Rocky Dentures? Why Relines Are Of Little Help.

Posted on Mar 16, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a dental specialist, I am referred most of our patients by other dentists. Being a Periodontist, my advanced training and skills are ideal for people who have any level of periodontal disease as well as those who want or need dental implants.

When it comes to dental implant patients, what I see most often are those who have worn dentures for a number of years who are exhausted with the uncomfortable rubbing and the inability to eat the foods they once enjoyed.

These patients typically tell me that their denture fit snugly when it was first made. Over time, however, they started noticing that the denture would cause sore spots on their gums. It would move when they chewed certain foods, even when they used denture adhesives or pastes.

I’ve heard patients describe how painful it is to have something as small as a strawberry seed or nut particle become trapped under the denture, piercing into their tender gum tissue. Some have shared how they had to eventually switch to a diet of soft foods that dissolved easily so they wouldn’t have to chew. And, many admit that they started declining invitations that included a meal.

What many people don’t realize when they first opt for a denture is what occurs underneath the gum tissue. This is where the problem lies. It’s not that the denture is shrinking or changing shape. It’s your jaw bone. And the pressure placed on the bone from wearing dentures is only making matters worse.

When natural tooth roots are removed, the jaw bone that once held them is no longer fed the stimulants that kept it healthy. After a few years, it will shrink in height. This decline in mass is what causes changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkling around the mouth and the formation of jowls. And, it’s what causes the denture to move.

As time goes on, so does the process of bone loss. This means that the ‘ridge’ your denture was designed for flattens. A reline can rebuild the denture to accommodate some of the change. However, as the bone continues to decline, the denture continues to be ill-fitting.

While the pressure of wearing a denture certainly accelerates the rate of bone loss, a number of denture wearers also sleep in their denture. This round-the-clock pressure speeds up the rate of bone loss even more.

Not being able to eat and fear of embarrassment are common complaints of denture wearers. The solution is dental implants. Not only do implants restore the ability to bite and chew comfortably, they halt the bone loss associated with dentures. This is because they recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone.

When it comes to your smile, words like rocky, wobbly and slippery should never be a part of the description. When people opt for dental implants to replace an unstable denture, they smile, laugh, eat and even sneeze with confidence.

Eating a healthy diet, socializing with friends and family, and feeling confident are not luxuries. They are essential to a healthy, happy life. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. During this, I’ll explain the type of implants that may be best for your needs and goals. We can also discuss estimated costs and payment options.

 

Important To Keep Your Dentist Updated On Your Medications

Posted on Mar 09, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

So what does the prescription you take for high blood pressure have to do with your dental care? And, why should you bother to tell us if you’re taking a supplement for anxiety?

Many medications don’t interact well with other medications, and even some supplements. It is important that your dentist and dental specialist have an up-to-date list of ALL medications you take. Here is why:

Medications such as Heparin or Warfarin help to reduce blood clotting, which lowers your risk for stroke and heart disease. That’s good. However, it is important that your dentist know about these since they can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery or periodontal treatment.

For those who take medications that help to strengthen bones, these have been associated with a rare but serious condition called osteo-necrosis of the jaw. Simply put, it refers to death of the bone. These prescriptions include Fosamax, Actonel, Atelvia, Didronel and Boniva and are taken to help prevent or treat osteoporosis. There are also versions administered by injection, including Boniva IV, Reclast and Prolia.

Osteo-necrosis of the jaw commonly occurs after dental procedures (tooth extraction, implant placement). Over 90 percent of those who have experienced osteo-necrosis are those who have taken the medication in repeated high doses due to cancer or other diseases. However, 10 percent who experienced osteo-necrosis were taking much lower doses, mostly intended to treat osteoporosis. Those who are taking these medications or have taken them within the past year should reveal this to their dentist.

Certain medications also affect the ability to taste, including cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respiratory inhalants and nicotine skin patches.

Some medications can cause the development of oral sores, inflammation or discoloration of gum tissues in the mouth. These oral sores or discolorations may arise from taking medications for blood pressure, oral contraceptives and chemotherapy agents. Keeping your dentist aware that you are taking these drugs helps he or she monitor these areas closely and appropriately. Some spots and discolorations in the mouth can actually be symptoms of oral cancer. When your dentist is aware of the side effects of the medications you take, you can be adequately monitored without being treated for pseudo illnesses.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of a wide variety of medications, including those prescribed and over-the-counter. These include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence,
anti-depressants and many others. Drying causes the soft tissues in the mouth to become inflamed and makes you more susceptible to infection. When saliva flow is depleted, your risk for tooth decay and gum disease increases.

Supplements that may seem unconnected to your oral health can actually effect your care more than you realize. It is important for your dentist to know if you take…
 • Ginkgo biloba or evening primrose – These herbs can reduce your blood’s ability to clot, possibly leading to excessive bleeding during and/or after a dental procedure.
 • St. John’s Wort – This herb, which is often taken to reduce anxiety, can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, including sedatives, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone and Decadron. When combined with St. John’s Wort, these drugs can be less effective. On the other hand, narcotics such as codeine, Vicodin and oxycodone can become more potent when taken with St. John’s Wort. This can lead to sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness.
• Valerian – This herb has mild sedative effects. If your dentist prescribes drugs for anxiety or painkillers containing codeine, the effects of both together are greatly accentuated. This can lead to severe sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness that can last into the next day.
• Calcium and magnesium – When these supplements are combined with certain antibiotics, they can decrease the antibiotics being properly absorbed. This can compromise your ability to fight off infection.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Always keep your dental care givers updated on your health status and the medications (and supplements) you take.

Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

Posted on Mar 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Our bodies are miraculous machines. They not only provide mobility and enable various functions, the human body is designed to heal itself.

When bacteria enter the body, white blood cells are the microscopic soldiers that surge in for battle. Their job is to attack the bacteria and destroy it. As with any battle, however, when the odds are in favor of the enemy, the ‘good guys’ don’t always win.

Bacteria reproduce very rapidly. When they become too much for your body’s defense mechanism to overcome, infection begins. Just as a cut or scrape on the skin can become infected, oral bacteria can cause infection in the mouth. This overload of bacteria can evolve into periodontal disease, which is an inflammation that attacks teeth, oral tissues and the bone structures that support teeth.

Gum disease is characterized by sore gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath, gums that recede from teeth and turn red in color, and pus pockets that form on the gums at the base of some teeth. In latter stages, gum disease will cause teeth to loosen and eventually require removal.

Most gum disease occurs because people are often unaware that bleeding gums or gum recession is not normal. Insufficient brushing, failing to floss and missing 6-month dental cleanings can lead to a build-up of bacteria that forms, at first, plaque. This is a sticky film you feel on teeth. When plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it forms a cement-hard colony of oral bacteria, known as tartar or calculus.

As your mouth is enduring the repercussions of oral bacteria accumulation, gum tissues and tooth enamel are being eaten away by the bacteria. There is a point where only dental treatment can eliminate the bacterial onslaught, especially when it has penetrated below the gum line. However, with prompt attention and proper measures, you can halt and reverse the need for dental treatment and the progression of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Your symptoms will probably include gums that are tender in spots and some bleeding when you brush. These are warning signs that signal an immediate need for attention.

Begin by twice daily brushing with a soft bristle tooth brush and use a fluoridated tooth paste. Brush for at least two minutes per time. Floss daily. Be sure not to pop the floss between teeth to avoid damaging the gums. Move the floss in a back-&-forth motion between teeth to ease it down so you can scrape the sides of each tooth.

You can remove a tremendous amount of oral bacteria by using a tongue scrapper daily. Or, brush your tongue with your tooth brush at the end of each brushing. This helps to dislodge bacteria that is embedded in the grooves of the tongue.

Drink lots of water during the day. This will aid saliva flow that is designed to move oral bacteria from your mouth on a consistent basis. Avoid foods and beverages that are drying to oral tissues. These include coffee, colas, alcohol and spicy foods. Also, try to minimize the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you consume. These foods energize the reproduction of oral bacteria.

If you smoke, consider using an oral rinse that will replenish the mouth with moisture. The chemicals in cigarette smoke are terribly drying to oral tissues. Some oral rinses are specifically designed for producing moisture. This is helpful since dryness provides oral bacteria with a favorable environment for reproduction.

When these steps are taken for initial levels of gingivitis, your gums should be less tender and bleeding should cease in a week or so. If you do not see improvement after 1-2 weeks of implementing these measures, see a Periodontal specialist as soon as possible. This dental specialist can determine the precise level of gum disease you are experiencing and provide appropriate treatment.

The key is to act sooner than later. Gum disease only worsens without treatment. In the U.S., it is the leading cause for adult tooth loss. Your natural teeth are precious and worth saving. With a healthy mouth, having your natural teeth all your life is a reasonable expectation.

The oral bacteria of gum disease is also harmful to your health in other ways, too. This bacteria has been known to trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. It can contribute to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, preterm babies and impotency.

Call 828-274-9440 if you have questions about your gums or if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with gum disease.

 

Afraid Of The Dentist? Fear Can Be Costly.

Posted on Feb 25, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of anxiety or fear when it comes to going to the dentist. Much of this stems from traumatic experiences in younger years, yet many individuals cannot explain when it actually began or what prompted it.

When you think about it, feeling uneasy in a dental chair is not such a puzzle. You’re on your back, positioned on a fairly flat, narrow base while hemmed in by arm rests on each side. You have someone hovering over your open mouth with unfamiliar instruments and you have no idea what they’re going to do with them or what you’ll feel. Recipe for anxiety? Well, duh!

Basically, the difference between those who have dental fears and those who don’t is (from what I see) the relationship of trust I have with my patients. They know I truly have no intention to hurt them. Quite frankly, my goal is to make sure they are always comfortable. Because they believe I have this intention and I will do everything to ensure their comfort, they are able to relax or to communicate with me when they feel it’s necessary.

For those who have fears, however, it’s not that simple. Some of these patients shake or start to sweat even when they walk in our front door. I’ve had some cry (men and women) in the dental chair before they’ve been touched. For these individuals, their fear is an uncontrollable reaction to perceived pain – nothing they feel, but pain they anticipate.

Here’s the bigger problem: When dental care is delayed or avoided due to fear, small problems that could have been prevented (or dealt with simply) become big problems. Big problems require more extensive procedures, more expense and more time in treatment. The longer a fearful patient has to be in a dental chair for a procedure, the more anxious they are.

Too, when regular dental check-ups and cleanings are avoided, the buildup of bacteria that daily brushing and flossing doesn’t remove turns into calculus. This hardened form of oral bacteria attacks tooth enamel and gum tissues. This is also what develops into periodontal disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is a massive accumulation of bacteria that damages gums and bone structures far beneath the gum line. Therefore, in order to treat gum disease, the procedure requires the gums be opened in order to reach the full extent of the bacteria. All of this is far more involved than what could have been prevented through 6-month dental check-ups.

I see a number of patients who have acquired gum disease because they were too afraid to go to the dentist. Yet, when gum disease symptoms become severe, they are forced to set these fears aside in order to get out of pain and/or save as many teeth as possible.

So, how does a fearful patient deal with dental fears and have the care they need? There is nothing like opening up and sharing your concerns. Begin with an open and honest conversation. We provide a consultation room that is away from the clinical side of the practice. We’ll sit in arm chairs and discuss your past experiences and what makes you feel uneasy and what we can provide to help you relax.

In our office, we offer relaxation medications in addition to comfort options. Yet, our patients find that trust is the key to their ability to have the treatment they need without pangs of fear.

Begin with a consultation appointment. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule. Remember, more delay can mean more treatment, more expense and more time. Focus on achieving MORE smiles without dental fear dictating your decisions.