Local Periodontist Says You Should Make Every Effort to Save Your Natural Teeth

Adairsville, GA – 10/6/2011 – Despite the increasing popularity and incidence of dental implants, Leroy B Alford DDS, a practicing periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says when faced with tooth loss as a result of periodontal disease, every effort should be made to save your natural teeth.

Dr. Alford stresses the importance of considering all periodontal treatment options, especially when it comes to invasive procedures such as tooth extraction and dental implant placement.

“There is a widespread misconception that extraction along with implant placement is quicker and more convenient than undergoing routine periodontal therapy that can actually save a patient’s natural teeth,” explains Dr. Alford.

Traditional periodontal treatment, including non-surgical and surgical techniques, has high success rates. It has also been shown that periodontal procedures such as implant placement, when not followed by good professional and at-home care, will often fail.

“Implants are not a no-maintenance alternative to natural teeth,” says Dr. Alford. “Many people don’t realize that dental implants, like natural teeth, require regular oral hygiene like tooth brushing, flossing and routine check-ups to prevent implant failure.”

Natural tooth preservation is now more attainable than in the past. For example, recent scientific advances in regeneration have made restoring lost gum and bone tissue more predictable.

However, if a natural tooth cannot be saved, dental implants do provide a useful solution. “Dental implants are able to restore the function and aesthetics lost when a tooth is deemed hopeless,” says Dr. Alford. “With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.”

Dr. Alford encourages patients to discuss all treatment options with his or her dental professional. “When a tooth may be lost due to periodontal disease, it is crucial that a clinically-proven approach is taken. Your dentist or periodontist should work with you to determine the best possible course of treatment for your particular case.”

For more information on dental implants or tips on how to prevent gum disease, visit www.perio.org.

About the AAP:

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400 members worldwide.

It is estimated that 30 million people in the US have no teeth. This year the first of the Baby Boomers turn 65. Ninety percent of the denture patients are unhappy with the fit of their dentures due to continuous bone loss from wearing dentures.

We are pleased now to be able to offer patients a minimally invasive implant system to secure loose dentures.

The typical patient has a loose denture due to bone loss and is embarrassed to eat or laugh in public. They have too little money, time and bone for traditional implants. They also only see their dentist when the denture becomes too loose to tolerate.

The benefit of a Mini Dental Implant retained denture is the immediate improved quality of life. You can talk, laugh and eat foods you love in public without worry of embarrassment. Many patients tell us that this is the best thing they ever did!

MDI implants are implants with smaller diameter (less than 3.0 mm). They are a one piece design and are indicated for long term use in full denture stabilization and partial denture stabilization.

There is a minimally invasive surgical protocol with an overall 94% success rate.

Patient satisfaction greatly improved after placement of Mini Dental Implants!

On a scale of 1-10, 30 patients rated life before and after MDI implants.

(As per ASPECT)

We have had wonderful success with traditional implants supporting dentures in the lower jaw. No one should ever wear a lower denture without implant attachment and support. We are now pleased to add MDI Implants to our treatment options.

There are advantages and limitations.

Advantages of Mini Implants:

•       Less expensive than full size implants

•       Minimally invasive surgery

•       Short surgery experience

•       Patients can eat after the surgery

•       Sometimes a patient can have mini implants when the larger implants

          can’t be placed successfully

•       They may not require sutures or long recovery periods.

Disadvantages of Mini Implants:

•       Mini implants are not a long-term solution

•       Non-removable fixed dentures are not an option with mini implants

•       They are less stable than regular implants

•       They can only be used on the lower area

The best long-term option is two full 4-5 mm dental implants, however

the cost is higher.

Tobacco users often have deeper pockets than people who do not use tobacco. These pockets can then fill with more bacteria, which leads to more inflammation. If the infected pockets are left untreated, the gums may shrink away from the teeth, making teeth appear longer and possibly causing them to become loose and fall out. 

The detection of  periodontal disease is often more difficult in tobacco users. This is because the nicotine and other chemicals found in tobacco products can hide the symptoms commonly associated with periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums. Since the detection of periodontal disease in tobacco users can be difficult, necessary treatment is sometimes delayed. 

 Treating periodontal disease in tobacco users can be a difficult task, but not an impossible one. Smoking and tobacco use reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gingival tissues, weakening the body’s defense mechanisms. This can slow down the healing process and make periodontal treatment results less predictable. For example, dental implants that are placed in a tobacco user’s mouth fail more often than they would in a patient who does not use tobacco. Additionally, the actual treatment of periodontal disease can vary widely depending on how far the disease has progressed. If caught in the early stages, simple nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be used. 

Because the treatment of periodontal diseases can be more difficult in tobacco users, your periodontist will urge you to quit your tobacco use. Quitting seems to gradually erase the harmful effects of tobacco use on periodontal health. One study showed that 11 years after quitting, a former smoker’s likelihood of developing periodontal diseases was not much different from one who had never smoked. And with the increasing amount of research indicating that periodontal health may be related to overall health, reducing your risk of periodontal disease is more important than ever. Start taking aim at quitting your tobacco use today and move one step closer to a lifetime of periodontal health and happy smiles!

A procedure called “socket preservation” is sometimes needed to preserve bone and minimize bone loss adjacent to a tooth that has been removed. One common technique is to fill the socket with bone or bone substitute and allow the bone to heal for approximately four to twelve months before implant placement. 

“Ridge modification” may be needed if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant. This bone loss could be caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, injury, or trauma. During this procedure, bone or bone substitute is added where needed to ensure a proper foundation for implants. Your bone usually needs four to twelve months of healing time before placing implants. 

“Sinus augmentation” may be needed to place implants in the upper back jaw, where your bone is very close to your sinus. In this procedure, the sinus floor is raised so there is more room for new bone to grow to provide a proper foundation for implants. After four to twelve months of healing time, you will be ready to have your implants placed. All of these procedures have been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come. 

What are the advantages of an implant over a bridge or denture? 

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:

• Maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that the adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge. When replacing multiple teeth, bridges and partial dentures rely on support from adjacent teeth, while implant supported bridges do not.

 • Maintain bone health. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, your jawbone is better preserved. Implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep your bone healthy and intact. With a bridge or denture, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth starts to deteriorate.

 • Long-term benefits. In the long term, implants are esthetic, functional, and comfortable. On the other hand, gums and bone can recede around a bridge or denture which leaves a visible defect, deteriorated bone from bridges and dentures can lead to a collapsed and unattractive smile, and cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that are anchoring the bridge. Finally, removable dentures can move around in your mouth, reducing your ability to eat certain foods.

If you think or know you have one of the inflammatory conditions listed below, it is important to talk with both your physician and a dental health professional, such as a periodontist, to help reduce your risk of further disease progression. Dental professionals and medical professionals will often work together to manage their patients living with, or at risk for, the following diseases:

Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading killers of men and women each year. Research has shown that inflammation is a major risk factor for developing CVD, and that people with periodontal disease may have an increased risk for CVD. Though more research is needed to better understand the connection between periodontal disease and CVD, don’t be surprised if your periodontist asks you about your heart health or if your cardiologist or physician asks you about your periodontal health.

Diabetes

Periodontal disease can be a complication of diabetes. Researchers have found that people with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. However, the risk isn’t just one way; people with periodontal disease may find it more difficult to control their blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk for diabetic complications. If you are living with diabetes, it is crucial that you pay close attention to your periodontal health.

Pregnancy Complications

Studies have shown that women with periodontal disease may be at an increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as delivering a preterm or low birth weight baby. More research is needed to determine the exact relationship, but expectant mothers should consider having a periodontal evaluation to ensure that their periodontal health is at its best. Respiratory Diseases Research has suggested that bacteria found in the mouth can be drawn into the respiratory tract and cause an inflammatory response in the lungs, commonly known as pneumonia. In addition, periodontal disease may also worsen existing chronic lung conditions. Anyone with lung or respiratory problems should consider a complete oral health examination to determine if gum disease is present. Since periodontal disease has been shown to have a connection with other chronic diseases, you should try to keep your teeth and gums healthy. First, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss your teeth at least once each day. Additionally, you should receive a comprehensive periodontal exam each year from your general dentist or your periodontist. Doing so can help ensure that your periodontal health is at its best, which can help keep your entire body healthy.

Respiratory Diseases

Research has suggested that bacteria found in the mouth can be drawn into the respiratory tract and cause an inflammatory response in the lungs, commonly known as pneumonia. In addition, periodontal disease may also worsen existing chronic lung conditions. Anyone with lung or respiratory problems should consider a complete oral health examination to determine if gum disease is present. Since periodontal disease has been shown to have a connection with other chronic diseases, you should try to keep your teeth and gums healthy. First, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss your teeth at least once each day. Additionally, you should receive a comprehensive periodontal exam each year from your general dentist or your periodontist. Doing so can help ensure that your periodontal health is at its best, which can help keep your entire body healthy.

Direct experience is the most common way people develop dental fear. Most people say that their dental fear began after a traumatic, difficult, and / or painful dental experience. Dentists who are considered “impersonal”, “uncaring”, “uninterested”, or “cold” were found to cause high fear in patients even in the absences of painful experiences.

Dental fear may develop as people hear about others “traumatic” experiences or negative views of dentists (vicarious learning). The negative portrayal of dentistry in the media and cartoons may also contribute to the development of dental fears.

Lack of control can also cause dental fear for example a dentists’ failure to stop when the patient was experiencing pain. Treatment for dental fear involves a combination of behavioral as well as pharmacological techniques. Positive reinforcement, the use of non-threatening language, and tell- show-do techniques work very well. Removal of certain environmental aspects such as smells and the use of music and television help alleviate anxiety.

IV sedation, tranquilizers, and sleeping medications all helps the patient relax. Please also read our sedation dentistry blog on this website.

Recent research has focused on the role of online communities in helping people confront their anxiety or phobias and successfully receive dental care.

This information was taken from Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia.

Anxiety Free, Little Memory, Relaxed Dentistry

If there was a way that you could have your treatment accomplished in minimal visits, with little pain and memory of the experience, would this be more encouraging?

Did you know that 30%- 50% of Americans suffer from dental-phobia and avoid much needed treatment?

Here at Adairsville Periodontics and Implant Dentistry you do not have to fear your treatment. We will listen to your fears and make sure that we use all available means to keep you comfortable. Sedation Dentistry is a safe, effective, and pleasant addition to dentistry.

You may want to ask friends or family members about their experiences with their periodontists. They will be able to provide feedback and offer advice as well!

Feel free to come by our office and look over our patient reviews in our waiting room.