Dental Implants – A Bionic Smile!

Posted on Sep 25, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Modern medical science is amazing. Today’s technology has helped to advance the ability to provide miraculous solutions to many once-challenging problems. For example, “bionic” arms and hands have been developed to function almost normally. Today, prosthetic legs are moving people out of wheelchairs and into positions to walk and run.

When I think of dental implants, I realize just how miraculous they are as well. While some people think of dental implants as fairly recent on the scene, they have actually been around since the 1950’s.

Like prosthetic limbs, many types of dental implants have been developed to accommodate specific needs. For example, one known as ‘All-On-4’ is designed for people who have lost a great deal of bone mass. Using a specific design and placement at unique angles, the All-On-Four system overcomes the problems of severe bone loss to support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Other implant types can support one or a bridge of two or more replacement teeth. Some implant systems are ideal for placement at the time of tooth removal. Still, other systems work in conjunction with additional implants to support multiple teeth.

For individuals who have experienced bone loss (which commonly occurs from years of missing tooth roots), bone grafting can be performed prior to implant placement. Or, bone rebuilding materials can be added to existing bone to rebuild it.

Bone loss is a big deal, even though it’s not always obvious at first. Known as ‘resorption,’ this occurs when tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone that once supported natural teeth. Over time, the bone begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation.

Bone loss is the reason that once snug-fitting dentures begin to slip or move while eating. As the ‘ridge’ flattens (which is the gum-covered arch where tooth roots were once held), the foundation that the denture was originally made to conform declines in height. As the bone shrinks, the denture has less and less of a base to support it.

For people who are missing one or several natural teeth, it is paramount that they be replaced, preferably with dental implants. Why? Statistics show that natural teeth adjacent to a lost tooth are at greater risk for being the next to be lost.

Dental implants recreate stimulation to the jaw bone, thereby halting the pace of bone loss. When bone mass is maintained, neighboring teeth have a reduced risk for being lost as well.

Because dental implants are held in the jaw bone, they are also able to restore a natural biting strength with dependable stability. Having the ability to bite and chew efficiently and enjoy a diet of foods you love enhances eating pleasure and proper digestion. It’s no surprise that people who wear dentures have more gastrointestinal problems than those who have their natural teeth.

There are so many advantages to having dental implants. One of the best ones is their longevity. When dental implants are properly selected, placed and maintained, they should last your lifetime. This is why it’s so important to have your implant treatment through a Periodontist.

A periodontal specialist has advanced training and skills in the diagnosis and placement of all types of dental implants. He or she can enhance your ability to enjoy this miraculous tooth replacement option for your lifetime.

If you have lost natural teeth or are facing the potential of tooth removal, call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. This will occur in a private, comfortable consultation room conveniently located in our Asheville office.

During this time, we’ll discuss the implant systems that may work best for your needs and preferences. I’ll explain the treatment involved and sedation options along with estimated treatment fees.

Just as you would want a hand or a leg replaced with a normal looking and functioning prosthetic, you certainly want replacement teeth that function properly and look as natural as the teeth you once had (or better!).

Call today and arrange an appointment to discuss getting your smile back to better-than-ever!

How A Denture Can Be Ruining Your Health

Posted on Aug 13, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Since 1962, the U.S. has allowed pharmaceutical companies to advertise their drugs directly to the public. New Zealand is the only other country that has legalized this, which (to me) is rather telling of its ‘benefits’ in educating the general public.

It’s legality is not the issue here. In the promotions, these ads may name some of the side effects associated with that particular medication. These can include minor problems, such as “redness at the injection site,” to greater issues such as “weight gain,” to dire concerns, such as “increased risk for leukemia.”

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t know that can be the greatest detriment when it comes to our health and well-being. As a periodontal specialist, this has always been a particular concern: Do people really know the full story when it comes to dentures?

Since full dentures are not a prescribed medication, they are widely recommended and placed to replace a full ‘arch’ of upper or lower teeth. Although a denture can replace missing teeth, it falls very short when it comes to actually ‘restoring’ teeth.

There are far more things that a denture cannot do than what it can.

For example, a denture can give you the appearance of teeth and enable you to speak properly. A properly-fitted denture can also enable you to chew food again. But, the snug fit of a denture when initially made may be very different to how it fits a year later.

It is what occurs BENEATH the gums that can trigger a detrimental chain of events.

Natural tooth roots are held by the upper and lower jaw bones. With this as their foundation, tooth roots are able to support teeth that can function dependably. For example, having the sturdy foundation of the jaw bones, teeth can bite and chew with stability.

This means your teeth can endure the rigorous action of biting into a crunchy carrot or chewing a thick pork chop without the worry of movement. Natural teeth are held firmly by a solid mass of bone.

Here’s the problem many people are unaware exists: When the roots of natural teeth are removed from the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. This process is known as resorption. As the bone declines in height and width, the gum-covered ‘arch’ where teeth were once held begins to flatten out.

Because a denture is first made to conform to the specific contours of this arch, this means that the denture’s foundation is declining, providing less and less of a base for the denture to wrap.

Bone resorption is the beginning of a long list of problems.

When a denture is not secured by the bone, it must rely on what it rests upon. When the arch is high and full, the denture can hold on more securely while eating, speaking, or laughing.

However, as the arch shrinks, the added help of denture adhesives or pastes are needed. Unfortunately, once the denture begins to move or slip, the underlying problem will only worsen. As bone loss becomes more severe, these denture products will be of little help.

What a “rocky” denture does to your overall health often hides in the background. But, the problems exist all the same. For example, people find that eating some foods are too challenging for a denture. They resort to eating foods that are soft and dissolve easily in the mouth.

A healthy diet includes foods that provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, we want to eat foods that are flavorful and satisfying – right?!!! So, when a denture wearer switches from a kale salad to mashed potatoes, the trade-off is in nutrition along with the satisfaction that chewing provides.

There is an intricate relationship between the function of chewing and the brain’s ability to signal satiety (the perception of being full). When people are able to chew without the worry of a denture’s movement (which leads to uncomfortable rubbing on tender gum tissues), they are able to chew longer and more efficiently.

Additionally, proper chewing is a known support to the digestive process. In grade school, we all learned that the first phase of digestion begins in the mouth. As we chew, saliva automatically surges digestive acids into the mouth to help break down foods so they are ready to be processed further once swallowed.

However, not being able to chew well typically means it is done less. It is to no surprise that people who are denture wearers have more gastro-intestinal problems than people who have their own teeth. Of course, inadequate digestion causes a domino effect throughout the body.

In a 2013 article shared by the International Journal of Dentistry (through the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health) edentulism (losing all of one’s natural teeth) leads to:

• Lower intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, and carotene and increased cholesterol and saturated fats, in addition to a higher prevalence of obesity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.
• higher rates of chronic inflammatory changes of the gastric lining, upper gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer, and higher rates of peptic or duodenal ulcers.
• greater risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes.
• greater risk of heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
• decreased daily function, physical activity, and resulting quality of life.
• higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
• higher risk of sleep apnea.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664508/

The periodontal specialty includes the advanced training and skills of diagnosing and placing dental implants. They are so beneficial to your oral and overall health that this specialized branch of dentistry includes them in our ability to enhance the oral wellness of patients.

Dental implants are positioned in the jaw bone. This not only restores the same, sturdy foundation that natural teeth once had, the presence of the implanted portions provide stimulation to the bone.

Dental implants provide three major benefits…

(1). An implant helps to halt the process of bone loss, preserving bone mass. This not only supports the ability to bite and chew, dental implants enable eating to occur without movement. No more slips, clicks or uncomfortable rubbing on tender gums.

(2). With implants, people are able to eat a healthy diet AND chew it properly. This support digestion, which in turn supports every part of the body.

(3). When people feel confident smiling, laughing, and eating in social settings, they tend to be more active socially. Being active with other people is a basic human need and necessary for our mental well-being. When the fear of embarrassment because of “slippery” dentures is eliminated, people have more confidence in these settings.

If you wear dentures, PLEASE learn the facts surrounding dental implants. Many people assume they are too expensive. Yet, what is needed for your specific situation may be less expensive than you realize.

Often, just 4 or 6 strategically-placed implants can support a full arch of replacement teeth.

Too, many dental offices offer payment plans so monthly fees are manageable to most budgets. Some plans are interest-fee and require no down payment.

It is important, too, that you know this: Once bone loss begins, it will continue at a more rapid pace with each passing year. This means that your bone will become thinner and thinner at a faster and faster rate each year.

If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, call 828-274-9440 soon to schedule an implant consultation. During this time, I’ll explain the implant systems best for your needs and the process involved. I’ll also answer your questions thoroughly. This will help you make decisions that are right for you.

 

Is Insurance Coverage Ruling Decisions For A Confident Smile?

Posted on May 22, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I think we’d all agree that having insurance coverage today is necessary, albeit rather costly. For those who shell out hundreds of dollars each month (or more, based on deductibles and dependents), it can be an investment that gives peace of mind and strains our budgets at the same time. I have friends who pay MORE for health insurance coverage than their monthly home mortgage. Ouch!

Regardless of the type of insurance coverage you have, using its benefits to the max is a yearly goal. Some people have Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to help buffer certain non-covered, health-related expenses. However, because of the monthly costs, it is to no surprise that we monitor treatment accepted to keep our out-of-pocket within covered levels.

Dental insurance was developed to give people some help for typical annual expenses. For many, this includes twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Some policies include assistance for an annual crown or filling, and some coverage for periodontal (gum) therapy to treat gum disease. Higher end policies may cover portions of orthodontic treatment (braces) or oral appliances to treat TMJ (jaw joint) disorder.

For smile-conscious individuals, these benefits sound terrific. For an affordable monthly fee, the annual costs for dental care are more budget friendly. But, are they smile friendly?

The ‘catch’ for policy holders occurs in what these for-profit insurance companies deem coverage-worthy. What is appropriate for a patient’s long term oral health versus what is approved for coverage may be very different. This has become a real dilemma for many dentists and dental specialists.

For example, when I consult with a patient who is missing several teeth, I recommend dental implants. My recommendation is based upon what will provide the patient with a lifelong solution for missing teeth as well as other benefits.

I look at a dental implant as the ideal in tooth replacement, since it is held in the jaw bone just as natural tooth roots. An implant restores the dependable foundation necessary for biting and chewing, enabling the patient to eat a healthy diet and chew foods comfortably, which supports the digestive system and overall health.

Yet, dental implants are a more expensive option (initially) than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures, or partials. So, guess what is often deemed as ‘elective’ by insurance companies? Right! But, is protecting your overall health and smiling confidence elective to YOU?

What it comes down to is, essentially, how we perceive insurance coverage. While major medical insurance gives us peace of mind should we experience a health challenge that would otherwise drain us financially, most dental insurance coverages are different.

Dental insurance, for the most part with most policies, is set up to provide ‘support’ in maintaining a healthy mouth. For people who already have good oral health and are able to tend to it sufficiently between regular dental checkups, this is fine. However, for most American adults, tooth repair, tooth loss and gum problems are a fact of life, particularly as we age.

For most of us, the decisions we make today will affect us in the years to come. When it comes to your oral health, don’t let your long-term oral wellness, the longevity of your teeth, the comfort of eating, or the confidence of smiling and laughter be dictated by what insurance coverage allows.

If you trust your dentist and others involved to help guide you towards good oral health and maintaining your smile, consider the recommendations made and ask questions. Be an informed consumer. But, most importantly, be sure to make decisions that are in your best interests rather than that which a for-profit insurance company deems worthy for your smile.

You may be interested that the five largest insurance companies in the U.S. (Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, United Health Group) enjoyed $4.5 billion in NET earnings in just the first quarter of 2017. That’s BILLION, with a B! (https://www.axios.com/profits-are-booming-at-health-insurance-companies-1513302495-18f3710a-c0b4-4ce3-8b7f-894a755e6679.html) And, that’s just a 3-month period!

Healthcare is a dilemma our nation will struggle with for years to come. In the meantime, put YOUR needs first and take charge of YOUR well-being by finding dental caregivers you feel will guide you best to a lifetime of confident, comfortable, and healthy smiles – for a lifetime!

If you don’t have regular dental care and would like recommendations, feel free to contact us at 828-274-9440. We work with exceptional general dentists in Western North Carolina and will be proud to connect you. Or, feel free to begin with a thorough periodontal exam here. We will make recommendations based upon your unique needs and goals.

Are You ‘Sick’ Of Your Denture?

Posted on Apr 10, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We often hear people, at times of frustration, exclaim “I’m sick to death of…” or “I’m sick and tired of…”

I think we all have make this claim at one time or another. However, when it comes to wearing dentures or partials, being “sick” of them can go in several different directions. They can, indeed, make you “sick and tired” as well as just plain “sick.”

In 2012, NBC News reported on a study that was published in the Journal of The American Dental Association. The study was conducted to determine methods to effectively kill the bacteria crawling all over the material that make up the gum base of dentures and partials.

What was shocking to many was just how serious the bacteria levels were. Dentures, because of their porous nature, can be coated with a sticky bacteria known as biofilm. It has been found that this biofilm can harbor MRSA or bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. (https://www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/dirty-dentures-dangerous-mrsa-may-be-lurking-dentists-say-662637)

It was also found that the bacteria in the biofilm doesn’t just stay in the mouth. It can be breathed into the lungs where infections become much more difficult to treat.

Especially concerning is the high number of denture and partial wearers who sleep in their appliances. One study found that wearing dentures while sleeping doubles the risk of pneumonia in elderly adults. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541085/)

Remember, bacteria are living, eating organisms. Like any living thing, what eats produces waste. When it comes to oral bacteria, this means that these creatures are defecating in your mouth. That, in itself, is a pretty alarming reality of wearing dentures.

The tiny hide-outs of denture ‘pores’ give oral bacteria an ideal environment to thrive and reproduce. While sleeping in dentures obviously increases the opportunities for this to occur, these icky organisms can create quite an obstacle to adults who have immune systems that are already compromised.

Yet, being “sick” from dentures doesn’t stop there. For those who have worn dentures for many years, the bone that lies underneath the denture has likely shrunk. This process, known as ‘resportion,’ occurs when tooth roots are no longer present in the bone to provide stimulation.

Most denture wearers can sense that something has changed when their once-snug denture begins to slip when eating. Eventually, these slips can cause uncomfortable rubbing on tender gum tissues. The solution, for many, is to alter the diet to include foods that are soft and dissolve easily in the mouth.

The problem with these foods, typically, is they are lacking in the fiber and nutrition necessary for having good overall health. It is no wonder that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than people who have their natural teeth.

The problems of dentures go on and on. Renowned implant dentist, lecturer and founder of the Misch Implant Institute, Carl Misch, gives a straight-forward breakdown of the problems associated with wearing dentures in his book, “Dental Implant Prosthetics”

With all the frustrations and complications of wearing dentures, it’s to no surprise that dental implants have become the preferred choice of today’s adult when it comes to replacing natural teeth.

Dental implants are held by the jaw bone, restoring a sturdy foundation for biting and chewing. They also recreate stimulation to the bone that supports them, thus halting the rate of bone loss that occurs from wearing dentures. And, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment.

As a Periodontist, my specialty includes advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Over the years, I have been impressed with their track record, having one of the highest of all implant-in-bone success rates.

Why worry over the health risks associated with wearing dentures and partials? Dental implants are dependable, safe, lasting, and provide a natural look and feel. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an appointment to determine if dental implants are right for you.