We Make Patient Safety A Priority

Posted on Mar 29, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I recently read an article about an Oklahoma City oral surgeon who has put over 7,000 patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV. This is shocking, especially since the majority of dentists adhere to very strict guidelines in the prevention of exposure to any and all risk factors.

Although the patients (all since 2007) were told by the Tulsa Health Department, “It should be noted that transmission in this type of occupational setting is rare,” this is very upsetting. This sends an alarm of worry out to people, many who are already terribly frightened of dental visits.

Please know that our heat sterilization process exceeds guidelines set forth by OSHA and the CDC. Additionally, all staff members are trained to administer patient care to the highest safety standards at all times, regardless of your procedure.

It is our goal to provide an exceptional experience at every visit. You can rest assured that your safety and comfort are top priorities at our office.

Dental Implant Placement & Sedation

Posted on Mar 11, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, we have a Dental Implant patient who does not want to “be put to sleep” during treatment.

In our office, we use oral sedation. In pill form, no needles are used to administer the medication and the recovery is quick. Oral sedation enables patients to feel refreshed rather than the ‘spaced out’ feeling that I.V. sedation (or ‘twilight sleep’) can leave, although it does have an amnesiac effect. Some patients tell us they remember hearing  voices, but most have no memory of the procedure at all.

While the amnesiac effect is an appealing advantage of sedation, sedation helps patients be more relaxed. Since many implant placement procedures require over an hour’s time in the treatment chair, sedation helps to eliminate after-treatment fatigue from muscle tension.

In addition to sedation, we apply numbing medications to the area being treated to create optimal comfort for patients. We never want any procedure we perform to be painful at any time, regardless of the addition of sedation.

We treat all patients with respect and a gentle touch. We are just as committed to comfort for patients who do not want to be sedated as we are for those who are. Our goal is to help each person achieve a restored mouth that is healthy. If we can accommodate specific requests, such as treatment without sedation, then we will do what will provide the safest, most comfortable and successful outcome.

Different Treatment Needed For Different Levels Of Gum Disease

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

The most appropriate treatment for periodontal (gum) disease depends on its level at the time of treatment. A Periodontist is trained to treat all types of gum disease in the manner that is least invasive. This can often be accomplished non-surgically.

For many types of gum disease, a non-surgical Scaling & Root Planing may be sufficient. This procedure is a careful cleaning of tooth root surfaces that removes plaque and calculus (tartar). It also smooths tooth roots, which removes bacterial toxins. Scaling & Root Planing is typically followed by application of anti-bacterial medications.

Although Scaling & Root Planing is an effective process for many patients, non-surgical periodontal treatment has limitations. When the level of periodontal disease requires more-intensive therapy, surgery may be needed to fully restore good oral health that can be maintained with the help of regular oral hygiene visits.

The stages of gum disease that require Scaling & Root Planing are those more extensive than Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. With professional treatment and rigorous oral home care, Gingivitis is normally reversible. Although the most common cause of Gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, other contributing causes are diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, substance abuse, certain medications, smoking, age, genetics, and some other diseases or conditions in the body.

As untreated Gingivitis progresses, Periodontitis begins. This occurs when plaque forms below the gum line. Because plaque is a hardened mass of bacteria, this bacterial onslaught produces toxins that inflame gum tissue.

Once toxins activate chronic inflammation, the body’s defense systems can no longer overcome the damage. Tissues and bone that support teeth are destroyed and gums begin to separate from the teeth. Bacterial pockets form between the teeth and become infected.

As Periodontitis progresses, the bacteria-filled pockets deepen and destroy more levels of gum tissue and bone. Amazingly, this damage can occur in many patients who experience only mild symptoms. This is why gum disease is often referred to as a ‘silent’ disease.

Periodontal surgical treatment, however, is deemed a surgical procedure because the Periodontist must make incisions in gum tissues to reach all areas where periodontal bacteria has penetrated. To ensure patients are relaxed and comfortable, they are typically sedated throughout the procedure.

This is why people who experience ANY symptoms of gum disease, or are told by their Dentist or Hygienist that it exists, should have immediate treatment. When caught early, treatment requires less time with less expense than surgical treatment needed for more advanced levels.

Begin New Year With Resolution You CAN Keep!

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

We all make New Year’s resolutions — exercise more, eat less sugar and more veggies, etc., etc. But, like many American adults, by mid-February we’re losing steam with our commitment. By the first of April, many of us have raised the proverbial white flag.

It’s not unusual for adults to have periodontal disease because dental fears have prevented them from receiving the dental care they need. So, here is a Resolution you can keep: Overcome your fear of dentistry! That’s right! You CAN do it and we’re here to help you! Here’s how …

• First, call us at (828) 274-9440. A friendly staff member will answer the phone and answer your questions. She can set up a consultation appointment for you if you’d like to meet personally with me.

• We’ll begin by conversing in our quiet consultation room, which is removed from the clinical side of the practice. We’ll sit in comfy arm chairs and I’ll explain the options we have available for patients with high fear or anxiety.

• After this visit, it’s up to you to decide how you wish to proceed. I can walk you to the clinical area and show you around. Or, I can introduce you to a few of our staff members who are experienced in caring for patients with dental fear.

Remember, the first step is in your hands. Let us help you with a New Year’s resolution you CAN keep!