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.

Extra Measures Taken For Fearful Patients’ First Visits

Posted on Aug 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At our periodontal office, we feel all of our patients are special. However, we understand that some have special needs, such as those who have dental fears or severe dental phobias. As a specialty practice who helps restore people to healthy, confident smiles, we understand how fear can prevent adults from receiving the dental care they need. For this reason, we’ve incorporated extra steps on their behalf to make their first visit especially comfortable and less intimidating.

One measure is to ensure waiting time is kept to a minimum. Although we occasionally have unexpected delays, we have an excellent reputation for running on schedule and keep a close eye on this, in particular, when a fearful patient arrives.

For some patients, we can begin with a comfortable conversation in our Consultation Room. This is away from the clinical side of the practice so there are no noises or smells that will add to a newcomer’s anxiety. This room has no treatment chairs or instruments. We simply begin with a friendly conversation and discuss your concerns and what you’d like to accomplish with your oral health. I’ll explain our comfort options and answer your questions thoroughly.

When patients are seen, we can provide relaxation medication so, by the time you arrive, you’ll be in a very relaxed state. As much as is practical, we keep tools and equipment either covered or removed until you are in a totally relaxed state. We apply numbing medications to the areas being treated after you are in this tranquil state. Throughout your care, you are monitored by a trained staff member to ensure your safety and comfort. Afterward, you will likely have little or no memory of your treatment.

In many cases, patients return to us feeling they need no additional medications for treatment other than standard numbing. They realize we will not hurt them, knowing their comfort here is a priority.

For more about regaining a healthy smile, call (828) 274-9440 and speak with a friendly staff member. She can also arrange a consultation appointment so we can meet personally.

Gum Disease & Alzheimer’s Connection

Posted on Aug 01, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you don’t have a family member who has Alzheimer’s Disease, chances are, you know someone who does. This dreaded disease robs its victims of precious memories and loving relationships in their twilight years. Eventually, even routine functions such as dressing and feeding themselves become foreign. Could there be a worse fate for those we love? For ourselves?

British researchers now suggest that the same bacteria of gum disease is linked to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s Disease. The particular type of bacteria was found in 4 out of 10 brain tissue samples from Alzheimer’s patients, with no signs of the type found in 10 brains of similar age adults without dementia.

It has long been known, through prior research, that oral bacteria can become bloodborne in the body via tears in diseased gum tissue. This particular gum disease bacteria apparently enters the bloodstream and settles in at other parts of the body, including the brain, according to the study’s results (published recently in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease).

Eventually, the bacteria produce chemicals, which build up and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. While the progress of this research is exciting in showing an association of oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease, there is still much work to do. This study does not show how these these bacteria get to the brain, so it’s back to the drawing board for the brilliant research minds!

Remember – your oral hygiene at home is only part of the process necessary to keep a healthy mouth. Your six-month cleanings and exams include the removal of plaque build-up, which is essentially hardened bacteria. If not removed, this will develop into gum disease. You may be saving more than your smile!

Don’t Let Dental Fear Keep You From A Healthy Smile

Posted on Jul 09, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, I see a large number of adults who have developed periodontal (gum) disease. Yet, it never surprises me when I meet a new patient who has arrived because their problems stemmed from avoiding dental care due to fear.

While fear of dentistry affects an estimated 75% of the U.S. adult population, nearly 10% are categorized as “dental phobics.” These are adults who have such a severe level of dental fear that they avoid going to a dentist until it’s no longer a choice, but a dire necessity.

Most often, we discover this fear has resulted from a traumatic dental experience in the past. Over the years, I’ve heard some appalling tales. Many felt ‘pinned down’ in a treatment chair while a dentist worked on them even though they were in pain. Some say it’s the noises and smells that conjure up a perception of pain even before anything is done.

A few have shared that they feel unable to breath during dental treatment. Because breathing through the nose is necessary during many procedures, this causes some to feel ‘suffocated.’

A comfort option that has helped many to overcome their fear is Oral Sedation. This is a pill that is swallowed at home so they are relaxed by the time they arrive at our office. This helps them to walk in without the anxiety they would typically experience. By the time we begin treatment, they are totally relaxed and often snooze in and out while in the chair.

This typically erases most memory of the procedure afterward. It also allows us to apply numbing medications without the patient being aware of having injections at all.

Once patients have Oral Sedation, they often return and feel they no longer need this type of relaxation. In most cases, when a foundation of trust has been formed, they relax on their own. Until that time, however, we move at a pace that is best for each individual.

If you’re ready to “take that step” to a healthier, more attractive smile, let’s begin with a consultation. This will take place in our Consultation Room, which is a relaxed setting away from the clinical side of the office. From there, you can decide how you’d like to proceed. Call (828) 274-9440 to speak with one of our friendly staff members.