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!

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!

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!

If you are diabetic, you are twice as likely to lose all of your teeth.

Researchers from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey evaluated more 2,500 participants over the age of 50. The study showed that 28% of adults with diabetes had lost all of their teeth, compared to 14% of people who were not diabetic.

The results of this study are consistent with the outcomes of two other major studies that evaluated loss among adults with and without diabetes. Too, it showed that diabetics who had lost some, but not all, teeth, were missing an average of 10 teeth, compared to 7 teeth for those without diabetes.

Not only are diabetics at higher risk for tooth loss and edentulism (missing all teeth), the researchers concluded that 1 of every 5 cases of edentulism in the U.S. is linked to diabetes.

With consistent findings of these studies, it is important for people with diabetes to have a committed oral health care program. If you are diabetic, begin by having a complete periodontal examination to determine your current oral health status and areas of risk.

Losing teeth is an added expense and burden on the mouth, adjoining teeth, and ability to control oral bacteria. However, tooth loss can be prevented with a thorough oral health care program. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an examination to ensure your smile is at its best!