An Emergency Dentist Provides Inclusive Care, Beyond What the ER Can Do

If having an emergency dentist has never crossed your mind, you would be in very good company. Most people do not believe, or consciously think about, the fact that they might someday find themselves in need of urgent medical care. This is not unique to dentistry, as most people do not consider themselves vulnerable to situations where they would need any kind of emergency medical attention. Even fewer people think that they will ever have the need of emergency dental care. This is because we live in a fast-paced world, where worrying about potential problems takes away from a busy schedule and so we ignore what might be. In the case of your teeth, chances are you do not think about them very much. The vast majority of people only think about their teeth when they are brushing, if they have need of a dentist, or if they cannot get a piece of steak out from a gap. Over 40% of American’s do not even visit the dentist on a regular basis. So when an emergency happens, typically sometime in the wee hours of the morning, most people have no idea who to call. Adding our office line to your emergency contact list is a good place to start. Otherwise, you could find yourself having to go to the emergency room within a tremendous amount of pain.

Emergency rooms and emergency dentist serve an entirely separate set of patients. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend to visit the emergency room when people need urgent dental care. Fundamentally needing a dentist, but not having access to one in off hours, patients are migrating to emergency rooms in record numbers. A study, which took the data from 24 states over 3 years, conducted by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, found that over that three year period, the number of patients seeking dental care in an emergency room increased by 16%. The challenge with this is that the physicians in emergency rooms are not trained to provide the same services as an emergency dentist. They are able to treat you for the symptoms of whatever is causing you discomfort. They will, for example, be able to give you pain medication if you are in pain, but will not be able to diagnose or treat the underlying cause. The study also found that of the people waiting for services in emergency rooms, 20% were returning to treat the same dental issues they had before. Getting treatment is important, but it is also important to get the right kind of care from a trained dentist.

A toothache is the most frequent cause for someone to seek out urgent medical care for their teeth. A toothache is one of the world’s most serious discomforts since it can be extremely debilitating. It is also, potentially, a symptom of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.  As a local emergency dentist, this is an example of an issue that we can address and do so more effectively than an ER doctor.  We can get to the bottom of what your issue is so that you can feel better quickly.

How a Clear Correct® Dentist Can Straighten Your Teeth

A Clear Correct® dentist can be a boon to thousands of adults who have misaligned or crooked teeth, but have not had them straightened because they do not wish to wear traditional metal braces. Clear Correct® aligners are a transparent tray that is custom molded to fit snugly over your upper or lower set of teeth. These aligners gradually and incrementally move your teeth to their ideal position.

Clear Correct® Vs Traditional Metal Braces

While it is true that braces are a lot less cumbersome than they used to be, they are still quite unsightly and uncomfortable. As a Clear Correct® dentist, we will fit the aligners to your teeth. Transparent thermoplastic aligners, which gradually and gently move your teeth, have several distinct advantages. Made of clear stain resistant material, they are barely visible, take less time to achieve the desired result, and are usually quite comfortable.

However, one of the most important advantages of Clear Correct® aligners is that the three-dimensional computer imaging technology used enables you to see an image of the planned result... even before you begin treatment.

Being Fitted For Clear Correct®

At your first appointment, as a Correct Dentist, we will first determine if this type of straightening is right for you. Unfortunately, there are a few situations when traditional braces are called for. If you are determined to be a good candidate, we will take impressions of your teeth and x-rays, from which a digital 3-D image is made. Once we map out an exact treatment plan, this image will be sent to the Clear Correct® manufacturing center in Texas, where your first aligners will be made.

When you return for your first fitting, you will probably notice that the aligners do not seem to quite fit your teeth. This is both true and perfectly normal. Because your teeth will be shifted in a series of gradual movements, every set of aligners is designed to fit a new position, that is one step closer to the final desired result. Once your teeth have moved into this position, which will happen very gradually, the aligner will feel loose. After a short period, during which the teeth stabilize, you will be given a new retainer, and the process will be repeated.

How Long Will It Take

The precise length of time, it will take to straighten your teeth will, obviously, depend on how far the tooth (or teeth) have to be moved. Although every situation is unique, most adults have to use Clear Correct® for about six months to a year. However, you will find that this time goes by fairly quickly for several reasons. As wearers of traditional braces often have to do, you will not have to restrict your diet and eliminate foods that get could get stuck in the wires and bands. Should you, for instance, decide to tuck into corn on the cob, you simply have to pop your Clear Correct® aligners out first. You can also remove your aligners before brushing and flossing, which ensures that you do a better job cleaning your teeth. Additionally, plaque, which causes tooth decay, will not build up behind the aligner. Just remember that since you can take them out, they must be put back in quickly to avoid a treatment delay.

As a professional and experienced Clear Correct® dentist, we can set you on the very short path to having the smile you have always wanted.

Your Jawbone Needs Dental Implants to Remain Strong

Dental implants are the safest and most permanent way for you to replace teeth that you have lost. Implants have between a 92% and 98% success ratio, and that is just the first in a long list of reasons why they are preferable to other methods of tooth replacement. For example, if you have lost a tooth and are using dentures you are familiar with the adhesives and chemical glues that you need to use to keep them in place. These can be messy and are never quite comfortable. With an implant, you can wave goodbye to this mess since the implant is a permanent fixture which is surgically installed into your mouth. Since the implant is a permanent fixture, you never have to worry about forgetting to put it as you are leaving or, worse, losing the denture during dinner. Maintaining a dental implant is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth and exactly the same process.
Dental implants save their most impressive feature for under the surface. While there is nothing quite like the feeling of having a replacement tooth that doesn't look or feel like it is a fake tooth, dental implants have taken syncing with the body to an entirely new level. The implants you are going to have installed are all made of titanium. This is because a few decades ago, scientists and dentists discovered that titanium has an amazing quality. Through a process known as osseointegration, titanium can achieve a complete melding with the organic bone matter in your jaw. This convinces the body, through the jawbone itself, that the tiny metal implants are actually part of the body and, therefore, need to be given the support of a normal tooth. This bodes very well for your implant, hence the high success rate, but it also does wonders for the actual jawbone itself.
Your jawbone is an amazing device that is designed for two purposes. First, and foremost from a survival standpoint, the jaw is designed to support the teeth. By giving the teeth a secure anchor, the jaw provides security, strength, and stability to the teeth. Since the teeth are the first step in the digestive process, the body supports the jawbone as long as it continues to fulfill this part of its mission. The teeth have a symbiotic relationship with the jaw, providing it with stimulation for growth and sustainability in exchange for the stability. Tooth loss, however, leads to the jaw no longer needing to provide this stability and no longer receiving the stimulation. When this happens, the body gets a signal that the jawbone is no longer required for survival and starts to dissolve it as a way to resorb the vital minerals, like calcium, in the bone. This, unfortunately, creates a conflict with the second function that the jawbone performs. Maintaining the structural integrity and bite alignment of the face and mouth.
As the jawbone starts to dissolve, you will start to experience a change in your face. The chin will start to shrivel, often giving people the appearance of “witches chin” while thick wrinkles can also appear making a person look years older than they are. The good news is that with dental implants, the body is convinced to continue supporting the jawbone and more often than not will restore the lost bone density.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Restorative Dentist Denver

Scheduling a Teeth Whitening Treatment Has Many Advantages

Our ancestors believed, teeth whitening was actually a way to get ahead in the world. Having discovered the unquantifiable power in beauty, and combining that with the radiance of a perfect smile, man set out on a quest to have gorgeous teeth he possibly could. That obsession has led to the birth and growth of a multibillion-dollar teeth whitening industry in America today as millions of people seek to have the perfect Hollywood smile. As dentists heavily involved in the teeth whitening industry, we were fascinated by how whitening your teeth can actually influence your life. We started looking at a few of the statistics from a number of different studies and quickly figured out that our ancestors had it right. People with whiter, and hence more beautiful, teeth tend to do better socially and in a professional environment. This alone makes the case for teeth whitening and stresses the importance of maintaining the teeth's condition after the treatment.
As we studied teeth whitening data, two things became abundantly clear to us. First, people who have had their teeth whitening done have a significant advantage over their competition in a variety of situations. To demonstrate this, studies have found that over 71% of women stated that their first impression of a man was formed, in a large part, based on his smile and hence his teeth. Men who had whiter teeth made a much better impression than their competition. The studies also revealed an edge for those with whiter teeth in the professional world. Of people competing for a dream job, the people who had had their teeth whitening done had the advantage and were more successful 58% of the time. Not surprisingly, people with whiter teeth tended to do better once they had gotten the job as well. Studies found that 53% of people with whiter teeth had a higher chance of getting offered a promotion or being given a raise over others in the same job, with the same qualifications - proving once and for all that whiter teeth matter. Secondly, we found that people who had their teeth whitening done tended to make better dietary choices which could lead to better overall health.
Maintaining Your White Smile 
Teeth whitening is not forever. People who get their teeth whitened understand this, just like they understand the need to change their dietary habits in order to protect their teeth. When you whiten your teeth, natural dyes and chemical additives for color become the natural enemy. They can stain the teeth and quickly return them to the pre teeth whitening stage. So people learn to avoid them and in so doing actually live a healthier lifestyle. For example, one product group that many patients cut out are caffeine based tea and coffee. Both of these, when consumed in large quantities, can be extremely harmful to the color of your teeth. Reducing them or cutting them out of your diet altogether, takes overstimulation out of your life along with removing the elements that could stain your teeth. Drinking water is much healthier, which many patients find themselves drawn to after having their teeth whitening procedure.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Invisalign Dentist Denver

Teeth Whitening Options for People With Sensitive Teeth

In our dental office, we provide teeth whitening services for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile.  The results are dramatic, as this simple procedure can whiten teeth by up to eight shades or more.  This makes it perfect for those wanting to have a more youthful appearance and for those looking to get rid of dark stains on their teeth.  With the popularity of the procedure, many people with sensitive teeth ask us if it is safe to have their teeth whitened, and as with many things, the answer is – it depends.

A professional teeth whitening in our office is entirely safe and the American Dental Association has even published a paper titled, “Tooth Whitening/Bleaching: Treatment Considerations for Dentists and Their Patients” providing further tips on how to prevent or reduce sensitivity. In their report, they suggest that patients with sensitivity concerns use a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for a week or two before having their teeth whitened and afterwards if necessary.  They also suggest having a dentist place potassium nitrate into teeth whitening trays and placing the trays on the teeth for thirty minutes prior to beginning the treatment.  This simple step, when performed by a dentist, can prevent any potential sensitivity according to their findings.

The reason that it is safe for those with sensitive teeth is that we complete a dental exam first.  In order to ensure that your teeth are ready for a treatment, we will check to see if there are any cavities or gum disease in the mouth prior to starting the bleaching or whitening process.  This is important because many people that use an over the counter teeth whitening solution find that they experience sensitivity, not because of the whitening but because their teeth were not healthy enough for the treatment in the first place.  This is a common risk that is entirely avoided when having the procedure done professionally.

Another concern with over the counter whitening kits is that if you buy the whitening trays, they are designed to fit everyone.  Technically, nothing can so it's like buying an XL t-shirt and expecting it to be the perfect fit when you are a medium – it won’t be.  Whitening trays are the same way, and since they won’t fit perfectly, when buying them at the store, the whitening solution may leak out and as it does, your gums can become irritated.  Gum tissue is fairly sensitive so anything abrasive touching it may cause unnecessary irritation, and this can be avoided by having the trays custom-made in our dental office.  With the perfect fitting tray, the solution will remain in place, and the treatment will be far more comfortable.

If you would like to learn more about the procedure, we recommend that you schedule a consultation.  While there are many commercials promoting products that will transform your smile, it is always wise to be under the care of a dentist.  After examining your teeth, we will make a recommendation for the best way to proceed. 

The Science Involved in Dental Implants and Replacing Teeth

Dental implants are certainly not a new method of replacing teeth. In fact, the technology has been developing for years, and for the first time in history we can provide tooth replacements that look, feel, and act like the natural tooth. It all starts with bio-integration. Bio-integration is the process by which the body, far from rejecting a foreign object, actually accepts the implant as a natural object and works together with it in symbiosis. We start with a titanium implant for a number of reasons. First, titanium is the only metal that we know of that is capable of osseointegration, which is essential for bio-integration. Additionally this is a metal that is incredibly strong, while also being incredibly light which is perfect for making an implant. Finally, titanium has the ability to create a thin film around itself, which prevents the metal from being influenced by corrosive elements.

Since dental implants are dependent on integration, we have developed a number of techniques that help with the process. For example, we now use a customized surface with most of our implants. Implant customizations can include implants that have been sprayed in plasma, have been blasted by grit, etched with acid, or coated with hydroxyapatite. All bones contain hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring substance. When we insert your implant into the bone, having coated it with hydroxyapatite, the body is tricked into believing that the dental implant is actually part of the bone. This greatly speeds up the process of bio-integration, as well as healing. In addition to using innovative technological advancements, we also have to place the right kind of dental implant for the situation. We make these decisions based, typically, on the amount of bone density and the ability of the jawbone to support the implant.

The most commonly installed dental implants are called a gum form implant. These implants, which are also known as endosteal implants, are installed directly underneath the gum in the site where we plan on installing a crown or some other false tooth device. The false tooth is then hooked to the implant using a small post that is left exposed. In order for use to perform this kind of an implant, the bone has to be in pretty good shape since the security and stability of the implant depends directly on the bone itself. Gum form implants are traditionally cone-shaped, most commonly a small nail or screw is inserted into the bone.

If however, we find that the bone cannot withstand a traditional implant we will use a device known as a Ramus Frame implant. These implants are designed for people whose jaw does not have the required density or, worse, may fracture so they are designed for stability and to help strengthen the jaw itself. These installed are done a distance away from the site, usually in the back corners of the mouth by the wisdom teeth and in the center of the mouth near the chin. A thin metal strip is left exposed so that we can attach the bridge or denture to the dental implant. We will discuss all of the options with you during an exam.

A Denver Dentist Explains Dental Information You Should Know About

As a Denver dentist, we seek to educate patients while also treating them. We understand that when our patients are informed they are better equipped to keep their teeth and gums healthy at home, in between dental appointments.  This is important for lifelong oral health and also makes getting dental work done just a little bit easier.  Still, there are many misconceptions about dentistry that we want to clear up.  

Here are some facts that you should know.

Restorations may need to be replaced.
Modern materials are stronger and more durable than they used to be, but restorations still don’t last forever.  Just like natural teeth can wear out, restorations can too.  While they typically last for a decade or longer at some point a crown, veneer or implant may need to be adjusted or replaced.  If you received a restoration over ten years ago, we recommend having it inspected to see if it needs to be adjusted or to determine what the projected lifespan of it will be.  If it does need to be replaced, we can do so quickly and in a way that looks natural.

Dental work can be comfortable.
One of the biggest misconceptions about dentistry is that it hurts.  This is not the case.  In fact, by offering sedation dentistry we can ensure that our patients remain comfortable the entire time.  For the millions of adults that suffer from dental anxiety, this is a welcome relief.  We can provide you with an oral sedation that will help you to relax before a procedure and medication to keep you comfortable during it.  As a Denver dentist, we can review your sedation options with you prior to starting treatment so that your dental experience will be a pleasant one. 

Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry go hand in hand.
If your tooth is damaged and you need to repair it, visit a dentist that can do so and is skilled in cosmetic dentistry.  This goes hand in hand because a cosmetic dentist can complete restorations in a way that looks beautiful and natural.  There is no need to choose between a functional restoration and a beautiful restoration when you can have both in one single procedure.  If you want to have the appearance of your teeth improved, you may be able to have procedures done at the same time as your restoration to make it even more convenient. 

Your gums are important.
Many patients are unaware of how important the health of gums is to their teeth.  Gum health is essential because gum disease can lead to infection, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.  People that suffer from gum disease can experience discomfort and may find that their teeth fall out if it is left untreated.  In our Denver dentist office, we offer a variety of procedures to keep gums in good health.

To learn more about dentistry and how we can help your smile to look and feel amazing, schedule a dental exam.