Bacteria In Gums Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on Feb 23, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There is a commercial on television for a nail fungus treatment. To illustrate its presence, the fungus is portrayed by a nasty-looking cartoon character. The ‘creature’ is representative of living cells that decompose nutrients. Although it is a viewer-friendly way to think of nail fungus, fungi are actually ugly and destructive.

As a Periodontist, I wish there was a similar illustration for oral bacteria. In my specialty, I see just how devastating bacterial accumulation in gum tissues can be. However, the American population is still widely unaware of the destructive effect this can have on one’s overall health and well-being, not to mention their smile.

When an individual cuts himself, he will wash the cut and bandage it. This prevents bacteria from creating an infection that can become serious, even deadly. Yet, when a person’s gums are bleeding from a simple act as brushing teeth, this warning sign of gum disease is often ignored, even thought of as normal.

Think of bacteria as living creatures in your mouth – because they are! Bacteria are micro-organisms that feed on your tissues. They reproduce in your mouth and even create waste! Oral bacteria destroy gum tissues and attack supporting bone. Untreated gum disease will result in eventual tooth loss.

Yet, the damage of gum disease bacteria doesn’t stop with your smile. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body. Research has linked gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and even impotency.

If you see blood in the sink while brushing, it’s anything but normal. Remember that this symptom represents an enormous colony of ugly little creatures who’ve claimed your mouth as their home. Then, vow to react. Ridding yourself of oral bacteria can be done comfortably and affordably with early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a thorough examination. Your smile will thank you and you’ll be safe-guarding your overall health as well.

“Like Getting My Natural Teeth Back”

Posted on Dec 16, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth available. They recreate a dependable biting strength and chewing stability. You can laugh, kiss and even sneeze without worry. And, there is nothing soaking in a glass at night!

When a patient completes dental implant treatment, I often hear, “I feel like I have my natural teeth again.” What I don’t hear are complaints about the cost. The vast majority enthusiastically say, “This is the best investment I ever made.”

Life with dentures that slip or click, prevent you from eating a healthy diet, and create fear of embarrassment is an unfortunate way to go through each day. When people eat healthy foods and feel socially confident, they tend to live more vibrant lives.

If you’ve thought about dental implants, let’s talk about your options and discuss payment plans. For a consultation, call us at (828) 274-9440 to learn the types that are best suited for your needs and have your questions answered thoroughly.

Dental Insurance Should Not Dictate Your Oral Health Decisions

Posted on Dec 09, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A few decades ago, dental insurance was rarely part of health care coverages. This may have been because many adults did not deem dental care support as a necessary part of their overall health and well being. With the vast amount of research and studies on how dental wellness contributes to overall health, our population is more educated on its benefits.

Today, many businesses include dental care coverage in their insurance packages. The positive effect of this is it has expanded access to more individuals for regular exams, cleanings and occasional repairs (fillings, crowns, etc.).

What has ‘gone wrong’ with how some perceive dental insurance is their unquestioned acceptance of its limitations. For example, if an individual needs treatment for gum disease to help them save teeth and rid inflammatory bacteria, unless the insurance company deems it ‘necessary,’ it isn’t covered and the patient postpones treatment, which simply enables the disease to progress.

Another example is a cracked tooth. When your dentist recommends crowning a fractured tooth before it can break below the gum line (which will require its removal), if coverage limitations have not been met for the year, some will postpone the procedure. I can’t tell you how many dental implants I’ve placed because a patient said their dental insurance wouldn’t cover the crown until the next year and the tooth broke before those benefits kicked in.

Insurance companies are for-profit firms. It does not behoove them to spend more on your dental health to help you avoid problems in the future. As a matter of fact, most coverages are designed to merely ‘help’ with basic dental needs. Just because your coverages are exhausted for the year or coverage for a procedure your dentist recommends is denied doesn’t mean you should not proceed with proactive measures to protect your dental well-being.

Before you decline a recommended procedure, discuss your coverage with your dentist or his/her financial coordinator. Ask about risks of delaying the procedure or if it can be done in stages to be more in line with your particular coverage. Also, ask about payment options. Many dental offices offer financial plans that are interest-free with no down payment required.

Let your dental health – your terrific smile – be guided by decisions that are in your best interests rather than the bottom line of an insurance company.

 

Having Teeth Pulled Will NOT Solve Dental Problems

Posted on Nov 20, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I see patients on a fairly regular basis who feel like there is a revolving door at their dentist’s office. No matter how often they go, another need soon arises that requires treatment. Having their teeth pulled and wearing dentures can seem like their only solution.

Most patients who have this issue have some underlying gum problems. Many adults are unaware that the problems they experience in their mouths originate with oral bacteria. This bacteria is what creates the sticky film in the mouth that forms plaque. Plaque destroys healthy enamel and eats away at gum tissues. Under the surface, the bacteria attacks gum tissues that support tooth roots.

At first, gum disease has no symptoms. However, once the disease is running rampant, you’ll notice persistent bad breath, swollen areas of gums around teeth, gums that bleed easily when you brush and receded gums that expose tender tooth roots.

Not only does oral bacteria create problems in the mouth, it can become bloodborne through tears in gum tissues, traveling to other parts of the body. It can trigger an inflammatory reaction that is so harmful, it has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, preterm babies, diabetes and memory loss.

If you feel you are always in the dental chair, begin with a periodontal examination by a Periodontal Specialist. This specialist is trained to diagnose and treat all stages of gum disease and restore your mouth to a healthy state. Once this is done, missing teeth should be replaced, preferably with dental implants.

Although dental implants are initially more expensive than dentures or partials, they are a far wiser investment. Designed to last your lifetime, dental implants do not require the support of neighboring teeth. This means that crowning natural, adjacent teeth for the sole purpose of supporting a bridge or partial is not necessary. Additionally, dental implants do not contribute to bone loss of the jaw bones, which is common with wearing dentures.

Finally, ensure remaining teeth are optimally healthy with the help of a skilled dentist. He or she will structure a thorough program of maintenance and make repairs to eliminate the pattern of ‘patch-&-fill’ dentistry that creates a frustration for your life, and your smile.

Most dental offices offer financial options that enable you to make affordable payments while enjoying the benefits of a healthy, confident smile. The commitment of achieving a worry-free mouth will provide lifelong rewards, including a smile that gives you daily pleasure!

Begin with a consultation and periodontal exam. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.