Proper Bite Alignment Necessary To Support Oral Health & Implant Success

Posted on Mar 27, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, I specialize in treating all stages of gum disease and perform a number of procedures that involve the gum tissues (including crown lengthening and repair of ‘gummy smiles‘). My specialty also includes advanced training in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants.

So, why would I be so concerned with bite alignment?

In my profession, I work with a number of general dentists and dental specialists. Together, we create a ‘team treatment’ approach designed to fulfill each patient’s unique oral wellness needs. While I do not provide orthodontic realignment services or claim to specialize in that area, I do understand the need for having properly aligned teeth.

I see a lot in an adult’s mouth that isn’t necessarily obvious to the patient, yet has a tremendous impact on overall oral health, especially in their potential to AVOID problems.

First, the position of the teeth is more important than how they come together and create an attractive smile. Teeth that become crowded or crooked tend to form tight angles that make it difficult for a toothbrush to get into.

These nooks can easily become breeding grounds for oral bacteria. The accumulation of oral bacteria can lead to the formation of cavities and the development of gum disease.

Also, know that each tooth helps to support neighboring teeth, providing an abutment to keep other teeth in their positions. This is why it is so important to replace a missing tooth.

Without it, the teeth on either side can tilt out of their proper positions. Additionally, the tooth above (or below) can grow longer. These abnormal positions of teeth can contribute to a number of issues.

When a bite is misaligned, gum recession can occur. This is due to the unnatural pull of the gums around the base of teeth. Without this tight seal, oral bacteria can more easily penetrate below the surface of the gum line. Bacteria that reaches tender tooth root segments can create decay and periodontal disease.

Another problem with improperly aligned teeth has to do with dental implants. A ‘bad bite’ can lead to problems that include night-time clenching and grinding. A dental implant is placed in the jaw bone, the same sturdy foundation as natural tooth roots enjoy. However, a newly placed implant can be put at dire risk when surrounding teeth are interfering.

A dental implant is placed in the jaw bone, which serves as a replacement tooth root. During the first 3 – 6 months, the bone is growing around it, securing it in place. It is during this time that an implant is most vulnerable to the forces that clenching and grinding exert.

However, all teeth are at risk when clenching and grinding occur – not just those attached to an implanted post. ‘Bruxing’ (as it is known) can lead to chipped, broken and fractured teeth. It can also transfer stress and strain to facial, neck and shoulder muscles.

A number of people who have frequent headaches and migraines are surprised to discover the originating source is actually their TMJ (jaw joints). This typically occurs when a bite is misaligned. This can lead to a domino effect that reaches these joints. As a matter of fact, ear ringing, dizziness and difficulty opening the mouth fully are common symptoms of TMJ disorders that people are often unaware.

So, as a periodontist, I see how bite misalignment can cause the gums to recede and also how the potential for implant success can be affected. Simply, a correct bite is necessary for good oral health. Having it can help you avoid a long list of problems.

If gum tenderness or bleeding gums seems to occur in the area of crooked teeth, then let’s evaluate the issue. Or, if you’re considering dental implants but suspect you clench or grind your teeth, we’ll discuss ways you can achieve your smile goals and protect your investment.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation.

 

The Problems Associated With Missing Back Teeth.

Posted on Aug 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you lose a back tooth, why replace it when the tooth isn’t visible?

Think of your teeth as you would a framed brick wall. Each brick is held securely in place by the unity of adjoining bricks. If you remove a brick or two, the others are vulnerable to shifting. While a seemingly minor issue at first, the stability of the wall is based upon how each brick relies upon the stability of the others. Much like your teeth do.

Your teeth are arranged in a carefully balanced configuration. Each tooth beside and above (or below) works in unison to provide proper support and stability. Losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of ongoing oral and structural problems.

In a normal, healthy mouth, there is a natural balance of teeth. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth. These include the adjacent teeth on either side as well as upper or lower teeth that meet them. Upper and lower teeth work together to provide comfortable chewing function.

The problems associated with missing teeth include teeth that lean, tilt or elongate. This creates the risk for chipped and broken teeth, worn teeth, and tooth fractures. It also contributes to an increased risk of gum disease and decay.

When teeth are not in proper alignment, there is also a risk of strain on the jaw joints (TMJ). This can lead to frequent headaches, migraines, night-time clenching and grinding, dizziness, sore jaw joints, ear ringing and jaw popping.

When a tooth is lost, statistics show a companion tooth is most likely be lost next. Then, the next closest tooth is subjected to the same conditions. With each tooth lost, the problems are magnified and the cycle of tooth loss continues.

You see, not only does a missing tooth leave remaining teeth vulnerable to shifting, the foundation of your jaw bone is compromised. When natural tooth roots are no longer present in the bone, it begins to decline in height. As the bone shrinks, neighboring teeth become vulnerable to problems, including tooth loss.

The best time to replace missing teeth is immediately after the tooth is lost or, ideally, at the time of removal. For tooth replacement, we recommend Dental Implants since they also preserve the integrity of the jaw bone. They provide a dependable foundation for biting and chewing and support the balance of surrounding teeth.

Replacement at the time of removable helps simplify placement and preserve the natural contours of the gum tissues that arch over each tooth.

If you are missing teeth, begin with a consultation. During this time, I’ll answer your questions and explain how Dental Implants support your oral health and prevent future problems. Call 828-274-9440.

Best To Replace Tooth With Dental Implant Promptly After Removal

Posted on Mar 23, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Even with the best of care, a tooth needs to be removed. Removal may be necessary because of an injury or break that extends below the gum line. Occasionally, removal is necessary when a tooth needs repair beyond what a crown can provide. When it is necessary to remove a tooth, there are several reasons to replace it immediately.

For many people, appearance is an important reason for placing an implant and crown right after tooth removal. Immediate replacement means they can avoid having an awkward and embarrassing gap in their smile. More importantly, however, is making sure that neighboring teeth are kept in their proper positions.

When an open area exists, the teeth on either side and the one above (or below) no longer have their reinforcement. The teeth on each side will tilt inward to the open area and the tooth above will grow longer. This begins a process of bite misalignment.

The delicate balance of upper to lower teeth is vital to your oral health, and beyond. A misaligned bite leads to cracked, broken, fractured or chipped teeth. Because an improper bite places strain on the jaw joints (TMJ), it can lead to frequent headaches, migraines, worn teeth (from grinding or ‘bruxing’), sore or popping jaw joints, difficulty opening the mouth fully, ear ringing, dizziness and sore facial muscles.

Before other teeth can move, it is wise to replace the tooth. As a lasting solution to a missing tooth, many adults choose to replace it with a dental implant immediately following removal. In addition to helping neighboring teeth hold their proper positions, another advantage is the prevention of bone loss. By inserting an implant immediately after a tooth is removed, you minimize the risk of bone loss, or ‘resorption.’

The process of resorption is when a tooth root is no longer present in the jaw bone. Because tooth roots stimulate and nurture the bone, their absence leads to bone shrinkage over time.  The declining foundation of bone places adjacent teeth at the greatest risk of being the next to be lost. This tends to set off a domino effect. Statistics show that the next tooth you’ll lose will be the next tooth in line.

Another benefit of immediate implant placement is the preservation of natural gum contours. Within days of having a tooth removed, the natural arch of gum tissue and the ‘points’ of gum tissue that dips between the top of each tooth will start to flatten. Placing an implant promptly following tooth removal helps to preserve the natural contours of your gum tissues. And the gums provide a natural frame for teeth, offering both esthetic appeal and protection.

Immediate replacement is also beneficial when two (or several) teeth in a row are missing. Because implant treatment fees are largely based on the number of implants placed, having one implant support a bridge of teeth saves you money while also preserving natural gum contours.

Additionally, since the positions for an implant (depth, angle, etc.)  in your jaw bone is already at proper dimensions, placing an implant following removal greatly simplifies treatment time, healing and procedural requirements.

To discuss immediate placement implants or any type of dental implant, call 828-274-9440. As a Periodontist, I have advanced training and skills in the diagnosis and placement of all types of implant systems. Begin with a consultation to discuss the implant best for your needs, the implant process and associated fees.

Why Replace A Back Tooth That’s Not Visible In A Smile?

Posted on Dec 22, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A great smile is always a welcome sight. It reflects a positive side of one’s personality and projects a warmth that is often contagious!

When a tooth is missing that’s visible in a smile, however, it sends a negative message. People tend to associate a gap in a smile with lower standards. In one study, 200 participants ages 19 to 50 were shown photographs of smiling individuals, some whom were missing a tooth or teeth. The participants ranked the people in the photos on attractiveness, health, education, satisfaction with life, social life, intelligence, and other traits.

The findings of the study (published by the National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18556899) suggested a person missing visible teeth was more negatively perceived on all social traits than a person with a full smile.

When a back tooth is missing and not visible in a smile, some people perceive that it’s not necessary to replace it. Although it can’t be seen, your back teeth have an important role in your oral well-being. A big one.

Each tooth helps to keep other teeth in their proper positions. When an empty space exists beside a tooth or above (or below), the neighboring teeth tilt out of proper alignment. The teeth on each side tilt and the tooth above or below grows longer.

What occurs as a result is a domino effect. Since the teeth are now misaligned, they meet other teeth without the harmonious fit they were designed to have. Thus, the result is often chips, cracks or broken teeth. But, it can get worse.

When a bite becomes misaligned, the jaw joints react. These joints (referred to as TMJ) can become strained and stressed as a result of bite misalignment. This can lead to night-time clenching and grinding as the jaw moves around trying to find a harmonious position.

Clenching and grinding can result in frequent headaches, migraines, dizziness, ear ringing, worn teeth, sore jaw joints and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Because many of these symptoms are not always perceived to be related to bite misalignment, people are often mis-diagnosed.

While all these issues can easily be avoided by replacing a missing tooth, how it is replaced is also important. When a tooth is replaced by a crown-&-bridge combination, the teeth on each side must be crowned to serve as supports for the replacement tooth (or teeth). To shave down otherwise healthy teeth for the sole purpose of supporting a bridge is not necessary with Dental Implants.

Dental Implants are positioned in the jaw bone, recreating the presence of a tooth root. This gives your replacement tooth (or teeth) the same dependable foundation that your natural teeth have. Too, the presence of the implant in the bone helps you avoid the bone loss that occurs when tooth roots no longer exist in the jaw.

Another bonus of Dental Implants is their “one and done” appeal! Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime, making them an excellent investment. Additionally, implants will never require root canals, cavity repair or other work traditionally associated with crown-&-bridge.

The best time to have a Dental Implant placed is when the tooth or teeth are extracted. This way, implant placement can be a simple process since the insertion point is already prepared. A Periodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in the selection of the implant type best suited for you as well as specific expertise in placement.

If you’re missing a back tooth or teeth, let’s discuss replacing them before you endure a lengthy list of repercussions. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation.