Before You Have A Crown-&-Bridge…

Posted on Apr 22, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Adults who are missing one or several natural teeth often consider a Crown-&-Bridge combination for replacement. This is possible when the area of missing tooth or teeth are bordered by existing natural teeth. The natural teeth are crowned so they can serve as supports for the bridge.

Many dental insurance plans cover some costs associated with Crown-&-Bridge combinations. This is primarily because Crown-&-Bridge treatment is, upfront, less costly than having teeth replaced with Dental Implants. Yet, the issues ‘down the road’ from Crown-&-Bridge can create far more challenges while Dental Implants actually save in costs, time in treatment, and the ability to enjoy your “new” teeth without worry.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots. Since they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, natural teeth are preserved. Additionally, Dental Implants will never need root canals or experience decay.

Not only do Dental Implants look and feel like your own teeth, they integrate into the structure of your bone. Through this, they help to prevent bone loss that frequently accompanies bridgework, partials and dentures.

Bone loss occurs when natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone. Without the stimulation of tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink over time. Bone loss can be seen through changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth and the corners of the mouth turning downward, even in a smile. Eventually, the mouth appears collapsed, creating a ‘granny look’ that makes you look far older than your actual age.

The success rate of Dental Implants is excellent. Properly selected, placed and maintained, this lifetime solution makes them a wise choice when it comes to tooth replacement. Since Periodontists specialize in gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, they have the knowledge, training and facilities to help replace teeth for a look and feel just like natural teeth.

When you compare Dental Implants to a bridge, consider the long-term advantages rather than initial costs. Because Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they are a wise investment. To arrange a consultation to discuss your needs, call (828) 274-9440.

How Dentures Compromise Digestive Process

Posted on Mar 20, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The most common complaint I hear from denture wearers is their frustration when eating. Food is such a centerpiece of gatherings. From family dinners during the holidays to wedding receptions to lunch out with friends, we tend to ‘gather together’ with food front and center.

When dentures do not fit properly, the pleasure of savoring foods you love is often accompanied by the fear of embarrassing slips or clicks. Yet, another repercussion of poor fitting dentures exists – a compromised digestive system.

Grade school science taught us that digestion begins in the mouth. Proper chewing coupled with sufficient saliva help to break down foods so its continued journey can be efficiently performed. Problem dentures typically result in a reduction in chewing and saliva flow, which in turn reduces the absorption and metabolism of key nutrients.

Because chewing efficiency and strength are greatly decreased by dentures, this often leads to a diet of softer foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Unfortunately, these choices can be high in fats, sugar and calories. Additionally, less fiber intake from a diet low in fruits and vegetables leads to constipation and a reduced intake of vitamins and minerals.

Another problem associated with denture wear is aerophagia. This is excessive swallowing of air that can lead to a severely distended stomach, pain and poor digestion.

For those who prefer dentures, it’s important to maintain the most secure fitting denture possible. However, Dental Implants are rapidly becoming the tooth replacement option of choice for many adults. Implants can secure a denture by using the jaw bone as the foundation, just as natural teeth have. This restores biting strength and chewing stability. And, no more rubbing or slips!

Adults who switch to Dental Implants are pleased that they can resume eating the foods they love again. They can chew comfortably and laugh with friends without worry.

If your denture is compromising your ability to eat, it’s likely having negative effects on your digestive system as well. Protect your health and resume eating pleasure. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation to discuss options best for your needs.

The 1-2-3 Of Dental Implants

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

While Dental Implants are nothing new, their makeup is still a bit of a mystery.

Most traditional Dental Implants are divided into three parts. The first part is the true implant. This portion is similar to a hollow screw. It is positioned in the jaw bone underneath your gum tissue to recreate the presence of a tooth root. Over a period of 3-4 months, the bone grows around the implant, securing it in place. This process is called “osseo-integration.”

The second and third parts of implant treatment are typically performed in the same appointment. The gum tissue is uncovered at each implant site and a post is secured into the hollow portion of the implant. Then, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. Because the tooth has the same foundation as that of natural teeth, biting strength and stability is restored.

In many cases, a bridge of two or more teeth can be attached to one implant. A full arch of teeth can also be secured to 4 to 8 implants that are strategically placed. This is ideal for people who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth and want to replace a denture.

In addition to restored ability to eat and chew securely and comfortably, Dental Implants help to halt bone resorption that occurs from missing tooth roots. Because the jaw bone is stimulated by the presence of tooth roots, without them, the bone begins to shrink in height and mass. This bone loss results in changes in facial appearance and places adjacent teeth at risk.

There are many types of Dental Implants designed to accommodate individual needs. During a Consultation appointment, I’ll explain the types best for your needs and answer your questions thoroughly. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time.

Why Your Jaw Bone Is Shrinking

Posted on Feb 04, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Natural teeth are held into your jawbones by their tooth roots, which are embedded in the bone. Throughout the day, actions such as biting and chewing create physical stimulation to the jaw by each root. The tooth roots stimulate the bone so it maintains a healthy mass.

Once natural teeth are removed, the lower and upper jaw bone structures begin to shrink (or ‘resorb’) due to the lack of stimulation. While conditions such as osteoporosis, gum disease and oral cancer can attack healthy bone structure, the leading cause of bone loss (‘resorption’) is missing tooth roots.

Although dentures and partial dentures provide low cost replacement of teeth, they actually accelerate this rate of bone loss. These rest on top of gum tissue, placing pressure on the jaw bone ridge whiling providing no direct stimulation to the bone.

Custom bridges, a popular treatment for replacing missing teeth, are no help, either. The bone underlying the span of missing teeth will experience resorption since no bone stimulation is provided.

There are many repercussions to bone resorption. Facial changes can be seen at early stages by removing dentures or partials and looking in the mirror. Once bone loss is underway, you’ll notice your mouth seems to collapse into the face, the chin becomes more pointed, and deep wrinkles form around the mouth. Eventually, jowls form from the detachment of facial muscles from the jaws.

This photo shows a healthy bone mass compared to a resorbed jaw bone from tooth loss.

Other signs of bone loss are: Periodic changes in the way your denture fits; Sore spots on gum tissues; Food becoming trapped between the gums and denture; and, Difficulty chewing even with the help of denture adhesives and pastes.

Because they are secured by the jaw bone, Dental Implants recreate the stimulation of the natural tooth roots you once had. This halts the rate of bone loss and preserves bone mass.  For those who have already experienced severe bone loss, bone rebuilding procedures can be performed to restore adequate bone structure.

Let’s discuss a confident, secure and dependable smile during a consultation appointment. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.