Board Certification Is An Added Plus

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

After the completion of high school, dentists enter college to receive their undergraduate degree, perhaps in biology, which typically requires four years to achieve. Once this is completed, they enter a university that has a dental school and continue studies in the field of dentistry. This requires another four years for most.

After receiving their Doctorate in Dental Science (or Doctorate in Dental Medicine), those dentists wishing to specialize in a particular area of dentistry continue their education and training. For periodontists, this requires another two to three years of specialized training to focus on all issues pertaining to the health tissues in the mouth, dental implant placement, and esthetic treatment involving gum tissue.

Once specialty training is completed, some periodontists take the board-certification examination. This is offered by the American Board of Periodontology on an annual basis. Board certification in periodontology indicates the specialist has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and demonstrated a comprehensive mastery of all phases of treating periodontal disease and in implant placement. Once Board Certified, he or she must go through a re-certification process every six years.

Although Board Certification is not required for a Periodontal Specialist to treat patients, it is added assurance that the specialist has perfected their skill level to the highest standards.

If you have questions regarding the specialty of Periodontics or Board Certification, feel free to contact us at (828) 274-9440. Or, you may wish to visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org.

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.

When A Dental Implant Fails

Posted on Jan 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, a patient is referred to me because they have a failing Dental Implant. Implants can fail for a number of reasons, including a patient’s health conditions (osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes, use of steroids, heavy smoker, etc.).

Implants can also fail due to improper placement issues. I’ve seen this occur when a bone drill was too hot and destroyed bone tissue, implants that are not fully protected during the healing process, and when a dentist restores the implant too soon.

Other issues that can affect implant failure are incorrect selection of implant types, such as an implant too heavy for the bone mass in which it is placed. I’ve also seen implants fail for things like overuse of adhesive that worked its way into the bone during attachment of the teeth.

Poor oral hygiene at home is another cause of implant failure. After implants are placed, they are designed to last a lifetime, but require proper care. When a patient does not adhere to a strict daily hygiene regimen at home to keep their mouth clean or they resist dental check-ups and cleanings (implant patients are often scheduled more frequently than every 6 months), implant failure is a high risk. This means that the investment the patient has made in secured teeth for chewing comfort and smiling confidence turns into a loss.

Many of these problems can be avoided by seeking the best experience and skills of the specialist to place your dental implants. You should select one with a reputable track record of success who is willing to provide a list of past patients to contact.

Periodontal specialists are specifically trained in the selection and placement of dental implants. This individual can be a key factor in a successful outcome!

For a consultation, call us at (828) 274-9440.

Bargain Rates On Dental Implants Can Cost You More!

Posted on Jan 14, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I occasionally see “deals” being advertised on dental implants and cringe since I know things the general public doesn’t. While not always the case, some of these low-priced implants are being placed by practitioners who’ve taken weekend courses. These courses are typically sponsored by the manufacturers or distributors of particular implant types.

What is especially concerning about these “cheap” options is knowing how many things can go wrong, causing the patient to lose all the time and money spent on getting a “good deal.” Because the success of an implant depends largely on the proper selection of implant type, the angle it is positioned into the bone and the depth it is placed, the risk of failure (and thus, need for removal) increases greatly.

As a highly-involved part of my additional years of training in the specialty of periodontics (after four years of dental school) was the study on the intricate aspects of dental implants. Understanding how to select the appropriate type for each individual’s need and precision placement aspects give patients an exceptionally high rate of success.

Dental implants are one of the most successful of all implant-in-bone procedures. With proper selection, placement and ongoing hygiene commitment, dental implants have an extremely high potential to last your lifetime. They are designed to integrate with your jaw bone in a way that the bone grows around it, implant and bone becoming as one.

What is often the case when pursuing these “bargain” implants is the low price often covers placement of the implant only (the portion placed in the bone under the gums). The patient then discovers there are additional costs, including fees for sedation, the operatory suite, follow-up visits, necessary extractions, etc. Too, these fees often do not include the the replacement teeth, a rather necessary part of treatment!

Once you consult with a specialist who is skilled in the proper selection and precision placement of all types of dental implants, you’ll find there is a difference. Ask questions, learn all your options and base your decision on what will provide a satisfying, successful outcome.

Saving money feels good when our goal for making the investment achieves our expectations. When we find we’ve wasted our hard-earned dollars, we feel cheated. However, in the long run, the outcome comes back to a decision we willingly made. After all, no one took the money out of our pocket.

You can get the most for your money when it comes to dental implants and enjoy a healthier, more confident life. Call us for a Consultation: (828) 274-9440.