Connection Between Arthritis & Periodontal Disease

Posted on Jun 11, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints, affecting more than 1.3 million American adults. RA can lead to longterm joint damage, persistent pain and compromised function. Because RA can affect manual dexterity, oral hygiene routines at home can be difficult. Insufficient oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, which, in turn, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

Research has indicated that RA sufferers have a higher incidence of periodontal (gum) disease compared to individuals with a healthy oral condition. Studies have also shown that RA patients are nearly 8 times more likely to have gum disease. However, researchers suspect that poor oral hygiene is not the only factor in an increased occurrence of gum disease in Arthritis sufferers. Study results have shown that while oral hygiene is a determining factor in acquiring gum disease, other parameters point to a deeper association between RA and gum disease.

Because both RA and gum disease create internal inflammation, a connection between the two makes sense. Inflammation is already suspected to be a correlating factor between periodontal disease and other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Even though research hasn’t proven a definitive gum disease-arthritis connection, findings increasingly show that periodontal disease doesn’t always occur as a result of RA, it may very well precede it.

The link between RA and gum disease are most prevalent when examining the joints and oral tissues. Oral tissues with the presence of periodontitis compared to tissues of RA-affected joints show a number of similarities. Research has also discovered a genetic link between the two.

Does oral bacteria trigger the development of arthritis? Does oral inflammation cause inflammation in the joints? While there is no definitive proof that one triggers the other, one study does show that treating periodontal disease can help in the prevention of RA. In a study of 40 people, with participants having both RA and gum disease, researchers found that those who who were given non-surgical gum disease treatment showed significantly more improvement in RA symptoms than those who were treated for RA only.

Of course, more research is needed to determine whether treating periodontal disease improves or even helps to prevent RA. In the meantime, people with RA should pay particular attention to oral health. If you have RA, caring for your teeth, both at home and through regular dental checkups, is important. If you have trouble caring for your teeth due to painful joints in the hands, ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend ways to overcome any challenges. Water flossers, electronic tooth brushes and oral rinses may make the task easier.

Although patients with RA are encouraged to maintain a diligent oral home-care regimen, it is highly recommended that any signs of gum disease be immediately treated by a periodontal specialist. These symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, tender spots or pus pockets on gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession and gums that darken in color. It is also important that the oral care of RA patients is in coordination with their medical professionals.

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? Begin by ensuring your oral health is at its best. A periodontist specializes in the care and treatment of oral tissues and is your expert in overcoming any level of periodontal disease. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Best To Replace Single Tooth At Time Of Removal

Posted on Jun 07, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, a single tooth requires removal. This could be due to a fracture that extends below the gum line. Or, this is necessary when a tooth is beyond repair that can be resolved with a crown. Because each tooth helps to keep neighboring teeth in proper position, promptly replacing any lost tooth is a wise decision.

When a single tooth is removed, many adults now choose to replace it with a dental implant at the time of removal. One advantage of this is the prevention of bone loss. By inserting the implant at the same time of tooth removal, you minimize the risk of ‘resorption.’ Resorption occurs when tooth roots are no longer present to provide stimulation to the bone. Without this, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb,’ over time.  It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.

Another benefit of same-day implant placement is the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is lost, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ formed by tissues between each tooth begin to flatten within days. When an implant is immediately placed and the replacement tooth attached the same day, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.

Appearance is another reason for placing an implant and crown immediately following tooth removal. This means patients avoid the awkward and embarrassing look of a gap in their smile.

Immediate replacement is also beneficial when two or several teeth in a row are missing. Because one implant can often support a bridge of teeth, this saves on treatment cost while also preserving natural gum contours. Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant following removal greatly simplifies the treatment time and procedural requirements.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I work with general dentists and other specialists on a regular basis. Through this team treatment approach, the patient receives a speedy result with an exceptional outcome. To discuss immediate placement implants or any type of dental implant, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation appointment so I can explain the process and answer your questions thoroughly.

 

Smile Affects More Than Appearance

Posted on Mar 16, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The dictionary defines a smile as: “a pleasant or agreeable appearance, look, or aspect.” Does that describe your smile?

As a periodontist who performs gum recontouring to repair ‘gummy smiles’ and dental implants to replace missing teeth, patients often share the emotional repercussions of a flawed smile before treatment. Many of them explain how they’ve  ‘held back’ on their smile, often concealing it with their hand or smiling with lips only. Some share they felt uncomfortable speaking with the opposite sex. Others felt their smile has kept them from pursuing higher positions or particular jobs.

Your smile is much more than teeth and gums. It reflects your overall personality. Would a confident smile make you more comfortable smiling and interacting with others? Would it prompt you to smile more often? Would it make you feel more attractive and outgoing? These are changes that patients have shared after treatment. Truly, the effects go much deeper than visual.

Adults often indulge in cars, clothes, electronics and trips as ways to create good feelings. Yet, none can provide the lasting effects of a confident, appealing smile. If you’d like to discuss dental implants for tooth replacement or gum recontouring for a smile you’ll enjoy sharing, every day, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Exposed Tooth Roots

Posted on Feb 16, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Gum recession causes the tooth root to become exposed, which can make your teeth look long. Recession can occur as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases.  Whatever the reason, exposed roots are unappealing and also create risk for developing cavities.

Gum grafting can cover exposed roots, reduce further gum recession and protect vulnerable roots from decay. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and have your questions answered thoroughly.