!