Did You Know That a Clear Correct Dentist Can Straighten Teeth?

As a Clear Correct® dentist, we straighten teeth the invisible way.  Clear Correct® braces are the next evolution in getting the perfect smile. Dentists and orthodontists have long sought solutions that would not adversely impact their patient’s lives, as the patient was going through the process of correcting a natural misalignment of teeth. Traditional metal braces are designed to have the most impact without taking any other factors, like esthetics, into account and hence the phrase metal mouth was born, and many people became fearful of getting braces. Metal braces have served their purpose for a very long time, and the time has come for a new iteration of this age old remedy. Clear Correct® is the dentist solution to crooked, misaligned teeth while not requiring the patient to have a mouth full of metal for years on end. 

The idea behind Clear Correct® braces is very much the same as traditional braces, without the metal. Clear Correct® works on a gradual correcting schedule which moves the teeth out of their misaligned placement into a more permanent place within the mouth. Typically there are two types of treatment plans that dentists follow when using this treatment. The first is a full treatment, known as Clear Correct® full, which involves 32 distinct steps of treatment. These are delivered over the course of eight phases. Most people, with moderate to minor imperfections, do not require such an extensive treatment and can get their teeth aligned in 12 distinct steps. These are delivered over the course of three phases, and this treatment option is known as Clear Correct® limited. For the vast majority of patients, they will only ever use the limited path to perfectly aligned teeth. Each phase of the treatment lasts three weeks. There is a deliberate time gap between each treatment phase, giving us control and flexibility to adjust the treatment as needed. 

As a Clear Correct® dentist, we will provide you with aligners that are worn virtually all the time. The advantage they have over traditional braces, in addition to the fact that they do not give you a mouth full of metal, is that they can be removed. When you are brushing your teeth, eating, drinking, or flossing you will remove your aligners and then replace them after you are done. This is revolutionary because it allows you to eat and drink any kind of food without restriction. It also means that you will have no problems with oral hygiene since you will be brushing and flossing on your regular schedule without having to deal with the discomfort or needing to adapt to braces. 

To get started, visit our Clear Correct® dentist office. Once you have decided that you want to use the Clear Correct® alternative to braces, all your dental records including impressions, radiographs, and photographs will be forwarded to Clear Correct®’s laboratory. Once there, technicians will create an exact three-dimensional (3D) model of your teeth and uses this to map out a complete treatment plan. You will have access to the complete plan, including the steps showing where you started and where you will end up with perfectly aligned teeth. 

Known as the “treatment set-up” this computerized representation will be sent to you by email, from where you will approve, make minor adjustments, and then order your custom made aligners.  

To learn more about this process, call for a consultation.

Learn Why a Root Canal is a Common Emergency Dentist Procedure

When you get a toothache, we can perform an emergency dentist procedure to help you feel better.  There are several reasons why a tooth may start to hurt.  Sometimes food gets stuck in between two teeth or a tooth and gums. Other times a cavity has grown and become painful or the dental pulp has become infected.  We can treat all of these problems and help you to feel better. 

The reason, that root canals are such common emergency procedures, is due to why a tooth starts hurting in the first place.  In order to experience a sharp and sudden toothache, your nerves need to be touched or impacted in some way.  When the dental pulp or soft center of your tooth becomes infected, it will lead to this level of discomfort because the tooth roots run through the dental pulp. Many people schedule an appointment due to the resulting toothache.

If you need this emergency dentistry procedure, we will start by giving you sedation so that you can feel comfortable during the entire appointment.  We will then make a small hole in the tooth in order to remove the infected dental pulp.  If your roots are infected, we will remove them as well so that the infection cannot spread into the jawbone and floor of the mouth.  While root canals have a reputation for being uncomfortable, thanks to sedation, you can have the infection removed comfortably.  This is important because it will eliminate the discomfort you are feeling and help to save your tooth from needing to be pulled.

After the infection, has been removed, and the area cleaned we will fill the hole and restore any missing tooth structure with a tooth-colored filling. This will ensure that no bacteria or food can enter the hole created during the procedure.  Simultaneously, your tooth may need further strengthening, and if it does, a dental crown will be used.  A crown can be made of silver amalgam or ceramic so that it can fit any tooth and blend in perfectly.  A crown is an excellent solution because nothing can touch the natural tooth.

As an emergency dentist, we also use crowns to restore teeth that have been cracked or chipped in a car wreck, sports injury, or on the job.  It is incredibly common for teeth to become injured during these normal activities.  While most people don’t think about their tooth getting damaged while playing basketball, it happens all of the time.  

Another common occurrence is teeth getting knocked out during these same activities.  Teeth are held in place by a root system that is incredibly strong but when blunt force interacts with your tooth, it can get knocked out even if your teeth are otherwise healthy.  As an emergency dentist, there are ways that we can save a tooth that has been knocked out but in order to do so, you have to visit the dentist right away.  If you find yourself in one of these situations or with a toothache, give us a call. 

Fun Facts About Orthodontics and Straightening Your Teeth

When you visit our office for orthodontics, we will start by examining your teeth and talking about your goals and what you want your smile to look like. This isn't the 1980’s.  There are a variety of ways to straighten your teeth and improve your smile now.  Traditional metal braces are only one solution, and we will work with you to make sure that whatever we recommend is a fit for your appearance goals and your lifestyle.

If you are concerned about a certain type of treatment of worried that you won’t be able to eat your favorite burger – let us know.  We want to take your concerns into consideration so that when we make a treatment recommendation we are making one that you can live with. 

Here are some fun facts about orthodontics that you should keep in mind.

• Braces are for the artist in you.  That’s right – you can get creative with your braces. That’s because we use rubber bands to secure your wire in place. They come in a wide variety of colors, and you can make any pattern that you want.  Your braces can match your favorite outfit or the next holiday.  It’s up to you!
• You don’t have to see them.  In some cases, patients qualify to wear braces behind their teeth instead of in front.  This may sound strange, but it can be an effective way to move your teeth.  If you’re interested in this option let us know, and we can determine if it’s a viable treatment for you. 
• You can take them off.  If you use an aligner to straighten your teeth, instead of metal braces, you can take the aligner off when you eat.  This is the perfect option for foodies that can’t live without their favorite plate of ribs or other messy foods that can be hard to eat with braces.  Simply pop it off; eat like normal, brush, and put the aligner back on to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. 
• The procedure is faster.  Dental technology has improved to the point that most people wear orthodontics for a shorter period of time than they used to.  Decades ago some people had their braces on all through high school.  Now it’s common to wear them for two years or less. 
• They are smaller.  The size of the metal brackets and wires has shrunk.  This means that more of your natural teeth show through, they are easier to clean, and your appearance will look better.  Even though they are smaller they are still more effective, so it’s better all around. 

Orthodontics is also cooler than it used to be.  Braces got a bad reputation when they first came out because only a few people wore them.  This made them a little strange.  Now, more and more people have braces, and it is rare for kids to not have at least a few of their friends wearing braces at any given time.  This has made them socially acceptable and even fun. More importantly your smile will look amazing when done. 

Our Family Dentist Office Has Compiled Ways That You Can Save Money on Dental Care

In our family dentist office, we treat patients of all ages and understand that the larger your family is, the more important it becomes to save money. Managing health care expenses is an important part of that.  Unfortunately, most people don’t know how.  Our team has compiled a series of ideas that you can implement to start saving money right away.

• Review your dental insurance.  Just because you are insured, doesn’t mean that your policy is right for you.  It is important to review your dental coverage on an annual basis to make sure that it is covering the things that are the most important to your family.  You should also look to see if you can get similar coverage for a reduced rate or if you can get more procedures covered without increasing your annual premium.
• Purchase a savings plan.  You can buy a dental savings plan online and use it to help reduce what you pay for dental work. Select one that covers procedures your dental insurance does not.  This way you will be covered, regardless of what dental work you need to be done.  As a family dentist, we have seen patients save money by taking this simple step.  These dental plans reduce the rate that you pay for dental work and can be particularly helpful when getting orthodontics.
• Have your teeth cleaned.  If you want to control your health care cost, you need to focus on preventative care.  Most insurance companies will pay for all or most of your dental cleanings so this becomes an affordable way to stay healthy. By cleaning your teeth twice a year, we can remove harmful plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. This is by far the easiest way to save money because it prevents the need for emergency dental care later on.
• Prevent an accident.  If you injure your teeth, you will need emergency dentistry and a dental restoration.  This can be expensive, especially if you have damaged multiple teeth.  In our family dentistry office, we recommend that you wear a mouth guard in order to prevent dental injuries while playing sports.  The American Dental Association reported that over 200,000 high school and college athletes avoid injury on an annual basis by wearing one, and these devices can help younger children and adults as well.
• Use fluoride.  You can strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities by using fluoride.  In our dental office, we provide fluoride treatments for children but they can work for adults too. You can also brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for the maximum benefit.
• Try sealant.  If your child has deep ridges in their teeth, bacteria can become trapped in them and lead to cavities.  We can seal their teeth so that nothing will become trapped, and their teeth can stay healthy.

The best way to save money and to manage your dental care cost is to prevent dental emergencies.  We can do so in our family dentistry office so call today and schedule your appointment.

The Spooky Truth About Halloween from a Pediatric Dentist

Halloween is bad for your teeth and as a pediatric dentist we have ways that you can protect yourself and your kids from getting cavities due to a sugar overload.  Sugar is bad for your teeth in any amount and when the kids are trick-or-treating or the office is throwing a party, it can be difficult to resist the urge to eat those cupcakes or indulge in a candy bar.  This places your teeth and gums at risk for getting an infection.

We understand that it isn’t easy to resist sweets but have several ways that you can encourage your kids to make healthier choices in a way that is so fun they won’t even notice it.

• Create your own haunted house.  Instead of going out trick-or-treating, create your own haunted house and surprise the kids walking by.  Get your own children involved in the planning process so that they can get excited to set everything up and startle the kids that are coming to your door.  While they won't be getting candy themselves, this can actually be far more fun and we would love to hear their stories at our pediatric dentist office. 
• Go out for a good time.  Instead of trick-or-treating, you can dress up in costume and go bowling or even out to dinner.  Ask your kids what they want to do and go to it in costume.  This is a funny way to have a good time and be festive without overloading on sugar. 
• Party all night.  Spend the evening by either hosting a party or going to a friend's party.  Have everyone dress up in costume and play games, give out prizes and dance the night away.  You can have a great time, and the kids will love it.  By throwing a party, you can control the foods that your kids eat and make sure that they don’t fill up on sugar. 
• Swap the candy for a toy.  You can give your kids a toy in trade for their big bag of candy.  It's much more fun to get a new toy and healthier too!  This is a great solution because it allows you to confiscate the candy without the struggle and tears. 

If you decide to go trick-or-treating, make sure that you don’t go on an empty stomach.  As a pediatric dentist, we recommend that you feed your kids a diet that is full of lean protein, veggies, dairy products and nuts.  This is good to eat every day and not just on Halloween.  By feeding your kids a large dinner that also contains complex carbs, they will feel full and not be tempted to snack on candy as they go.  This is important because if they are walking around hungry, they will instantly turn to candy, and this will only make them hungrier as the night goes on.  

After they have eaten a piece of candy, make sure to brush their teeth right away.  It is important to get sugar off of their teeth so that they aren’t at risk for cavities developing.  You can buy a special Halloween toothbrush to make this even more fun.

Visit Steele Dentistry of Stapleton, a Sedation Dentist, for Help with Sensitive Teeth

People living with sensitive teeth should visit a sedation dentist as we can treat you oral health issues while keeping you completely comfortable.  This is important because sensitive teeth can create discomfort while even brushing them and getting teeth cleaned can seem like a chore unless you visit a dentist that knows how to keep you feeling great during the entire appointment.

We offer various levels of sedation so that our patients can feel relaxed and at ease, regardless of whether they are having their teeth cleaned or a major oral procedure.  When you schedule an appointment, let us know that you suffer from sensitive teeth so that we can plan accordingly.  Our dentist will meet with you and discuss options before starting a procedure to ensure that the best possible course of treatment is selected for your particular needs.

There are several reasons that you may experience tooth pain and as a sedation dentist we can treat all of them.  This includes:

• Cracked Teeth.  If your tooth has become cracked while eating a nut, playing sports, or in an accident, the damage could be causing you significant amounts of pain.  We can restore your tooth using cosmetic dentistry solutions including dental veneers and dental crowns. 
• Fillings that have worn away.  If you had a cavity repaired years ago, that filling might wear away over time.  As it does, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot, cold, or brushing. We can replace your filling and do so using a natural colored filling so if metal was used before, you can improve the appearance of your teeth and their physical condition. 
• Cavities.  When you get a cavity, it may feel uncomfortable and become painful over time.  As a sedation dentist, we can treat your cavities so that the infected area is removed and filled in. This way you can eat without pain or discomfort.
• Brushing too hard.  If you use a hard toothbrush and brush vigorously, you could be stripping away your enamel and cause your teeth to hurt.  We recommend switching to a soft toothbrush and brushing using fluoride toothpaste so that your teeth can be strengthened. This will help to reverse some of the damages. 
• Gum disease.  When bacteria settle on and underneath your gums, you can get gum disease.  This will make your gums swell and even bleed.  It will also make your gums and teeth sensitive overall.  By removing the bacteria, we can help your gums to heal naturally so that the disease won’t spread, and you can feel more comfortable. 
• Lack of enamel.  The enamel on your teeth protects the interior of your tooth that is made out of dentin.  The enamel can wear away through the process of demineralization and as it does, the dentin is exposed along with the nerve endings inside of it.  We can perform a bonding procedure to seal the dentin and close the pores containing those nerve endings. 

As a sedation dentist, we offer a variety of ways to treat your sensitive teeth while keeping you comfortable.  To learn more, call and schedule an appointment. 

A Family Dentist Finds a New Way to Help Keep Your Gums Healthy

As a local family dentist, we are always interested in news that can help our patients to have healthier gums and teeth.  Researchers at the University of Boston published a report in the Journal of Periodontology that concluded drinking coffee could help your gums and teeth to stay healthier.  This is an interesting concept considering that for years; people thought coffee could actually be bad for your teeth.

In order to find the truth, researchers reviewed information collected by the Department of Veteran Affairs in Boston.  They collected dental exam data along with food intake sheets for over 1,100 men over the course of thirty years.  This three-decade study provides a glimpse into long-term oral health and how food can impact it.  Researchers broke the men into two distinct groups – those that drank a cup of coffee or more every day and those who did not.  What they found is that the men who had at least one cup of coffee a day had fewer teeth with bone loss than those in the other group.

There is a link between teeth with bone loss and gum disease.  Drinking coffee then can help to prevent gum disease.  This makes sense when considering that the caffeine in coffee is likely where the health benefits come from.  Caffeine is an anti-inflammatory that can prevent gums from swelling.  Swollen gums are often the first sign of gum disease so it is easy to see how the two can work together.  There are certain groups of people that are at greater risk of having their gums swell and drinking coffee may have additional benefits for them.  Diabetics, for example, have reduced blood flow which can lead to swollen gums.  By simply drinking a cup of coffee every day, this risk can be reduced.  However, as a family dentist, we recommend that this is part of the treatment and prevention plan – not the only part of the plan.

Brushing and flossing throughout the day is still extremely important as bacteria causes gum disease.  Brushing throughout the day removes sugar and bacteria from the teeth before it can cause any problems.  Additionally, drinking water is very important because water will wash the sugar away and help the body to produce the saliva it needs for a healthy mouth.  Eating a balanced diet is important to oral health and the health of the body, as is having teeth cleaned at least twice a year.  Working together, all of these components can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

As a local family dentist, we also want to remind patients that drinking coffee can make your teeth stained and yellow.  Our teeth whitening procedures can address this, but it is important to note that if you increase your coffee intake, you also increase your risk of having yellow teeth.  Overall, it is important to do everything in moderation so grab a cup of coffee but don’t go overboard on the java.

Here’s What to Expect When Visiting an Invisalign® Dentist Denver Patients Trust

If you are looking for an Invisalign dentist Denver patients depend on, you have come to the right place. We offer this procedure for teens and adults looking to straighten their smile without the need for traditional metal braces. Orthodontics is important for moving teeth into position and aligning a bite. There are, however, alternatives to wearing metal braces, and Invisalign® is an amazing option because teeth can be straightened without anyone noticing.

The Invisalign® system uses aligners to move teeth into place.  These are clear devices that look like a retainer.  They surround the upper and lower teeth and simply pop into place.  When you start your treatment, an impression will be taken of your teeth, and a series of aligners will be created in a lab that are slightly different from the one before it.  Each aligner will move your teeth closer to being straight so you wear one for two weeks than switch it out for the next one in the series.  This is done at home, so there are fewer appointments than if you wore traditional braces.

People that wear metal braces have to visit the orthodontist more frequently because of the work required to straighten teeth using this method.  With braces, a metal bracket is placed on each tooth, and a wire is threaded between them and secured in place with rubber bands.  In order to move teeth, the wires need to be tightened, and the rubber bands replaced on a regular basis.  This requires frequent office visits.  As an Invisalign dentist Denver patients count on, we make the process easier by limiting office visits to checks ups so that we can make sure the aligners are doing their job.

Another benefit to wearing aligners is that they don’t hurt.  When you switch out your aligners they will feel a little tight but your teeth will not hurt during the process.  Braces, on the other hand, do make your teeth hurt when the wires are being tightened and especially when they are first installed.  This makes the procedure more challenging to get through and people that don’t have time to slow down, may find this aspect difficult.

Busy professionals like the fact that Invisalign® is meant to be taken out.  You are only supposed to wear it for 22 hours a day which provides plenty of time to make a work presentation or attend a dinner meeting without wearing it. This level of flexibility is amazing when straightening your teeth because you can accomplish your smile goals without feeling as though your life is interrupted or you have to change your normal activities.  Simply keep your current schedule and take out the aligner when you need to – just remember to put it back in.

As an Invisalign dentist Denver patients talk to, we also find that wearing the aligners makes it easier to keep teeth free from stains during the entire process.  When wearing braces it becomes difficult to brush teeth because of all of the metal in your mouth.  This can lead to staining when they are taken out.  Since you remove your aligner to brush teeth like normal, this risk is greatly reduced.  To find out if this is the right procedure for you, give us a call.

Complete Your Teeth Whitening Procedure Before Your Special Day

There are many reasons to have a teeth whitening procedure. Whether you are planning your wedding, graduating from college, attending your high school reunion or taking a vacation of a lifetime, having a bright white smile will ensure that your teeth look beautiful for those picture perfect moments. There are times in life where something special happens that changes everything else. These experiences are what makes a full life and are worth preserving. Make sure that you are ready to smile with confidence so that your exterior appearance reflects the joy you are feeling inside.

The fastest way to improve your appearance is by whitening your teeth. Your smile is often the first thing people will notice when looking at you. Additionally, a recent study by Match.com found that a beautiful smile is the most attractive quality for both men and women. It is welcoming, speaks of good health, and directly impacts how people view you.

At Steele Dentistry of Stapleton, we provide a teeth whitening procedure that can fit within the busiest of schedules, making it easy for everyone to have a beautiful smile. We understand that our patients are on the go and may want to whiten their teeth at night, on vacation, or as needed. This is why we provide customized teeth whitening trays and professional whitening gels so that you can whiten your teeth when it is convenient for you. 

To get started all you have to do is schedule an appointment to have your custom whitening trays (mouth guard) created. This is done by taking a mold of your teeth and creating plastic trays that fit securely and snugly around your teeth. This way there is no risk of the bleach leaking into your mouth, which is a common problem with over-the-counter solutions. Once the trays are made you can use them long-term and simply need to replenish the whitening solution when you run out.

The benefit to using our professional grade solution is that your teeth can become up to eight shades whiter. Most patients need to wear their mouth guard and whitening solution for three to four hours each night for one to two weeks. During this timeframe you will start to see improvements to the appearance of your teeth and when you are finished your smile can look absolutely brilliant.

Adults of all ages can benefit from this procedure as it can remove years of staining from smoking, drinking coffee or tea, and eating foods that are artificially colored. Teeth can also become dull due to old age, and this procedure can brighten them.

There are times where a teeth whitening procedure is not enough to produce the dramatic effect that patients are looking for. When this is the case, dental veneers or crowns may be a better solution. Dr. Steele is a cosmetic dentist that offers both and can transform dull or stained teeth into something brilliant and beautiful. Dental veneers for example are a plastic shell that is placed directly on top of the tooth and can cover stains, correct chipped or cracked teeth, and even straighten a crooked tooth. This cosmetic dentistry solution is ideal for people that want a perfect Hollywood style smile. To learn more about your options or have your teeth whitening procedure completed, schedule an appointment to see Dr. Steele today.

A Cosmetic Dentist Does More Than Create Perfect Smiles

Many people think of a cosmetic dentist as someone who creates Hollywood style smiles. Now you can have a perfect looking smile thanks to cosmetic dentistry. However, the reality is that Dr. Steele does far more than creating perfect smiles. Patients with oral health issues and damaged teeth can also benefit from her skills and expertise. 

In the past dentistry was rather rudimentary.  If your Grandma broke her tooth, there is a good chance that the dentist ended up pulling it.  This type of treatment manifested many of the fears people have about visiting the dentist today.  Fortunately, modern technology has revolutionized dentistry and now there are multiple options for treating and fixing damaged teeth that are comfortable and convenient. 

As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steele specializes in correcting damaged teeth and providing patients with dental solutions that meet their needs and are perfect for an active lifestyle.  Every year millions of people are in a car accident or hurt on the job, which can lead to damaged teeth. However, it doesn’t mean that a tooth needs to be pulled or that a patient needs to have a metal restoration. There are many cosmetic dentistry solutions that can make the tooth look naturally beautiful again:

• Dental veneers.  This is a common solution in restorative dentistry because they can correct so many dental issues.  A veneer is a thin shell that is placed on top of the tooth and can restore teeth that have been cracked or chipped.  The veneer looks completely natural and can also be used to cover dark stains or correct uneven teeth.  
• Dental crowns.  A crown is used when a tooth needs to be restored and strengthened. Unlike a veneer that sits on top of your existing tooth, a dental crown surrounds the tooth like a cap.  They can be made in all-ceramic and ceramic-on-metal so that patients can have them placed on front teeth without anyone noticing.  
• Dental implants.  Dr. Steele also provides patients with dental implants.  These can be used to replace teeth that have fallen out in an accident or due to poor oral health. An implant is a permanent solution to replacing a tooth that feels and looks completely natural.  This is an ideal solution for those with an active lifestyle that don’t want the inconvenience of wearing dentures. 

A cosmetic dentist can provide these solutions with expert precision.  Dental technology has made it possible to save damaged teeth.  The key is working with a dental professional that understands how to make restorations look completely natural.  This is one of the main benefits of working with Dr. Steele.  The restoration will blend in with your natural teeth so that you can’t tell the difference when looking in the mirror.  As a sedation dentist, she also ensures that patients are completely comfortable during the process. 

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Steele Dentistry of Stapleton call (303) 278-3353.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

If you have lost a tooth, dental implants are an ideal way for replacing it.  This is a permanent solution that can make it easy to enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and behave like you have a full set of natural teeth.  Unlike temporary solutions like dentures, once the implant is installed there are no additional maintenance requirements so you can enjoy an active lifestyle free from worrying about your teeth. 

This is a relatively new procedure in dentistry and has only been widely performed for the past couple decades. Previously, if someone lost a tooth the standard solution was to provide them with a partial set of dentures or to use a dental bridge to replace it.  Both of these solutions are effective but come with their own set of challenges.  For example, dentures do not feel like natural teeth and have to be taken out at night to clean and soak. They can also become loose when speaking or eating.  A dental bridge will feel like a natural tooth but in order to have it installed the teeth surrounding your missing tooth need to be strong enough to support the procedure.  

Dr. Steele provides dental implants to patients who want to have a permanent and carefree solution for their missing tooth or teeth.  Implants can also be used to replace crooked teeth and to give someone a smile makeover.  They are incredibly durable and should last a lifetime.  Here is how the process works:

Step One: Dr. Steele will conduct an examination to determine if your gums and jawbone are healthy and strong enough to support a dental implant.  If not, there are additional procedures that can be done to get them in better shape.

Step Two: A mold will be taken of your mouth and existing teeth so that the dental lab can create a new synthetic tooth.  The tooth will be made to match your existing teeth in size, shape, and color.  They will look completely natural once finished.  Since they are made of ceramic, it is stain resistant but also resistant to bleaching.  If you want to whiten your teeth you should do so before having the implant created.  

Step Three: Dr. Steele will implant a metal rod underneath the gums and secure it to the jawbone.  This serves as a synthetic root system that is as durable as a natural one.  The metal rod will eventually fuse with the jawbone and allow the tooth to stand on its own without depending on the surrounding teeth for strength.  This process can take several months but is the key to the long-term durability of the tooth. 

Step Four: The new tooth (or teeth) will be attached to a second metal piece that fits between the metal rod and the tooth to secure it in place.  Dr. Steele will position the tooth perfectly so that it is straight, beautiful, and natural looking.  The result is a stunning smile. 

Dental implants are an ideal way to restore both the appearance and functionality of your smile.  To learn more, schedule an appointment with Steele Dentistry of Stapleton today.

A Sedation Dentist Can Make Your Dental Visit Comfortable and Pain-Free

If you want a comfortable experience, visit a sedation dentist.  This is the latest trend in dentistry that makes having dental work done pain-free and relaxing.  Millions of adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety.  This is often due to an unpleasant experience as a child or a fear that dental work will hurt, even though modern dental procedures rarely do. Dr. Steele understands that many patients have these concerns and offers solutions to make their experience more comfortable. 

Sedation dentistry can be used when having a cavity treated or a cosmetic procedure like dental veneers or dental implants.  The level of sedation is dependent upon the type of procedure being performed, your concerns, and any anxiety that you may have.  Dr. Steele is sensitive to her patient’s needs and meets with each patient to determine the best course of treatment so that everyone can be comfortable when visiting Steele Dentistry of Stapleton.

As a sedation dentist, Dr. Steele customizes her approach to dental treatments and pain relief.  Some of the most common forms of sedation are:

• Laughing gas.  Many people don’t need pain relief but need to relax so that they are not anxious during dental treatments.  This can apply to everything including teeth whitening.  The worry or fear that some people have makes their experience unpleasant when it doesn’t have to be. Breathing in laughing gas can take away those anxieties or fears. 
• Mild sedation.  This can include a pill or a shot of numbing medication to the area that is being treated.  This is commonly used when treating a small cavity.  This localized anesthesia is targeted to a specific area and doesn’t impact the rest of the mouth. This way you can feel normal fairly quickly after the procedure has been completed.  You will also be completely aware during the procedure and able to respond to commands. 
• Moderate sedation.  This is used for pain relief, often in conjunction with laughing gas to relieve anxiety.  With moderate sedation, you might need help responding to commands and some people feel very sleepy.  This is an ideal solution for people getting dental veneers or a procedure that may take more time to complete. 
• Complete sedation.  When having a procedure performed like dental implants, complete sedation is more common.  This is generally administered by an IV and will put you completely asleep and unable to respond to commands.  The main benefit is that you won’t remember anything about the procedure.   People getting oral surgery will benefit the most from this type of sedation but will need to be monitored afterwards to ensure that they wake up comfortably.  

As a sedation dentist, Dr. Steele can provide you with the pain relief you need to calm any fears and feel comfortable during your dental procedures.  She uses the latest in modern dental technology to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Steele Dentistry of Stapleton today.