Utah Valley Periodontics

Life with A Denture??

The longer I practice dentistry, the more often I wonder how people who wear dentures, complete or partial do it? I cannot imagine having to be cautious about speaking, laughing, smiling, let alone eating without the worry of my teeth falling out, or food getting caught underneath my denture creating me discomfort. To me having a denture would be like having a rock in my shoe and never stopping to take my shoe off and dumping out the rock….
I am convinced that denture patients simply do not know what their options are. They have been lead to believe that there are no other options because they no longer have natural teeth. Nothing could be further from the truth! Denture patients have at least three options to improve their “quality of life”. First, the most economical way to enhance the retention and stability of a denture is to place two dental implant to allow the denture to “snap into” the implants. The second option is the placement of four implants, which allows for complete stabilization and retention of the denture. These patients are now able to chew anything food item they desire without worry of slippage or denture dislodgement. The final option is the placement of six implants to allow for fixed bridges. This option results in teeth that are permanent, never to come out and never decay!
Contact your dentist today and ask him what your options are to rid yourself of your unwanted denture!

No Coasting

Last night I presented an update on Dental Implants and Cone Beam 3D Imaging to the “Ride and Learn” group at Sundance, Utah. Gary Takacs, the founder and CEO of Ride and Learn shared a story from the football legend Terry Bradshaw. After winning four superbowls in the 1970′s, Terry’s Motto for life is no coasting. If we are going to reach our potential there is simply no room for coasting. Make today the best it can better and then do it again tomorrow!

The Importance of Gum Tissue

The longer I practice the more I realize just how important it is that we have healthy gums. While this statement may seem trite and perhaps a bit generalized, it certainly is true. What I mean by healthy gums is more than just are they “pink and firm”. In order for your gums to be healthy, you must have enough gum tissue protecting our teeth from the constant insult from the oral bacteria. If your gums are receeding, you are going to be in trouble. Gum recession is alot like cancer. You often dont realize you have it until its too late!

Ask your dentist/hygienist how your gum and bone are doing at your next visit. If they dont know or they seem unsure get a second opinion.

Give Kids a Smile: Results

On February 26th we joined hands with dentists around the state to provide some much needed dentistry to those children whom otherwise may not have been able to see the dentist. As a result of Give Kids a Smile, a total of $270,000 of dental care was provided to these appreciative children throughout the State of Utah. My sincere appreciation goes out to all the volunteers/sponsors who made this event possible!

Tooth in an Hour-The Myth

By now we have all of us in Provo and Orem have seen the television ads for “Teeth in an Hour”. I see them everyday while I am at Gold’s Gym peddling my stationary bicycle. As a Periodontist, I have patients asking about this concept. While I love their advertising (It helps me too), I think the ad is a little deceiving and the “small print” needs to be a little bigger so the facts about this technique are out in the open.

The concept of “teeth in a hour” is not new, it just has not be marketed to the public like it is being done today. The process involves several diagnostic and planning appointments prior to the day of surgery. On the day of surgery, the dental implant(s) and pre-made teeth are attached to the implants. The risk of this technique is this: The implants must not move or have too much force placed upon them in order for the bone to accept them. If the force exceeds the tolerances of the bone, the implant case fails, if not the case succeeds.

While every dental implant case has it’s own inherit risks and factors that are individualized to the patient, all implant cases and those placing the implants must respect and understand the principles of force. The Laws of Nature, for instance Gravity, cannot be overlooked simply because we want them to go away.

Sometime the risks associated with putting teeth on freshly placed implants are not worth the risk of failure. The conventional method of placing implants, although not as “exciting” certainly has some advantages.

Gingival Recession: What Causes it?

I am asked this question almost daily by new patients as I visit with them regarding the cause of their gum recession. While gingival recession is usually caused by several factors including genetics, which is out of our control, especially in the young patients we treat. Other influences on gingival recession include the following factors:

1. Root Prominence in the presence of thin gum tissue.
2. Loss of the underlying alveolar bone.
3. Orthodontic tooth movement.
4. Physical trauma.
5. Iatrogenic dental care.
6. Tension by Frenum.
7. Overzealous home care.

Bottom Line: Our gum tissue is not much thicker than a paper towel to begin with, so go easy while brushing and flossing.

Dr. B

Give Kids A Smile

I would like to personally thank all the Volunteers who made this years GKAS event such a big success!! I am humbled by the effort, time and dedication of all those involved today….. I am grateful to the sponsors who donated their resources to the cause… I wish they could have seen the faces of these little children as they lined up for their visit to the “dentist”. They were so brave and proud!
A special “thank you” goes out to those who donated their facilities to us, which enabled us to deliver the dental care, and without their help the event would not be possible! Thank you, thank you!! May everyone rest tonight knowing that they made the world just a little bit better today….

Thanks again!

Dr. B

Periodontal Disease Associated with A Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

It is a well-known fact that oral hygiene relates directly to one’s overall health. Of the bacteria that thrives in the mouth, certain strains that cause periodontal disease have also been linked with pneumonia, prostate cancer, stroke and diabetes as well as breast cancer.
In a study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, a survey of 3,273 subjects found that women with chronic periodontal disease – which was indicated by missing molars – had a higher incidence of breast cancer.
By the time individuals with advanced periodontal disease have their teeth fall out, their body’s blood supply is infested with bacteria. According to the Karolinska Institute, which conducted the study, this bacterial infection can prompt the development of a co-infection of the Epstein-Barr virus and the cytomegalovirus. These viruses work together to suppress the body’s immune responses, which may in turn lead to incidences of breast cancer.

Bone Resorption Following Tooth Extraction

Did you know that following the loss of a tooth that the jaw bone begins to shrink (resorb) immediately? This phenomenon of resorption occurs with regards to height and thickness, and affects the soft tissues. Most researchers are arriving at the same conclusion; 50% change in the width of the bony ridge, 2/3 of which occurs in the 3 months following the extraction. Resorption in the vertical direction is stated to a lesser extent, from 1-4.5mm. This resorption process is more pronounced when more than one tooth is extracted.

Ask your Dentist/Hygienist this question: How are my gums doing?

Did you know Periodontal Disease (gum recession) is the leading cause of tooth lost in American adults? Why is that you may be asking yourself. The answer is this: Everyone thinks gums MUST recede with age and nothing can be done about it. The truth is SOMETHING can be done to correct this leading cause of tooth loss. The key is recognizing the fact the gum tissue is receding and the underlying bone is melting away……YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN KEEPING YOUR TEETH!