Losing Teeth & The Problems Of Missing Teeth

Posted on Mar 02, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Contrary to what many older adults think, losing natural teeth is not a normal part of the aging process. Periodontal (gum) disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss and is easily preventable with simple measures applied on a daily basis.

Those with the highest susceptibility to gum disease are…
•    Males over the age of 35
•    Adults who fail to have professional dental care
•    Not brushing teeth
•    Smoking
•    Having diabetes, high blood pressure or rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Teeth most commonly lost because of gum disease are in the front of the mouth rather than back teeth.

Although health issues such as diabetes and arthritis can make you more vulnerable to develop gum disease, this doesn’t mean you cannot take measures to overcome risk factors. Too, instances like smoking and twice-daily tooth brushing are choices you make.

Missing teeth compromises the appearance of a person’s smile, causing them to become self-conscious about smiling.  While the esthetic repercussions of missing teeth are significant, dental challenges caused by missing teeth are even more problematic. The space left by missing teeth needs to be filled to avoid teeth drifting.  Drifting teeth have a long list of challenges to oral health and the appearance of your smile, including:

• Compromised chewing efficiency
• The tooth above or below the missing tooth growing too long
• Neighboring teeth moving out of alignment
• More challenges with food accumulation, which promotes bacterial growth
• Uneven chewing patterns, which strains jaw joints and can lead to worn teeth, tooth fractures and chips, clenching and grinding, and headaches
• Loss of jaw bone mass in the extracted area
• Facial changes and biting/chewing problems in the area of tooth loss
• Increased incidences of accidental tongue biting & ulceration

When a tooth is lost, it is imperative that the tooth be replaced, preferably soon after. Dental implants not only restore the look and feel of a natural tooth, they recreate the presence of a tooth root in the jaw bone. This helps halt bone loss and protects your facial structure and the natural alignment of your bite.

If you have lost teeth, contact us about regaining the look, feel and function of a confident smile through dental implants. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation.

Pregnant? Hormonal Changes Increase Potential For Gingivitis

Posted on Feb 27, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Women who are pregnant should take extra measures to maintain a healthy mouth, for their own health as well as that of their unborn babies. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and premature birth. One study showed that pregnant women with gum disease were 4 – 7 times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums. Mothers with the most severe periodontal (gum) disease delivered most prematurely, at 32 weeks.

Blame varying hormonal levels. During pregnancy, hormonal changes increase the risk for gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease. This is the cause for approximately 40% of women developing gingivitis during pregnancy, referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.

An increased level of progesterone in pregnancy makes oral bacterial growth easier, which forms gingivitis. Progesterone also makes gum tissues more sensitive to plaque. For those who have significant gum disease prior to pregnancy, being pregnant can make the condition worse.

Gum inflammation typically appears between the second and eighth month of pregnancy. Signs of pregnancy gingivitis range from gums that are red rather than a healthy pink. Gums will often bleed when brushing teeth and be swollen and tender in spots.

The goal is to prevent pregnancy gingivitis before it occurs. Be committed to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home, which includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily and swishing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Be sure to keep your 6-month cleanings and exams. These will remove any plaque buildup that has occurred between visits.

If you are seeing signs of gingivitis or gum disease (pregnant or not), call us at (828) 274-9440 for an examination. Once your gums are restored to a healthy state, maintaining a healthy mouth can be a simple part of your daily routine.

Just What Is A Periodontist?

Posted on Feb 26, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When I meet people out of my office, they often inquire about my profession. When I say I am a Periodontist, it’s pretty typical to get a “and that is…?” tip of the head. I’m happy to explain.

A Periodontist is a dental specialist who receives three years’ additional training after dental school, focusing on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, including placement of dental implants. They are team players with general dentists and other specialists in restoring your mouth to a healthy state.

Your smile has no future without a solid foundation of gum tissue and bone structure on which a Periodontist has made his or her specialty. We are often the ‘behind the scenes’ doctors who resolve gum problems or place implants so you can return to your general dentist for ongoing care.

Hopefully, you’ll never need a Periodontist. However, if you do, we’ll know how to restore your mouth’s foundation to a healthy state. It’s what we do!

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.