Dental Problems Only Worsen With Delay In Care

Posted on Jan 03, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

“Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.” – Thomas Jefferson

The quote by Thomas Jefferson, today, would probably include modern terms such as “be proactive,” or “take charge of your to-do’s.” But any way we say it, the meaning is basically the same: Take care of things while they’re small so they don’t become bigger problems.

As a periodontal specialist, I’ve seen a great many patients who have lost their teeth because they didn’t take a few minutes a day to brush their teeth. They also felt they could avoid their 6-month dental checkups because “nothing hurts.” Yet, while in treatment for gum disease or having dental implants placed, the majority share the same regrets, that they didn’t take the small steps needed for prevention.

When an oil light comes on in our vehicle, we know there are costly consequences to ignoring it. When a ceiling shows signs of a leaky roof, we know that letting it go can lead to serious damage. When an appliance starts making a funny noise, we know to tend to it before it goes on the blink.

Then why don’t adults know to act – and be proactive – when it comes to their dental health?

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported that only 64 percent of American adults had a dental visit in 2015. That leaves a third of our nation’s adults with oral wellness that is at risk. It’s no wonder that an estimated 47 percent of adults have some level of periodontal disease.

New Year’s resolutions often include weight loss, getting more exercise, and eating healthier. These are made to achieve a healthy body. Yet, the mouth is not only part of the precious body we are given, it plays a major role in our overall health.

Your mouth is far more than part of your facial appearance. It provides the first stage of the digestive process. As you chew, saliva flow brings in oral acids that help break foods down even before you swallow. The phrase your grandmother said, “Chew your food well,” was wise advice. The chewing process gives food time to be digested more efficiently.

However, research over the past few decades has revealed how our oral health integrates to a much greater extent with our overall health. It has been found that the bacteria of gum disease can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream. This bacteria has been linked to a number of serious health problems.

The bacteria of gum disease can create inflammatory triggers that have been correlated to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, preterm babies, arthritis, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Research is underway to study strong indications of its links to Alzheimer’s disease. Obviously, this is potent bacteria that should be acknowledged as serious.

Tooth loss is no picnic. Just ask long-time denture wearers. Losing tooth roots means the bone that once supported them begins to shrink. This bone loss is a slow but continual process, which is why a denture that fit when first made begins to slip and move. As the ‘ridge’ the denture was designed for flattens, adhesives will be of minimal help. Eventually, even relines won’t help much.

As a periodontist, my specialty also includes the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Dental implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural teeth, so they restore biting and chewing stability and halt bone loss. However, it is so much easier and far less expensive to care for natural teeth and avoid tooth loss in the first place.

I’ve had many dental implant patients tell me, “If I could turn back time, I’d have taken much better care of my teeth.” When they learn that their implants will need to be cared for even better than natural teeth, they enthusiastically agree to “do what it takes.” Losing teeth the first time was hard enough. Losing their dental implants would be worse.

Your smile is an expression of who you are from the inside out! I hope 2018 brings you many smiles and much laughter. Take good care of your smile and be committed to a thorough oral health routine at home. Have twice-a-year dental checkups and follow the advice of your dentist and hygienist carefully. Drink plenty of water and limit sweets. (Your waistline will thank you, too!)

Happy 2018 to you and yours!

Why Dental Implants Are Excellent Investment

Posted on Dec 13, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some things aren’t as clear as comparing apples to apples. For example, if you’ve ever purchased a piece of furniture that ‘looked’ well-built but was a bargain price, it doesn’t take long to realize it really wasn’t much of a bargain after all. The drawers may start to stick, it may begin to wobble or the surface may crack or loosen from the base. Eventually, your mind begins to calculate how much better that money could have been spent.

Of course, we all want to know that our money is being spent wisely. That means getting desirable results for a fair price. When people tell me that Dental Implants are too costly, I ask them what they are comparing them to. If they’re comparing them to a denture, partial or crown-&-bridge, consider these factors before making a final decision.

 

I begin by helping them to understand that missing teeth were once held by a sturdy foundation – the jaw bones. Natural tooth roots held by your upper or lower jaw provided a dependable, secure foundation for biting and chewing.

I then explain how the upper and lower jaw bones were nurtured by the presence of tooth roots, being stimulated to keep the bone at a healthy mass. Without their presence, the jaw bones experience ‘resorption,’ which causes the bones to decline in height and width.

Once resorption begins, remaining natural teeth in the area of bone loss are affected. A shrinking bone that abuts areas of resorption weakens tooth root stability. This creates a domino effect with statistics showing the next tooth to be lost will likely be a tooth adjacent to this area.

As bone loss continues, I discuss how the risk for additional tooth loss increases. With each extraction, the continued process of bone loss leaves you with an ever-shrinking jaw and thinner foundation for remaining natural teeth. Bone resorption becomes obvious in people who appear to have a collapsed mouth (referred to as a ‘granny look’) where the nose gets closer to the chin. Other signs are deep wrinkling around the mouth, jowls and having the corners of the mouth turn downward even in a smile.

Bone loss is also the reason for dentures and partials that slip and cause uncomfortable rubbing on gum tissues. When a denture is first made, it is designed to wrap the unique contours of your gum ridge (the arch that once held natural tooth roots). As the bone shrinks, the once-secure fit loosens and eventually moves while eating. Although denture pastes or adhesives can help,  even relines (reshaping the previously-made contours) offer little help as resorption continues.

When choosing Dental Implants to replace teeth, you are making a lifelong investment. Since implants are designed to last a lifetime, they provide a ‘one and done’ choice for dependable tooth replacement.

In cases where one or several teeth together are missing, crown-&-bridge combinations are often considered. However, crowns and bridges can require repairs and/or replacements over time. Crowned teeth may need root canals. Bridges can break. Too, when natural teeth are crowned for the sole purpose of supporting a bridge, the integrity of otherwise healthy, natural teeth has been forever compromised.

Because they are held in the jaw bone, Dental Implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. With the jaw bone for its foundation, implanted teeth have the same, dependable foundation as natural teeth once had. And, because the implanted portion recreates the presence of a tooth root, the process of resorption is halted.

As a Periodontist, I have specialized training in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. As has always been my goal, I strive to provide each patient with the best outcome possible while enjoying a comfortable process from start to finish.

Begin with a private consultation to discuss your goals or concerns. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Avoid Bad Breath

Posted on Sep 11, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whether at work, home with family members or mingling at social gatherings, knowing our breath is fresh makes us feel more confident. Naturally, we can’t always count on having fresh breath. A morning of coffee or a hot dog lunch, for example, can leave us sensing that being in close proximity can raise an eyebrow. Even worse, bad breath can leave an impression – a lasting one, at that.

Occasional bad breath is a nuisance and can generally be controlled with good oral hygiene, keeping our mouth moist and limiting sugar. However, frequent bad breath is not only embarrassing, it is a warning sign.

Persistent bad breath is one of the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease. You may also notice tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or have swollen areas around some teeth.

However, gum disease can begin without obvious warning signs. By the time symptoms emerge, it is often at a level known as gingivitis. If not resolved promptly, subsequent stages will require prompt treatment.

As gum disease advances, symptoms include gums that turn red in color and become sore, swollen and bleed easily. You’ll have persistent bad breath and may develop pus-filled pockets near the base of some teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and require removal.

The majority of bad breath (known clinically as ‘halitosis’) comes from the accumulation of oral bacteria in the mouth. Oral bacteria coat the teeth, gums, tongue, inside of cheeks and roof of the mouth.

Good saliva flow helps to keep this bacteria moving out of the mouth. However, when brushing is infrequent or insufficient or the mouth becomes dry, saliva becomes unable to manage the bacteria levels in the mouth.

Another contributor to oral bacteria in the mouth is wearing a denture. The ‘gum’ portion of a denture is made from a porous material. Bacteria are able to live and breed in these tiny hideouts. Food that is caught between teeth and not removed by brushing or flossing also contributes to bacteria growth that saliva can’t always keep up with.

As bacteria thrive and reproduce, they coat the inside of the mouth and form a sticky film. This film is known as ‘plaque.’ Plaque that remains for more than a day or so can harden into ‘tartar,’ or ‘calculus.’ This attaches to teeth and is resistant to being brushed or flossed away. These bacterial masses attack tooth enamel and gum tissues if not removed by a dental professional.

Keeping a moist mouth is very important to oral hygiene. Drinking plenty of water during the day is advised. Colas, sweet tea, and energy drinks actually make dryness worse. You should also monitor the medications you take (both prescription and over-the-counter) and look for side effects that include oral dryness. And, smoking is one of the worst contributors of all to oral dryness.

Proper brushing and flossing is necessary. Brush for at least two minutes twice daily and rinse thoroughly. Use a circular motion rather than scrub teeth back and forth to avoid damaging tender gum tissues. Never use a hard bristle tooth brush or brush with harsh substances such as baking soda!

After brushing, use a tongue scraper to uproot oral bacteria embedded in the grooves of the tongue. This will significantly lower bacteria levels. As a matter of fact, Dentistry IQ states that “A study at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that 80 to 90% of bad breath comes from bacteria on the tongue” and is “the largest niche for microorganisms in the oral cavity.” (http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/04/a-deeper-look-into-tongue-cleaning.html)

 

An advantage of achieving and maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is having confidence when close to others. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the health and well-being of your entire body. Research has shown that a healthy mouth is a supportive component of a healthy you!

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are concerned your breath is frequently bad, call 828.274.9440. Let’s help you establish a healthy smile and feel confident in closeness!

Wear Dentures? How They Work Against You.

Posted on Jul 25, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Contrary to what some adults believe, tooth loss is not a normal part of the aging process. As a matter of fact, your natural teeth are not only designed to last your lifetime, their presence is an advantage to your overall health.

Yet, due to decay, accidents or gum disease, a large percentage of adults are missing natural teeth. As a matter of fact, the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research states that adults over the age of 65 have an average of less than 19 teeth natural remaining and over 27% of this age group have no remaining natural teeth. (https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/ToothLoss/ToothLossSeniors65andOlder.htm)

For the millions of seniors who are missing teeth, wearing a denture or partial is a common method of tooth replacement. Yet, replacing the presence of teeth is one thing. Restoring one’s ability to eat comfortably and confidently and laugh without worry is another.

A common complaint of long-time denture wearers is the unstable fit. Although a new denture is made to fit securely, over time it will begin to move while eating. This is due to bone loss.

Bone loss causes the fit of the denture to change due to an ever-shrinking jaw bone. This is the result of no longer having natural tooth roots in the jaw bone. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, it slowly shrinks, or resorbs.

Dentures may replace the presence of teeth but are hardly a substitute. Although they may seem better than being without teeth, dentures actually contribute to a number of problems. The pressure of wearing dentures speeds up the rate of bone loss and, for those who sleep in their dentures, the 24/7 pace of resorption is nearly double.

Denture wearers can actually see the extent of bone resorption by looking in the mirror without their denture in place. Long-time denture wearers typically see deep wrinkles around the mouth with the corners of their mouth turning downward, even in a smile. Jowls form as facial muscles release from the shrinking jaw. Eventually, the mouth appears to collapse into the face with the chin becoming more pointed (referred to as the ‘granny look’).

Dentures can also make it difficult to eat a healthy diet. Biting and chewing with an ill-fitting denture causes uncomfortable rubbing. Having nuts or seeds become trapped between the gums and denture can painfully pierce tender gum tissues.

To avoid uncomfortable rubbing from ‘wobbly’ dentures, people often move to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be lacking in the protein and fiber needed for good health. It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than people who still have their natural teeth.

And, dentures can affect more than just what we eat. At every age, being socially active is important for our overall well-being. Because food is often the centerpiece of many social activities, unstable dentures can leave people uneasy about accepting invitations due to fear of embarrassing slips or clicks.

To minimize ‘slippery dentures,’ relines can help on a temporary basis. However, as bone loss continues, denture movement will return. Fortunately, today’s dentistry offers an exceptional alternative that overcomes all the challenges of living with dentures – Dental Implants.

Dental Implants halt bone loss by recreating the presence of natural tooth roots. Additionally, they are supported by the jaw bone, just as the natural teeth you once had. This gives you back stable, secure biting and chewing ability and eliminates the fear of embarrassment while speaking, eating or laughing.

No adhesive or reline will ever make a denture a practical alternative for missing teeth. For today’s active adult, Dental Implants are the best way to restore chewing and laughing confidence. And even though the cost is higher, there are no further expenses for repairs, replacement, relines, etc. Too, Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime!

Today’s implant dentistry offers many options. Learn those that are best for your needs and budget during a consultation. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.