Dental Fear Can Lead To Complex, Costly Problems

Posted on Oct 21, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that over 70% of American adults have some level of dental fear. Some are so afraid of dental visits that it interferes with their ability to have a healthy, confident smile. This is unfortunate, especially because people who feel good about their smile tend to smile more often. And, research has shown that smiling boosts one’s mood, self-esteem and self-confidence.

For those who have dental fears, achieving and maintaining a healthy, confident smile is a challenge. In many cases, we see patients who have developed periodontal (gum) disease or lost natural teeth because fear kept them from dental care. We understand that perceived pain can be just as real to some as actual pain. This is why we offer a number of comfort options, including Oral and I.V. Sedation (twilight sleep).

Both forms of sedation help patients relax before and throughout treatment while erasing most or all memory of the procedure afterward. With the help of sedation, many procedures are completed in just one or two visits.

Although some procedures require more than one appointment, our technology helps reduce treatment time while increasing your comfort level. For lengthier procedures, some patients combine several appointments into just one or two. With the help of sedation, they can enjoy total relaxation with a pleasant recovery afterward.

Not only does dental fear create delays in treatment for many, it can greatly increase the costs required for more complex treatment. For example, your 6-month exams and cleanings are structured to help you avoid problems in the first place and catch problems while they’re still small. Keeping gums healthy through regular care is a small investment when compared to the expenses to treat gum disease.

Today’s dentistry, in the right hands, should not hurt. In our office, we take great pride that many new patients with dental fear find that sedation is not necessary after a visit or so. This comes from developing a relationship of trust and helping the patient to know our commitment is to their comfort at every visit.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. If fear has kept you from regular dental visits, you likely have some form of gum disease. If not treated, this will only worsen. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Plus, the potent bacteria of gum disease has been shown to trigger systemic inflammation. This can create serious health problems far beyond the mouth.

Your Comfort Is Always A Priority

Posted on Sep 20, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, it’s not unusual to see a new patient who has developed gum disease because he or she was too afraid to go to a dentist for regular care. What’s truly sad about this is that, by the time they arrive at my office, far more extensive work is needed than that required for routine 6-month checkups and cleanings.

Our office is a judgement-free zone. This means that we do not lecture patients nor judge them for the state of their oral health. We understand that many people do the best they can at having a healthy mouth and circumstances aren’t always in their favor.

We also know that many people avoid dental care because of a deep rooted fear associated with dental visits. Much of this stems from a traumatic experience in the past, often with a dentist who was rough, too rushed or uncaring. This is a shame, especially since it can be the catalyst of otherwise healthy adults who end up suffering with oral decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

As a periodontal specialist, I try to help patients to understand that it’s not just their smiles that suffer when oral bacteria run rampant. Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory disease. This potent bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissues, triggering inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body.

The bacteria of gum disease has been associated with heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, memory loss, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, some cancers and impotency. As research continues, new correlations are revealed at an alarming pace.

Regardless of a patient’s fear level – or even patients with no dental fears – we make comfort a priority at every visit. In addition to standard relaxation and numbing measures, we offer oral and I.V. sedation.

Oral sedation is a pill form of sedation. It is taken prior to the patient arriving at our office. By the time the patient is seated in the treatment chair, they are typically in a fully relaxed state.

I.V. sedation, also known as ‘twilight sleep,’ is an in-the-vein sedation. This puts patients in a deeper, sleep state.

While both oral and I.V. sedation erase most (if not all) memory of the procedure afterward, oral sedation has a quicker recovery period. However, I.V. sedation puts the patient ‘under’ to a greater degree. With both, you are monitored by advanced equipment and trained staff members to ensure your safety and comfort.

Our goal is to make every visit for every patient one that is a pleasant experience. And our track record is very high in this regard. We like that our patients know that we want them to feel comfortable throughout each procedure.

If you have avoided dental care (or know someone who has) and wish to discuss concerns about comfort, please call 828-274-9440. You’ll find we have a friendly, caring staff and an office that’s structured to make your visit pleasant.

Oral Or I.V. Sedation

Posted on Jul 26, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whether a patient has fear or anxiety associated with dental visits or merely wishes to be more relaxed during a long procedure, sedation options can help greatly.

In our office, we offer oral or I.V sedation to accompany many procedures. While both are beneficial to quelling anxiety, tension, stress or even intense feelings of fear, each has its advantages as well as limitations.

For individual who have trouble relaxing in a dental chair or even feel anxious or fearful, oral sedation is often sufficient. The medication is in pill form and taken before the patient leaves their home. A companion will drive you to our office. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel very relaxed and groggy. A trained staff member will escort you to a treatment suite where you’ll be made comfortable.

Oral sedation’s intensity increases gradually, so by the time you are seated in the treatment chair, you should be very relaxed. The staff member will attach safety monitoring equipment and will check this carefully throughout your procedure.

Injections are given to sedated patients once they are fully relaxed and in a state near to ‘dozing.’ However, even in this state, a patient can respond to simple requests, such as “Turn a little more towards me.” While you’ll be able to respond, you likely won’t remember any of the procedure afterwards.

Once your procedure is completed, you’ll be monitored for a brief recovery period. A bonus of oral sedation is its quick recovery. After your companion returns you home, you may want a short nap but many patients are fine after several hours.

While oral sedation provides a very relaxed, near dozing state, I.V. sedation puts you in a complete sleep state. This is sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep.”  I.V. sedation is ideal for people with higher levels of fear or dental phobia. A dental phobic is an individual who has such deep-seated fear that just the thoughts of walking into a dental office causes sweating, crying or rapid heart rate.

I.V. sedation is delivered through an I.V. drip, or intravenously. It takes effect rather quickly and patients nod off within minutes. This is when numbing injections are administered and, once they’ve had time to take effect, treatment begins.

Typically, you’ll be able to respond to simple requests while under I.V. sedation. However, I.V. sedation generally erases all (or most) memory of treatment afterward. A few adults vaguely recall hearing a voice but most remember no part of their procedure. For patients with high fear, this is a desirable effect of the drug.

Once your companion returns you home, you’ll nap for a time. I.V. sedation does require a longer recovery time. After a nap, you may feel groggy or hazy for several hours but should start to regain your focus by that evening. You’ll be given post-op instructions that include cautions during recovery when sedation is used. Driving or using appliances or machinery is highly discouraged and can be dangerous to you and others.

Whether given oral or I.V. sedation, your comfort and safety is a priority at all times. And, while sedation is helpful when fear or anxiety exist, some people who have no fears at all request sedation for its ability to relax them during lengthy times in a dental chair.

Achieving a healthy, confident smile can occur in comfort! Never hesitate to ask us about comfort options if you feel these may help create a better experience during your treatment. Call 828-274-9440.

 

Problems Experienced When Jaw Bone Shrinks

Posted on Jul 05, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When natural teeth are lost, there are a number of ways to restore the appearance of your smile. However, there is only one way to maintain dependable, secure biting and chewing – Dental Implants. Here’s why…

Natural tooth roots provide stimulation to the jaw bone, which preserves its ability to maintain a healthy mass. When tooth roots are missing, the jaw bone loses the stimulation needed to keep blood flow active. Over time, this results in ‘resorption,’ or a decline in bone mass.

The resorption process causes the gum ridge to flatten. The pressure on the gum ridge from wearing dentures actually accelerates the rate of bone loss. For those who sleep in their dentures, this 24/7 pressure speeds the rate of bone loss even more.

When a denture is first made, it is designed to conform to the unique contours of the bone ‘arch’ where tooth roots were once positioned. The reason that denture wearers commonly experience movement or slips is because the denture’s foundation is shrinking. Even with the help of adhesives or pastes, this dwindling foundation means a denture is likely to move while eating.

A new denture may fit securely for the first five years. However, as the jaw bone continues to lose height, relines may help on a temporary basis. As bone loss continues, relines to your denture or partial will need to be done at more frequent intervals each time.

One year after natural teeth have been extracted, denture wearers average losing about 25 percent of this bone ridge. After three years, the average decline in bone is approximately 60 percent. Biting becomes risky. Chewing is more difficult. The biting force of natural teeth is about 250 lbs. while an average denture wearer is able to apply about 5 lbs. of force.

Want to see the extent of resorption you’ve experienced? Begin by looking in the mirror without your denture in place. Your mouth may appear sunken-in with your chin more pointed than before tooth loss. Other signs of bone loss include deep wrinkling around the mouth, the corners of the mouth turning downward (even when smiling), and jowls from the detachment of facial muscles.

There is a solution to the ongoing challenges of bone loss. Today’s implant dentistry offers excellent options to replace missing teeth and overcome the problems associated with bone loss (even when bone loss is severe). Implant systems such as All-On-4 can be positioned in minimal bone using just four implants. Placed at specific angles, All-On-4 can support a full, non-removable denture in minimal bone.

There are many reasons so many adults are now choosing Dental Implants for tooth replacement.  They halt the process of bone loss while restoring chewing comfort and confidence when speaking or laughing.

A Periodontist specializes in the treatment of gum tissues as well as the diagnosis and placement of Dental Implants. Although the failure rate of Dental Implants is rather low, having a successful outcome can greatly depend on the Doctor who selects and places your implants.

Begin with a consultation by calling 828-274-9440. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and discuss our many comfort options, including Oral and I.V. Sedation.