What Is A Periodontal Specialist & What They Can Do For You

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

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gums and all oral tissues) disease and dental implant placement. After completing 4 years of undergraduate school at a college or university, Periodontists continue another 4 years in dental school followed by 3 more years in extensive training in this specialty. They are considered experts in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease as well as cosmetic periodontal procedures such as gum recontouring and crown lengthening.

In addition to treating gum disease, Periodontists offer treatments such as scaling & root planing (which cleans infection below the gum line) or root surface debridement (a process that removes damaged tissue). They also treat severe gum problems and have extensive training in the placement of dental implants.

Because of the relationship between periodontal disease and chronic diseases, patients with signs of periodontal disease receive an optimal level of expertise by a trained Periodontal specialist. Patients with moderate or severe periodontal disease are restored to a healthy state more efficiently by a partnership between your general dentist and a Periodontist.

Because a Periodontist is specially trained to work with gum tissues, their skills in implant placement enhance treatment outcomes and typically shorten treatment times due to their expertise.

 

When A Dental ‘Cleaning’ Is A Waste Of Money.

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

Your six-month dental hygiene appointment likely includes a ‘cleaning,’ which, among other things, removes plaque buildup that has formed around teeth between visits. This buildup typically occurs when daily brushing and flossing fails to remove bacteria accumulation in the mouth.

When bacteria multiply in the mouth, they soon form a sticky film that hardens on teeth. This hardened form of bacteria is ‘plaque.’ It eats away at tooth surfaces, gum tissues and eventually the bone that supports teeth. When plaque is above the gum line, a hygienist uses special tools to scrape it off. However, when bacteria get below the gum line, a more rigorous line of treatment is required.

To rid bacteria below the gum line, one treatment is “soft tissue management.” This is a process of cleaning below the gums where oral bacteria now thrive. Although you may not perceive the presence of gum disease, this stage requires a more aggressive form of ‘cleaning’ beyond what a standard cleaning appointment can help, yet, not so severe that a more advanced level of treatment is needed.

Untreated gum disease will worsen and lead to severe tenderness, persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, pockets of pus that form around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss. At this stage, teeth may be saved with intensive, surgical periodontal treatment.

Gum disease will not go away without treatment. Brushing and flossing cannot remove plaque, nor will a basic cleaning remove bacteria that exists below the gums. Of course, the best way to deal with this problem is to avoid it in the first place. However, if you’re dealing with the consequences, the sooner you have treatment, the less cost and treatment time will be required. Keep in mind that the resulting tooth loss creates an entirely new round of expenses and appointment times.

Early treatment also helps to reduce the risk of oral bacteria contributing to serious health problems. Through tears in gum tissues, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria has been associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, some cancers, impotency and preterm babies. Without a doubt, this bacteria is nothing to ignore for many reasons.

A Periodontist has specialized skills to successfully treat all stages of periodontal problems, comfortably and efficiently. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or arrange a consultation appointment.

Your Comfort Is Important To Us

Posted on Jun 27, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I’ve seen many patients over the years who have acquired gum disease, with a large percentage due to an inability to have regular dental visits. Although high fear patients may have a diligent oral hygiene regimen at home, those 6-month check-ups and cleanings help to remove plaque build-up that is impossible to brush or floss away.

It saddens me to hear these patients, many of whom are on the verge of losing natural teeth due to gum disease, share tales of torture in the dental chair because of an uncaring dentist. Some are brought to tears as they recall the pain and helpless feeling that has caused such trauma that they come to avoid dental visits altogether.

While there is no ‘guarantee’ that you’ll never feel ‘anything’ during treatment in our hands, we do assure you that YOU are in control. I will stop anytime you feel uneasy or a sensation that has you worried. I can also provide an oral sedation, which is taken prior to your appointment. This will relax you and relieve tension during your treatment, although you’ll still be able to respond to requests, such as “Turn your head a little towards me,” for example. Even with oral sedation, we administer numbing medication to the areas being treated so you will never have discomfort.

Usually, patients relax just by realizing their comfort is a priority here. This is helpful to many, in itself. However, it’s important to us that each patient move at a pace that is comfortable. Often, we begin with a consultation that allows us to discuss their concerns face-to-face in a comfy consultation room. This room is away from the clinical side of the practice and is a living room setting. From there, patients can decide when and if they are ready to proceed.

Today’s dentistry should never have you ‘in pain.’ If you have avoided dental care due to fear, you likely have some level of periodontal disease. Let’s restore your oral health and help you resume a relationship for oral care in an environment that becomes a positive part of a healthier lifestyle. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation for yourself or someone whose smile you love!

Even MORE Reasons To Keep Your Oral Health In Tip Top Shape!

Posted on Jun 24, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you ever needed added reasons to be fully committed to your oral health, you’ll find the follow list very interesting. Research has pinpointed numerous health problems that are related to oral bacteria.

While you know that periodontal (gum) disease can destroy gum tissues and the bone that supports teeth, tooth loss can also occur. Yet, the damage doesn’t stop there. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in tissues. This bloodborne bacteria is then free to travel throughout the body and can contribute to a long list of serious health problems, including:

• Heart Disease and Stroke – 
If you have full-blown periodontal disease, research has shown that you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. This is due t clot causing proteins that occur from oral bacteria that can clog arteries, including the carotid artery that supplies the brain with blood.

• Cancer – 
Researchers found that men with gum disease are 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, nearly 50% more likely to develop kidney cancer and 30% more likely to have blood cancers.

• Dementia
 – Studies have shown that tooth loss from oral bacteria is a risk factor for memory loss and early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Apparently, oral infection cause inflammation triggers that can lead to the destruction of brain cells.

• Diabetes
 – Because people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, 95% of also have periodontal disease.

• Infertility – 
Research has found that gum disease can complicate attempts for a female to become pregnant.

• Erectile Dysfunction – 
Men with periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED).

• Premature Birth – Nearly 13% of U.S. babies are born premature, which can lead to breathing issues and infections. Infection in the mother’s body, which includes infection from periodontal disease, can create inflammatory reactions that are related to premature and low birth weight babies.

• Respiratory Problems – 
When bloodborne bacteria from gum disease reaches the lungs, people with respiratory problems are at higher risk of pneumonia and acute bronchitis (COPD).

It’s not surprising that the mouth is deemed “the gateway to the body.” Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, keeping sugar to a minimum, and being committed to those 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings.

If you have been less than regular with dental visits or oral hygiene care at home, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an initial visit. We’ll help you achieve a healthier lifestyle that’s reflected in your smile!