Saving Teeth Saves You Much More

Posted on Jul 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In cases of severe periodontal (gum) disease, my goal is not just to restore the patient’s mouth to a healthy state, it’s also to save as many natural teeth as possible. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. However, when caught early and given specialized periodontal treatment, tooth loss is minimal or can be avoided altogether.

Although teeth can be replaced in several ways, nothing is as perfect for your mouth as your natural teeth, especially because of the portion you don’t see. Tooth roots not only give your teeth a way to be anchored in the jaw bone, they keep teeth in position so neighboring teeth hold their position as well.

Tooth roots do one more thing that is immensely important to your oral health. The stimulation that tooth roots provide to the jaw bone help the jaw maintain its mass. Without tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink. This is why long-time denture wearers have a sunken-in mouth, or a ‘granny look.’

As the jaw bone shrinks, changes in facial appearance become obvious. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, a pointed chin and the formation of jowls. Bone loss also causes the fit of a denture or partial to continually change. This is because the bone ridge that the denture or partial was formed to contour is flattening out.

When a tooth must be removed, the closest way to recreate its stability and natural biting and chewing strength is with Dental Implants. Implants also provide stimulation to the jaw bone to halt bone loss.

Do everything possible to save your natural teeth. If they must be removed, remember that it’s not just the tooth portion above the gums that is important. The part that anchors your teeth is vital to your smile and a healthy bite. Before you decide on a tooth replacement option, discuss Dental Implants during a Consultation appointment by calling (828) 274-9440.

It’s A New Age In Tooth Replacement

Posted on Jul 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to tooth replacement, I am naturally a proponent of Dental Implants for many reasons. For some people, their only hesitation is the cost, since the fees for implants are upfront and may not be fully covered by insurance. However, Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and require no repairs, root canals, and are self-supporting. This means that implants do not rely on adjoining natural teeth to serve as crowned supports, as with a crown-&-bridge combination.

Americans no longer wash clothes on a wash board with a bar of soap even though this accomplished the job much cheaper than a washing machine. The washing machine provides more efficiency and gives the user a far better experience while being more practical for today’s fabrics.

Althought dentures and partials replace the presence of teeth, they are a merely filling empty space. At one time, they were better than no teeth at all. They enabled an adult to have some ability to bite or chew. However, denture wearers endure all sorts of problems; some problems they are aware of and others they are not.

A typical problem of denture wearers is an unstable fit. This is the result of the ever-decreasing jaw bone that once supported natural tooth roots. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. The pressure from wearing dentures speeds up this process. When denture wearers sleep in their dentures, the rate of this bone loss accelerates from the 24/7 pressure the jaw bone experiences.

This is the reason long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” Their faces have a collapsed look and chins become pointed. Jowls form when facial muscles become detached and the entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond the actual years of the person.

When one dentures do not fit securely due to bone loss, the constant rubbing and discomfort often causes the wearer to eat a soft diet of foods that dissolves easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Not only is what you eat important to maintaining good health, being able to chew thoroughly and comfortably is important. Remember, digestion begins in the mouth. It is a fact that denture wearers experience a higher level of gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

Because food is often the centerpiece of many social occasions, people who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because they fear embarrassing moments. Studies have shown they tend to eat out less often and even wear less make-up.

Regardless of the advancements made in denture and partial design, they are simply outdated. No denture adhesive or paste or reline will truly make a denture a good substitute for natural teeth. Dental advancements have focused on implant dentistry because they have proven to be a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement that makes sense.

Let’s talk about your needs in tooth replacement during a Consultation appointment. Just call (828) 274-9440 for a convenient time.

One Dental Implant Can Support Several Teeth

Posted on Jun 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, I’ve been in Consultations with patients who have postponed or avoided Dental Implants because they felt they couldn’t afford them. Because they may be missing more than one tooth, they assume an implant is needed for each missing tooth.

The number of implants used in Dental Implant treatment is a significant factor in the overall cost. However, in many cases, one implant can support two or more teeth missing in one area. Teeth held by implants can replace a bridge without needing the support of adjacent teeth on each side. Since implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, this prevents having to crown two otherwise healthy, natural teeth for the mere purpose of supporting a bridge.

Additionally, people who wear partials are also pleased to learn that one implant can support several teeth, helping them to avoid the inconvenience of a removable appliance. They are able to eat the foods they love without worrying about slips or trapped food particles causing discomfort to gums.

Since Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they make an exceptional investment in your health and confidence level. Rather than assume Dental Implants are out of your reach, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. You may be pleasantly surprised by the affordable options available.

Why Dentures Contribute To Bad Breath

Posted on May 28, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although Periodontal Disease is one of the first symptoms associated with persistent bad breath, denture wearers often complain about an unpleasant odor on a frequent basis. This is due to the bacterial presence in dentures and partials.

The material that holds the replacement teeth of dentures and partials is porous. This means that bacteria can become embedded in it. Not only do bacteria reproduce at a rapid rate, these organisms eat, and therefore produce waste, continually in your mouth.

This bacterial reproduction can result in painful inflammation, cracking at the corners of the mouth, redness and soreness. But, once established, disease-causing microorganisms (like Candida albicans, for example) won’t go away on their own. Ridding them may require powerful antifungal medications.

Full and partial denture-wearers must rinse their appliances after every meal and soak them in disinfectant solutions nightly. Although this process is burdensome, many people sleep in their dentures and partials. This warm, moist, dark environment is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, exacerbating the bacterial onslaught in one’s mouth.

This is yet another reason we advise dental implants. Dental implants are tooth root replacements positioned in the jaw bone. They restore chewing comfort and biting stability. Implants allow you to eat the foods you love and laugh without worry. They also help to preserve the jaw bone by recreating the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots. They are safe and designed to last for a lifetime.

If you’re ready to rid yourself of the inconvenience and discomfort of dentures or partials, please call for a Consultation. Your confidence in eating and being close with others is worth exploring this option. And, today’s dental implants are more affordable than you may think! Call (828) 274-9440.