Receded Gums – How They Occur & Why They Up Your Risk For Problems

Posted on Aug 15, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The next time you look in the mirror, smile. Notice how each tooth is arched by gum tissue. This tissue seals off and protects the tooth root sections of teeth. When the gums pull away from the teeth, darker and sensitive portions of the root are exposed. This leaves tooth roots exposed and vulnerable.

While the darker segments of teeth detract from the appearance of a smile, they are also highly sensitive. Many people often first notice gum recession when getting a painful jolt when eating or drinking something hot or cold or even from the bristles of a tooth brush. Because gum recession occurs gradually, people don’t always notice it until they experience pain.

Special toothpastes may help with sensitivity, however, it’s best to determine what has led to gum recession so further recession doesn’t occur. Causes for receded gums include:
• Periodontal (gum) disease: When bacteria accumulates on teeth at the gum line, the gum tissues weaken and lose their grip on teeth. As gum disease progresses, the tissues and supporting bone are overwhelmed by oral bacteria.
• Rigorous brushing: Using a tooth brush with hard bristles or being over-zealous when brushing can wear down enamel as well as gum tissue. Also, using abrasive substances to brush (such as baking soda) are too gritty for teeth and can wear down gum tissues.
• Poor oral hygiene: Without thorough and regular brushing and flossing, oral bacteria accumulate and form a sticky film known as plaque. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into calculus, which is a cement-like colony of oral bacteria. Calculus (or tartar) can only be removed by a dental professional or it will continue to feed on gum tissues.
• Smoking: When saliva flow is insufficient to effectively wash bacteria from the mouth. The chemicals in tobacco are very drying to oral tissues, providing an ideal environment for the formation of plaque and calculus. Both are masses of oral bacteria that attacks gum tissue and contributes to recession.
• Grinding & clenching teeth: Clenching or grinding teeth during sleep can place such force on teeth that they tilt out of their positions. Eventually, the gums pull away from some teeth, exposing tender tooth root sections.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause and puberty can cause changes in hormone levels. These hormonal fluctuations can cause gums to feel tender and be more vulnerable to recession.
• Crowded or crooked teeth: When teeth are not properly aligned, they endure added force to bite and chew. This can also lead to strain on the TMJ (jaw joints), gums and bone structures that support tooth roots. This can eventually result in gum recession.

When darker portions of a tooth are visible, it detracts from a smile and leaves the tooth susceptible to decay or gum disease. For the comfort, appearance and health of the tooth, repairing the problem before costly damage occurs is the best move.

As a Periodontal Specialist, my specialty is in the treatment of gum tissues, including recontouring procedures that repair recession comfortably and quickly. However, it is important to repair recession before it becomes severe. Treatment delays may result in the need for more-extensive procedures that can increase treatment time and expense.

Call 828-274-9440 to learn more.

Smokers Add Challenges To Dental Implant Success

Posted on Aug 09, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Not only does smoking complicate the body’s natural ability to heal, it is a particular challenge to oral tissues. The chemicals in cigarette smoke have a drying effect on the gum and decreases blood oxygen levels. This results in slower healing and can lead to a greater risk of bacterial build-up.

In implant placement, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. Through gum tissues, I position each implant in the upper or lower jaw bone at a precise depth and angle.

Once the implant is placed, it requires a healing period as the bone grows around it, securing it in place. This process is known as ‘osseo-integration.’ Proper healing requires normal blood circulation and sufficient oxygen levels. Implant failures occur most often during this phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition to smoking’s effects on the rate of tissue and bone recovery, smoking patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. Peri-implantitis leads to inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although the potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

When smokers develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a reduced effect. This is because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated before it can work its way into the implant area, the risk for losing the implant is significant.

Keep in mind that an implant that must be removed due to the healing complications of smoking is not refundable. This means that the investment you made has gone up in smoke – cigarette smoke.

So many negative effects from smoking make it highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. If you don’t stop, you can increase your potential for success somewhat by reducing your smoking by half at least one week prior to your placement procedure and throughout the healing period.

Having dental implants allows you to eat the foods you love again and restores eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation to discuss your potential for a successful outcome.

The Road To Gum Disease

Posted on Aug 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

People are often surprised to hear that they have developed periodontal (gum) disease. And no wonder. When gum disease first begins, it’s often without obvious symptoms. Then, once it’s fully underway, the warning signs are often ignored.

Yet, the road that leads to gum disease is shorter than you might imagine. Below is the typical process of how gum disease begins and progresses:

•  Oral Bacteria: We all have bacteria in our mouths. This warm, moist environment takes in an enormous amount of bacteria-laden items. Bacteria is on our food, utensils, the glass we drink from and the pencil we hold between our teeth. Of course, bacteria cannot be prevented altogether. However, the problem begins when too much bacteria accumulate.

•  Plaque: Without proper brushing, flossing, saliva flow and diet, oral bacteria can reproduce rapidly. Their accumulation over the course of a day forms a sticky film you feel on teeth. This is known as plaque.

•  Tartar (or Calculus): In just 48 hours, unremoved plaque can harden into tartar. This is actually a cement-hard colony of oral bacteria that attaches to teeth. And, like plaque, tartar will continually reproduce and grow as the bacteria feed on tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

•  Gingivitis: This is actually the first stage of gum disease. At this level, gum tissues are under attack and become sore. They may bleed easily when brushing and you may experience an aching sensation in some areas. Your breath will no longer feel fresh. At this point, with proper measures, you can restore your gums to a healthy state. However, there is a fine line between being able to undo gingivitis and its progression to gum disease.

•  Gum Disease: At this level, the gums are inflamed and tender. You may notice them darken in color and begin to pull away from the base of some teeth. You’ll have persistent bad breath. As it progresses, pus pockets will form in some areas. Without thorough treatment, teeth will loosen and may eventually require removal.

Nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. Sadly, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Yet, it’s one of the most preventable diseases with simple measures.

Twice daily brushing (at least two minutes per time), daily flossing, drinking ample water and limiting sweets and caffeine are simple ways to keep your mouth healthy between regular dental check-ups and cleanings. And, those 6-month check-ups are important. At this time, any tartar that has accumulated can be removed and signs of early gum disease can be noted.

Imagine losing your teeth and having to decide on a crown-&-bridge combination, partial, full denture or Dental Implants. These procedures can be avoided. And, contrary to what many believe, losing teeth is not a natural part of the aging process. With proper care, you can easily enjoy a smile of natural teeth all your life.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call 828-274-9440. We’ll restore your smile and develop a program to help you keep it at its best.

Oral Or I.V. Sedation

Posted on Jul 26, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whether a patient has fear or anxiety associated with dental visits or merely wishes to be more relaxed during a long procedure, sedation options can help greatly.

In our office, we offer oral or I.V sedation to accompany many procedures. While both are beneficial to quelling anxiety, tension, stress or even intense feelings of fear, each has its advantages as well as limitations.

For individual who have trouble relaxing in a dental chair or even feel anxious or fearful, oral sedation is often sufficient. The medication is in pill form and taken before the patient leaves their home. A companion will drive you to our office. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel very relaxed and groggy. A trained staff member will escort you to a treatment suite where you’ll be made comfortable.

Oral sedation’s intensity increases gradually, so by the time you are seated in the treatment chair, you should be very relaxed. The staff member will attach safety monitoring equipment and will check this carefully throughout your procedure.

Injections are given to sedated patients once they are fully relaxed and in a state near to ‘dozing.’ However, even in this state, a patient can respond to simple requests, such as “Turn a little more towards me.” While you’ll be able to respond, you likely won’t remember any of the procedure afterwards.

Once your procedure is completed, you’ll be monitored for a brief recovery period. A bonus of oral sedation is its quick recovery. After your companion returns you home, you may want a short nap but many patients are fine after several hours.

While oral sedation provides a very relaxed, near dozing state, I.V. sedation puts you in a complete sleep state. This is sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep.”  I.V. sedation is ideal for people with higher levels of fear or dental phobia. A dental phobic is an individual who has such deep-seated fear that just the thoughts of walking into a dental office causes sweating, crying or rapid heart rate.

I.V. sedation is delivered through an I.V. drip, or intravenously. It takes effect rather quickly and patients nod off within minutes. This is when numbing injections are administered and, once they’ve had time to take effect, treatment begins.

Typically, you’ll be able to respond to simple requests while under I.V. sedation. However, I.V. sedation generally erases all (or most) memory of treatment afterward. A few adults vaguely recall hearing a voice but most remember no part of their procedure. For patients with high fear, this is a desirable effect of the drug.

Once your companion returns you home, you’ll nap for a time. I.V. sedation does require a longer recovery time. After a nap, you may feel groggy or hazy for several hours but should start to regain your focus by that evening. You’ll be given post-op instructions that include cautions during recovery when sedation is used. Driving or using appliances or machinery is highly discouraged and can be dangerous to you and others.

Whether given oral or I.V. sedation, your comfort and safety is a priority at all times. And, while sedation is helpful when fear or anxiety exist, some people who have no fears at all request sedation for its ability to relax them during lengthy times in a dental chair.

Achieving a healthy, confident smile can occur in comfort! Never hesitate to ask us about comfort options if you feel these may help create a better experience during your treatment. Call 828-274-9440.