Call Us:  (859) 245-7127

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Boyd Thornton Dental ​

​​​​ADVANCED SERVICES

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​HYBRID PROSTHETICS

The ability to function with traditional dentures can be very difficult for a lot of people, however since they have lost all their teeth they may think they have no other options.  Hybrid prosthetics are implant supported, either completely fixed ( non-removable) or snapped in (overdentures).  Either of these options allows the ability to secure dentures from rocking or the need for adhesives and they are designed to eliminate the palate or roof of the mouth acrylic that traditional dentures must have.  


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DNA TESTING

Nearly 100 years ago Charles Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic discussed at length the need for dentists and physicians to work together. “The mouth is by far the greatest portal of entrance of germ life into the body. The next great step in medical progress in the line of preventive medicine should be made by dentists. Complete dental care and preventive measures can extend human life 10 years.” While routine healthcare is slowly changing, a “new medicine” is emerging that moves beyond the current “reactive-rather-than-preventive” model. In 2016, Drs. Bradley Bale and Amy Doneen published an article proving that periodontal bacteria are a contributing cause to cardiovascular disease. The dental community has a substantial opportunity to mitigate the number one cause of morbidity and mortality, namely cardiovascular disease, by elucidating feasible effective management of periodontal disease due to high risk pathogens. Now that we know, we have to do better.
Bleeding gums are not normal, are a sign of inflammation and a warning flag. Would you leave a bleeding wound on your arm day after day? Would you consider a little blood in your urine normal? No.
When the gums bleed, the bacteria in the mouth are able to enter the blood stream and travel elsewhere in the body. There are published studies on people who have died of a heart attack that have oral bacteria in the clot that caused the attack. How do you think it got there?
Think about this: your skin is your barrier that protects you from all of the harmful things in the outside world. Your gums are the internal barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream. One of the body’s highest indicators of chronic inflammatory disease (such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, certain cancers and even diabetes) is the presence of periodontal disease.
Poor oral health is found to be linked to a number of illnesses including the following:
Heart disease
Diabetes and Alzheimers
Stroke
Dementia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Pregnancy complications
Anorexia and bulimia
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea


As a third generation dentist, I guess it’s in my blood. It’s always been my goal and passion to practice dentistry. These recent advancements in awareness of how inflammation of the oral cavity contributes to significant disease processes makes the practice of dentistry even more exciting to me because of the tremendous opportunity to alleviate disease burden and it’s associated excess suffering and mortality. DNA testing is available at our office.

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​BOTOX

​Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD or TMJ), are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat.  Many of the related symptoms, such as headaches and earaches, often lead doctors to diagnose a sinus condition, as opposed to a problem with the jaw joint.  TMJ symptoms often change in severity, depending on how much stress the sufferer is experiencing.  During an intensely stressful period, grinding teeth, debilitating earaches, and lockjaw may occur.  Botox® injections are sometimes an effective and painless way to alleviate tension in the temporomandibular joint, reducing jaw pain, headaches, and suffering.

Botox® is commonly associated with cosmetic practices, including eliminating glabellar lines and facial wrinkles.  Recently however, Botox® has become an increasingly popular TMJ treatment.  Although some TMJ symptoms may improve without any specific treatment, Botox® offers fast and long-lasting relief for those that do not.
Major benefits of Botox® treatment include:
  • Elimination of headaches caused by nighttime grinding.
  • Soreness of masseter and temporalis muscles
  • Minimization of lockjaw.
  • Reduced discomfort when using the jaw.
  • Reduced shoulder and neck pain.
  • Substantially reduced jaw tension.
  • Less trauma on dentition
How does Botox® work?
The temporomandibular joint is located on both sides of the head where the skull adjoins the jawbone.  This joint is constantly being used for a variety of daily activities, such as chewing, biting, speaking, and swallowing.  The most prominent causes of TMJ are jaw displacement and stress-related involuntary jaw movements.  Botox® expediently alleviates temporomandibular tension by paralyzing the jaw muscles, thus preventing unconscious jaw movement and ending grinding-related headaches.
One of the major advantages of Botox® is that normal functions such as speaking, swallowing, and biting are left unaffected.  The only major change is the reduction in pain and discomfort.  In addition, controlling TMJD can also prevent serious dental problems from occurring later. TMJD, if left untreated, can contribute to tooth fracture, gum disease, and the loosening of teeth.
What’s involved when getting Botox® injections?
Prior to administering Botox® injections, the dentist needs to check the patient’s suitability for treatment.  When used in conjunction with certain medications and substances, Botox® may not produce the desired effects. Botox® is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
The Botox® injections take 10-20 minutes to administer, depending on the amount required.  Because it is non-surgical, the Botox® procedure will be performed at the dental office.  Driving ability will not be impaired by the treatment, so there is no need for a designated driver.  The injections are minimal and tolerable by most.
Normal activity can be resumed immediately after the Botox® treatment, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment.  It may take several days to feel the full benefits of the treatment, but Botox® should continue to work for up to 3 months.
If you have any questions or concerns about TMJ or Botox® treatment, please contact our office.

TONGUE TIE RELEASE
The tissue that holds the tongue to the floor of the mouth can sometimes be attached too close to the end of the tongue.  Using laser technology, Dr. Boyd can release the tissue without anesthetic and sutures for an atraumatic surgical experience with instantaneous results.  This is especially important with newborns who can not latch on to breast feed.