Long History Behind Today’s Dental Implants

Posted on Oct 13, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you like history, you’ll find the following information both interesting and potentially useful, especially if you ever lose a natural tooth.

Dental implants actually date back to ancient Egyptian times. Archeological digs have discovered seashells and stones that were carved into tooth shapes. These were found positioned into jaw bones to serve as replacements for missing teeth.

Over the years, metal and other dental implant versions (including gold) have been found to exist in ancient cultures in North and South America as well as Middle Asia and the Mediterranean. One exciting find occurred in Honduras during the 1930’s. An excavation revealed the Mayan civilization of 600 AD had examples of dental implants. This was determined when a fragment of a lower human jaw bone was discovered with three carved shells in tooth shapes that had been placed in the sockets of three missing teeth.

In the Middle Ages, dental implantation was performed by attempting certain grafting techniques. However, these proved minimally successful due to infections that were not uncommon, some of which resulted in deaths.

Advancements in dental implants took a major jump during World War II when Dr. Norman Goldberg was serving in the Army. Realizing that some metals had been used successfully to replace other parts of the body, he began to apply this to dental implants. After the war, he and Dr. Aaron Gershkoff created the first successful implant type in modern times, the sub-periosteal implant.

Their success became the foundation of implant dentistry, inspiring more research. In 1957, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, discovered that living bone could grow around a new metal developed by NASA, called titanium. He found this metal would integrate successfully with bone without being rejected. This process became known as ‘osseo-integration’ and was the beginning of numerous studies.

In 1965, Dr. Branemark placed the first titanium implants in a mid-30’s patient, inserting four implants into the patient’s lower jaw. After allowing the bone to secure the implanted portions for several months, he attached a set of replacement teeth. The dental implants were fully functional for the patient for over 40 years throughout the life of the patient.

Dr. Brånemark’s success marked a turning point in implant dentistry with advanced techniques that are used still today. The Food & Drug Administration approved titanium dental implants in 1982. This furthered the development of fine-tuning implant systems and techniques, including computerized implant treatment planning.

In addition to the dependable function and longevity of today’s implants, modern ceramics has been incorporated into the restoration process. Teeth attached to the implants can be designed to provide the look and feel of natural teeth. Today’s Dental Implant patient can enjoy the best of all worlds!

The average age of today’s dental implant patient is 53, most who are replacing a single tooth or several. It is estimated that over 450,000 dental implants are placed every year with a success rate of 95% with minimum risks or complications.

Now that your history lesson is complete, the lingering question may be, “Why do so many people choose dental implants today?” That’s easy. Just ask someone who has had a dental implant to replace a partial, crown-&-bridge combination or full arch of dentures. Dental implants give them a lifetime solution for their missing teeth with dependable function and stability. And, their smile shows no signs of ‘false’ teeth.

If you’ve thought about dental implants, learn the type that’s best for your needs after an examination. We can then discuss recommended implant options, costs and treatment time. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Differing Diagnosis From Dentist To Dentist

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

Although treatment recommendations can occasionally vary from dentist to dentist, a long-term relationship is often an advantage. This enables you to be an active participant in your oral health with one dentist who can treat you according to your individual needs.

For example, hen one dentist diagnoses periodontal disease when it was not detected previously, it could be due to several factors. First, do you adhere to regular dental check-ups (exams, cleanings) on a 6-month schedule? Is your at-home oral hygiene regimen thorough (twice daily brushings, flossing daily)? Do you have proper repairs to existing teeth and gums (cavities filled, receded gums treated)? Do you keep your health history and medication list updated?

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently. It starts with oral bacteria build up and trigger gum disease. This destroys gum tissue and underlying bones that support tooth roots. When symptoms emerge, they include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender and swollen spots around teeth, and gum recession. Once these symptoms are obvious, however, gum disease is rampant and typically requires treatment by a Periodontal Specialist.

Numerous findings associated with periodontal disease have shown a correlation between coronary artery disease and the bacteria of gum disease. It has also been linked to stroke, memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and more.

Ultimately, it is your commitment to maintaining your oral health that is just as important as the dentist you see. When a dentist detects periodontal disease at an early stage, keep in mind it will only worsen when care is delayed. Early treatment can save you time and expense for more involved treatment as it becomes more severe.

To learn more about the causes and stages of periodontal disease, the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology is an excellent source: www.perio.org. Or, call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange an examination.

Flossing Made Easier With These Options

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Daily flossing, combined with thorough brushing twice a day, is an effective way to minimize your potential for periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

As a Periodontist, I’ve heard every excuse under the sun why people don’t floss. “It hurts my fingers.” “I don’t feel I need to floss.” “The floss hurts my gums.” Yet, when people get into the habit of flossing, using the proper technique, most can’t go a day without flossing. Some tell me, “I don’t feel like my mouth is really clean if I miss flossing.”

Your dental hygienist is a pro at helping you develop a comfortable technique that effectively removes debris and bacteria between teeth. However, if you absolutely cannot get used to traditional dental floss, here are a few options you may wish to try:

Floss Holders – These are small plastic pieces that hold floss taut so you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers.  Many people feel Floss Holders make flossing easier and like that they can be used with one hand.  Like traditional flossing, it is important that you don’t ‘pop’ the floss in-between teeth. This can damage tender gum tissues, which leaves the gums more susceptible for bacteria to penetrate.

Oral Irrigators – An oral irrigator (or water flosser) uses a pulsating action of water to help remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.  They also stimulate blood flow. Use water that is lukewarm or at room temperature for additional comfort.

Electric Flossers – These flossers, such as Airfloss, use microburst technology to send a burst of pressurized air mixed with water to clean between teeth. These are excellent for people who struggle with hand coordination or strength (arthritis sufferers, for example). They can go into areas where a toothbrush doesn’t reach and gives a deeper clean than that of Oral Irrigators.

Regardless of which option you choose, DO choose something to keep oral bacteria from creating problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Think of your flossing aid as “an ounce of prevention.” Plus, your mouth will feel cleaner and breath will be fresher! So, no more excuses!

 

How Fearful Patients Can Achieve A Healthy Mouth

Posted on Apr 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see a great many adults who have developed gum disease, and lost teeth as a result, because of dental fear. Although modern techniques and advanced technology in dentistry greatly enhance comfort with less time required for treatment, these advancements do nothing to help fearful patients overcome dental fears.

Sadly, dental fear prevents many adults from having regular dental care or receiving treatment when problems are small. Many will wait until there is an urgent need that ‘forces’ them into a dental office. In our office, most fearful patients begin with a Consultation appointment.

In the Consultation, we discuss their current situation, goals and concerns. I find many perceive a sense of lost control while in a reclined position in a narrow chair, which makes them feel vulnerable. Because the mouth is a very sensitive area, fearful patients actually anticipate pain. These patients often need time to gain confidence in my commitment to their comfort.

While dental fear is not uncommon among adults, it can be overcome. Most fearful patients begin with Oral Sedation, which is taken prior to your arrival so you are relaxed from the very start. Once you are in the treatment chair, a staff member is continually by your side to monitor you with sophisticated equipment.

Numbing medications are provided once you are totally relaxed, so this part of the process causes no anxiety. You’ll be relaxed throughout your visit and likely won’t remember any part of treatment. Yet, afterwards, recovery is quick and you’ll feel refreshed.

If dental fears prevent you from a healthy, confident smile, remember that every journey begins with a first step. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We’ll meet and discuss your options so you can decide how you wish to proceed.