Dental Implants – Risks Are Minimal, But Exist For Some

Posted on Feb 24, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although the success rate for dental implants is very high, about 95%, dental implants can fail. Knowing what contributes to implant failure before you have implants placed can help you enjoy a successful treatment outcome.

Some health and lifestyle issues can complicate the body’s ability to enable implants to integrate with your jaw bone and heal successfully. Those who smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems tend to have lower success rates.

Incorrect placement of implants can also contribute to implant failure, which occurs when the implant perforates the sinus cavity or nerve running through the lower jaw.

Dental implant recipients should also be prepared for more-frequent dental visits for thorough cleanings, often four times a year versus twice a year. This helps to minimize bacteria at the implant sites, which can lead to infection.

Overall, dental implants are safe, successful for the majority and recreate the natural look, feel and function of the teeth you once had. Along with your commitment, having your implants placed by a Doctor who is specifically-trained and highly-experienced in all types of implants can greatly reduce your risk for failure.

To learn what type of implant will work best for your needs and goals, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation. I’ll answer your questions and make recommendations so you can decide what’s right for you.

Bacteria In Gums Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on Feb 23, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There is a commercial on television for a nail fungus treatment. To illustrate its presence, the fungus is portrayed by a nasty-looking cartoon character. The ‘creature’ is representative of living cells that decompose nutrients. Although it is a viewer-friendly way to think of nail fungus, fungi are actually ugly and destructive.

As a Periodontist, I wish there was a similar illustration for oral bacteria. In my specialty, I see just how devastating bacterial accumulation in gum tissues can be. However, the American population is still widely unaware of the destructive effect this can have on one’s overall health and well-being, not to mention their smile.

When an individual cuts himself, he will wash the cut and bandage it. This prevents bacteria from creating an infection that can become serious, even deadly. Yet, when a person’s gums are bleeding from a simple act as brushing teeth, this warning sign of gum disease is often ignored, even thought of as normal.

Think of bacteria as living creatures in your mouth – because they are! Bacteria are micro-organisms that feed on your tissues. They reproduce in your mouth and even create waste! Oral bacteria destroy gum tissues and attack supporting bone. Untreated gum disease will result in eventual tooth loss.

Yet, the damage of gum disease bacteria doesn’t stop with your smile. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body. Research has linked gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and even impotency.

If you see blood in the sink while brushing, it’s anything but normal. Remember that this symptom represents an enormous colony of ugly little creatures who’ve claimed your mouth as their home. Then, vow to react. Ridding yourself of oral bacteria can be done comfortably and affordably with early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a thorough examination. Your smile will thank you and you’ll be safe-guarding your overall health as well.

Bad Breath? Who, Me?!!!

Posted on Feb 19, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When someone has bad breath, it can hit you like a boxing glove. Unfortunately, it can also make a lasting impression, and not a good one! In addition to cavities and gum disease, bad breath, also known as halitosis, is among the top three reasons people go to the dentist.

While we can all recall an encounter with someone’s rank breath odor, the thoughts of having it ourselves is terrifying, although about 20% of the population reportedly do to some degree. When halitosis is our own, we don’t smell it although it is typically suspected by having a bad taste in our mouth or feeling our mouth is sticky and dry.

In most cases, bad breath is caused by bacteria accumulated in the gums and embedded in the back of the tongue. Certain conditions, including disorders in the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, lungs, stomach or esophagus can also cause halitosis.

Ridding yourself of common bad breath is easy. Be committed to a twice-daily oral hygiene regimen, use a tongue scraper (particularly on the back of the tongue), floss daily and have regular dental check-ups to detect bacteria in the gums. If your mouth is dry, drink lots of water and use an oral rinse specifically formulated to replace moisture in the mouth.

Just as you avoid body odor with daily showers, you can avoid the ‘label’ of having bad breath by being proactive with your oral hygiene. If you have been irregular with dental cleanings, your mouth may be overly burdened with oral bacteria. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an examination so we can determine your oral status and recommend ways to improve your smile’s health for fresher breath!

Keep Resolution To Be Fit For Body & Smile!

Posted on Feb 10, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Being fit helps oral health! For added reasons to keep to your new year’s resolution to ‘get fit,’ your smile is yet another.

It is widely known that being overweight puts a strain on the heart, joints, and one’s ability to enjoy good overall health. Sadly, over 63% of adults in the U.S. are either overweight or obese, with nearly 37% as overweight and 26% reaching the obese level.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found indications that gum disease risk actually lowers when fat cells decrease. The study measured participants who were obese, with some of the participants undergoing bariatric surgery. All participants received periodontal treatment along with oral hygiene instructions to follow at home. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group showed the most favorable results.

It seems an overabundance of fat cells secrete more cytokines, which make insulin more resistant to proper effectiveness in the body. Thus, more sugar in the blood occurs. A reduction in fat cells makes insulin less resistant and aids in the response to periodontal treatment.

Another benefit relates to how the leptin hormone helps to regulate metabolism. Along with cytokines, leptin has been linked to inflammation. Because leptin production was reduced after bariatric surgery, periodontal treatment was shown to be more effective.

Inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It also makes harmful oral bacteria easier to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to preterm birth, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

This shows how intricately your oral health is tied to your overall health, and vice versa. Maintaining healthy gums and keeping teeth in good condition prevents harmful bacteria from causing inflammation in the body. By the same token, having a healthy body seems to create a better foundation for the gums to battle harmful bacteria when it appears.

It’s always wise to adhere to good oral health habits along with other changes for overall health. Brush for 2 minutes twice a day, floss daily, avoid between-meal snacking, and keep your twice-a-year dental check-ups and cleanings. If you are behind on regular dental visits, schedule a thorough periodontal exam by calling (828) 274-9440. Once your gums are in a healthy state, they’ll be easy to maintain through preventive measures you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.