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!

Facing Tooth Removal? Why Dental Implant Placement Is Best Done Within 24 Hours.

Posted on Nov 20, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For various reasons, a number of adults face the removal of a single tooth at some time in their lives. This may be necessary when a tooth is beyond repair than can be resolved with a crown or because of a fracture that extends below the gum line. Since every tooth plays a role in keeping adjacent teeth in their proper positions, promptly replacing a tooth after removal is a wise move.

A growing number of adults are now choosing to replace teeth with dental implants. There are a number of advantages in doing so at the time of removal, a particular one being the prevention of bone loss. By placing the implanted portion when the tooth is extracted, the risk of bone loss, known as ‘resorption,’ is minimized.

Resorption occurs when tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone to provide stimulation. Without the nourishment and stimulation of tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink over time. It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.

Another benefit of immediate implant placement is the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is removed, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ that dip slightly between each tooth begin to flatten. When an implant is placed promptly after removal, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.

When two or several teeth in a row are missing, immediate implant placement can also be beneficial. Because one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth, this can help to curtail treatment cost while preserving the natural contours of the gum tissues.

Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant following removal may simplify the treatment time and procedural requirements.

As a periodontal specialist, I have advanced training in treating all levels of periodontal (gum) disease as well as in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. I regularly work with general dentists and dental specialists in team treatment so the patient enjoys an optimal outcome in minimal time.

To discuss dental implants, call 828-274-9440 for a consultation appointment to discuss the process and associated expenses.

 

Difference Between Crown-&-Bridge And Dental Implants

Posted on Sep 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When replacing one, two or several teeth in one area, one option is a crown & bridge. For many individuals, it seems most practical to go with the less-expensive option. Yet, there are several reasons you should weigh the advantages of Dental Implants vs. crowns and bridges, which are far more important than ‘perceived’ costs.

A bridge, initially, costs less than Dental Implants. Although the cost of a crown-&-bridge combination seems like ‘the way to go’ when it comes to replacing a tooth or teeth, many people are unaware of the long-term expenses and underlying issues.

Yet, over time, a crown-&-bridge can require upkeep. From root canals to crown replacement to cracked bridges that need replacing, these costs add up, and up and up and…

Let’s look at the differences between Dental Implants and crown-&-bridge other than cost.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, which provides the same foundation as that of natural tooth roots. This means that replacement teeth do not need the support of adjacent, natural teeth that have been crowned to serve to support a bridge. By keeping your natural teeth ‘natural,’ you are able to maintain the integrity of natural tooth structure, giving a strong advantage to your oral health.

Because Dental Implants use the natural foundation of your jaw bone, they give another advantage to your oral health. Dental Implants integrate with the structure of your bone. They recreate the presence of natural tooth roots and halt the process of bone loss.

Bone loss from missing teeth, or ‘resorption,’ occurs from the lack of stimulation that tooth roots provide to the jaw bone. Through this, they help to prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and partials.

Bone loss is a concern since it can place neighboring teeth at risk. As the bone shrinks in the area of missing teeth, the foundation of those teeth is compromised. Odds are, when a tooth is lost, the next one you’ll lose is one adjacent due to this bone loss.

Yet another advantage of Dental Implants? – Their ability to look, feel and function just as natural teeth.  Some people prefer to keep the fact that they wear Dental Implants a private issue. With Dental Implants, no one need to ever know you have a ‘third set’ of teeth. Non-removable implant systems allow you to wake up with a smile and brush your implanted teeth along with your natural teeth!

The success rate of Dental Implants is one of the highest implant-in-bone types, including hips and knees. Properly selected, placed and maintained, Dental Implants offer a lifetime solution for tooth replacement. As a Periodontal specialist, I provide specific expertise in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. This gives our patients an edge — specific knowledge, training and skills so they can enjoy teeth that look and feel just like their own (because they are!).

Consider Dental Implants based on the long-term advantages, for optimal oral health as well as a wise investment that will last your lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your needs.

The Problems Associated With Missing Back Teeth.

Posted on Aug 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you lose a back tooth, why replace it when the tooth isn’t visible?

Think of your teeth as you would a framed brick wall. Each brick is held securely in place by the unity of adjoining bricks. If you remove a brick or two, the others are vulnerable to shifting. While a seemingly minor issue at first, the stability of the wall is based upon how each brick relies upon the stability of the others. Much like your teeth do.

Your teeth are arranged in a carefully balanced configuration. Each tooth beside and above (or below) works in unison to provide proper support and stability. Losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of ongoing oral and structural problems.

In a normal, healthy mouth, there is a natural balance of teeth. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth. These include the adjacent teeth on either side as well as upper or lower teeth that meet them. Upper and lower teeth work together to provide comfortable chewing function.

The problems associated with missing teeth include teeth that lean, tilt or elongate. This creates the risk for chipped and broken teeth, worn teeth, and tooth fractures. It also contributes to an increased risk of gum disease and decay.

When teeth are not in proper alignment, there is also a risk of strain on the jaw joints (TMJ). This can lead to frequent headaches, migraines, night-time clenching and grinding, dizziness, sore jaw joints, ear ringing and jaw popping.

When a tooth is lost, statistics show a companion tooth is most likely be lost next. Then, the next closest tooth is subjected to the same conditions. With each tooth lost, the problems are magnified and the cycle of tooth loss continues.

You see, not only does a missing tooth leave remaining teeth vulnerable to shifting, the foundation of your jaw bone is compromised. When natural tooth roots are no longer present in the bone, it begins to decline in height. As the bone shrinks, neighboring teeth become vulnerable to problems, including tooth loss.

The best time to replace missing teeth is immediately after the tooth is lost or, ideally, at the time of removal. For tooth replacement, we recommend Dental Implants since they also preserve the integrity of the jaw bone. They provide a dependable foundation for biting and chewing and support the balance of surrounding teeth.

Replacement at the time of removable helps simplify placement and preserve the natural contours of the gum tissues that arch over each tooth.

If you are missing teeth, begin with a consultation. During this time, I’ll answer your questions and explain how Dental Implants support your oral health and prevent future problems. Call 828-274-9440.