Drive a Different Kind of Hybrid: Dentures Supported by Dental Implants

Sometimes we see patients who, due to a variety of reasons, have lost most of their teeth. Estimates are that there are 35 million edentulous persons in the United States. In the past, these individuals would often be presented with the option to extract the remaining teeth and have dentures made. The problem with this is that dentures are known for feeling insecure and can make normal eating habits uncomfortable and embarrassing. An alternative could be to place dental implants for each of the missing teeth, but this is often a cost-prohibitive solution. However, using strategically placed implants to support a hybrid denture can be the perfect, middle-of-the-road option.

An implant-supported denture is one that is supported by dental implants placed beneath the gum line. They are also referred to as “overdentures”. The minimum number of implants is four, although more implants can be beneficial. After placing implants, the body will need some time to naturally fuse with the jaw bone, a process called “osseointegration”. A titanium or gold bar is then placed to hold the prosthetic teeth in place. This system creates a much more secure prosthetic than a denture that simply rests on the gums and will not slip around. The denture is then fixed in place by Dr. Kivel. It is not removable by the patient like typical dentures.  

What are the Benefits?

The most commonly reported benefit of a hybrid implant denture is the ability to eat, smile and speak with complete comfort and confidence again. It also comes at a significantly lower cost than a large number of implants. Lastly, the implant denture is easily cleaned, close to your natural teeth. You don’t have to take it out every time you want to brush - just keep up your normal hygiene habits.

What is the Dental Implant Process?

We are proud to offer a digital process for dental implant process in conjunction with specialists around the Rogue Valley. Below is a quick overview. 

Are you a Candidate?

Most patients who have lost an entire arch of teeth are eligible for hybrid implant dentures. One consideration is that the patient must be in reasonable good oral and overall health. The only way to confirm this, of course, is to book a free consultation appointment with Dr. Kivel at our Ashland, OR office. We can’t wait to help create a stable, secure, and complete smile!

Implant Supported vs. Implant Retained

There is another option to have implant retained dentures. In this option, the gums still absorb most of the force of the bite and the implants simple help retain the prosthetic. These type of dentures are removable . We find that many patients dislike the thought of having removable teeth, because it is a constant reminder of their tooth loss and feel comforted waking up with teeth in their mouth. For this reason, we typically lean towards a fully supported, more permanent option.

The Link Between Childhood Obesity and Poor Dental Health

Lots of studies in recent years have been proving the connection between dental health and overall health. But a study released at the end of last year explored the link between dental health and childhood obesity. The study researched the habits and stats among 271 Swedish children. They found that children with a higher amount of carries bacteria (which is responsible for cavities) also had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and unhealthier eating habits. Their eating habits more frequently and consumed more foods rich in sugar. 

Because weight can be a sensitive subject, registered dietitian Louise Arvidsson advises focusing the conversation on dental health and the type of foods that can help or harm your teeth. Foods high in carbohydrates (starches and sugars) contribute considerably to the production of plaque and acids that break down tooth enamel which can eventually lead to cavities. 

Food suggestions for dental health AND overall health:

• yogurt
• leafy greens
• apples
• celery
• carrots
• almonds
• lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry, and fish
• dry beans, peas, and other legumes
• plenty of water

Tooth decay is actually the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that we can prevent it and impact children's overall health when we educate them and teach them healthy hygiene habits. Remember to teach children to brush twice a day, floss daily and visit their dentist regularly. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment for your own child, please contact us or give us a call at 541-482-4995.

What the floss?! Soulsmile Weighs in on Recent News

Let's Talk About Flossing

Surely you've seen the headlines - "Flossing is Nonsense and My Laziness is Vindicated" or "Flossing: Government's Latest Piece of Bad Advice". All this press about flossing stems from an article published this month by the Associated Press (Read it here). Their report points out the weak evidentiary basis for floss as a method of reducing plaque and tooth decay. The American Dental Association responded saying: Trust us, flossing helps.  

In reality, the AP article is less about floss and more about evidence-based medicine. They are correct in that the published and proven evidence for the benefits of floss is poor. One reason for this is that floss has been around since the 19th-century! Recommendations for flossing are based on pretty obvious assumptions: it removes plaque from in between teeth and because plaque leads to gum disease and decay, flossing will improve these conditions. But because our medical standards have risen so greatly in the last centuries, assumptions are not enough - and understandably so. 

Anecdotal evidence and long-standing traditions have been replaced with evidence-based medicine. This approach is dependent on well-designed, controlled studies. Thus far, nobody has tackled a flossing study with the academic rigor we now expect. Why? We can only speculate. Studies like this are expensive and there is no fame or monetary reward to be found in proving out flossing. Flossing is cheap, easy to adopt and no-risk. This leaves us with anecdotes and weak evidence. Two of our leading dental associations — the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology — cited other studies as proof, but most of these studies used outdated methods or had relatively small sample size. 

Despite our agreement regarding poor studies and evidence around flossing, this does NOT mean it has been proven ineffective either. Each of your teeth have six surfaces and brushing can only clean four of them. You simply need a method for cleaning in between your teeth to properly remove all plaque causing substances that are proven to cause decay.  

We always hoped more people would talk about flossing - but not like this! At the very least, we hope this exposure will inspire researchers to conduct better studies and counteract these claims made by the AP. Oh, and by the way - even the author of the article admits he still flosses. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly or leave a comment. We'd love to hear from you. 

For Further Reading

This 2006 study titled, “Dental Flossing and Interproximal Caries: a System Review,” recruited 808 children age 4-13 and split them into three test segments: kids who were professionally flossed 5 days/week; kids who were professionally flossed once every 3 months; and kids who reported self-flossing at home. The research lasts 18 months and unsurprisingly, the participants who were professionally flossed 5 days/week saw a 40% decrease in the risk of cavities. 

Gum Disease? Meet Your New Best Friend: Arestin®

Regular brushing and flossing are essential parts of oral home care. But gum disease won’t go away on its own. Because it’s an infection, it needs to be treated professionally. In our office, we often combine scaling and root planing (SRP) with application of an antibiotic medication called Arestin®.

Because of the way gum disease progresses, the longer you wait to take action, the greater the chance you may need painful and expensive surgery to get it under control. Arestin® is a locally administered antibiotic (LAA) in powder form that we place directly into the infected areas—or pockets—in your gums. Arestin® powder is made up of 100,000 tiny microspheres, invisible to the eye. These microspheres contain the antibiotic drug minocycline, which is released over time into the infected pocket. This means Arestin® keeps working to kill bacteria long after you’ve left our chair. 

Moft of the time, our patients are pleasantly surprised to find that their medical insurance's prescription coverage applies to Arestin®. It is typical that a $30 copay will enable our patients to receive $1,000 worth of this medicine. 

How Arestin + SRP Works:

01. Your dental professional removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline with SRP. 

 02. ARESTIN® microspheres are placed into infected pockets using a special plastic applicator. 

  03. The antibiotic is released over time, helping to reduce bacteria as your gums heal.

If you have any questions regarding gum disease or how Arestin® can help, let us know! We're happy to share some insights or schedule an appointment to help evaluate your unique needs and oral health. 

Images and content courtesy of Arestin®.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

This October marks the sixth straight year that the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is presenting National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM), with the Association and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) working collaboratively to increase public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health.

This year's focus is on the four components of good oral care maintenance: brushing teeth twice a day, flossing every single day, rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinse and chewing sugar-free gum (optional). We'd like to take this opportunity to remind our wonderful patients to "do the daily 4". During your next visit with Pam, let's start a conversation about how to integrate good oral health habits into your own daily routine. This practices will not only lead to a healthy mouth, but also contribute to improved overall health. 

“Each and every day, dental hygienists educate patients of all ages and walks of life on the value and importance of good oral health habits. The Daily 4 regimen is a great habit to implement, and talking to patients about brushing, flossing, rinsing and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production in between brushings is a great way to open a conversation before discussing patient-specific oral care needs,” said ADHA President Jill Rethman, RDH, BA. “The Daily 4 is simple and effective and can help patients have a bright smile, fresh breath and healthy gums. The ADHA is grateful to the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program for their commitment to help dental hygienists have this conversation with patients — a conversation that can have a huge impact on their oral and overall health. ”

If you want to check out some of the festivities going on this month, use the hashtag #NDHM2015 online to find pictures and stories. 

The Link Between Gum Disease and Prostate Issues

Ashland, OR – For many years now, we’ve known about the unique link between gum disease and other ailments such as increased risk of heart disease. A new discovery points to the likelihood that treating gum disease may also lessen symptoms of prostate inflammation.

“Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine recently released research that this may be the case,” says Ashland dentist Dr. Aron Kivel. “In the report, participants who suffered from prostatitis experienced fewer symptoms while also seeking periodontal (gum) treatment.” 

This isn’t the first time the correlation between the two have been studied. Previous research also proved the link between prostatitis and gum disease, but this new study shows proves the effectiveness of treatment in helping patients with prostatitis.  For those with inflammation of the prostate, urinating can be painful and laborious.  27 men with both prostate inflammation and gum disease were studied and after gum disease treatment. Even though these men received treatment for their gum disease only and not for their prostate issue, most showed significant improvement. Specifically, 21 of the 27 participants displayed decreased prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, which indicate a lessened likelihood of inflammation. Men with the highest levels of inflammation also exhibited the most improvement following periodontal treatment.

So How are the Two Linked?

Gum disease develops when plaque and calculus isn’t properly removed and with time, the bacteria can spread and grow below the gum line. This toxic bacteria can then stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. If left untreated, the bacteria can also spread to the bone, causing further infection and possible bone loss.

Our bodies’ systems are intimately related. The bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel to other organs of the body. While a definitive answer has not been reached for why gum disease is linked to so many other issues, inflammation is the strong common denominator.

Research continues to be conducted around the world exploring the link between gum disease and other serious medical issues, but the consensus is obvious – even without an exact reason why, the evidence points to the fact that periodontitis has an effect on your body as a whole. Undergoing proper treatment for gum disease can very well improve people’s overall health and well-being.

You can prevent gum disease before it becomes and issue by following a thorough home hygiene routine which includes daily brushing and flossing, and regular check ups at your dental office. Because periodontitis is often painless, you might not even be aware you have it until it is too late. By discovering and treating gum disease as soon as possible, your dentist can lessen its effect on your gum health as well as the rest of your body. If you’d like a thorough evaluation of your own gum health, make an appointment with us today. 

Electronic Cigarettes and Oral Health

Ashland, OR – Since their introduction to the market in 2004, electronic cigarettes have seen significantly increased popularity. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that convert nicotine into vapor. Publicized as a “healthier alternative” to regular cigarettes, many users have switched to help them quit smoking. The negative health effects of traditional cigarettes are well-know, but many people are now wondering what risks might be posed by e-cigarettes.

The main issue is electronic cigarettes have not been fully studied. “E-cigarettes are so new that long-term effects of their use are not yet know,” says Ashland dentist Dr. Aron Kivel. “Recent research does show that el- cigarettes can negatively impact oral health due to the presence of nicotine. Another concern is that they aren’t regulated by the FDA. “

The products are sold over the counter and are not subject to the same regulation as actual cigarettes. In fact, the FDA does not regulate them at all. Studies have shown that nicotine, delivered by traditional cigarette or other, does harm to the gums, mouth and tongue.

A report published by the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology stated that nicotine may contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause inflammation and bad breath. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that can flow. Without proper blood flow, the gums do not get the enough oxygen.

This constricted blood flow can also hide the symptoms of gum disease, making it harder to be diagnosed. When gum disease is present, it’s the increased blood flow to the gums that alerts your dentist or hygienist to the fact. Diseased gums are irritated and typically swell with blood, and when brushed or flossed, they bleed. This false positive caused by nicotine can fool you into thinking that things are going better than they are.

Nicotine can also be detrimental to people who grind their teeth as it is a stimulant. This fires up the muscles, which makes you grind your teeth more intensely. It may even prompt non-grinders to start grinding their teeth. 

The vaporizing liquid used in these cigarettes contains dangerous chemicals, restricts vital blood flow and more studies need to be conducted to further study the implications of e-cigarettes. Our final verdict? It is safe to say that the only safe alternative to smoking is quite simply not to smoke at all.