Are Dental Implants Worth The Cost?

Posted on Jan 29, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a periodontal specialist, I have advanced training in treating all stages of periodontal (gum) disease as well as in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants.

Over the years, I’ve seen exceptional developments in both areas. As research reveals more about the importance of having good oral health and the ability to bite and chew comfortably and securely, the adult population is taking note.

In some of my prior articles, I’ve addressed the correlation between the bacteria of gum disease and systemic inflammation. I’ve also mentioned the problems – both physiological and psychological – related to missing teeth, and primarily with wearing dentures and partials.

Losing teeth means their tooth roots are no longer held by the jaw bone. Without their presence, the jaw bone lacks the stimulation and nourishment needed to maintain a healthy mass. This leads to bone resorption. Simply put, this term describes a ‘melting away’ process of the bone where tooth roots no longer exist.

Not only do dental implants restore a sturdy, dependable foundation for replacement teeth, they recreate the presence of tooth roots. This halts the process of resorption and helps the jaw bone to retain it’s mass.

Why is the size of the jaw bone important?

When the jaw bone shrinks, the ability to bite and chew comfortably is compromised. The bone is also more susceptible to breaks and fractures. Another problem occurs with changes in facial appearance that are aging far beyond one’s actual years.

For example, as the jaw bone shrinks, facial muscles detach and jowls form. Deep wrinkling occurs around the mouth and the corners of the mouth turn downward, even in a smile. The chin becomes more pointed and moves closer to the nose. The mouth appears ‘sunken in,’ creating a ‘granny look.’

With all the positive aspects of dental implants, what keeps some adults from this ideal tooth replacement option?

In most cases, we find the only deterrent is the cost of implant treatment. Since treatment fees are all ‘up front,’ some people feel the expense is more than they can manage. Yet, there are payment plans that can help break implant fees into affordable monthly payments. Too, I like to remind patients about the life of a dental implant.

When properly selected, placed and maintained, dental implants should last your lifetime. Additionally, you’ll be able to bite and chew the foods you love without worrying about uncomfortable rubbing or embarrassing slips. You’ll also enjoy everyday pleasures, such as speaking, laughing and being close with others.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) also addresses the importance of dental implants from an oral health standpoint (https://www.aaid-implant.org/about-dental-implants/dental-implant-costs-3-things-you-need-to-know/):

“Dental implants may also offer better oral health-related quality of life compared with other tooth replacement options. This is related to the bonding of the implant with your jawbone – it can be more important than you might realize. Yes, it reduces the slipping associated with dentures, but just as importantly, it stimulates healthy bone formation. In contrast, dentures and other non-implant options can lead to bone loss over time as the body senses that the tooth is missing. In addition, while dentures may allow food to wedge in between the gums and the denture itself, dental implants behave like natural teeth.”

Rather than assume dental implants are out of reach monetarily, arrange a consultation appointment to discuss the fees as they would apply to YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. There are many different types of implants and the one best suited for you may come at less cost than you realize.

I also find that people have misconceptions when it comes to implants. For instance, some assume that an implant is needed for each missing tooth. In fact, one implant can hold a bridge of several teeth and several strategically-placed implants can secure a full arch of teeth.

Let’s discuss your needs and goals according to a process that will enable you to enjoy the advantages of dental implants within a realistic budget. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a private consultation.

Oral Health For Adults – Latest On Dementia And Alzheimer’s

Posted on Jan 16, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

These days, it’s not unusual to open the refrigerator and wonder to myself, “Now, what was I going to get?” Or, to get halfway up the stairs only to realize I’d forgotten what I was headed up for.

Quite frankly, most busy adults have the same things occur from time to time. Our minds become so preoccupied that our focus on one thing is quickly shoved aside by other things that are hovering around, calling out for attention.

While I can laugh with my friends about these happenings (since they experience similar things from time to time), for a percentage of aging adults in the U.S., this forgetfulness has no humor in it.

In the United States alone, 4 to 5 million adults are said to suffer with dementia. While this is a concern, a 2016 article in the New York Times shared how American adult dementia rates are actually declining – from 11.6 percent (in 2000) to 8.8 percent.

Too, the average age of being affected by dementia has risen from 80.7 years to 82.4 years. (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/health/dementia-rates-united-states.html) This is good news, although it fails to take into account the rising percentage of Alzheimer’s sufferers.

According to a 2017 report put out by the Alzheimer’s Association, “As the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continue to increase, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias will grow. This number will escalate rapidly in coming years, as the population of Americans age 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 48 million to 88 million by 2050.”

https://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2017-facts-and-figures.pdf

Remembering that the first of those categorized in the baby boom generation turned 70 in 2016, there is a dire concern among the medical and dental communities surrounding the overwhelming needs of these individuals. Constant home care, frequent doctor visits and overseeing their unique needs as each declines in the ability to care for themselves.

The link between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to oral health is revealing itself more and more through research. In one study shared by Reuters, a research team at the Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung City examined patients ages 50 and over who suffered with long-term periodontitis (advanced gum disease). The goal was to determine if this could cause a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Although no direct link between periodontitis and Alzheimer‘s was found, they did note that people who had gum inflammation for 10 years or longer had a 70 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those without periodontitis.

The results rang true even after adjustments were made for factors that could influence the onset of Alzheimer‘s, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-alzheimers-gum-disease/long-term-gum-disease-linked-to-alzheimers-disease-idUSKCN1AX2F0)

As a periodontist, one of the greatest challenges I see is how periodontal disease can exist for years without an individual realizing its presence. For example, when some adults see blood in the sink when they brush, they assume it’s because they’re doing a good job. In reality, this is NOT a good thing and actually an initial symptom of gum disease.

Other signs and symptoms are tender gums, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums that pull away from teeth (receded gums) and expose darker areas of a tooth (these are actually sections of your tooth root), and gums that darken in color to red rather than a healthy pink.

As gum disease worsens, pus pockets form and teeth may start to loosen as the bone structures that support them are destroyed by this destructive oral bacteria. Eventually, some teeth may require removal.

It is estimated that over 47 percent of American adults have some level of gum disease. Therefore, it’s no surprise that gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

While these symptoms sound pretty severe, it’s amazing how many new patients I see tell me they haven’t noticed any obvious symptoms. And, a great many patients are totally unaware of what symptoms are associated with gum disease.

Protect your smile, your overall health and that of your loved ones. Be proactive when it comes to your oral health and share this information with others. The potent, infectious bacteria of gum disease should be deemed downright dangerous to your health. Yet, you can easily avoid gum disease with a committed oral hygiene routine at home and regular dental check-ups.

If you haven’t been diligent in your oral health in the past, we’re here to help. Call 828-274-9440 to begin with a thorough periodontal examination. If periodontal disease is found to exist, we’ll determine a treatment plan to help you achieve excellent oral health. From there, we’ll create an individualized care program so you can maintain your oral health between visits.

 

 

 

What’s Keeping You From Dental Visits?

Posted on Jan 10, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You know how stressful it can be to go to the Ophthalmologist and have that puff of air shot into each eye. While it’s a necessary part of an annual eye exam, it tends to be the most dreaded part of the appointment, even moreso than having our eyes dilated.

Although a puff of air in our eye is not going to cause pain, going to the dentist, for some, creates an anticipation of pain. Even for visits that do not require numbing, some patients perceive pain to the extent that they actually feel it.

We see these patients all the time. In my office, we provide the specialized dental services of periodontal therapy (for treating all stages of gum disease) and dental implant diagnosis and placement. And, we stay pretty busy.

It is estimated that over 47 percent of American adults have some level of gum disease. (https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm) Because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, our day involves a full schedule of treating gum disease and replacing teeth.

There are a number of reasons that people avoid dental visits, ranging from not understanding the importance of these visits (assuming “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong”) to having limited funds. While it may seem that most adults avoid regular dental care because of dental fear, that’s just one of the reasons.

In a 2014 survey of 965 respondents (published by the American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIBrief_1114_1.ashx), the top three reasons for not seeing a dentist on a regular basis were cost, not feeling a visit was needed, and not having the time.

For me, this shows a nonchalant attitude among our adult population when it comes to the importance of oral health. Research has already linked the bacteria of gum disease to serious health issues. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, erectile dysfunction and some cancers. Research is now delving into the connection between this bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease. Why is oral health still a low priority with so many?

Although Americans love the look of a bright, white smile, the health of your gums is far more important than the shade of your teeth. Just because “nothing hurts” doesn’t mean an individual has a healthy mouth.

I believe the misconception of the value of healthy gums is partly due to the silent development of gum disease. For example, an early warning sign is seeing blood in the sink when brushing, yet many people assume that’s normal or even a sign they’re doing a good job.

One of the reasons that pancreatic cancer is so deadly is that, by the time symptoms become obvious, the disease is so far along that treatment is rarely effective. The same is true for oral cancer, which has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. While regular screenings are advised for colon, breast, uterine, prostrate and skin cancers, the simple and inexpensive path to maintaining a healthy smile hasn’t been given nearly enough publicity.

Losing teeth is no small issue. When natural tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink, or resorb. This thinning jaw bone leads to a number of problems, including changes in facial appearance as well as a compromised ability to properly bite and chew.

If the eyes are the ‘windows to the soul,’ the mouth is the door to the body. Taking good care of your gums will help you keep your natural teeth and avoid the risks associated with the potent bacteria of gum disease.

This year, be determined to improve your overall health by being committed to good oral health. See your dentist twice this year and discuss an at-home oral hygiene routine that will help you maintain a healthy smile between visits.

If you are experiencing any of the following signs of gum disease, call 828-274-9440 for an examination as soon as possible. Gum disease only worsens without treatment. Watch for: sore gums that bleed when brushing, swollen gums, gums that pull away from teeth and expose tender tooth root areas, persistent bad breath, and gums that darken to a red color.

 

 

 

 

 

Dental Problems Only Worsen With Delay In Care

Posted on Jan 03, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

“Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.” – Thomas Jefferson

The quote by Thomas Jefferson, today, would probably include modern terms such as “be proactive,” or “take charge of your to-do’s.” But any way we say it, the meaning is basically the same: Take care of things while they’re small so they don’t become bigger problems.

As a periodontal specialist, I’ve seen a great many patients who have lost their teeth because they didn’t take a few minutes a day to brush their teeth. They also felt they could avoid their 6-month dental checkups because “nothing hurts.” Yet, while in treatment for gum disease or having dental implants placed, the majority share the same regrets, that they didn’t take the small steps needed for prevention.

When an oil light comes on in our vehicle, we know there are costly consequences to ignoring it. When a ceiling shows signs of a leaky roof, we know that letting it go can lead to serious damage. When an appliance starts making a funny noise, we know to tend to it before it goes on the blink.

Then why don’t adults know to act – and be proactive – when it comes to their dental health?

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported that only 64 percent of American adults had a dental visit in 2015. That leaves a third of our nation’s adults with oral wellness that is at risk. It’s no wonder that an estimated 47 percent of adults have some level of periodontal disease.

New Year’s resolutions often include weight loss, getting more exercise, and eating healthier. These are made to achieve a healthy body. Yet, the mouth is not only part of the precious body we are given, it plays a major role in our overall health.

Your mouth is far more than part of your facial appearance. It provides the first stage of the digestive process. As you chew, saliva flow brings in oral acids that help break foods down even before you swallow. The phrase your grandmother said, “Chew your food well,” was wise advice. The chewing process gives food time to be digested more efficiently.

However, research over the past few decades has revealed how our oral health integrates to a much greater extent with our overall health. It has been found that the bacteria of gum disease can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream. This bacteria has been linked to a number of serious health problems.

The bacteria of gum disease can create inflammatory triggers that have been correlated to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, preterm babies, arthritis, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Research is underway to study strong indications of its links to Alzheimer’s disease. Obviously, this is potent bacteria that should be acknowledged as serious.

Tooth loss is no picnic. Just ask long-time denture wearers. Losing tooth roots means the bone that once supported them begins to shrink. This bone loss is a slow but continual process, which is why a denture that fit when first made begins to slip and move. As the ‘ridge’ the denture was designed for flattens, adhesives will be of minimal help. Eventually, even relines won’t help much.

As a periodontist, my specialty also includes the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Dental implants are held by the jaw bone, just as natural teeth, so they restore biting and chewing stability and halt bone loss. However, it is so much easier and far less expensive to care for natural teeth and avoid tooth loss in the first place.

I’ve had many dental implant patients tell me, “If I could turn back time, I’d have taken much better care of my teeth.” When they learn that their implants will need to be cared for even better than natural teeth, they enthusiastically agree to “do what it takes.” Losing teeth the first time was hard enough. Losing their dental implants would be worse.

Your smile is an expression of who you are from the inside out! I hope 2018 brings you many smiles and much laughter. Take good care of your smile and be committed to a thorough oral health routine at home. Have twice-a-year dental checkups and follow the advice of your dentist and hygienist carefully. Drink plenty of water and limit sweets. (Your waistline will thank you, too!)

Happy 2018 to you and yours!