YOU Can Affect Dental Implant Success

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Studies show that dental implants continue to be one of the most successful of all implant-in-bone procedures, over 90%. As a Periodontal specialist, dental implants are an area in which I have received advanced training.

Periodontists are uniquely skilled in diagnosing a patient’s best options when it comes to dental implant treatment – the number of implants needed, the type of implant system, selection of placement locations and actual placement.

I pride myself on our success rate when it comes to selecting and placing dental implants. Absolutely, a successful outcome begins with the part of treatment I can oversee in my office. Once the patient leaves our office, however, the ability to enjoy the benefits of implants for a lifetime are mostly in their control. There are ways a patient can affect the outcome of dental implants — for the good and bad.

When dental implants ‘fail,’ it is typically due to the onset of infection. This occurs when an overload of oral bacteria has accumulated in gum tissues surrounding the implant. Infections cause gums to become inflamed. This inflammation can travel down the implanted post and attack the bone structure supporting the implant. When caught and treated early, many infections can be eliminated. If not, the implant must often be removed to allow the area to heal.

A common cause for infection is poor oral hygiene. Other reasons for failure include smoking, diabetes, teeth grinding during sleep and diabetes.

Although smoking is a well-known risk factor when it comes to implant success, bruxing (clenching and grinding teeth) can cause implant failure to a higher level than many realize. In one study on dental implants, 29% of patients who had bruxing problems experienced implant failure. Nearly the same percentage of patients with diabetes suffered implant failure.

Studies show that implant failure rates are higher when the placement doctor has less than 5 years of experience. Because your choice of who places your implants can have an impact on their success, choose carefully. Having a successful outcome will save you time, money and allow you to enjoy your dental implant without undue delays. To begin, ask for a consultation. During this time, I’ll answer your questions and make recommendations. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Every doctor wants their patients to enjoy a positive experience when it comes to any procedure. While not all aspects of treatment are within the control of the doctor, being thoroughly communicative with patients on ways THEY can enhance the success of their implants is as important to us as the exceptional care you’ll receive.

Each Tooth Has A Beneficial Role To Other Teeth

Posted on Aug 31, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Imagine a chair. It is designed with four legs to ensure the chair seat has a sturdy foundation. Yes, you could sit in a chair with a missing leg, but its stability would be far less. Plus, the pressure would be greater on the three remaining legs, weakening their strength over time. Eventually, one of the legs will crack or loosen from its attachment to the seat, soon followed by the other legs.

This is a good illustration for your teeth. Each one has importance to the other teeth in your mouth. For example, when one tooth is lost and not replaced, the open space no longer serves as an abutment to the tooth above or below. The teeth on both sides are also left without a bolstering neighbor. This gap enables neighboring teeth to move out of their proper positions.

Because an open space allows a tooth above or below to grow longer or the teeth on each side to tilt, a long list of problems is then set into motion. The teeth that grow longer or tilt typically cause chips, cracks or fractures to other teeth since the bite is now out of alignment. A tooth that fractures below the gum line will require removal.

Bite misalignment also leads to worn teeth since it triggers night-time grinding. Clenching during sleep can also occur, creating frequent headaches or migraines, sore jaw joints, pain in facial and neck muscles, ear ringing and difficulty opening the mouth.

The open space from the missing tooth leads to yet another ordeal. Without natural tooth roots in the jaw, the bone that once held the root begins to shrink. As the bone in this area declines in mass, bordering tooth roots are now vulnerable to a thinning foundation of bone. It is a fact that a missing tooth makes an adjacent tooth the most likely to be lost next.

So, add all these issues together and you have a whopping number of dental repairs and costs ahead. What’s the wisest move when a tooth is lost? Replacing a missing tooth with a Dental Implant restores the presence of a tooth root in the jaw bone. This halts the potential for bone loss. The replaced tooth also helps surrounding teeth to hold their proper positions, greatly reducing the potential for chips, cracks and the many problems associated with bite misalignment.

Although Dental Implants are more expensive, the costs are upfront. Dental Implants do not decay and are designed to last your lifetime. Implants also have one of the highest success rates of all implant-in-bone treatments. Too, unlike a crown-&-bridge combination, you won’t have continued bone loss or need otherwise healthy natural teeth crowned for the sole purpose of supporting a replacement tooth. Overall, they are a far better investment than any form of tooth replacement option.

Before you make a final decision on tooth replacement (for one or more missing teeth), call us at (828) 274-9440. We will explain the process and advantages of Dental Implants so you can make the decision that is best for your individual situation.

Tackle Gum Disease Quickly To Save Time & Money

Posted on Aug 24, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say you noticed a spot on the door to your home that looked like termite damage. Because the results can be costly, you’d react quickly to have the problem resolved before the damaged progressed further. Right?

Then wouldn’t the same reaction be warranted when signs of gum disease appear?

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the care of oral gum tissues and the placement of dental implants. The majority of patients I see have periodontal (gum) disease that requires specialized treatment. Without this, tooth loss occurs as well as a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Often, the patients I treat were aware that something about their oral health wasn’t right. Perhaps they began having tender gums and noticed blood in the sink when brushing. Perhaps their gums receded, exposing sensitive, darker tooth root areas. Perhaps their breath was frequently bad, even shortly after brushing.

Sadly, the general population is more aware of the damage termites can cause than the destruction and heighten health risks associated with gum disease. However, the bottom line is this: When it comes to your smile, early care is the best way to save time and money required for more complex treatment later.

One of the reasons your dentist arranges your check-ups and exams is to remove built-up plaque (a hardened form of oral bacteria) and note areas that are at risk. Those who delay or avoid these visits thinking “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong” not only delay costs, they are actually adding to overall expenses that will eventually be required once something does hurt.

Think of your mouth as the front door of your home and oral bacteria as termites. (Except oral bacteria are far worse! Termites eat wood. Oral bacteria eat YOU!) Gum disease can be easily avoided with regular check-ups and a thorough oral hygiene routine at home (totaling about 5 mins. a day). Think of this commitment to your smile as money you keep!

If you suspect you may have any stage of gum disease, call our office at (828) 274-9440. Time is not on your side.

Why Tooth Loss Causes Your Jaw Bones To Shrink

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

The presence of natural teeth is vital to the health of upper and lower jaw bones. Tooth roots create stimulation to the bone, which stimulates blood flow so the jaws maintain a healthy mass. Without tooth roots, the lack of stimulation causes the bone to slowly decline. This process is known as “resorption.”

Resorption causes the gum ridge to flatten out over time, giving your denture a foundation that continually shrinks. Regardless of the amount of denture adhesive applied, the denture will begin to move while eating, causing uncomfortable rubbing. Laughing becomes overshadowed by the fear of embarrassing slips.

The pressure from wearing dentures actually accelerates resorption, especially for those who sleep in their dentures. The 24/7 pressure speeds the process of resorption to an even greater degree.

When dentures are first made, they may feel secure for the first five or so years. However, as resorption continues, relines help only on a temporary basis. As bone loss progresses, relines will last at less frequent intervals each time.

On average, denture wearers experience a 25% bone loss one year after natural teeth have been extracted. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While natural teeth provide a biting force of 250 pounds, the average denture wearer bites with about 5 pounds of force.

Want to see the extent of bone loss you’ve experienced? Remove your denture and look in the mirror. Do you see deep wrinkles around the mouth? Do the corners of your mouth turn downward, even when you smile? Does your mouth appear collapsed inward with a pointed chin? Have jowls formed on the sides of your face?

New designs in Dental Implant systems can overcome even severe bone loss. Types like All-On-4 can be placed in minimal bone using just four implants. Using specific angles, the All-On-4 system can support a full denture that is non-removable.

When a greater level of bone mass is necessary, procedures can restore the bone to a healthy level. Bone generating materials or a bone graft can be performed prior to implant placement. A “sinus lift” may be advised so sufficient bone exists between the upper jaw and sinus cavity.

Regardless of the procedure or implant type selected, a dental specialist who is trained and experienced in all implant types is the best choice for a successful result. A Periodontist is a dental specialist with advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants as well as bone rebuilding procedures.

Dental Implants restore chewing comfort and the ability to speak and laugh with confidence. Today, bone loss doesn’t necessarily prevent you from enjoying these benefits! Begin with a consultation by calling (828) 274-9440.