Think Dentures Are An Easy Solution To Oral Problems?

Posted on May 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dentures always seem like such a simple solution to oral problems. They’re not. Research has shown that adults who are totally edentulous (missing all of their natural teeth) die at an age that is ten years earlier, on average, than those who have their natural teeth. Research also indicates a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

A new study links fewer teeth and bleeding gums with a range of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Poor dental hygiene and bleeding gums could allow up to 700 different types of bacteria to penetrate the bloodstream. Once bloodborne, this bacteria can increase heart attack risk regardless of how fit and healthy the adult is otherwise.

Studies have shown that an individual’s number of natural teeth affects their potential for systemic inflammation. A Swedish study of over 15,000 adults showed that the fewer teeth remaining, the higher the levels were of an enzyme that increases inflammation and promotes hardening of the arteries.

Along with higher cardiac risk, few teeth was related to higher cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference. Those with fewer teeth also had greater chance of having diabetes. However, it’s not just keeping your natural teeth. Your gum health plays a significant role as well.

Initial signs of gum disease are bad breath and sore, bleeding gums. If untreated, plaque build-up on teeth can result in cavities, receded gums and tooth loss. While bleeding gums are associated with higher levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing heart disease can occur through periodontal treatment and regular dental check-ups.

As a Periodontist, it is my commitment to stay current on the latest findings surrounding the correlation between oral health and overall health connections. I am aware of the dire importance of saving natural teeth to one’s overall health that much of our population lacks, unfortunately. Although it may seem ‘easier’ to have teeth removed or cheaper to avoid dental visits, the long-term health repercussions will eventually emerge in costly ways — physically, emotionally and monetarily.

When your mouth is healthy, teeth and gums are easy to keep in good shape through a committed home care regimen and regular dental check-ups – all simple and affordable steps. For those who are contemplating dentures to ‘solve’ their dental problems, here’s my advice: Ask someone who has worn dentures for over ten years, if they could go back in time, would they have made more effort to keep their natural teeth?

Call us at (828) 274-9440 to begin on your path to a healthy smile.

The High Price Of Wearing Dentures

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

For most denture wearers, the reason that prevents replacing them with Dental Implants is the cost. Yes, Dental Implants are more expensive – upfront. Over time, however, their initial cost can save you greatly.

When a denture is first made, it conforms to your gum ridge. Although it may feel snug in the beginning, you’ll eventually notice a change. It will begin to move while you chew. Biting becomes less secure and even adhesives won’t help much. While relines help, the “re-fit” is only a temporarily fix.

Without tooth roots in the jaw bone, the ridge that once held natural teeth begins to shrink. Dentures add to this bone loss through the pressure they place on the ridge. For those who sleep in their dentures, this continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems, take more medications and are less socially active. Additionally, many sacrifice the fiber and protein-rich foods they once enjoyed for softer foods that dissolve easily in the mouth.

Dental Implants are tooth root replacements that halt bone loss. With the jaw bone as their foundation, your ability to bite and chew is stable. Plus, you can eat all the foods you love without worry of slips or uncomfortable rubbing.

Dental Implants are also designed to last your lifetime. Dentures and the detrimental problems they contribute to will require ongoing expenses – in your mouth and with your overall health.

When weighing the REAL cost of dentures vs. Dental Implants, look into the future. The higher, one-time expense of implants may be the best investment you ever made! Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

Common Complaints of Denture Wearers

Posted on Mar 11, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With our aging population, about 10% of American adults wear dentures. Although I am a proponent of Dental Implants for their tooth replacement superiority, I realize some people are accepting of the feel and function of dentures.

More commonly, however, patients come to us weary of the frustrations that are typical with wearing dentures and desire the stability of Dental Implants or an implant-secured denture.

Common complaints we hear from denture wearers include:
   • My dentures are uncomfortable.
   • It took a long time to get used to something foreign in my mouth.
   • I had to relearn saying certain words and to chew differently.
   • I don’t feel they look natural.
   • My denture causes me to have bad breath.
   • My dentures have embarrassed me by slipping.
   • I have a fear my dentures will shoot out when I sneeze in public.
   • I feel I look older now that I wear dentures.
   • I have sore gums a lot.
   • I’ve had to give up many things I loved to eat.
   • I can’t taste as well now.
   • Denture creams melt when I drink hot coffee and ruins the taste.
   • Adhesives help some but are expensive.
   • I laugh less with friends to avoid embarrassment.
   • I turn down invitations when there is a meal involved.

If you see your own frustrations with wearing dentures above, call (828) 274-9440 and begin with a consultation. During this time, I’ll discuss options best for your situation and answer your questions in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

 

Dental Implants vs. Partial or Bridge

Posted on Mar 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In my specialty, I’ve been taught and trained to do everything possible to help people keep their natural teeth. This is why many dentists refer patients with gum disease to our office. Periodontists are the ‘experts’ on restoring oral wellness and saving as many natural teeth as possible.

In some situations, however, a natural tooth cannot be saved. Or, an individual may already be missing two or more teeth in one area. For many years, their only choices for replacing these teeth would have been a partial or crown-&-bridge combination.

Fortunately, Dental Implants have been developed and perfected as “the next best thing to your natural teeth.” Since my training in periodontics  included the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants, I’m particularly aware of their superiority.

Although Dental Implants cost more upfront, they are a far better investment for several reasons. Dental Implants do not require the support of existing, natural teeth. Additionally, they recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone. This helps prevent bone loss that occurs when natural teeth are missing.

The added pressure from anchoring a bridge or partial, can fracture the teeth supporting crowns. When this occurs, a new crown is needed or removal of yet another natural tooth. And, there is more expense and time in treatment for you as well.

Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime. They help to preserve jaw bone mass and do not require adjacent teeth for support. They also restore biting and chewing stability.

I am very proud of our success rate with implant patients but prouder of those who opted for this “one and done” version of tooth replacement. Smile your best, for a lifetime! Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to begin.