New Technology Means No More Messy Impressions

Posted on Sep 22, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In addition to staying on top of the latest techniques and materials in periodontal treatment, I select advanced technology based upon its benefits to our patients. In addition to technology that helps to optimize treatment outcome, I incorporate advancements that allow patients to move efficiently and comfortably from the exam process to treatment to the final results.

This is what Carestream 3600 provides with fast, easy and accurate digital imaging. What is this?

If you’ve had impressions of the inside of your mouth made, you probably recall having a mold filled with an oozy substance placed over the upper or lower portion. This was held in place to ‘set’ firm and was then rocked back and forth to remove. From this impression, a mold was made to show unique contours that would be involved in treatment.

Using Carestream 3600, we are able to eliminate that process altogether while creating vibrant full HD 3D images. Using a small handheld device, I scan the full arch in one continuous motion for a more comfortable experience for our patient.

Carestream provides precision dimensions at every angle. While this helps us to achieve outstanding clinical results, our patients no longer need to have messy impressions taken.

Carestream 3600 also makes sharing the images with referring doctors or with a dental lab more straightforward—resulting in clearer communication and faster turnaround. I have found it to be especially helpful for Dental Implant cases.

We are pleased that our patients can enjoy a simpler process through this advanced technology. For more about Carestream 3600, visit: http://carestreamdental.com/us/en/scan/CS%203600#Features%20and%20Benefits

 

 

 

Custom-Made Trays For More Effective, Non-Surgical Treatment

Posted on Sep 15, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

 

Avoid Bad Breath

Posted on Sep 11, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whether at work, home with family members or mingling at social gatherings, knowing our breath is fresh makes us feel more confident. Naturally, we can’t always count on having fresh breath. A morning of coffee or a hot dog lunch, for example, can leave us sensing that being in close proximity can raise an eyebrow. Even worse, bad breath can leave an impression – a lasting one, at that.

Occasional bad breath is a nuisance and can generally be controlled with good oral hygiene, keeping our mouth moist and limiting sugar. However, frequent bad breath is not only embarrassing, it is a warning sign.

Persistent bad breath is one of the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease. You may also notice tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or have swollen areas around some teeth.

However, gum disease can begin without obvious warning signs. By the time symptoms emerge, it is often at a level known as gingivitis. If not resolved promptly, subsequent stages will require prompt treatment.

As gum disease advances, symptoms include gums that turn red in color and become sore, swollen and bleed easily. You’ll have persistent bad breath and may develop pus-filled pockets near the base of some teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and require removal.

The majority of bad breath (known clinically as ‘halitosis’) comes from the accumulation of oral bacteria in the mouth. Oral bacteria coat the teeth, gums, tongue, inside of cheeks and roof of the mouth.

Good saliva flow helps to keep this bacteria moving out of the mouth. However, when brushing is infrequent or insufficient or the mouth becomes dry, saliva becomes unable to manage the bacteria levels in the mouth.

Another contributor to oral bacteria in the mouth is wearing a denture. The ‘gum’ portion of a denture is made from a porous material. Bacteria are able to live and breed in these tiny hideouts. Food that is caught between teeth and not removed by brushing or flossing also contributes to bacteria growth that saliva can’t always keep up with.

As bacteria thrive and reproduce, they coat the inside of the mouth and form a sticky film. This film is known as ‘plaque.’ Plaque that remains for more than a day or so can harden into ‘tartar,’ or ‘calculus.’ This attaches to teeth and is resistant to being brushed or flossed away. These bacterial masses attack tooth enamel and gum tissues if not removed by a dental professional.

Keeping a moist mouth is very important to oral hygiene. Drinking plenty of water during the day is advised. Colas, sweet tea, and energy drinks actually make dryness worse. You should also monitor the medications you take (both prescription and over-the-counter) and look for side effects that include oral dryness. And, smoking is one of the worst contributors of all to oral dryness.

Proper brushing and flossing is necessary. Brush for at least two minutes twice daily and rinse thoroughly. Use a circular motion rather than scrub teeth back and forth to avoid damaging tender gum tissues. Never use a hard bristle tooth brush or brush with harsh substances such as baking soda!

After brushing, use a tongue scraper to uproot oral bacteria embedded in the grooves of the tongue. This will significantly lower bacteria levels. As a matter of fact, Dentistry IQ states that “A study at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that 80 to 90% of bad breath comes from bacteria on the tongue” and is “the largest niche for microorganisms in the oral cavity.” (http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/04/a-deeper-look-into-tongue-cleaning.html)

 

An advantage of achieving and maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is having confidence when close to others. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the health and well-being of your entire body. Research has shown that a healthy mouth is a supportive component of a healthy you!

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are concerned your breath is frequently bad, call 828.274.9440. Let’s help you establish a healthy smile and feel confident in closeness!

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.