Why Crown Lengthening Procedures Are Advised

Posted on Jun 20, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Crown lengthening is preformed, most often, to give an esthetic balance to the gum line when a crown is placed. This ensures neighboring teeth most visible in your smile are bordered by a similar amount of gum tissue. However, crown lengthening also enhances your oral health and the life of your crown.

Like a fingernail connected to your finger, each tooth penetrates living tissue. The seal formed by healthy gum tissues around teeth helps to prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream through your mouth. If a cavity forms, a tooth breaks or you develop gum disease, this seal can become the entryway for bacteria to enter your body.

Crown lengthening repositions this seal to restore a healthy line of protection. While you enjoy the beauty of your new crown through your smile’s enhanced appearance, crown lengthening gives your oral health a boost at the same time!

Dental Implants & Smoking

Posted on Jun 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We all know that smoking isn’t good for our health, which certainly includes oral health. Smoking complicates the body’s natural ability to heal. It has a drying effect on gum tissues and minimizes blood oxygen, resulting in delayed healing process. Smoking also contributes to a greater potential for bacterial build-up.

To place an implant, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. The dental specialist must go through gum tissues to reach the bone, placing each implant at a precise depth and angle. Once the implant is placed, it can take two to six months to become fully anchored by the bone.

For proper healing during this time, a patient needs normal blood circulation to ensure gum recovery and sufficient oxygen levels for the regeneration of bone surrounding the implant. Failures most often occur during this ‘osseo-integration’ phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition, patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. This can cause inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although the potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

For smokers who develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a lesser effect because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated and works its way into the implant area, your risk for losing the implant is significant.

Because of the greater risk factors, some dental specialists refuse to place dental implants in smokers. With so many negative effects, it is highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. Just like a hip or knee replacement, implants are not guaranteed because of extenuating circumstances while the healing process is primarily in the hands of the patient.

You can greatly enhance your success rate by quitting smoking at least one week prior to placement and throughout the recovery period. Consider using dental implant treatment to motivate you to become smoke free.

Keep in mind that dental implants enable you to eat a healthy selection of foods while restoring eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit.

Baby Boomer? Protect Overall Health By Monitoring Oral Symptoms!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is our goal to ensure your smile is a positive part of your health, in all aspects. A survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry revealed 63% of ages 45 to 65 with an oral symptom found it was linked to a more serious health condition. It seems key symptoms in the mouth were warning signs of adult onset diseases.

For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indicators of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums. However, only 29% of the baby boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

After the age of 45, the risk for developing heart disease triples. Although heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, a sore and painful jaw is often overlooked as a warning signal. As a matter of fact, 60% of those surveyed were unaware these symptoms could be signs of a potential heart attack.

Research continually reveals links between oral and overall health. While the health of your smile is our emphasis, your overall well-being is also important. Please mention any unusual symptoms you are experiencing and keep us updated on all medications you take, including the dosage.

Yikes! My Denture Is Full Of WHAT?!!!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

These days, Americans are more aware of keeping bacteria at bay by regular hand-washing and proper food handling. Yet, little publicity has been devoted to the bacterial presence in dentures and partials.

The material that holds the replacement teeth of dentures and partials is porous. This means that bacteria can become embedded in it. Not only do bacteria reproduce at a rapid rate, these organisms eat, and therefore produce waste, continually in your mouth.

This bacterial buildup can result in painful inflammation, cracking at the corners of the mouth, redness and soreness. But, once established, disease-causing microorganisms (like Candida albicans, for example) won’t go away on their own. Ridding them may require powerful antifungal medications.

Full and partial denture-wearers must rinse their appliances after every meal and soak them in disinfectant solutions nightly. Not only is this process burdensome, many people sleep in their dentures and partials. The warm, moist, dark environment this provides is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. As bacteria builds, the eventual result is an infection called periodontitis. This form of gum disease can result in painful and serious problems, such as increased inflammation in the body.

Yet, oral bacteria can cause devastating damage far beyond one’s mouth. Research has shown that the bacteria of gum disease can become bloodborne throughout the body via tears in gum tissue. These bacteria can trigger (or increase) inflammation that research has shown to contribute to coronary artery disease, diabetes, preterm babies, stroke, and arthritis.

Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, they restore chewing comfort and biting stability. Dental implants allow you to eat the foods you love and laugh without worry. Dental implants help to preserve the jaw bone by recreating the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots. They are safe and, when properly selected, placed and maintained, will last all your life.

If you’re ready to rid yourself of dentures and partials, call (828) 274-9440 to discuss the dental implant alternative. Like other adults, your life will enjoy many, many advantages!