Periodontitis

Periodontitis, also known as, gumdisease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and may end in tooth lose due to the destruction of tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth. Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gum, usually begins before gum disease. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to gum disease. In a person with gum disease, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, however, there are many other factors that contribute to gum disease.

Factors that contribute to gum disease

·        Dry mouth: there are over 3,000 prescriptions and over the counter products that cause dry mouth. Saliva is needed to protect the teeth and gums and to cleanse the mouth throughout the day. When there is not enough saliva a patient’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. Patients with dry mouth will be placed on products designed to help lubricate and hydrate the mouth to help lower their risk. 

·        Grinding: this puts force on the fibers that hold the teeth in place and stress on the jawbone. People that clench during the day put 200 lbs. per square inch of pressure on the supporting structures of the teeth and jaw. People that grind at night create 900 lbs per square inch. This causes all these supporting structures to break down and allow bacteria to enter the gums and jaw. A night guard is used to help prevent this. 

·        Nutrition: nutrition is crucial to a strong immune system. The new recommendation for daily requirements of fruits and vegetables is 8-12 servings per day. Bone loss in the mouth can be caused by high cholesterol in the diet, eating fatty foods, low calcium, low vitamin C and D, menopause, and stress. Getting the proper vitamins and supplements throughout the day is important not only for dental health but for general health as well. A family doctor can help recommend what types of vitamins a person should be taking to fit their needs. 

·        Herbal Supplements: herbs that start with the letter “G” have side effects, one of which is acting as a mild blood thinner. If a person has to take any of these supplements it is important to see a dentist or hygienist more often in a year to help manage this side effect and prevent gum disease from occurring. 

·        Sleep: it is recommended to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. People who get 6 hours or less are more susceptible to health problems and prone to infections. This means the body cannot fight the infection caused by gum disease as well. 

·        Stress: Stress is very harmful to general health. When a person is under stress the body produces cortisol, which affects inflammation. When someone is under a lot of stress they tend to not sleep well, eat well, or exercise. Stress also breaks down the immune system and prevents our body from fighting infection. A person under stress is 2 to 7 times more susceptible to get gum disease. Meditation and other stress reducing activities can help reduce stress. 

·        Drugs: this includes alcohol and illegal drugs. People who drink more than 5 alcoholic beverages per week increase their risk for gum disease by 30%. Illegal drug use can increase the risk by more than twenty times. 

·        Genetic: 30% of the population has the genetic gene for gum disease. These people have a 7 to 19 times increase in risk to develop gum disease by having this gene. These people tend have more bleeding form the gums and present with gum disease 20 years earlier in life. 

·        Hormones: this includes pregnancy, menopause, puberty, and menstruation. Hormonal changes cause and increase in gum inflammation and bleeding. It’s not understood the exact link between hormone changes and the gums. 

·        Aging: 75% to 85% of people 60 years old or older have gum disease. 

·        Communicable: the bacteria can be passed between parent and child, spouses, siblings, etc.

Unfortunately, gum disease has no cure but it is a treatable and manageable disease. It is important to have regular dental exams and cleanings to help limit these risk factors and prevent the start of gum disease. Oral hygiene is only a small part of battling gum disease and many of these factors are out of a person’s control. It’s important to not get discouraged when struggling with gum disease. With the help of a dentist and hygienist to get proper treatment the mouth can become healthy again.

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Sensitive Teeth

      Does brushing or flossing cause you to have pain in your teeth? Does drinking or eating hot or cold foods become a painful experience for you? If so you may be experiencing signs of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that involves discomfort or pain when encountering certain substances and temperature. The pain is often sharp and sudden, but it is temporary.

           
     Tooth sensitivity results from irritation of the nerves in the tooth, which leads to pain or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, and sweet or acidic foods and drinks. Healthy teeth have two outer layers that protect them. The top layer covers the crown of the tooth, which is the portion above the gum, and is called enamel. The lower layer protects the portion of the tooth below the gums and is called cementum. Underneath the enamel and cementum is a softer layer known as dentin. The dentin is filled with many microscopic tubules that run to the nerve of the tooth known as the pulp. When dentin loses it protective covering of enamel or cementum it exposes the tubules which contain the nerve endings of the pulp.  This exposure is what causes the pain and discomfort because the nerve is no longer being protected.

           

     There are many factors that can cause teeth to become sensitive. They range form brushing to hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, clenching and grinding, whitening, gum disease or poor oral hygiene, and having teeth with cavities or cracks. As we discuss each of these topics you find that there is more than one cause of sensitive teeth.

 

     Tooth sensitivity can come from brushing with too much force or with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, it can wear down the protective layers of the teeth and expose the tubules that lead to the nerve of the tooth. When these tubules are exposed to hot or cold or to acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can be the result. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.

 

     Clenching and grinding teeth together can wear down the enamel. By doing so the dentin becomes exposed. It is important to talk to a dentist about finding a mouth guard that can stop the teeth from touching during clenching and grinding. The best guards are custom made to fit each individual.

 

     Mouthwashes and whitening toothpaste have alcohol and other chemicals that can cause sensitivity for some people. If this occurs it is important to switch to a more neutral or alcohol free toothpaste and mouthwash.

 

     Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can cause gum recession. This recession exposes the root surfaces of the teeth. There are many dental procedure that can be done to improve the damage done to the teeth and gums due to gum disease. Gum disease usually begins as a build up of plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that cause the enamel to wear away exposing the dentin. As the disease progresses it destroys the ligaments that attach the gums firmly to the teeth allowing the root surface to also become exposed. It is important to practice good oral hygiene at home as well as visit a dentist regularly for cleaning and exams to prevent this from occurring.

 

     If a tooth has a cavity or crack, tooth sensitivity may occur. The dentist will evaluate the area to see what type of dental procedure is needed to fix the problem. Often people experience tooth sensitivity even after a procedure is done. This can last several months after the procedure, but does eventually improve with time. Many dentists will recommend fluoride treatments and sensitive toothpaste to help while the tooth is adjusting to treatment. 

 

     The good news is there are many ways to control sensitive teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly while using proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth is an easy way to start.  Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently and carefully around the gum line. Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, there are several brands available. Regular use should make teeth less sensitive over time. You may need to try several brands to find the product that works best for you. Make changes to your diet avoiding acidic, sticky, and sweet foods and dinks. Use fluoridated dental products. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse daily can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about products available for home use and see your dentist every 6 months or sooner, depending on your condition.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

      At PaducahDental Care, we are dedicated to helping you keep your teeth healthy. In some cases, a patient may need a partial denture or a full denture. Dentures are appliances that replace missing teeth. All dentures are removable and made to fit your mouth.

           
      A partial denture replaces missing teeth while several natural teeth remain in the mouth. A full denture, standard or immediate, replaces all of your natural teeth. The standard denture is made after extractions and several months of healing. The immediate denture is made before extractions and placed the same day teeth are removed. You never have to go without teeth with an immediate denture.

            
     With each custom made denture, several appointments are scheduled to ensure the denture is made to fit only you.

Appointment procedures

Standard Denture:  
 

Appointment 1: Impressions.

            A series of impressions are taken. The impressions are used to make a replica of your mouth.
 

Appointment 2: Bite relationship.

            At this appointment, multiple measurements are taken. These measurements include the center of your smile being set as well as making sure you are not closed or open too far. The size, shape, and color of your denture teeth are chosen as well.
 

Appointment 3: Wax Try In/ Viewing

            During this appointment, you are able to see what your denture will look like before the final product. You will be able to try in the wax denture and make any changes before the denture is sent to be completed.
 

Appointment 4: Deliver Denture.

            The day has come for you to receive your custom denture. At this time, the denture is placed and minor adjustments can be made for fit and comfort. All at home instruction and tips are given to you as well.

           

Immediate Dentures
 

            The series of appointments are the same for an immediate denture up until you reach the day of delivery.
 

Appointment 1: Impression

Appointment 2: Bite Relationship

Appointment 3: Was Try In/ Viewing

Appointment 4: Delivery Denture

            On this day, you receive your denture and remove all remaining teeth. After extractions are complete, the denture is then seated over the top of the extraction sites after adjustments are made. The patient is expected to wear the denture until the following appointment on the next day.
 

Appointment 5: Post Op- Next Day Appointment

            On this day, the denture is removed by the dental staff and adjustments are made if there are any sore spots.
 

Appointment 6: Suture Removal

            This appointment is one week from the day the teeth are extracted. During this appointment, any sutures that were placed during appointment 4 are removed. Healing is checked and any adjustments needed are made. Multiple adjustments may be made to relieve sore spots. Temporary liners may be needed to accommodate the healing process. With an immediate denture, it is necessary to have a permanent reline to ensure proper fit and many changes may occur during the healing process. This reline can occur about 6 months after extractions, depending on the time it takes for complete healing.

What to Expect the First Month

Day 1: Your journey begins. There will be a lot of adjusting and challenges. Don’t worry! You are not the only one.
 

Day 2-14: Your mouth is adjusting to dentures. You will experience differences such as more salivation and you may experience sore spots. Rinse with warm salt water if soreness continues, adjustments can be made in our office to help relieve and sore areas. Expect longer healing time if teeth were just extracted.
 

Day 15-29: You are still learning how to live with dentures. Eating and talking with dentures are big changes. The more you wear your denture, the quicker you will adjust to it.
 

Day 30: You have made it one month with your denture! Reward yourself. Remember to visit us regularly for your denture to be checked.

At Home Care and Tips
 

            After you have received your new denture, you will need to cleanse and care for it at home. Below are some tips for keeping your denture and mouth clean.
 

*Clean your denture everyday with a denture brush and denture cleaner followed by rinsing with warm water.

*NEVER clean your denture with bleach.

*Brush your tongue, gums, and remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste and rinse with mouthwash.

*Never adjust your denture yourself. Schedule an appointment.

* Visit your dentist yearly for cleanings and exams even if you do not have natural teeth.

* Wear your denture as much as possible.

* Distribute adhesive evenly and remove excess.

*Remove your dentures before going to bed and place them in a moist environment.

Eating with Dentures
 

            One thing you look forward to after getting a new denture is eating and enjoying your favorite foods. Adjusting can be difficult at first, but with a little practice, you should be eating your favorite foods in no time. There are many things to remember when eating with dentures. As you adjust to your dentures, you might have trouble sensing hot foods and drinks. Be careful not to burn your mouth. A good rule to remember is to start with soft foods and take small bites. You want to ease your way back into eating what you love. You also want to distribute food evenly on both sides of your back teeth and chew in an up and down motion. As a new denture wearer, be confident in yourself. Having a new denture comes with learning new habits. With the right mindset, you will conquer each stepping stone you come upon.

Dentures and Implants

            Those who have been wearing dentures for many years, along with those who are new to wearing dentures, may find it difficult to keep their dentures in place. The lower denture, or what may be called a floating denture, can be the most difficult to wear. Many will often lack confidence when speaking and eating when their denture is not firmly seated in the mouth.
 

            Denture stabilization implants are also known as mini dental implants. They are small titanium posts that provide a secure fit for a denture. There are also standard size implants that can be used if there is enough bone to allow proper fit. With both types of implants they are gently placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. It’s a relatively painless procedure that can be done in little time and results in a tight fitting denture. The denture is still removable to allow for proper cleaning of the implants, as well as the gums, tissue, and tongue. There are many benefits of having implant dentures, including the ability to eat and speak with confidence. You can eat things you once couldn’t before and there is no worry of the denture dislodging while speaking. Dentureimplants also eliminate the need for a messy adhesive.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!  

 

Stress….Nothing to Smile About

     When most people think of stress they think about the physical effects, such as headaches or upset stomach. Many do not realize stress can affect physical and mental health ranging from hair, teeth, skin, to memory and concentration skills, and even to how well we sleep. Stress relief, however, can lead to improvements in overall health and well being. It is important to contact a doctor if stress becomes intense. Some people even start to notice that stress starts to impact there oral health negatively.

             

      Many people do not know that stress can have a negative effect on the health of their mouth. Stress can cause many problems in the mouth and even lead to tooth loss and painful TMJ syndrome. Fever blisters and canker sores are the most visible problems brought on by stress. Canker sores are grey or white ulcers that appear in the mouth. Little is known as to why these sores appear but it is proven that stress plays a big role. Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by a virus that lives in the body called Herpes Simplex and is contagious. They are clusters of water filled blisters and can appear inside or outside the mouth.

           

      Bruxism is the name used to describe the act of clenching and grinding ones teeth together. This is often done unconsciously during sleep and trigged by higher stress levels. Some people even clench and grind when they are awake and can be unaware they are doing it. This clenching and grinding can lead to the wearing down of teeth causing them to become worn and thin and can even cause the teeth to crack or fracture. TMJ syndrome can also develop. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint which is the jaw joint. The condition can be very painful and affect a person’s ears as well. Some people can find relief by wearing some type of mouth guard at night. This keeps the teeth apart and protects them and the jaw.

             

     Stress also weakens a person immune system, which fight against the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, making a person more prone to gum infection. Chronic stress can lead to depression causing a person to be placed on anti-depressant medication. Many of these medications cause dry mouth. This becomes a problem because saliva helps to wash away food particles and harmful bacteria that contribute to plaque formation around the gum line. This can eventually lead to periodontal disease due to infection.

             

     When under stress it is important to take time to focus on dental health. Being sure to see a dentist for regular cleanings and exams can catch problems early and the dentist can help take the steps needed to avoid further problems. Home care is equally as important and can help to fight against periodontal disease. Many doctors recommend counseling, exercise, meditation, and massage to help to reduce stress and improve overall health. 

 

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Six Month Smiles

      Six Month Smiles System is a solution for adults with crooked teeth. The braces and wires are barely noticeable and they blend in very well with the color of teeth. These braces employ new technology that provides safe, comfortable, and efficient tooth movement. It aims to correct the area that you are unhappy with and not make time consuming changes to the way your back teeth bite together. In other words they straighten your teeth they do not correct your bite.

     The force used for Six MonthSmiles is low allowing the process to be comfortable. Once the braces are removed permanent retainers will be bonded behind the teeth to prevent your teeth from moving. Most patients finish Six Month Smiles right at 6 months; however, the treatment time can range from 4-6 months. Call us today to see if you could be a candidate for 6 month smiles and begin your journey to smile with confidence. It only takes one simple consult appointment.

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Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

     Gum disease affects the structures in the mouth that support the teeth. Even though it is called gum disease it also involves the bone and other tissues too. This disease if typically chronic and progresses over time, however, there is treatment that can limit damage and help keep the mouth healthier.

             

     Many of the factors that put people at risk can be controlled; however, there are still some factors that can’t. Older people tend to have more severe disease because there has been more time for damage to occur. Other risk factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene, having diabetes and other medical conditions, stress, teeth grinding and bite problems, hormone changes, weak immune system, genetics, dry mouth, and medications.

             

     There are several methods of treatment including dental cleanings, medications and surgery. If gum disease is caught early and treated the dentist may be able to reverse some or all of the damage with non-surgical treatment. In very severe cases it may take surgical procedures to save teeth that are in danger of being lost. Any treatment takes a commitment from the patient as well. The patient has to work very hard at home taking care of their teeth and must also maintain regular dental care or the disease can and will return.

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Most Commonly Asked Implant Questions

Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implant treatment?

A: Almost everyone who is missing one or more teeth and is in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are a few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.

       

     Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions.  However, even people who have lost significant amounts of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with additional procedures to add or create new bone. Advances in the type of treatment have made it possible for thousands who would not previously have been considered candidates to have successful implant procedures.

Q: How painful is getting dental implants?

A: Most of our patients report that they feel very little, if any, pain during procedure. In fact, many patients do not have to use any pain medications afterwards. Your decision to use implants will help you to avoid much pain and discomfort in the long term.

     

      Given the overall health care benefits, you should not deny yourself proper treatment out of fear of pain. As with any medical or dental procedure, your dentist is equipped to provide you with appropriate treatment, including any pain medicines you need.

       

     During the treatment, you can listen to music on headphones, and you can relax with soothing nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, if preferred.  Also, if you are especially fearful, phobic or pain sensitive you have the option of doing the procedures with sedationdentistry. If you are a candidate for sedation you take a small pill before you come into the office and you rest peacefully as we do our work. With this option you remember little to nothing about the procedure the next day, and we can comfortably get more work done that visit.

Q: How long will it take to complete the treatment?

A: You will notice a difference almost immediately. However, the entire process can take anywhere between 3-12 months to complete. This depends on the type and quantity of implants you need, along with the quality of bone in which the implants are placed. 

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