How Wearing Dentures Causes A Declining Jaw Bone


Posted on Dec 08, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Tooth loss has many frustrations. Dentures contribute to discomfort, reduced confidence, decreased ability to chew and enjoy foods, and a daily inconvenience.  Unfortunately, an underlying occurrence is taking place with even greater impact to one’s life … bone loss.

Bone loss, over time, contributes to deep wrinkling and a sunken-in appearance around the mouth, a ‘witches chin,’ jowls, and a severe reduction in biting strength. When tooth roots are missing from the jaw, the bone begins to shrink. This continues and is even accelerated by the pressure of dentures.

An indication of bone loss is the change in the fit of your denture.  Dentures that once fit securely will eventually loosen due to the change in the bone. As the bone shrinks, the ridge under the denture begins to flatten. Over time, the denture has less of a foundation, decreasing one’s ability to bite and chew comfortably. While the biting strength of natural teeth is 250 pounds, a denture wearer bites with 5 to 6 pounds.

This is among the reasons why so many adults are choosing Dental Implants to replace missing teeth. Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, halting bone loss and restoring the strength of your bite. There are many types of implants designed to accommodate individual needs. For those who have lost a great deal of bone depth, procedures are available to rebuild the bone or certain implant types can overcome minimal bone base.

Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime and to bring you as much pleasure and comfort as natural teeth. To discuss your options, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation. During this time, you’ll learn the implant type(s) best for you and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Tooth Loss Causes Jowls – NOT The Aging Process!


Posted on Nov 12, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Long-time denture wearer? If you feel your face has grown longer, it is probably because jowls have formed on both sides of your face. This is typically the result of facial muscles that have detached from the jaw bones once they shrink to a certain point.

Natural tooth roots, which are once held by the upper and lower jaw bones, provide stimulation to the bone. These tooth roots help the jaw bones to maintain mass. When tooth roots are no longer present, the lack of stimulation results in bone resorption, or ‘melting away’ of the bone.

Although resorption occurs slowly, pressure on the jaws from wearing dentures actually speeds the process. Since many denture wearers also sleep in their dentures, the continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

When dentures are first placed, the fit can be satisfactory for 1 – 5 years. However, as bone loss progresses, the denture’s fit will last at less-frequent intervals each time. This is why relines are periodically needed. For example, one year after the extraction of teeth, a denture wearer experiences a 25% bone loss. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While the biting force with natural teeth is 250 lbs., an average denture wearer bites with only 5 – 6 lbs. of force.

Today’s implant dentistry includes options, such as the ‘All-On-4,’ that require minimal bone for placement. Because these implants are placed at unique angles, just four implants (upper or lower) are able to support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Regardless of the process, dental implants will enable you to chew comfortably and speak and laugh confidently without fear or worry. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to learn what is best for your needs and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Dental Implants Make A Lasting Gift!


Posted on Nov 06, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

My family is already talking about our holiday ‘wish list.’ It has reminded me of how many patients I see who struggle daily to bite and chew comfortably because of a denture. What a gift it is to have a confident smile and to be able to eat without discomfort and laugh without worry.

Some individuals who would like Dental Implants but continue to endure a ‘wobbly’ denture do so because of mis-information or outdated opinions. Some have been told they don’t have enough remaining jaw bone to support the implanted posts. Some assume they’ll need an implant for each missing tooth and cannot afford the total amount. Some have even been told horror stories about implant failures.

Today’s implant dentistry offers many affordable and successful options. Some types overcome bone loss issues while others stabilize a denture with only 6 or 8 strategically-placed implants. Payment plans are available that break the fees into monthly payments that fit most budgets.

Additionally, the success rate of dental implants is higher than any implant-in-bone type. Although heavy smokers do have a higher risk of implant failure, the majority of patients who are compliant with post-surgical instructions have very few, if any, problems.

Before you assume that Dental Implants are out of reach (for yourself or someone you love), schedule a Consultation. During this time, I’ll explain all options and answer your questions thoroughly.

I can’t remember one implant patient who has not felt Dental Implants were the best thing they ever did. As you compile your ‘wish list’ this holiday, put a confident smile at the very top! Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Mouthwash Not A Substitute For Oral Hygiene Routine


Posted on Nov 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Several years ago, I heard Jessica Simpson had announced on an Ellen episode that she brushes her teeth “maybe three times a week.” Simpson said she uses Listerine and flosses everyday and uses “a shirt or something” to wipe her teeth. Claiming her breath is fresh, she feels her mouth has been adequately cleaned.

Being in the field of Periodontics, a dental specialty that focuses on the soft tissues in the mouth and dental implant placement, this misinformed attitude is jolting. By failing to adhere to proven preventive measures of twice-daily brushing, daily flossing and 6-month checkups and cleanings, there is an increased risk for a long list of oral health problems to come.

Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums, must be removed every 24 hours. In as little as 2 to 3 days, the bacteria begin to attack supporting bone and gum tissues around teeth. This is the beginning of decay and Gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease.

Oral rinses are often best as a temporary breath freshener and an ‘add-on’ to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home. While some oral rinses do help in the prevention of plaque or slowing the progress of tooth decay, they are ‘aids to’ rather than ‘substitutes for’ proper oral hygiene.

As plaque accumulates, calculus (or tartar), forms on teeth. Calculus is a hard substance formed by bacterial buildup that can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools. As calculus adds to the attack on tooth surfaces and gum tissue, this can lead to advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

For oral rinses designed to temporarily reduce bad breath, most fail to combat the causes of bad breath. They don’t destroy the oral bacteria that cause bad breath nor inactivate odor causing compounds. Many assumed to clean the mouth are ineffective at reducing plaque or halting calculus.

If you frequently use mouthwash because of bad breath, there is an underlying problem that should be addressed by your dentist or a periodontal specialist. Persistent bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, which will only worsen without treatment.

Additionally, when oral bacteria enters the bloodstream through diseased gum tissue tears, it can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, preterm babies and even impotency. This bacteria can even be transferred from one person to another through kissing or sharing food and beverages.

Some rinses actually do help in the fight against the oral bacteria that forms plaque. For individuals who find it physically difficult to brush and floss, certain oral rinses add some protection against cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. These preferably contain fluoride to protect tooth enamel as well. Too, for our patients who have had periodontal surgery, we typically prescribe an oral rinse to help deter bacteria buildup during the healing process.

If you’d like to add an oral rinse to your oral hygiene routine at home, ask your dentist to recommend a rinse with fluoride or antimicrobial agents to get the best benefit. However, twice daily brushing and flossing, combined with 6-month dental check-ups, is a necessary part of a healthy mouth – and there is no substitute.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or feel your periodontal health is at risk.

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