This time of year always has me thinking about all the wonderful people we have seen as patients. Many of these came to us after going for a number of years, even decades, without seeing a dentist. Most had avoided dental care for so long because of a fear of dentistry.

As a Periodontist, I cannot imagine treating someone who is in pain because of my hands. While many people who have dental fears are forced into care because of a painful dental problem, our office is not only dedicated to restoring their mouth to good health, but doing so in a gentle and comfortable manner.

In addition to being committed to providing your care in comfort, we are also very respectful to our patients. We realize that, for many, it takes a great deal of courage to even walk into our reception area. Regardless of how long it’s been since seeing a dentist, ALL of our patients are given ‘red carpet’ treatment.

The only reason we exist is to provide care for our patients. Providing that care to the highest standards with respect to each individual in a manner that is comfortable and pleasant is our commitment to you!

I hope this coming year will bring you many smiles, ones that are healthy and worry-free!

It was Thomas Jefferson who coined the phrase, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Wise words then, and are still.

It’s not unusual to see a patient who is in dire need of periodontal treatment, even though they are not experiencing pain. Hence, some assume their treatment can be delayed.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I know too well what lies ahead for most who delay treatment for gum disease. Since periodontal (gum) disease will not improve without treatment (and will progressively worsen), treatment in latter stages typically requires more time and greater expense.

Be proactive with your dentistry so you can enjoy a worry-free smile. You’ll find you actually save time and money by avoiding more-complex treatment later.

Every year, over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S. Sadly, one person dies of oral cancer in America every hour. If detected early, oral cancer is 90% survivable.

At highest risk are adults over the age of 40 and tobacco users (including “smokeless” brands). Other risk factors are heavy alcohol use, viral infections, prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer) and a history of white or red patches on oral tissues. However, the American Dental Association reports that over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors.

Warning signs of oral cancer include a mouth sore that does not heal, white or red patch of tissue, difficulty swallowing, a lump or mass in the mouth or neck, long period of hoarseness, pain or numbness in the oral region, change in the voice, or long period of ear pain.

Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is treated early. Having an exam promptly when these signs occur may enable us to conclude there. If not, at least we know the odds are in the patient’s favor. If you have any of these symptoms, please call us at (828) 274-9440 as soon as possible to arrange an examination.

I often consult with patients who are contemplating a bridge replacement for Dental Implants. The only obstacle, for most, is the higher cost for implants. However, there are many reasons why a bridge is not necessarily the best investment or the best option for your oral well-being.

When a bridge is used to replace missing teeth, it must be attached to natural teeth for support. These natural teeth must be crowned (or ‘capped’). Once a natural tooth is shaved down in order to have this crown covering, it is never the same. Unlike your natural tooth, it will always need a crown to protect it and is also susceptible to requiring a root canal.

Underneath the gum tissue in the area where you have missing teeth, bone ‘resorption’ is occurring from the absence of tooth roots. ‘Resorption’ is the term used to describe the shrinking process of the bone that once supported natural teeth. As the bone shrinks, susceptibility increases for the natural teeth supporting the bridge. On average, the next teeth you’ll lose are teeth adjacent to areas of missing teeth. Because Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, they halt the process of bone resorption.

When a Dental Implant is placed, it does not need the support of other teeth. It is held by the jaw bone, just as a natural tooth root. This also gives you dependable biting and chewing strength.

For those who are missing several teeth, one Dental Implant can often support a ‘bridge’ of several teeth. Since the cost of implant treatment depends greatly on the number of implants used, this keeps overall expenses lower.

Dental Implants are made from a material that bonds successfully with your jaw bone. Once placed and properly maintained, an implant should last your lifetime. The initial costs are higher since placement is a surgical procedure and due to the materials used. However, the lifelong advantages are a bargain by comparison.

Dental Implants need no root canals, do not decay and do not compromise the well-being of adjacent natural teeth. Unlike a crown-&-bridge combination, they become a ‘part of you’ that can actually enhance your overall oral health. If you are contemplating replacing a bridge with Dental Implants, please call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.