Older Adults (80’s, 90’s, 100’s) Benefit By Dental Implants

Posted on Apr 25, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Someone once told me, “Old age is always ten years older than the age you are at the time.” I get it. While a teenager may think of anyone over the age of 55 as “old,” aging in the U.S. today has taken a positive position within America’s population.

Proof of this is in how more and more people are living to be 100. Many of them are still sharp and spry. Although reaching the 100 age pinnacle was once a rare feat, it’s a growing trend. Today, there are nearly twice as many 100+ year olds in the U.S. than there were 20 years ago (nearly 90,000 now).

Reaching these elevated ages, of course, depends on factors like location, gender, lifestyle and genetics. Living a long life has evolved from lifestyle changes rather different than what was taken for granted in the 1950’s, for example.

Between 1900 and 2020, life expectancy in the U.S. rose by more than 30 years. Much of this can be credited to life choices, such as things like not smoking. Smoking, a leading contributor to heart disease, can decrease life expectancy by 10 years.

In 1965, 45% of Americans smoked. Now, knowing the health hazards to smoking, the number has declined to only 12.5% as of 2020.

Of course, Americans can also credit medical advances for the centenarian growth in population. The survivability of things like heart attacks and cancer has greatly increased, giving adults a longer lifespan.

As Americans realize their lifespan may well reach age 90, 100 or beyond, the resistance to having dental implants due to “old age” is becoming less of a factor.

Dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement system. Unlike dentures or ‘partials,’ dental implants are supported by the jaw bone, just as natural teeth. While dentures sit on top of the gums, dental implants restore biting strength and stability, giving back the look, feel and function of the teeth you once had.

Two decades ago, some “older” adults would deny themselves the benefits of dental implants, saying things like, “I’m too old to spend that amount of money on myself.” Yet, for my dental implant patients in their 80’s and 90’s, I never had one who didn’t feel it was one of the wisest investments they’d ever made.

Here’s why…

 – Dental implants are designed to last your lifetime. They do not decay, need root canals or compromise neighboring teeth or bone structure.

 – Because dental implants are positioned in the jaw, they recreate stimulation to the bone. This helps to preserve the bone’s mass, halting the pace of jaw bone shrinkage (known as resorption).

 – Resorption is what causes changes in one’s facial appearance, aging one’s appearance far older than their actual age.

 – Dental implants do not move or slip when eating, speaking or laughing. A denture is designed to fit the contours of one’s gum ridge; contours that exist at the time the denture is made. However, as resorption reduces bone height, the ridge that holds the denture flattens out over time. This is why a denture becomes ‘wobbly’ or ‘slippery.’

 – Dental implant treatment is largely determined by the number of implants placed. In most cases, one implant can support more than one tooth. A full arch (all upper or lower) of teeth are typically supported by several strategically-placed implants.

 – Unlike a crown-&-bridge, dental implants so not need the support of adjacent teeth. Therefore, it is not necessary to have teeth shaved down for crowning simply to serve as supports for a bridge.

When it comes to dental implants, there are many decisions and choices that can become confusing without the guidance of a dental specialist. For example, there are over 40 different implant systems.

Dental Implants are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate various needs. For those who are missing all upper or lower teeth, for instance, some implant types can support a full arch of removable teeth while others support non-removable (or ‘fixed’) teeth.

As a periodontist for over 3 decades, our patients receive advanced skills in dental implant diagnosis and placement. Additionally, our Asheville periodontal dental office features some of the most advanced technology in the industry today. This includes computerized imaging that can lessen treatment needs, optimize comfort and speed healing.

If you feel you are too old to make this wise investment, check out some of the health benefits that dental implants provide:

• As the ‘arch’ (or ridge) flattens, the appliance is more apt to move while chewing. As the denture rubs against tender gum tissues when eating, sore spots form, which are difficult and slow to heal. And, when small seeds or nut particles become trapped between the appliance and gums, it can cause a piercing, painful sensation.

This discomfort and concern often prompts people to adjust their diets. The chewy, crunchy foods they once enjoyed tend to be bypassed for those that dissolve quickly with minimal chewing required. Unfortunately, these foods are typically lacking in the fiber, vitamins and protein necessary for a healthy diet.

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• The gum-colored base of dentures or partials that hold the replacement teeth is made of a porous material. This means there are tiny holes in the base. In the mouth, a denture sits in a warm, dark, moist environment – perfect for bacterial growth. These holes become living spaces to oral bacteria, which thrive and breed at a rapid rate. Bad breath and increased risk of pneumonia are actually some of the lesser problems that can occur.

Additionally, oral bacteria can create havoc throughout the body. It is a known contributor to a long list of serious health diseases and conditions. These include some cancers, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, pre-term babies and many more.

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• The insecurity of a denture that may move when eating causes some people to avoid social gatherings. The fear of embarrassment can be a deterrent to involvement with friends and family. This places the individual at a disadvantage, as research shows that socially active seniors age more slowly than those who avoid social interactions.

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If dental fear has prevented you from looking further into dental implants, please know that we have a reputation for respect, a gentle touch, and compassionate care. Additionally, we offer Oral sedation as well as I.V. sedation (also known as ‘twilight sleep’). These are administered safely by a doctor of anesthesia who monitors patients with advanced safety equipment.

Also, financing can be easy through monthly payment plans. Most are interest-free with no down payment required.

To schedule a consultation appointment, call 828-274-9440. Also, get to know more about dental implants at: DrClaiborneDentalImplants

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141007144514.htm

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_connections_keep_seniors_healthy

https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/longevity/3847532-more-people-are-living-to-be-100-heres-why/#:~:text=But%20the%20nation’s%20population%20is,Division%20of%20the%20United%20Nations

 

Nothing To Fear To Accomplish Healthy Smile Here

Posted on Apr 16, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a dental specialist, I find that many people are unfamiliar with exactly what a periodontist does. Yet, when they are recommended to see me (typically by their general dentist), it is because they need specialized care that falls under our unique set of skills.

A periodontist has advanced skills to help patients with a variety of needs that involve the gum tissues. These include:
– Treatment of all stages of gum disease (gingivitis, pregnancy gingivitis, periodontal disease, periodontitis)
– Reshaping gum tissues for esthetic enhancement (crown lengthening, gingivectomy for ‘gummy smiles’, repairing areas of gum recession)
– Diagnosis and placement of dental implants
– Treatment of lesions or cysts in oral tissues

Let’s begin with gum disease.

Because the majority of care I provide has to do with the treatment of all stages of periodontal disease, it may be helpful to understand how this develops. Although many people delay or avoid regular dental care (mistakenly thinking “if nothing hurts, then nothing must be wrong”), I have a close-up view of its destructive nature. Its formation creates cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and leads to eventual tooth loss.

Even people who are committed to a regimen of thorough at-home oral hygiene (twice-daily brushing, daily flossing), can be doing an insufficient job of removing the daily buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates in the mouth. When not thoroughly removed, it can harden into a mass that attaches to the base of, or in-between, teeth.

In the form of tartar, this cement-hard mass of bacteria cannot be brushed or flossed away. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist using special tools. Without removal, it will continue to amass and attack gum tissues, working its way beneath the gum line.

Below the gums lie the support system for natural teeth, consisting of tissues, ligaments and bone. When the bacteria reach an uncontrollable level, they become infectious. As these infectious bacteria accumulate further, symptoms of gum disease become more apparent, such as tender or swollen gums or seeing blood in the sink when brushing teeth. Breath odor may be bad on a regular basis.

As symptoms worsen, the gums become red with infectious and loosen their grip around the base of teeth. The gums may become spongy and pus pockets may form. Breath odor at this point is persistently putrid. Eventually, the structures that support teeth are compromised and teeth may loosen. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S.

Research has found that certain strains of oral bacteria from gum disease create reactions in the body that can trigger systemic inflammation. Thus far, research findings have shown a correlation between periodontal disease bacteria and some cancers (including pancreatic and lung), Alzheimer’s disease, pre-term babies, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and erectile dysfunction (ED).

As if all that weren’t bad enough, one study suggests that gum disease relates to a reduction in one’s quality of life: “Periodontal disease has been linked to lower quality of life.” “Quality of life encompasses several domains, including psychological functioning and social relationships among others. Oral health-related quality of life has been shown to be reduced in patients with periodontal disease.” (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/prm/2017/5491923/)

While estimates show about 75 percent of American adults have some degree of dental fear or anxiety, over 47 percent have some level of periodontal disease. As a periodontist, both are alarming numbers. Nearly half our nation is walking around with a potentially life-threatening disease in their mouths.

Treating this may sound like it would be pretty intimidating. However, Although there are many treatments offered and at various levels, our main goal is to provide patients with comfortable and positive experiences at every visit. One way we accomplish this is through the advanced technology featured here in our Western North Carolina periodontal dental office. We feature some of the most advanced in dentistry, much of which is not available in dental offices elsewhere. Some of these features include:

LANAP With PerioLase MVP 7: Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure is an advanced protocol that efficiently and effectively treats advanced gum disease with the added advantages of a dental laser. This offers a non-surgical alternative for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease. LANAP treatment leaves very little discomfort and has a quick recovery time. It has also been found to stimulate bone regrowth in damaged areas.

3D Cone Beam Imaging: Ideal for diagnoses and treatment planning, these images provide a clear view of the upper and lower jaw, used for: intricate review of endodontics; periodontics; orthodontics; implantology: TMJ; and prosthodontics, as well as dental and maxillofacial surgery. Because cone beam radiographs show sagittal, axial, and coronal planes, locating and tracking nerve canals optimizes implant placement. The process is quick, painless and at minimal levels of radiation.

CareStream Cone Beam Computer Tomography Imaging: This enhanced tomography works with 3D imaging for exceptional detail and range.

CS 3600 Intraoral Scanner: Rather than make impressions with bulky, goopy trays, this scanner quickly and comfortably captures digital impressions accurately and easily for creating precision models or appliances (crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, orthodontic appliances and aligners, custom abutments). The scanner can also reach difficult–to–access areas in the patient’s mouth for superior results with improved patient comfort.

Computerized Dental Implant Placement: This advanced system for pre-surgical positioning of dental implants uses a 3D model of the patient’s jaw. Once the implant type is selected, a template is developed for optimal treatment success, even for complex cases.

In addition, we offer a unique environment for comfort. We understand how dental fear or anxiety can cause people to delay or avoid having dental treatment, sometimes for decades. We believe that every patient deserves respect, a gentle touch and knowing they are in a “lecture free” zone. For those who have high fear levels, we offer several sedation options, including oral and IV sedation.

Oral sedation is a pill that helps patients relax. It also has an amnesiac effect, leaving most with little or no memory of treatment afterward.

I.V. sedation (also known as ‘twilight sleep’) places the patient in a deeper sleep state and erases memory of the procedure. It is administered by a doctor of anesthesiology for optimal comfort and safety. In our Asheville office, anesthesia is overseen by a Medical Doctor (MD) who is a board certified Anesthesiologist.

With both sedation options, patients are closely monitored with advanced safety equipment throughout treatment.

I hope I’ve given you a helpful and positive picture of what a periodontist does and how he/she can help you with some challenging needs; all the while keeping you comfortable, minimizing treatment time, and shortening treatment time.

Although most of our patients are referred to us by other dentists and dental specialists, a referral is not required for accepting a new patient. Call 828-274-9440 if you feel we can make recommendations for your specific needs or provide helpful information.

Helping To Curtail Opioid Misuse

Posted on Mar 23, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

No one wants to be in pain. In the dental office, dentists and dental specialists see many patients enduring a great deal of pain, some of which increases in time to excruciating levels.

To resolve the pain, treating the affected area is the first step. Healing can take time and may involve a period of continued discomfort. While a dental profession wants to help patients avoid problems and pain that can arise from them, helping you get through painful periods with ease is certainly a priority.

Like others in the health care field, the field of dentistry has become rather resistant to prescribing harsh and addictive painkillers. The opioid epidemic in the U.S. is running rampant and we want to do our part in curtailing the availability of these meds.

I felt it may be helpful to share some statistics and research findings on the opioid use in America. Hopefully, this information will reassure that the dental profession is not being “stingy” with prescribing painkillers. We are trying to help control what can easily be misused or over-prescribed.

Drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017. From 2017 to 2019, the number of deaths declined to 14,139. This was followed by a slight increase in 2020, with 16,416 reported deaths. In 2021, the number of reported deaths involving prescription opioids totaled 16,706. These numbers are headed in the wrong direction, obviously.

Although physicians, dentists and others in health care have been under close scrutiny for the number of opioids prescribed, dentists are also being more diligent in limiting patient access to pain medications. Yet, there is still a concerning number who make access easier than it should be.

According to International Association for Dental Research findings shared from two studies amongst dentists and oral-maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) (presented in March 2023), the goal is to identify high prescribers of opioids. The study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, used data to detect actively prescribing dentists between 2015-2019.

The study found that during this period, 2,741,030 opioids were prescribed by 199,145 dentists/OMFS. Researchers noted that over 35% of prescribers prescribed at low rates in 2015 with this percentage falling to nearly 18% in 2019. In this period, those who were “moderate” prescribers of opioids also decreased prescribing by over 82%. A slightly more active group of prescribers also decreased their number of these prescriptions.

However, 3.5% of prescribers found to be consistent in opioid prescriptions decreased in number, yet with minimal decline. For these, the rate in 2015 averaged nearly 55%. In 2019, the average was only down to 44.7%.

A particular concern in prescribing opioids is that of prescriptions submitted for children. While total opioid prescriptions have decreased in patients under 25 years of age, trends in opioid prescribing for children, adolescents, and younger adults (under 25 years of age) remains a concern.

In a study from 2013 – 2018, researchers found the opioid dispensing rate for younger patients decreased annually at a rate of approximately 15%. The largest decreases were noted for patients ages 15 to 24 years. Among children aged 0 to 5 years for whom an opioid was dispensed, the investigators observed annual increases from 2011 to 2014. For high-dosage prescriptions, these decreased from 2014 to 2018 although high-dosage, extended-release or long-acting remained at a concerning rate — nearly 28%.

Even amid an epidemic of abuse, opioid painkillers are still commonly prescribed to teenagers and young adults for conditions like tooth and back pain. Between 2005 and 2015, opioids were prescribed to teens and college-age adults at nearly 57 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments.

Although more common in an ER, 15% of visits concluded with an opioid prescription with only a small decline over the 10-year study period.

A report on opioid prescription misuse by the University of Michigan shared another concern that contributes to the problem. When people get a prescription for opioid painkillers to ease pain, it is assumed that the patient has it filled right away. However, there are now findings that show some of these prescriptions are being filled more than a month later, long after acute pain should have subsided.

In 2019, 1% of opioid prescriptions from dentists and surgeons were filled more than 30 days after writing. Although the number is low, that percentage equates to more than 260,000 opioid prescriptions a year in the U.S.

This indicates to prescribing surgeons and dentists that the medications are being used for other than intended. Whether over-prescribed by the doctor or misuse by the patient, this adds to the risk factor for opioid overdose.

These delayed-fill findings have led to call for state and federal laws to better regulate the expiration periods for filling these prescriptions. Changing the systems of monitoring along these lines has been slow in coming. In 2019, 18 states allowed prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances to be filled up to 6 months after writing with 8 states allowing dispension up to 1 year after the prescription date.

The entire team at our Asheville periodontal dental office is highly committed to providing patients with optimal comfort throughout treatment. Here, we make oral sedation available as well as I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”). These help patients to relax fully or snooze during treatment, erasing most (or all) memory of treatment afterward.

We also want our patients to heal comfortably after periodontal treatment or dental implant placement. As a periodontist, this is helped by being respectful of gum tissues and all areas in the mouth DURING procedures. We work with each patient to help them remain comfortable during their post-procedure time. Often, this can occur without the need for heavy medications with many patients only requiring OCT pain meds.

When it comes to your treatment, our advanced imaging technology helps us to pinpoint precise areas for incisions, which helps to minimize discomfort and speed healing time. Additionally, performing treatment at an easy pace allows for minimal disruption to sensitive gum tissues.

A periodontist has advanced skills in the treatment of all stages of gum disease, the re-contouring of gum tissues, and in the placement of dental implants. This dental specialist can help provide an optimal result while helping you enjoy the highest level of comfort – during and after treatment.

Please call 828-274-9440 if you have questions about comfort, treatment, or dental fear. New patients are always welcome and a referral is not always needed.

 

When Dentures Are “Slippery,” “Wobbly, or “Rocky”…

Posted on Mar 11, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A periodontal specialist has advanced training in the selection and placement of all dental implant types. Also a specialist in the treatment of all stages of periodontal (gum) disease and the contouring of gum tissues (such as to correct a “gummy smile”), many patients who come to us have lost teeth due to gum disease.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Sadly, over 47% of Americans over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. Many do not realize they have developed gum disease since it can begin without obvious symptoms.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. Its symptoms are hard to ignore. Breath odor is putrid. The gums bleed easily, at times even when eating. The gums are a dark red and may have a spongy texture. Some teeth may loosen or shift. Pus pockets form around the base of some teeth.

In this advanced stage, some (or all) natural teeth may require removal. For those who choose to replace teeth with a denture or partial (versus dental implants), something occurs below the gums that cannot be seen. However, over time, the repercussions can be quite severe.

What I’m referring to is “resorption.” This is the term used for a shrinking jaw bone.

Resorption occurs when natural tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone. These tooth roots actually help to provide stimulation to the bone. Tooth roots also nourish the bone mass through connective tissues that extend down through a tooth’s interior.

When a tooth is removed, the stimulation and nourishment to that area of the jaw bone is taken away. Without it, the bone begins to shrink. As it declines in height, the adjacent teeth are more vulnerable to loss. Statistics show that teeth neighboring areas where natural teeth are missing will be the most likely to be lost next.

Although a denture or partial can mimic the presence of teeth above the gum line, there is nothing to keep the jaw bones healthy beneath, which is the sturdy foundation for biting and chewing strength. As tooth loss continues, one can go from losing a few teeth to losing all teeth (being “edentulous”).

Many people are unaware that the pressure of wearing dentures or partials accelerates the pace of resorption. For people who sleep in their dental prosthetic, the 24/7 pressure applied to the jaw bones speeds up the rate of bone decline even more.

Sleeping in a denture can also add to higher risks for the flu and pneumonia. A 3-year study of more than 500 adults was published by the Journal of International Oral Health. Of the 186 (of 453 denture wearers) who did not remove their dentures for sleeping, they had over twice the risk for pneumonia than those who did. Sleeping in dentures also led to higher levels of tongue and denture plaque, gum inflammation and other oral issues.

For those who wear a denture or partial, losing jaw bone mass also causes a change in the way the denture or partial fits. For example, a denture may fit fine the first year after teeth are removed and a denture is custom-fitted. However, people eventually notice slips when biting or chewing. This is because the bone under the “arch” that supports the denture or partial is declining in height.

The changing foundation for the denture (also known as a ridge) allows it to “slip” or become “wobbly.” As bone loss continues, it causes uncomfortable rubbing on tender gums while eating.

As a result, people often adjust their diet to avoid foods that require rigorous chewing, opting for softer foods that require less chewing. Outings with friends and family become overshadowed by the fear of embarrassing slips.

Eventually, even frequent applications of denture pastes or adhesives are of little help. A reline may be recommended by your dentist to reshape the contours of the denture or partial to the slowly declining arch. Unfortunately, this process will continue as bone loss requires periodic relines as the arch flattens further.

The solution?

For most individuals who are missing one or more natural teeth, we advise replacing teeth with dental implants. A dental implant recreates the presence of a natural tooth. It provides stimulation to the bone, halting the process of bone loss.

Dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, as in a crown-&-bridge combination. The crowning of bordering natural teeth to support a bridge is not needed. Thus, the integrity of surrounding teeth is protected.

Because dental implants are supported by the jaw bone, sturdy and dependable biting and chewing strength is restored. Eating a healthy diet of the foods you love is again possible.

And, dental implants also have an exceptional success rate, higher than any implant-in-bone option. They are designed to last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment.

If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, we invite you to begin with a consultation appointment. This will take place in a private room where we can discuss your needs and concerns. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule, or tap here for more contact information.