Tackle Gum Disease Quickly To Save Time & Money

Posted on Aug 24, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say you noticed a spot on the door to your home that looked like termite damage. Because the results can be costly, you’d react quickly to have the problem resolved before the damaged progressed further. Right?

Then wouldn’t the same reaction be warranted when signs of gum disease appear?

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the care of oral gum tissues and the placement of dental implants. The majority of patients I see have periodontal (gum) disease that requires specialized treatment. Without this, tooth loss occurs as well as a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Often, the patients I treat were aware that something about their oral health wasn’t right. Perhaps they began having tender gums and noticed blood in the sink when brushing. Perhaps their gums receded, exposing sensitive, darker tooth root areas. Perhaps their breath was frequently bad, even shortly after brushing.

Sadly, the general population is more aware of the damage termites can cause than the destruction and heighten health risks associated with gum disease. However, the bottom line is this: When it comes to your smile, early care is the best way to save time and money required for more complex treatment later.

One of the reasons your dentist arranges your check-ups and exams is to remove built-up plaque (a hardened form of oral bacteria) and note areas that are at risk. Those who delay or avoid these visits thinking “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong” not only delay costs, they are actually adding to overall expenses that will eventually be required once something does hurt.

Think of your mouth as the front door of your home and oral bacteria as termites. (Except oral bacteria are far worse! Termites eat wood. Oral bacteria eat YOU!) Gum disease can be easily avoided with regular check-ups and a thorough oral hygiene routine at home (totaling about 5 mins. a day). Think of this commitment to your smile as money you keep!

If you suspect you may have any stage of gum disease, call our office at (828) 274-9440. Time is not on your side.

The Challenges Of Dentures

Posted on Jul 16, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At every age, it is important to stay socially active. Being involved with others is good for our overall well-being as it nurtures our innate need for community. So many social activities seem to include food as the centerpiece. When unstable dentures cause an individual to feel uneasy when eating or speaking, they begin to decline invitations due to fear of embarrassing slips or clicks.

A common complaint of long-time denture wear is the unstable fit. Even though a denture may have fit securely when first made, over time it will begin to move while eating. Biting and chewing contributes to uncomfortable rubbing. Just having nuts or seeds become trapped between the gums and denture can painfully pierce tender gum tissues.

Bone loss causes the fit of the denture to change due to an ever-shrinking jaw bone. This is the result of no longer having natural tooth roots in the jaw bone. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, it slowly shrinks, or resorbs.

Denture wearers can actually see the extent of bone resorption by looking in the mirror without their denture in place. They’ll likely see deep wrinkles around the mouth with the corners of their mouth turning downward, even while they smile. Jowls form as facial muscles release from the shrinking jaw. The mouth may appear to collapse into the face with the chin becoming more pointed.

Dentures can also make it difficult to eat a healthy diet. To avoid uncomfortable rubbing on tender gums from denture movement, people tend to transition to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily with minimal chewing. Unfortunately, these foods lack protein and fiber needed for good health. It is not surprising that denture wearers have higher incidences of gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than non-denture wearers.

To minimize ‘rocky dentures,’ relines may help, temporarily. However, modern dentistry offers a far better option that overcomes all the challenges of living with dentures – Dental Implants. Unfortunately, a denture’s cheaper price tag has kept many people stuck in the a miserable situation.

Dentures simply aren’t a good substitute for natural teeth. Although they may seem better than being without teeth, dentures actually contribute to a number of problems. The pressure of wearing dentures speeds up the rate of bone loss and, for those who sleep in their dentures, the pace of resorption is nearly double.

Dentures are an antiquated solution for tooth replacement. No adhesive or reline will ever make a denture a practical alternative for missing teeth. For today’s active adult, Dental Implants provide a dependable option that restores chewing stability and laughing confidence. And even though the cost is higher, for one’s overall health and well-being, they’re a bargain.

Today’s implant dentistry offers many options. Learn those that are best for your needs and budget in a Consultation appointment. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a time.

It May Be Obvious That You Wear Dentures

Posted on May 26, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I frequently place dental implants in patients who have been long-time denture wearers. Most want to be able to eat securely again, to chew and enjoy foods they have had to deny themselves because of “rocky dentures.” Some, however, most want their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence back.

My wife and I have a single friend who has recently begun internet dating. She shared an account of a “horrible evening,” one she said she “couldn’t get out of fast enough.” The man was nice looking, but Beverly noticed right away that the man had very thin lips. As they shared an appetizer, she then noticed he frequently tucked his upper lip under his upper teeth and would press his lips together. “I think he wore dentures,” Beverly added.

Obviously (to me – being aware of the typical habits of denture-wearing patients to keep dentures in place), the gentleman was trying to push his upper denture into position. The denture was apparently feeling loose as he ate, talked and laughed. Chances are he had absolutely no idea that he was doing this. Too, his denture may have been secure but he has developed a habit of doing this action.

A couple of generations ago, most adults assumed they would lose their teeth in old age and end up in dentures. Today we know better. Keeping natural teeth for a lifetime is a benefit to one’s overall health as well as an asset to our ability to feel confident socially and in close settings with others.

Think about what you may be doing unconsciously while wearing dentures. These actions indicate you are losing the foundation your denture was designed to conform. Without natural tooth roots, the ‘ridge’ that your denture curves around begins to flatten out. This is from bone ‘resorption.’ Unfortunately, the decline in bone mass will only continue. Thus, that denture will never fit well for very long, even after relines.

Dental implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, halting bone resorption. They serve as anchors to securely support teeth that can bite and chew the foods you love. You’ll regain a smile you are confident sharing and laugh without worry.

Regardless of your age, you are too young to live with the challenges caused by dentures. Look into the many options in today’s implant dentistry. You’ll likely find a type that fits your needs and your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation.

Before You Have A Crown-&-Bridge…

Posted on Apr 22, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Adults who are missing one or several natural teeth often consider a Crown-&-Bridge combination for replacement. This is possible when the area of missing tooth or teeth are bordered by existing natural teeth. The natural teeth are crowned so they can serve as supports for the bridge.

Many dental insurance plans cover some costs associated with Crown-&-Bridge combinations. This is primarily because Crown-&-Bridge treatment is, upfront, less costly than having teeth replaced with Dental Implants. Yet, the issues ‘down the road’ from Crown-&-Bridge can create far more challenges while Dental Implants actually save in costs, time in treatment, and the ability to enjoy your “new” teeth without worry.

Dental Implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots. Since they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, natural teeth are preserved. Additionally, Dental Implants will never need root canals or experience decay.

Not only do Dental Implants look and feel like your own teeth, they integrate into the structure of your bone. Through this, they help to prevent bone loss that frequently accompanies bridgework, partials and dentures.

Bone loss occurs when natural tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw bone. Without the stimulation of tooth roots, the bone begins to shrink over time. Bone loss can be seen through changes in facial appearance, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth and the corners of the mouth turning downward, even in a smile. Eventually, the mouth appears collapsed, creating a ‘granny look’ that makes you look far older than your actual age.

The success rate of Dental Implants is excellent. Properly selected, placed and maintained, this lifetime solution makes them a wise choice when it comes to tooth replacement. Since Periodontists specialize in gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, they have the knowledge, training and facilities to help replace teeth for a look and feel just like natural teeth.

When you compare Dental Implants to a bridge, consider the long-term advantages rather than initial costs. Because Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime, they are a wise investment. To arrange a consultation to discuss your needs, call (828) 274-9440.