Latest From Southern Academy of Periodontics Meeting

Posted on Feb 14, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I recently attended the Southern Academy of Periodontics Winter Meeting (held in Charlotte, January 25-26). During this time, I attended clinical lectures that addressed the latest developments in helping patients achieve optimal periodontal health.

Dr. Robert Fazio, a Periodontist and Yale University Instructor, presented the latest on the best use of antibiotics in dentistry. This is of particular interest since inappropriate antibiotic use (typically over-use) has resulted in antibiotic resistant bacteria.  This makes it extremely difficult to treat patients who are periodontally compromised. Dr. Fazio also addressed the latest techniques to treat and prevent periodontitis (gum infections) and infections from dental implants.

Another interesting  program was “Global Diagnosis : A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.” This lecture provided the very best methods for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for patients referred by their Dentist or another Dental Specialist. By combining our skills and working as a team, we can each provide the best care for patients who need comprehensive care to maintain or replace teeth.

Show Your Thankfulness With A Smile

Posted on Nov 21, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At Thanksgiving time, we are reminded of all the things for which we have to be thankful. As American citizens, we’ve learned to never take for granted our many blessings. While you calculate all the things on YOUR “thankful list,” remember to include your smile!

Your smile is a major part of your facial appearance. We live in a country that offers exceptional techniques and materials so a smile can be recreated to give a more attractive appearance.

Your smile also reflects the “best of you” by showing your warmth, friendliness and kindness to others.

Your smile is the beginning of the pleasure of this country’s abundance of food. It is the first stage of your digestive process. Through biting, chewing and saliva’s role in the initial processing of food, your body can reap all the benefits of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.

Your smile allows you to speak, giving you the ability to pronunciate clearly.

Your smile is precious. Whether you are two or a hundred and two, it deserves the very best you can give it.

Your smile is as important to us as it is to you. Because you allow us to be a part of your smile’s well-being, we are especially thankful!

Never Too Old To Enjoy Dental Implants’ Benefits!

Posted on Aug 27, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If it seems you are surrounded by more older adults these days, you are! In 1900, only 4% of the population were age 65 and older. In 1990, this had jumped to 12.6%. By 2030, the projected numbers of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to be nearly 22% of the population.

Fortunately, older adults are now going to the dentist more. In 1983, the average number of dental visits per older adult was 1.5, the lowest for any reported age group. However, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that between 1983 – 89, there was a 30% increase by those aged 65 and older who were seeing the dentist on a regular basis.

This likely has much to do with the drop in total edentulism (having no natural teeth) for aging adults. According to the National Institute for Dental Research, there was a decrease of elderly adults who are missing all their natural teeth from 60% in 1957 to about 41% in 1986.

I recently read an article that shared predicted technologies and futuristic developments for ensuring the oral health of our population. One option stands out as fulfilling its task NOW at an exceptional level. Dental Implants continues to achieve their designed goals of recreating the presence of tooth roots and restoring one’s ability to bite, chew, eat, laugh, and speak confidently and comfortably.

The University of Kentucky and Sanders Brown Research Center on Aging included this statement in their report, Prevention: The Key to Retention A Look at Clinical Geriatric Dental Practice Now and in the 21st Century: “Implant technology has advanced to the point now that single tooth implants should be considered the first treatment option in many situations.”

Unlike options of crown-&-bridge combinations, Dental Implants do not compromise the health of adjacent teeth. As a matter of fact, their ability to preserve a healthy jaw bone structure and support proper alignment of neighboring teeth enhances the life of surrounding natural teeth.

Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people. As long as your Periodontist restores gum health, you’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants!

A Periodontist is the ideal member of your dental implant team. Not only do Periodontal Specialists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. For more information, call us at (828) 274-9440.