Healthy Gums Important For Moms-To-Be

Posted on Oct 10, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you followed any of the AMC network’s seven seasons of “Mad Men,” you likely watched episodes where the pregnant wives were not only drinking cocktails, but smoking cigarettes. This is shocking today. Yet in the 1960’s, the decade in which the series took place, it was fairly commonplace.

Times have changed. Today, we not only know about the hazards of smoking and alcohol for adults in general, we know that whatever a mom-to-be consumes can pass through to her unborn baby. Being pregnant in this decade comes with a long list of what to avoid during pregnancy. This includes dietary restrictions, medications, fumes, and especially smoking and alcohol.

We now have greater awareness when it comes to what may be potentially harmful to a developing fetus. An often overlooked hazard for its potential harm to unborn babies is that of periodontal (gum) disease. Fortunately, a growing awareness among the medical field is cautioning pregnant females to keep their gums in healthy shape for the good of their smile and their baby.

For years now, studies have shown that women with periodontal (gum) disease are at higher risk for pre-term babies or low-birth weight babies (babies born with a birth weight of less than 5.5 lbs.). Babies born under these circumstances are at greater risk for long-term health problems, including delayed motor skills, social development and learning disabilities. Additionally, a baby born 3 weeks or more prior to its due date can have similar complications in addition to respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss and digestive problems.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition, resulting from an overload of bacterial accumulation in the mouth. This infectious bacteria can attack gum tissues and the bone structure that supports teeth. Like many diseases in our bodies, gum disease begins without obvious warning signs. Once symptoms emerge, they include tender gums, swollen gums, gums that bleed when brushing, gums that pull away from teeth, persistent bad breath and teeth that become loose. While these signs should create a sense of urgency for anyone who experiences them, responding to them is especially important during pregnancy.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to other serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), medical and dental communities agree that maintaining good periodontal health during pregnancy is important. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, stay current on your dental check-ups and cleanings. Also, be committed to a thorough at-home oral hygiene regimen. This includes twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups.

This is also supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who now encourage pregnant women to achieve and maintain good oral health. In addition to regular dental cleanings during pregnancy, watch for signs of gum disease since hormonal levels during pregnancy make you more susceptible to gum problems, including Pregnancy Gingivitis (which are similar to gum disease symptoms). If signs of gum disease are present, non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women and can improve gum health.

Through all phases of your pregnancy, make oral hygiene a priority. If you are behind on dental check-ups, seeing a Periodontal specialist can help to reduce your risk for adverse pregnancy complications. This will also help to reduce your own risk for health problems while you support a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.

Gum disease can trigger systemic inflammation in the body, resulting in a higher risk for serious health problems. In addition to pre-term, low birth weight babies, these include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, arthritis, diabetes and impotency.

To learn more about gum health as it relates to pregnancy, visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).
https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women

To schedule an examination, call 828-274-9440.

Before & After Sedation Instructions

Posted on Oct 04, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At Biltmore Periodontics, we pride ourselves on providing optimal safety and comfort to our patients, for every appointment and regardless of the procedure. For some procedures, patients are sedated. Typically, this occurs through “twilight sleep,” which is delivered intravenously (I.V.) by a doctor who is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, Dr. Brad Stone.

I.V. Sedation places patients in a sleep-like state throughout the procedure. Too, it creates an amnesiac effect so there is no memory of the procedure afterwards. Throughout, the patient is closely monitored by Dr. Stone who uses specific safety equipment. This includes several monitors: EKG (heart), blood pressure, pulse, exhaled carbon dioxide and oxygen saturation.

The sedation process includes instructions both before and after. Dr. Stone will call you prior to your procedure to review your medical history. During this conversation, he will explain sedation and answer any questions.

Following these instructions will help you enjoy a optimal comfort with a quick recovery:

Instructions For BEFORE You Are Sedated

• Eating – No food or any type of dairy product after midnight. In cases scheduled for later the next day, you may be allowed a light meal (example: toast, NO fatty foods) for up to six (6) hours before the procedure. It is critical your stomach is empty by the time of the procedure.
• Drinking – Moderate amounts of clear liquids (water,  juice, Pedialyte, Gatorade, soda) can be consumed up to three (3) hours prior to your appointment.
• Attire – Wear loose, comfortable clothing. With colder weather, layering is best. For children, a ‘pull-up’ may help with ‘accidents.’
• Medications – Unless specifically advised, it is recommended to take all medications as prescribed with a small amount of water.
• Transportation – No patient who receives sedation or anesthesia is allowed to operate a vehicle following discharge from our dental office! All patients must have a responsible adult stay with them until they are fully recovered.

Instructions For AFTER You Are Sedated
After you are released from our office, the most important thing you can do is to return home and REST. Giving your body a chance to recover after having anesthesia is best achieved through resting.

Adults
Take your time when moving. Use help or assistance as much as possible. As you move from lying to sitting or sitting to standing, move slowly. If you experience dizziness, lie or sit back down and rest. When climbing stairs, have someone help and assist you. Remember also…

• No driving for the remainder of the day.
• Avoid operation of mechanical or electrical machinery/devices.
• Avoid making any important decisions or signing important documents.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and/or smoking.
• Avoid any unaccompanied activity.

Children
Children who have been sedated should be carefully monitored by a responsible adult for 4 hours after returning home.
• No climbing, running or riding bicycles for the rest of the day.

Medications: Resume taking prescribed medications once you are drinking fluids. If you receive prescriptions for the procedure, take those as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin are allowed and may be helpful.

Eating & Drinking: Liquids may be consumed as soon as possible following sedation. Begin with frequent small quantities of clear fluids (such as water, juice and soda). Increase your diet as desired depending on how you feel.

In addition to instructions for sedation, your procedure may include specific guidelines you should follow. We will review those with you carefully. It is our goal to help you achieve an optimal treatment outcome with the highest level of safety and comfort.

Our team is also available to assist you prior to or following any procedure. Call 828-274-9440. If after-hours, our answering machine will provide instructions on how to reach us.

Difference Between Crown-&-Bridge And Dental Implants

Posted on Sep 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When replacing one, two or several teeth in one area, one option is a crown & bridge. For many individuals, it seems most practical to go with the less-expensive option. Yet, there are several reasons you should weigh the advantages of Dental Implants vs. crowns and bridges, which are far more important than ‘perceived’ costs.

A bridge, initially, costs less than Dental Implants. Although the cost of a crown-&-bridge combination seems like ‘the way to go’ when it comes to replacing a tooth or teeth, many people are unaware of the long-term expenses and underlying issues.

Yet, over time, a crown-&-bridge can require upkeep. From root canals to crown replacement to cracked bridges that need replacing, these costs add up, and up and up and…

Let’s look at the differences between Dental Implants and crown-&-bridge other than cost.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, which provides the same foundation as that of natural tooth roots. This means that replacement teeth do not need the support of adjacent, natural teeth that have been crowned to serve to support a bridge. By keeping your natural teeth ‘natural,’ you are able to maintain the integrity of natural tooth structure, giving a strong advantage to your oral health.

Because Dental Implants use the natural foundation of your jaw bone, they give another advantage to your oral health. Dental Implants integrate with the structure of your bone. They recreate the presence of natural tooth roots and halt the process of bone loss.

Bone loss from missing teeth, or ‘resorption,’ occurs from the lack of stimulation that tooth roots provide to the jaw bone. Through this, they help to prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and partials.

Bone loss is a concern since it can place neighboring teeth at risk. As the bone shrinks in the area of missing teeth, the foundation of those teeth is compromised. Odds are, when a tooth is lost, the next one you’ll lose is one adjacent due to this bone loss.

Yet another advantage of Dental Implants? – Their ability to look, feel and function just as natural teeth.  Some people prefer to keep the fact that they wear Dental Implants a private issue. With Dental Implants, no one need to ever know you have a ‘third set’ of teeth. Non-removable implant systems allow you to wake up with a smile and brush your implanted teeth along with your natural teeth!

The success rate of Dental Implants is one of the highest implant-in-bone types, including hips and knees. Properly selected, placed and maintained, Dental Implants offer a lifetime solution for tooth replacement. As a Periodontal specialist, I provide specific expertise in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. This gives our patients an edge — specific knowledge, training and skills so they can enjoy teeth that look and feel just like their own (because they are!).

Consider Dental Implants based on the long-term advantages, for optimal oral health as well as a wise investment that will last your lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your needs.

New Technology Means No More Messy Impressions

Posted on Sep 22, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In addition to staying on top of the latest techniques and materials in periodontal treatment, I select advanced technology based upon its benefits to our patients. In addition to technology that helps to optimize treatment outcome, I incorporate advancements that allow patients to move efficiently and comfortably from the exam process to treatment to the final results.

This is what Carestream 3600 provides with fast, easy and accurate digital imaging. What is this?

If you’ve had impressions of the inside of your mouth made, you probably recall having a mold filled with an oozy substance placed over the upper or lower portion. This was held in place to ‘set’ firm and was then rocked back and forth to remove. From this impression, a mold was made to show unique contours that would be involved in treatment.

Using Carestream 3600, we are able to eliminate that process altogether while creating vibrant full HD 3D images. Using a small handheld device, I scan the full arch in one continuous motion for a more comfortable experience for our patient.

Carestream provides precision dimensions at every angle. While this helps us to achieve outstanding clinical results, our patients no longer need to have messy impressions taken.

Carestream 3600 also makes sharing the images with referring doctors or with a dental lab more straightforward—resulting in clearer communication and faster turnaround. I have found it to be especially helpful for Dental Implant cases.

We are pleased that our patients can enjoy a simpler process through this advanced technology. For more about Carestream 3600, visit: http://carestreamdental.com/us/en/scan/CS%203600#Features%20and%20Benefits