How To Spend Less On Dental Care

Posted on Nov 18, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see the insides of many, many mouths. Occasionally, I see a patient who wants to improve the appearance of their smile, such as through crown lengthening or repairing a ‘gummy smile.’ In most cases, however, the mouths I see are in dire need of care.

Whether an adult is at my office for dental implant placement due to lost teeth or needs their gum health restored due to periodontal disease, most of these situations are avoidable. And, their condition is not always one of neglect as much as from a lack of knowledge.

While commercials promote denture creams, tooth paste and whitening strips, there has been little public awareness of how to adequately care for one’s teeth and gum health. A dental hygienist may urge you to floss, but do you really know how? Or, do you know why you should and what can happen if you don’t?

A vast amount of research is showing how your oral health can impact your overall health and even contribute to the onset of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and preterm babies. Yet, the American population still lacks the understanding of how easy it is to prevent problems from occurring in the mouth in the first place.

This year, be determined to save your money on dentistry and spend mere minutes per day tending to your oral health. The key is to:

Floss daily – Ask for a ‘flossing lesson’ if you’re having difficulty

Brush thoroughly (at least twice a day) using a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste

Swish after meals when you cannot brush and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist

Use a tongue scrapper daily to remove bacteria embedded in the tongue

Maintain your 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings

Keep between-meal snacking to a minimum and avoid sugar whenever possible

If you have soft enamel, ask your dentist for sealants. When teeth are cracked or fractured, have them crowned as soon as possible.

If you are missing teeth, replace them – preferably with dental implants.

We tend to spend many hundreds of dollars on the upkeep of our automobiles, yet, balk at investing in our oral health and appearance. Your smile is worth the attention you can give it each day to keep your smile in good working order and looking great! Be as committed to your smile as your vehicle and you’ll save time, money and enjoy overall health benefits all day, every day!

 

Gummy Smile? We Can Fix That!

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

For those who have a gummy smile, when in a full smile, excess gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. Not only does this detract from the beauty of a smile, a gummy smile causes many people to ‘hold back’ when they smile.

While a healthy smile is nothing to conceal, I understand that one’s smile is a factor in appearance as well as self-confidence. It is important to have a healthy smile and one that we feel good about sharing. Now, modern techniques and technology make repairing a gummy smile a process that requires minimal treatment time, is more comfortable, and heals at a faster pace.

Gum contouring is performed using gingivectomy (jen-juh-vect-oh me), where excess gum tissue around the teeth is removed. After the procedure, there may be tenderness or swelling. Most discomfort is managed with over-the-counter medications but prescription strength forms are made available. In healing, every individual is different. Some take a few days to heal while others need a couple of weeks. For those who smoke, this lengthens the duration of healing time.

Most gingivectomies are followed by crown lengthening to enhance the appearance of front teeth after excess tissue is removed. This result is a smile that has a beautiful, even line.

If you have a gummy smile or know someone who would like more information, begin with a consultation to discuss a gingivectomy and subsequent crown lengthening. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.

What Is A Periodontal Specialist & What They Can Do For You

Posted on Jul 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gums and all oral tissues) disease and dental implant placement. After completing 4 years of undergraduate school at a college or university, Periodontists continue another 4 years in dental school followed by 3 more years in extensive training in this specialty. They are considered experts in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease as well as cosmetic periodontal procedures such as gum recontouring and crown lengthening.

In addition to treating gum disease, Periodontists offer treatments such as scaling & root planing (which cleans infection below the gum line) or root surface debridement (a process that removes damaged tissue). They also treat severe gum problems and have extensive training in the placement of dental implants.

Because of the relationship between periodontal disease and chronic diseases, patients with signs of periodontal disease receive an optimal level of expertise by a trained Periodontal specialist. Patients with moderate or severe periodontal disease are restored to a healthy state more efficiently by a partnership between your general dentist and a Periodontist.

Because a Periodontist is specially trained to work with gum tissues, their skills in implant placement enhance treatment outcomes and typically shorten treatment times due to their expertise.

 

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!