Differing Diagnosis From Dentist To Dentist

Posted on Nov 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although treatment recommendations can occasionally vary from dentist to dentist, a long-term relationship is often an advantage. This enables you to be an active participant in your oral health with one dentist who can treat you according to your individual needs.

For example, hen one dentist diagnoses periodontal disease when it was not detected previously, it could be due to several factors. First, do you adhere to regular dental check-ups (exams, cleanings) on a 6-month schedule? Is your at-home oral hygiene regimen thorough (twice daily brushings, flossing daily)? Do you have proper repairs to existing teeth and gums (cavities filled, receded gums treated)? Do you keep your health history and medication list updated?

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently. It starts with oral bacteria build up and trigger gum disease. This destroys gum tissue and underlying bones that support tooth roots. When symptoms emerge, they include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender and swollen spots around teeth, and gum recession. Once these symptoms are obvious, however, gum disease is rampant and typically requires treatment by a Periodontal Specialist.

Numerous findings associated with periodontal disease have shown a correlation between coronary artery disease and the bacteria of gum disease. It has also been linked to stroke, memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and more.

Ultimately, it is your commitment to maintaining your oral health that is just as important as the dentist you see. When a dentist detects periodontal disease at an early stage, keep in mind it will only worsen when care is delayed. Early treatment can save you time and expense for more involved treatment as it becomes more severe.

To learn more about the causes and stages of periodontal disease, the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology is an excellent source: www.perio.org. Or, call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange an examination.

Having Teeth Pulled Will NOT Solve Dental Problems

Posted on Nov 20, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I see patients on a fairly regular basis who feel like there is a revolving door at their dentist’s office. No matter how often they go, another need soon arises that requires treatment. Having their teeth pulled and wearing dentures can seem like their only solution.

Most patients who have this issue have some underlying gum problems. Many adults are unaware that the problems they experience in their mouths originate with oral bacteria. This bacteria is what creates the sticky film in the mouth that forms plaque. Plaque destroys healthy enamel and eats away at gum tissues. Under the surface, the bacteria attacks gum tissues that support tooth roots.

At first, gum disease has no symptoms. However, once the disease is running rampant, you’ll notice persistent bad breath, swollen areas of gums around teeth, gums that bleed easily when you brush and receded gums that expose tender tooth roots.

Not only does oral bacteria create problems in the mouth, it can become bloodborne through tears in gum tissues, traveling to other parts of the body. It can trigger an inflammatory reaction that is so harmful, it has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, preterm babies, diabetes and memory loss.

If you feel you are always in the dental chair, begin with a periodontal examination by a Periodontal Specialist. This specialist is trained to diagnose and treat all stages of gum disease and restore your mouth to a healthy state. Once this is done, missing teeth should be replaced, preferably with dental implants.

Although dental implants are initially more expensive than dentures or partials, they are a far wiser investment. Designed to last your lifetime, dental implants do not require the support of neighboring teeth. This means that crowning natural, adjacent teeth for the sole purpose of supporting a bridge or partial is not necessary. Additionally, dental implants do not contribute to bone loss of the jaw bones, which is common with wearing dentures.

Finally, ensure remaining teeth are optimally healthy with the help of a skilled dentist. He or she will structure a thorough program of maintenance and make repairs to eliminate the pattern of ‘patch-&-fill’ dentistry that creates a frustration for your life, and your smile.

Most dental offices offer financial options that enable you to make affordable payments while enjoying the benefits of a healthy, confident smile. The commitment of achieving a worry-free mouth will provide lifelong rewards, including a smile that gives you daily pleasure!

Begin with a consultation and periodontal exam. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.

Tooth Loss Causes Jowls – NOT The Aging Process!

Posted on Nov 12, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Long-time denture wearer? If you feel your face has grown longer, it is probably because jowls have formed on both sides of your face. This is typically the result of facial muscles that have detached from the jaw bones once they shrink to a certain point.

Natural tooth roots, which are once held by the upper and lower jaw bones, provide stimulation to the bone. These tooth roots help the jaw bones to maintain mass. When tooth roots are no longer present, the lack of stimulation results in bone resorption, or ‘melting away’ of the bone.

Although resorption occurs slowly, pressure on the jaws from wearing dentures actually speeds the process. Since many denture wearers also sleep in their dentures, the continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

When dentures are first placed, the fit can be satisfactory for 1 – 5 years. However, as bone loss progresses, the denture’s fit will last at less-frequent intervals each time. This is why relines are periodically needed. For example, one year after the extraction of teeth, a denture wearer experiences a 25% bone loss. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While the biting force with natural teeth is 250 lbs., an average denture wearer bites with only 5 – 6 lbs. of force.

Today’s implant dentistry includes options, such as the ‘All-On-4,’ that require minimal bone for placement. Because these implants are placed at unique angles, just four implants (upper or lower) are able to support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Regardless of the process, dental implants will enable you to chew comfortably and speak and laugh confidently without fear or worry. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to learn what is best for your needs and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Dental Fear? Dental Phobia? You’re Not Alone.

Posted on Nov 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although an estimated 75% of American adults have some level of dental anxiety, approximately 10% of the adult population are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who have such severe fears that the mere thoughts of going to the dentist is unnerving. Many dental phobics can’t even bring themselves to call a dental office without breaking into a sweat or even crying.

Most dental fears stem from a past traumatic experience in the dental chair, often as a child. These memories become so ingrained that anything associated with dental visits recreates the trauma in their minds.

Today, many dentists are especially sensitive to individuals who have dental fear and phobia. However, before they can help them enjoy a healthy smile, it is necessary to get them into their office in the first place. As a Periodontist, I am concerned that the high number of adults with some level of gum disease is about the same percentage of those with dental phobia, fear or anxiety.

If you have dental fear or phobia, here are a few suggestions that may help you take that first step…

• If you cannot make the call yourself, have a close friend or family member call several dental offices and ask questions (Is the dentist trained and experienced in treating fearful patients? What comfort options are available? Do they offer a consultation so fearful patients can get to know the dentist before scheduling an appointment? Etc.)
• Consider visiting your chosen dental office after hours. Walk to the front door and become familiar with the office’s location and its appearance.
• When a dentist does not have a consultation room that is removed from the clinical section of the office, certain noises and smells can create discomfort for fearful patients. If the consultation must take place in a treatment suite, it may be best to look for another office.
• Most dentists experienced with fearful patients understand their need to share their concerns. They will listen without rushing the patient and answer their questions using easy-to-understand terms. The individual should leave feeling reassured about the dentist’s commitment to their comfort.
• Many offices offer Oral Sedation, which is in pill form and taken prior to the visit. This helps the patient to be in a relaxed state by the time they arrive at the office. For those who prefer a ‘twilight sleep’ state, ask if I.V. Sedation is available.
• When sedation is used, ask about safety monitoring equipment and training of staff members who will be assisting the dentist. Your safety is as important as your comfort.

Taking small steps at a comfortable pace is typically how most patients conquer dental fears and phobia. Some people will never be able to have dental care without anxiety, but in the proper hands, can accomplish the treatment necessary for a healthy mouth and confident smile.

If you have not seen a dentist in years and have gums that are tender, swollen in spots or bleed when you brush, you have gum disease. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and will only worsen without treatment. Additionally, the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, perterm babies and more.

The sooner you receive treatment, the less involved it will be. And, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy a terrific smile. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. A pleasant conversation in our private consultation room may be your first step to optimal oral health.