Dental Implants Are Best Value For Replacing Teeth

Posted on Sep 08, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I’ve been pleased to stay on top of the advancements in dental implants as the optimal replacement for missing teeth. The various systems that employ unique techniques and materials have provided exceptional choices for about any individual who has lost natural teeth.

Along with these developments in implant dentistry, I’ve completed advanced training that has expanded my skills to provide optimal results. Not surprisingly, at treatment completion our patients mainly see the results of an appealing, confident smile. Yet, it is the foundation of it all — beneath the gums — that is the true benefit to dental implant recipients.

Think about your smile the way nature made it. Natural teeth are held by tooth roots situated in your upper or lower jaws. The jaw bones actually thrive on the presence of tooth roots, which provide a stimulating interaction that keeps the bone healthy. Without their presence, the jaw bones go through a process referred to as resorption. Resorption causes bones to lose mass, declining in both height and width.

Bone loss causes a number of problems. Once resorption begins, remaining teeth adjacent to the area of bone loss are affected. A shrinking bone that abuts areas of resorption weakens tooth root stability. This creates a domino effect. When a natural tooth is lost, statistics show the next to go will most likely be an adjacent tooth.

As bone loss continues, your potential to lose more teeth increases. With each extraction, the continual process of bone loss leaves you with an ever-shrinking jaw and weaker foundation for remaining teeth. Bone resorption can even be seen in people who appear to have a collapsed mouth (referred to as a ‘granny look’) where the nose is unusually close to the chin. This is actually the result of severe bone loss.

Bone loss is also the culprit for dentures and partials that slip and cause uncomfortable rubbing on gum tissues. When a denture is first made, it is designed to conform to the unique contours of your gum ridge (the gum-covered arch that once held your natural tooth roots). As the bone declines in mass, this secure fit loosens and moves while chewing or laughing. Denture pastes or adhesives can help, but eventually even relines (reshaping the previously-made contours) are of little help.

To many people who choose dental implants to replace teeth, however, it is the appeal of making a lifelong investment that is the deciding factor when comparing costs of implants to other tooth replacement options. Since they are designed to last a lifetime, many see dental implants as a ‘one and done’ choice for treatment.

In cases where one or several teeth together are missing, crown-&-bridge combinations are an option. However, crowns and bridges can require repairs and/or replacements over time. And, they do nothing to halt bone loss. The other consideration is the need to crown natural teeth for the sole purpose of supporting a bridge. This compromises the integrity of otherwise natural teeth for the mere purpose of holding a bridge.

Since they are held in the jaw bone, dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support providing the same, sturdy foundation as natural tooth roots. An added bonus is how the implanted portion recreates the presence of a tooth root, halting the process of resorption.

Our goal is to always provide the best outcome possible based on the long term goals you desire. Let’s begin with a private, no obligation consultation to discuss your specific goals or concerns. Call 828-274-9440 for an appointment.

Avoid “Dry Mouth” And The Problems It Can Cause

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We all have not-so-fresh breath on occasion. Some foods, certain illnesses and smoking can all lead to bad breath.

The problem, however, is when bad breath is persistent. This is an early sign of periodontal (gum) disease. If your bad breath is caused by gum disease, you may also be experiencing sore and tender gums and gums that bleed when brushing. If gum disease is not the problem, you may be suffering with dry mouth. However, it is important to know that dry mouth that occurs on a regular basis greatly increases your susceptibility to develop gum disease.

Oral dryness is what causes your mouth to feel stale and sticky when you wake up. This occurs because your oral tissues dry out during sleep. This provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. As they thrive and reproduce, bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque.

Dry mouth can be caused by alcoholic beverages or coffee, which have a drying affect on oral tissues. Also drying are some medications that can decrease saliva flow. Saliva is designed to wash oral bacteria from the mouth. Many antihistamines and some medications for depression and urinary incontinence, among others, can cause dry mouth.

Medical conditions such as acid reflux, sinus infections, diabetes and bronchitis can also contribute to dry mouth. Breathing through the mouth because of snoring or a bad cold are drying to oral tissues as well.

Once we can determine the cause of your oral dryness, we can address the problem effectively. For example, if you take medications that have a side effect of oral dryness, there may be alternatives that have less drying effects.

In the meantime, take measures to lessen the negative effects of oral dryness. These include:
 – Brush at least twice daily for a minimum of two minutes. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue with your toothbrush after brushing.
 – Floss daily. If this is difficult, consider purchasing an electronic or water flosser.
 – Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider using an oral rinse that replenishes oral moisture. These are available without a prescription.

If you have symptoms of gum disease or feel you have persistent bad breath, we can help you avoid the problems that can result, including tooth loss. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. Or, feel free to begin with a consultation.

Wear Dentures? The Problems They Cause You May Not See.

Posted on Aug 24, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, my advanced training and skills are ideal for people who have any stage of periodontal (gum) disease as well as those who are seeking dental implants to replace missing teeth.

When it comes to dental implants, I often see patients who have worn dentures for many years. Most are frustrated by the uncomfortable rubbing and inability to eat foods they love.

Patients are perplexed as to why their once-secure denture no longer stays in place, even with the aid of denture adhesives and pastes. For those who have had their denture relined, most are surprised when the denture begins to slip and wobbly yet again.

Unfortunately, when many adults first agree to wearing a denture they are not told what lies ahead. The problem is not obvious since it occurs underneath the gum tissue. The denture is not expanding or changing shape. The change is actually occurring with your jaw bone.

When natural tooth roots are removed, the jaw bone that once held them no longer receives the stimulants that kept it healthy. In only a year or so, the jaw bone will begin to shrink. This decline in mass also causes changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth, a sunken in mouth, and jowls.

With each passing year of wearing a denture, the process of bone loss continues. The ‘ridge’ your denture was custom-designed to contour flattens out. Relines can reshape the denture to accommodate some of the change. However, as the bone continues to decline, the denture’s fit loosens again.

The pressure of wearing a denture merely accelerates the rate of bone loss. For denture wearers who sleep in their denture, the 24-7 pressure accelerates the pace of bone loss even more.

Not being able to eat and fear of embarrassment are common complaints of denture wearers. The solution is dental implants. Dental implants restore the ability to bite and chew comfortably while halting bone loss by recreating the presence of tooth roots.

When people select dental implants to replace an unstable denture, their ability to smile, laugh and eat comfortably and confidently is restored. After all, eating a healthy diet, socializing with friends and family, and feeling confident are essential to a healthy, happy life.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. During this, I’ll explain the type of implants that may be best for your needs and goals. We can also discuss estimated costs and payment options.

Fresh Breath Is Easy To Have!

Posted on Aug 19, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As we say good-bye to the busy-ness of Summer and settle into more normal routines, it gives us a good time to evaluate our oral health commitment. An advantage of achieving and maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is having confidence when it comes to your breath.

Below are simple tips for fresh breath:

• Drink lots of water. Colas, sweet tea, and energy drinks don’t count. Pure, clean water cleanses the mouth and adds to saliva’s ability to wash bacteria from the mouth. Bottled water, tap water or filtered water (such as Brita) are all helpful.

• Remove oral bacteria from your tongue. The tongue’s grooves provide a perfect haven for bacteria to embed and reproduce. Use a tongue scrapper each day or brush your tongue with your tooth brush at the end of tooth brushing. When your mouth has fewer bacteria, your breath will have a ‘cleaner’ scent and stay fresh longer.

• Enjoy fruits and skip sugary treats. Oral bacteria thrives on acid attacks that occur every time you eat or drink. However, when sugar is present, they become super-charged! Natural sugar in fresh fruits won’t have the same impact.

• Have a cucumber. When your mouth is dry, hold a slice of cucumber against the roof of your mouth for a couple of minutes. This activates more saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth of particles and bacteria.

Fresh breath gives us more confidence when we are close to others. Whether at work, home with loved ones, or at social gatherings, your breath shouldn’t create an impression that is less-than-flattering.

To ensure your mouth is healthy and oral bacteria are at minimal levels, call for an appointment – 828.274.9440. We’ll help you to feel confident in closeness!