Stand Out This Holiday Season With A Terrific Smile!

Posted on Sep 19, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As we near the beginning of the holiday season, when group gatherings are at the year’s peak, rethink the money you’ll spend on that sparkly new dress or designer shoes. Research shows that the first thing people notice about others is their SMILE! If you truly want to sparkle and stand out in a positive way, give your smile a close look in the mirror.

Is your smile a brown tint or has it yellowed?
Does your smile look healthy and clean?
Is your breath fresh? Does your mouth ‘taste’ clean?
Are missing teeth on the sides obvious when you smile?

A healthy smile projects positively on the one who shares it. Be sure your at-home oral hygiene routine includes twice-daily brushing and flossing each night. In the morning, use a tongue-scrapper to remove bacteria embedded in the tongue. And, keep those 6-month cleaning appointments that remove plaque build-up.

A good cleaning can also help to remove surface stains from teeth. Whitening your teeth may be needed for deep stains. Most general dentists offer affordable whitening systems that creates dramatic, long-lasting results quickly, safely and comfortably. This can also help to camouflage flaws such as chipped or crooked teeth.

Missing teeth can be replaced with Dental Implants, which is a ‘lifetime’ replacement method and exceptional investment in your smile’s appearance AND health. Because implants do not reply on adjacent teeth for support (as in Crown-&-Bridge combinations), neighboring teeth are held in proper position and you’ll avoid having them shaved down for crowns to support a bridge.

Rethink your party clothes, jewelry or accessories this year. Stand out beautifully with your smile! That’s the terrific ‘sparkle’ they’ll remember!

Get your smile healthy and holiday-ready! Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss a terrific smile for this holiday – and beyond!

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!

Keeping You Informed & Involved!

Posted on Aug 26, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Recently, I used the term “gingiva” to a patient. When she asked me to explain what I meant, I was slightly caught off guard. It occurred to me that this term has become so common to me that I assume it is a familiar one to my patients. However, that is an unfair assumption. Many terms I use on a regular basis are those I learned in college or dental school and anything but commonplace to others, as they have become to me now.

Below are some terms you may hear us use, along with brief explanations of what they mean. And if you ever hear any term used by my staff or me that you aren’t sure what it is, feel free to ask. We want you to be involved in your oral health in an informed way!

Alveolar Bone – The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.


Anterior Teeth – The six upper or six lower front teeth.

Bite – Relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion).

Bone Resorption – Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth, which is a common result of periodontal gum disease.

Bruxism – Grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep.

Calculus – Hard residue, commonly known as tarter that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control.

Caries – Tooth decay or “cavities.”

Curettage – Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket.

Cuspid or Canine – The four “eye teeth”.

Fistula – The channel that emanates pus from an infection site, which is a gum boil.

Flap surgery – The lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.

Frenectomy – The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Gingiva – Gum tissue.

Gingivectomy – The surgical removal of gum tissue.

Gingivitis – The inflammation of gum tissue.

Gum Recession – The exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.

Halitosis – Bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.

Hyperemia – Increased blood flow that may cause sensitivity to temperature and sweets.


Incisors – The four upper and lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth).

Mandible – The lower jaw.

Maxilla – The upper jaw.

Palate – Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.

Plaque – A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and is composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene.

Prophylaxis – Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Restoration – The replacement of a portion of a damaged tooth.

Rubber Dam – A soft latex sheet used to isolate one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat.

Scaling & Root Planning – The meticulous removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces.

Tartar – A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and produces a rough surface that attracts plaque.

Turn Back The Hands Of Time On Smile Health – Now!

Posted on Aug 16, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With the start of the school year just around the corner, I’m reminded of how often a patient with periodontal problems often shares the same words of regrets. When I give them their diagnosis and what their treatment will entail, the majority all say something like, “If I had to do it all over again, I would have taken much better care of my mouth all along.”

It’s like telling our teenage daughters to use sunscreen and to avoid tanning beds. Or, for those of us with relatives who smoke, we know how difficult it is to try to convince them to quit because of the health risks. Yet, until they are looking at the Doctor facing treatment decisions because of their choices, we know people (including ourselves!) can easily assume, “It won’t happen to me.”

With the new school year upon us, challenge yourself to think youthfully and do what needs to be done NOW so you can avoid dental problems that can be costly and time consuming. To be fully proactive with your oral health, call to arrange a periodontal exammso you’ll have a thorough understanding of what will restore your smile to optimal health! Call (828) 274-9440.