Dentist Castle Rock CO

Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:30:42 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth

Carbonated soft drinks are the biggest single caloric source in the American diet. Teenagers in particular are hooked on the stuff and get an average of 13 percent of their daily calories from “pop.” If this doesn’t scare you, it should. In terms of sheer amount, these statistics could be alarming if it were any one food. A proper diet should have some balance and diversity. And soda pop is the antithesis of “any food.” It’s bad food. Soda is one of the most damaging and over-consumed beverages on the market today say Dentist Castle Rock. Most people who are addicted want to stop, but don’t know how. Did your last dental checkup find you sinking lower and lower into the dental chair with each cavity your dentist found? If so, one of the first questions you may want to ask yourself is this: are soft drinks a big part of your daily routine? If you answered “yes”, you may want to re-think your dietary habits. In America, we drink a lot of cola (or “un-cola”). On average, we each drank 52.4 gallons in 2005, and this figure includes infants, healthy folks, prisoners, etc., meaning that the average soda drinker actually gulps (their word) more than this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LFv0i3qNAE

Ingredient & Effect

We use the term “empty calories” for foods like soda that have no place in a nutritious diet. This term is ridiculously misleading. The calories in soda are far from empty. Most of them come from sugar. Some of the worst cases of dental decay have involved sodas, or sweetened (prepared) iced tea. One 12 oz. can of soda averages about 12 teaspoons of sugar. That’s basically liquid sugar. Just cut it out. We should read the ingredient list on the bottle or can. Be aware of added concentrates, syrups and juices used to sweeten the drink. If it states high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), read “sugar”. The high-fructose corn syrup is cheap and creates an unfulfilled craving for more leading us to over eat, and over consume, the garbage that keeps us craving for more. Aside from the sugar that soft drinks contain, you are essentially giving your teeth an acid bath every time you drink a can or bottle. It’s pretty strong stuff. I understand some cola will loosen rusty nuts on bolts, or even clean battery terminals! Just try to keep it out of your body. If you need help weaning yourself off of the sugar, speak to your doctor about it right away. You will be happy to know there are healthy alternatives state Dentist Castle Rock. Apart from enamel erosion, drinking soda has been linked to diabetes, formation of kidney stones, osteoporosis and even low potassium levels with associated muscle weakness. Sugar-free sodas are not the best solution either. They still contain acids which can break down your enamel. Acid attacks can last about 20 minutes and each sip of soda initiates the acid bath.

Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth

Well-being

Besides the simple caloric trade-off, sodas are formulated to give you a rush. The sugar is mixed with phosphates designed to speed it into your system. It’s so good, in fact, that many cyclists prefer Coca-Cola to specific sports food when they need a sugar rush near the end of races. And while a sugar rush is a good thing when you’re trying to exceed your anaerobic threshold and you’re out of blood glycogen (never mind if you don’t know what this is), it’s a bad thing whenever you’re not, which even for a competitive cyclist is 99.9 percent of the time. Dentist Castle Rock knows we are a people of instant gratification, yet as we age, we learn that instant gratification does not happen very often. Take time to know your body, it will tell you, and you will learn to recognize what makes it feel good. Make a decision. Now that you have scared yourself with the amount of sugar you are swallowing every day, make a conscious decision to change. If you do not REALLY want to get off of soda, then you probably won’t. Be serious and act like you are already disconnected from it. When you make this mental shift, it will be much easier.

Substitutions

Now that you have selected some healthy alternatives, start bringing them in off the bench. Take it slow and steady. For one week, substitute one can of soda with your healthy alternative. Do this for two weeks, then add another substitute. After following this pattern for 10 weeks, you will be off soda. Once you’ve mastered with the substitutes lets up the ante. If you are ready to take it to the next level, then bring in the water. We all know the benefits of water. If you’re dead set on getting more into your daily diet, follow the same procedure and wean out the healthy beverages one at a time. The key thing to do when you are trying to overcome your soda addiction, especially in the beginning, is to not deprive yourself, but to substitute. There are many healthy alternatives that come at a lower body-damaging price explains Dentist Castle Rock. Find something you like. Search for beverage alternatives at your favorite health-food store or grocery store. Always read the ingredient label first. Make sure there are no artificial flavors, artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, colors, numbers or abbreviations in there. If the ingredient list has a clean bill of health, then proceed to the nutritional content. Make sure the beverage is low in calories and sodium. Send in the substitutes.

Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth

Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:26:34 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing

Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. Deep cleaning and other periodontal treatments can largely be avoided if you are careful with your cleaning. One of the ideas of having regular check-ups is to avoid such problems developing. Your dentist is a squeamish soul, who probably faints at the sight of blood, and likes to have things tidy. Therefore they’ll be more than happy to show you how to clean your teeth properly if you are unsure how to do it. Scaling and root planing is the first step in treatment of gum disease. It can be enhanced with the local use of medications, oral rinses, but no treatment can be effective without root planing and scaling or deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is the procedure on its own, and it can be part of gum surgery procedure as well. Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool. Your dentist may place antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The antibiotic will help speed healing and prevent infection. The dentist will remove the fibers about 1 week after the procedure explains Dentist Castle Rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1v2UqtUYRw

Why get Procedure

Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gumline. The two processes tend to blur together since during the cleaning process, the dental worker scales away tartar and performs any necessary root planing at the same time. Any roughness can be planed away to result in a silky smooth surface. If plaque and tartar is left on the teeth, as we mentioned before, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritate the gums, which means that they bleed more easily. You may notice this if you are brushing your teeth, or eating, and sometimes your gums may bleed a bit. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop. And your gums will heal and become firm and pink again says Dentist Castle Rock. There is some confusion about the difference between scaling and root planing. Scaling is basically the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth.

Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing

After Treatment

If anesthesia is used, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours. Planing and scaling causes little or no discomfort. Discomfort can vary after root planing, but one can expect it to be more sore afterwards since it’s usually in a deeper region under the gums. The teeth themselves can become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen work very well to alleviate discomfort, but stronger painkillers can be given should you need them states Dentist Castle Rock. You may be asked to use an antiseptic mouth rinse after scaling and root planing. This is especially likely if your gums are very sore. However, you should continue brushing and flossing as usual. You can expect some minor bleeding in the first days after scaling and root planing. This usually stops within a week. If you develop a fever or a lot of bleeding, pain or swelling after scaling and root planing, contact your dental professional.Brushing and flossing can be delayed or done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend salt water or chlorhexidine rinses.

Risk Involved

Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. Treating periodontitis decreases gum inflammation. It also eliminates periodontal pockets, which can trap plaque. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for a severe infection or if infections are particularly dangerous for you. Therefore, if treatment is successful, the swelling will be gone and your gums will shrink or recede. The extent of shrinkage depends on the initial depth of the pocket and the severity of periodontitis. The more severe the disease, the more your gums will recede after successful therapy. As a result, some part of the root is exposed. This makes the tooth look longer. It also will be more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent root cavities, your dentist may prescribe a fluoride-containing gel explains Dentist Castle Rock. It’s also important to control plaque. Has your medical doctor told you that you need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures? If so, tell your dentist or hygienist about this before you undergo scaling and root planing.

Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing

Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:18:41 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continually forms in between and on the surface of the teeth. It is formed, as in any biofilm, by colonizing bacteria trying to attach itself to a smooth surface of a tooth. It has been estimated that as many as 400 distinct bacterial species may be found in plaque. In addition to the bacterial cells, plaque contains a small number of epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages. Dental plaque can be classified in several different ways. Plaque is classified as supragingival or subgingival based on its relationship to the gingival margin. Supragingival plaque is evident on the tooth above the gingival margin explains Dentist Castle Rock. Plaque can also be classified by its relationship to the tooth surface, as either attached or unattached plaque. Unattached subgingival plaque is more closely associated with the wall of the subgingival tissues than is the attached plaque. Inorganic components are also found in dental plaque; largely calcium and phosphorus which are primarily derived from saliva.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_rXfHCCemM

Symptoms of Plaque

Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay. Other types of plaque cause gum disease. Mild gingivitis does not cause any symptoms and so you may not realize that you have it. The gums look slightly swollen and reddened. Moderate gingivitis can cause more marked swelling and reddening of the gums. The gums often bleed a little when you clean your teeth. Uneasiness or pain from the gums is rare if you only have gingivitis. Periodontitis often does not cause any symptoms until an affected tooth becomes loose. However, in some cases, symptoms develop and may include: halitosis (bad breath), some pus formation in small pockets between teeth and gums, pain and difficulty eating, a foul taste in your mouth, affected teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out if not treated. Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth says Dentist Castle Rock. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities).

Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth

Removal of Plaque

If your gums appear healthy with no inflammation or redness, then twice daily brushing and proper daily flossing will break up the plaque that naturally accumulates on your teeth. Brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste will help to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and floss or interdental cleaners will help to remove plaque between your teeth says Dentist Castle Rock. If you notice that your gums are red and inflamed, or that they bleed after you brush your teeth, it is important that you see your dentist. Gingivitis and early periodontitis can be controlled by routine professional teeth cleanings and more diligent brushing and flossing at home. If your dental professional observes an excessive buildup of plaque and calculus below the gum line, then a procedure called scaling and/or root planing may be necessary. This non-surgical procedure is used to remove plaque and calculus from around the roots of teeth and in the gum pockets. Scaling and root planing is performed in your dentist’s office. It is not uncommon for dentists to refer more advanced cases to a periodontist, a dentist specializing in gum disease.

Calculus aka Tartar

Even if you practice the best oral hygiene, there are bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria, along with proteins and food byproducts, form a sticky film called dental plaque. This film coats teeth. Plaque is most prevalent in areas that are hard to clean — like the back teeth — just along the gum line, and around fillings or other dental products. Calculus is hardened calcified plaque. It is sometimes called tartar. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with special instruments. Unlike plaque, which is a colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see if above the gumline. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth or gums. The only way for sure to detect tartar and to remove it; is to see your dentist. Proper brushing, especially with a tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline. A bigger problem arises if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and harden explains Dentist Castle Rock. That can happen after just 26 hours. When this occurs, the plaque hardens into tartar, or dental calculus. Because it has mineralized onto your teeth, tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque. If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. That more serious form is known as periodontitis.

Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth

Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:15:53 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist

Most people despise going to the dentist. It is difficult to find a dental practice that you really like and feel comfortable with. With the extremely challenging economy and the changes in health insurance, you may be looking for a dentist. It is important to find a dentist who you like and trust. Unfortunately, there are dentists who insist on work that really is not necessary. Finding a dentist who is going to be honest about the condition of your teeth is essential. It is not always easy to find a reputable dental practice states Dentist Castle Rock. There are some prudent things you can do during your search to make sure you are choosing a good dentist. Talk with your dentist about getting a copy of your dental records. Dentists covered by the HIPAA privacy rule are required to provide patients with a copy of their records and state law may also apply. Knowing about your condition and treatment options is two of the first steps in understanding what can be done to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Many of your questions can be answered by your dentist. While at an appointment with a new dentist, you can take the time to notice many things about that person. In the same way that someone’s house says a lot about who they are, so does a dentist’s office. You should pay attention while in the office, keeping an eye out for cleanliness, as well as the diligence and attitudes of the employees. This can give you insight into your dentists own work habits. An office that is chaotic and messy may likely mean bad things for you and your family. A high-quality dentist will be clean and hygienic. After all, that is how they advise their patients to be every day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylbzJy635U4

Detailed Prognosis

Dentists charge a handsome amount for their services; therefore, we should also ask a handsome amount of questions to get our money’s worth explains Dentist Castle Rock. If you got your condition from any traumatic injury or suddenly experienced unusual throbbing pain while you were on a dietary regimen, tell it in detail to the dentist, so he/she can readily assess what’s going on in your mouth. You should visit a dentist if you have a toothache or pain, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, a loose tooth if you are an adult, swollen or bleeding gums or changes in your bite. Catching a dental problem early in its development can make it easier to treat. Dentists are not mind-readers – so tell that we they need to know. There are also cases wherein patients will stray away on a question if he/she had oral sex before the pain or lump in the mouth. There is something we call “doctor-patient confidentiality” law that will disbar any dentist from practice if he/she leaks out “any” details if your conversation – more so if it is sensitive information. So feel free to tell your dentist anything that may have triggered the onset of your condition.

Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist

Treatment Choices

Find out if there are other treatment options available and ask how the various options differ in cost, which treatment will provide the longest-lasting results, and do all of the treatments solve your oral health care problems. Which ones are elective or cosmetic? Are all of the treatments the dentist is recommending absolutely necessary? Which ones do you need right away and which ones can you delay for later? Of course, a dentist wants to help you achieve your ideal smile, but that does not mean that all of the treatments he is recommending are necessary. Ask him to create a schedule for you that will break up the various treatments into phases, starting with the most urgent. Are the desired results you want realistic? Among the dentist’s recommendations, which treatments are absolutely necessary? If so, what treatments will you need, how much will it cost, and how long will it take to achieve the end results? Which are elective? Which are cosmetic? Which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent? Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time says Dentist Castle Rock. Be sure you understand the consequences of delaying treatment.

Specialized Areas

The banner outside of the office or on the website may not always give a clear embodiment of that dentist’s purported ‘specialty’. If you are in any way doubtful, or just making sure that your dentist does well in what he claims, ask him a few questions on his track record and how he earned his reputation as a ‘leading’ cosmetic dentist. Many a time, dentists fall short of their promises and give their patients substandard services say Dentist Castle Rock. If you feel that your tooth/teeth did not get any better or if the procedure and by regard, any procedure worsened the previous condition of your tooth, go back to the dentist and ask for an explanation on why your tooth did not get better. If he declines or reacts prematurely in any way, and does not give even a partial refund if he knows what he did is wrong, you can file a report to your local dentist organization. Be sure to check your dentist’s affiliations before filing a complaint. Sending a complaint directly to his affiliate organization may expedite the process of ruling him out the flock of ‘good’ dentists. Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website for more details on this matter. There have been many cases of ‘bad’ dentists, meaning you’re not alone in your plight.

Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist

Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:52:29 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know

When looking for a dentist, you have to remember that no one is perfect. Your personal needs and circumstances make the right dentist for you different from many other peoples says Dentist Castle Rock. You will have to find a good balance between everything that has been discussed. You probably cannot afford the most expensive dentist out there, but you also probably don’t need the most expensive dentist. There are many dentists out there who are perfectly qualified to care for your oral health. Just remember to stay informed about your health and to maintain an open-ended relationship with your dentist. There are approximately 165,000 dentists in the U.S., and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the yearly earnings of dentists averaged $147,010 in 2007. There is no doubt we are spending a lot of money on dental care and most people do not have dental insurance. But are we spending our money wisely? This is an area of particular interest to retirees and those planning to retire, because dental health issues tend to become more pressing as we age. Going to the dentist may seem like a mundane chore, but it can quickly become an expensive one. Here’s what you need to know to get the most for your money when shopping for dental care.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbpC6Zcrbg4

Lacking in Education

Dentistry has changed a lot since your dentist graduated from dental school. One practitioner told me changes come “almost daily.” There have been major advances in most materials used in fillings, bonding and root canals says Dentist Castle Rock. The world of neuromuscular dentistry has evolved at a particularly rapid rate. This branch of dentistry treats misalignment of the jaw which can cause headaches, sleep apnea, worn or cracked teeth and severe jaw pain, among many other symptoms. Lasers and air abrasion systems can be used to remove some decay without numbing the patient and to achieve superior dental cleaning. If your dentist is not actively engaged in continuing education, it is unlikely that he or she is keeping up with these developments. Dental techniques have also changed. Laser systems can regenerate bone lost to gum disease and improve smiles with gum contouring.

Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know

Technology is not the latest

Technology is an important part of today’s dentistry. Is your dentist current? Here are some questions to ask: Digital x-ray: Dentists who do not have digital x-ray equipment are practicing in the dark ages. Digital x-rays use less radiation than film says Dentist Castle Rock. They are easier to read and the ability to manipulate contrast makes diagnosis more accurate. This equipment is expensive. It costs $30,000-$50,000. You are worth it. CEREC: For many dentists, this is the information they don’t want you to have. The CEREC system lets your dentist provide a ceramic crown, onlay or veneer in only one visit. Use of CEREC can conserve the tooth structure and permit the dentist to seal the tooth in one appointment. No gagging impressions. CEREC means fewer injections, less drilling and no annoying temporaries. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic instruments vibrate plaque and calculus off your teeth, even in areas below your gums. It is much more comfortable than old-fashioned hand scraping. They can remove heavy stains (like tobacco and coffee) from the tooth and even treat periodontal disease. Total cost to your dentist: Around $2000. There is no excuse for not having it. The big rub is cost. A CEREC system will cost around $120,000. If we have a choice between a dentist who has it and one that doesn’t the availability of CEREC will be the deciding factor.

Not all cosmetic dentists have the skills to really improve your smile

A beautiful smile is a big part of our appearance. Cosmetic dentists promise us beautiful smiles (a “smile makeover”). But how do we know if they can deliver? Any dentist can call herself a “cosmetic dentist.” Here are some questions that will help you select one that is qualified: Have you had post-graduate training? If so,where? The best veneers are either felspathic (super thin) veneers, or CAD/CAM veneers, which can be milled and made by a computer. There are pluses and minuses of both. Your dentist should explain the differences to you. Show me the… veneers! Your dentist should be able to show you ten or more before and after photographs or videos. She should be willing to give you the names of patients who have consented to be used as references. Be cautious. Some dentists use before and after pictures of models they did not work on. Verify that what you are seeing is work done on actual patients! We have heard people saying my tooth is turning gray underneath my crown. A lot of dentists don’t realize that root canal filling materials, when left in the visible part of the tooth, are strong contributors to this graying of your tooth states Dentist Castle Rock. Providing the best cosmetic dentistry demands a higher level of expertise and training that is enhanced with an artistic touch. Materials used and techniques offered also play vital roles when delivering a cosmetically pleasing smile. By seeking out and use only the highest quality materials and offer a variety of procedures will allow dentist to select the right combination to give each individual optimal results. The cosmetic dentistry field has changed rapidly over the years. A dentist with no post-graduate training is not likely to be current with these advancements. Look for post graduate training in porcelain veneers from well-known schools like LVI Global, the Pankey Institute and the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. What kind of veneers do you use?

Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know

Dentist Castle Rock Discusses Mini Implants

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 23:43:37 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Discusses Mini Implants

Undoubtedly the lower denture presents the most difficulty for patients adjusting to dentures for the first time … or even for experienced denture wearers. It can be frustrating as you attempt to eat certain foods, or even to speak with confidence without fear that your lower denture will begin to float in your mouth states Dentist Castle Rock. Mini dental implants, or MDI’s, are sometimes referred to as SDI’s (small diameter implants), as well as NDI’s (narrow body implants). Some small diameter implants are used as anchors in orthodontic cases and are called TADs, or temporary attachment devices. These differ from the more common mini dental implants in that they are removed after they are no longer needed and orthodontic treatment is completed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wMo1wCxpvE

Who Can Get Mini Implants

Unless you have had radiation to your jaw, you are probably a good candidate. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are poor risks. We have successfully placed implants in people that have lost nearly all of their lower jaw bone. The ideal candidate is in good general and oral health. The best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease since the mini-implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, according to the American Dental Association says Dentist Castle Rock. The mini-implant can be used immediately. The great thing is that the day the mini-implants are placed, you can often attach the denture the same day. A patient’s old, loose existing plate can often be used. Mini dental implants have been approved for use in the US since 1997. Success ratios are equal to regular implants. When complications do arise with mini dental implants, the typical treatment is to move the mini implant to an adjacent spot. Because no bone is removed, the small opening in the gum closes and the body will fill in the defect with new bone. Mini dental implants are much more than a solution for loose lower dentures. They can be used virtually anywhere in the mouth.

Dentist Castle Rock Discusses Mini Implants

Placements

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in the dentist’s office with just Novocain or if you prefer, we can use oral conscious sedation to help make you more comfortable. A small hole is placed in your gum and the mini-implants are gently screwed into the bone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation that your denture will actually SNAP tightly on to and secure itself explains Dentist Castle Rock. A mini-implant is a titanium screw with a round head that is placed into your jaw and an o-ring is placed into your denture to snap your denture securely in place. Your denture feels secure and is being held firmly in place thanks to Mini Dental Implants. With the latest technology in dental implantology, Mini Dental Implants may be the answer to your denture problems. Visit your dentist in the morning, have Mini Dental Implants placed in about an hour, and then leave the dental office with stable secure dentures attached to your Mini Dental Implants. Imagine eating, speaking and smiling with confidence. It is a small miracle in implant dentistry and all this in about an hour with no cutting of the gums and no stitches to have removed. This unique procedure can be completed in one visit with virtually no discomfort. A mini-implant is like putting a screw into a piece of wood. The mini-implants are placed into the jawbone and in a few weeks attach themselves solidly to the bone. Although some people have difficulty removing the lower denture, I haven’t had anyone complain that it is too tight.

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

The placement of the mini implant is also very non-invasive. A small pilot bit is used to create the opening for the implant to be threaded into the bone. Using such a minimally invasive procedure means the patient can heal faster, have less discomfort, and can use the implant much sooner says Dentist Castle Rock. A regular implant is placed much differently. It requires a full flap of gum must be pushed back to see the bone. The bone is then removed with a series of burs to create space for the dental implant to be inserted. Another benefit of getting a mini dental implant is that it not only secures a once loose denture, it now preserves the bone that is left. Without teeth roots, the bone just melts away. A denture actually speeds up the process of the bone resorbing away by constantly rubbing on the overlying gum tissue. A mini dental implant stimulates the bone just like a tooth root would. Dental Implant therapy has been a great advancement in dentistry over the past 25 years. Mini Dental Implants are proving to be the most significant advancement in Implant Dentistry. Tens of thousands of grateful patients bear witness to benefits delivered from the opportunity to obtain a replacement for lost teeth that restores their smiles and confidence. The new Mini Dental Implant technology offers a simple and affordable approach. All of this surgical protocol can be avoided with a mini dental implant.

Dentist Castle Rock Discusses Mini Implants

Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:39:57 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

The query ‘what causes tooth decay’ remains unknown to many people. Actually, decay in the tooth is resulted from demineralization process, which in turn is caused due to accumulation of acids on the tooth surface. This acid is secreted by bacteria present in the mouth, in the presence of glucose, sucrose or fructose. In short, the causes of tooth decay are acid producing bacteria and dietary choices. All of us want to stay healthy throughout our lives explains Dentist Castle Rock. This includes keeping all or most of our natural teeth. Just the simple fact that we are keeping our natural teeth longer means our teeth are more at risk of some dental conditions. Common oral conditions in adults can include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth and tooth sensitivity. Dentists are fighting a losing war against bacteria, the battleground is your mouth, and in the process you lose healthy tooth structures, and money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DklNg_4C28w

Normal Causes

When food containing fermentable carbohydrate and sugars are ingested, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus act on them, leading to production of lactic acid. Dental plaque is then formed by combination of saliva, bacteria, acid, and food wastes. In such an acidic condition, demineralization of the tooth takes place, this over time results in holes and cavities. No doubt, our teeth are always in a state of demineralization and remineralization processes. But, in a decaying tooth, dissolving of mineral occurs in a rapid rate and the affected tooth cannot recover. Acids can dissolve (erode) tooth enamel. Often teeth that appear to be severely worn down have been affected by erosion. The acids that erode tooth enamel usually come from foods and drinks or from gastric reflux. Some inhalers, especially those containing steroids, can cause dental erosion. The frequent need to use antacid products or a sour taste in your mouth may indicate that you have gastric reflux. Frequency of intake of acidic drinks or foods is an important factor in erosion explains Dentist Castle Rock. Sipping orange juice frequently, chewing vitamin C tablets, frequent intake of soft drinks or sports/energy drinks, or the generous use of vinegar in foods may contribute to tooth erosion. In an extensive study of over 15,000 people, the Centers for Disease Control published some statistics regarding tooth decay that should be cause for alarm for most people. Here is a summary: The older you get, the more your teeth are affected by decay. That’s why old people have dentures (fake teeth) and most young people do not…yet. On average, people in the 16-19 age group have 11.6% of all teeth affected by decay at one time. This steadily increases, and by the time adults are over 60, more than half of their teeth (62.36%) have been affected by decay. A total of 93.1% of all people over the age of 60 have had teeth affected by tooth decay.

Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

Prevention & Care

Have a look in your mouth regularly. Although you cannot check your mouth as well as a dental professional, you may see some early signs of tooth decay. Gently lift your lip and look at your teeth near the gum line. Early decay may look like a white spot near the gum line. A dark spot may be decay or may be stain says Dentist Castle Rock. Your dentist can confirm if you have tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, especially before bedtime. If you have trouble brushing thoroughly, try a battery powered or electric toothbrush. Use floss or other special cleaning aids to clean between teeth. Make changes to your diet to reduce sugar intake. If you have dry mouth, follow the advice for dry mouth in the next section of this brochure. If your dentist confirms that you are “at risk” of tooth decay, you may need to increase your fluoride protection. Vital vitamins are absent from most people’s diets, so their teeth decay and their gums recede. Learn how to add those vitamins back into your diet to achieve remarkable tooth remineralization. Have you ever wondered if what you are eating might be causing your teeth to decay? Here you will get clear information on which foods cause tooth decay, and which foods stop it.

Acute Rapid Decay

Based on the location, there are two types of tooth decay, namely, pit and fissures carries and smooth surface carries. Decay in adults can be common around fillings and between teeth. A particular problem may be decay on the root surfaces of teeth when gums recede states Dentist Castle Rock. Also, acute carries (rapid decay) and chronic carries (slow decay) are classified, depending upon the rate of disease progression. Most people are affected with chronic type, while acute condition is triggered by certain factors. The causes of rapid tooth decay are attributed to poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, dry mouth, diabetes, and radiation therapy. Changes in lifestyle, such as starting a family, changing jobs, moving house, intensive athletic training or the psychological impact of losing a loved one, can disrupt normal daily care and diet, increasing the risk of caries. Medicines may contain high levels of ?hidden sugars? or may reduce saliva flow. When gums recede, teeth may appear to be getting longer, as the root of the tooth becomes more visible. Saliva is the body´s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away acids and puts minerals back into teeth. If you lack adequate saliva flow, your teeth can decay and wear away more easily and you can get more gum problems. Smoking, caffeine, some medicines and illnesses (including depression) that affect saliva glands may reduce your saliva flow.

Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay

Dentist Castle Rock Getting Your Discolored Teeth White Again

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:22:22 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Getting Your Discolored Teeth White Again

Trauma to a tooth can cause discoloration. Severe illness during tooth development can discolor areas of teeth because of disruptions in tooth development. A lot of things come together in order to cause the discoloration of teeth, and even though at times it’s just one primary cause which stains them, we’re mostly talking about more than one factor. Additionally, an entire tooth might discolor if exposed to certain medicines or minerals during development. There are many possible causes. The number one cosmetic complaint I hear is “Doctor, I hate the color of my teeth. What can I do?” The discoloration of tooth enamel can be caused by aging, staining or damage to the teeth by some medications. Some lucky people are genetically programmed to have bright, white teeth while others do not. According to the dental physicians, there are three main kinds of teeth discoloration: intrinsic discoloration, extrinsic discoloration and age-related discoloration. When a person drinks coffee too often or even drinks wine and cola every now and then, he or she may end up suffering from extrinsic teeth discoloration, in which the outer layer of the teeth, the enamel, becomes stained. Consumption of some vegetables and fruits like potatoes and apples can also be responsible for extrinsic teeth discoloration say Dentist Castle Rock. Poor dental hygiene, which is represented by inadequate flossing and brushing, is a huge reason which makes teeth discolor and stain. Even smoking causes this sort of teeth discoloration, and this is a mild and a less serious form which can be fixed with ease and simplicity.

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Restore to Natural Color

Bleaching can be a good treatment choice. It requires no anesthetic and removes no tooth structure. One or more teeth can be bleached in a series of visits to your pediatric dentist. Or, your pediatric dentist may recommend a bleaching program at home under his or her guidance. A technique called microabrasion can improve the appearance of teeth with discolored areas. In this treatment, the pediatric dentist removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an abrasive and a mild acid. Microabrasion is a conservative treatment, usually comfortable for the patient. It works best on surface discoloration. Some people have brighter or yellowish teeth due to genetic causes and some get stains due to some accident they have suffered, such as a fall during their childhood or even adulthood. Even grinding of teeth and jaws, which happen due to stress causes teeth discoloration, explains Dentist Castle Rock. As a person ages, the upper layer or the enamel of the teeth begins to become worn away and gradually the inner layer, which is yellowish, becomes revealed. There are several diseases which cause the discoloration of teeth, and these ailments can be responsible for both intrinsic and extrinsic teeth discoloration, as the medicines tend to affect both the enamel and the dentin layers.

Dentist Castle Rock Getting Your Discolored Teeth White Again

Correction with Crowns

Porcelain crowns give nice cosmetic results for discolored, chipped, or broken teeth. They do present two realities of which a parent should be aware. First, crowns are more costly than other treatments. Second, the dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth structure to place a crown. Therefore, porcelain crowns are seldom recommended for pediatric patients say Dentist Castle Rock. Bonding tooth-colored plastic to the tooth or cementing tooth-colored veneers to affected teeth not only restores the appearance of discolored teeth, but restores the original shape of chipped or broken teeth as well. These techniques are less costly than crowns and generally can be done without a lot of tooth preparation. They restore the natural appearance of the tooth and therefore encourage a confident smile. Knowing the causes of teeth discoloration is a way of prevention, as somebody with the knowledge of it can avoid the causes carefully. Smoking and the chewing of tobacco, consumption of too much coffee and wine can be avoided in order to prevent tooth discoloration. Mouth rinses which have a high fluoride concentration should be avoided or at least the usage of these products should be made minimal. After eating apples and potatoes, one should rinse off the mouth thoroughly with water. Even though there are many treatments and whitening procedures available on the market today, it is always better to prevent teeth from getting discolored than to treat them later on.

Correction with Veneers

Don’t despair; you can have that beautiful white smile using cosmetic dentistry, specifically by using dental veneers. Then intrinsic form of teeth discoloration is far more serious than the extrinsic one, as this one cause the inner layer of the teeth to darken and that is when the tooth yellows. Unfortunately, for some types of tooth discoloration bleaching simply will not work. Staining caused by medications or genetically darker teeth will not respond to bleaching. A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is adhered to the front of your tooth. Unlike a dental crown, very little of the tooth is removed to place the veneer. Dental veneers can not only change the color of your teeth they can be used to completely make-over your smile. Crooked, misshapen teeth can become the beautiful, perfect smile you wish you had been born with in just a couple of visits. Long lasting and lifelike, porcelain veneers may be what you’ve been looking for. Yes, there are some limitations. Although the treatments are conservative, they require some loss of tooth enamel states Dentist Castle Rock. Also, bonded teeth and veneers are simply not as strong as the original tooth structure. Nail biting, hard foods, and sports accidents can damage them. They must be maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Dentist Castle Rock Getting Your Discolored Teeth White Again

Dentist Castle Rock Provides Dental X-Ray Answers

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:09:56 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Provides Dental X-Ray Answers

Dentists are aware of the possible dangers associated with X-rays and bear this in mind when they recommend X-rays to patients. Our exposure to radiation is now seven times higher than it was in the 1980s. While most of that comes from CT scans, body X-rays, mammograms, and other forms of medical imaging, there’s another common source of radiation you could be getting every six months when you go in for a teeth cleaning. Just the mention of the word “radiation” conjures up an unpleasant image for most people. Both can make an image on photographic film, so both types of energy are used to make pictures; light makes photographs of the “outside” of objects, x-rays make pictures of the “inside” of objects, including your body. Some associate it with bombs, cancer, and all manner of other bad things. But do you know that there are many beneficial uses of radiation? One type of radiation, x-rays, are used extensively in the medical and dental professions to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Just how much radiation do you get from a dental x-ray and how harmful is it? First, let’s talk about what an x-ray is says Dentist Castle Rock. X-rays are energy in the form of waves, identical to visible light. In fact, the only difference between light and x-rays is that light doesn’t have enough energy to go through your body and x-rays do.

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Measurement

A unit called a “rem” is used to measure radiation. A rem is a large unit, much like a mile is a large unit of length, so we usually use a millirem (mrem) instead, much as you would measure in inches instead of miles for most purposes. (It takes 1000 mrem to equal one rem.) X-rays are a form of energy that’s absorbed in your body. F-speed film is the fastest form of standard film and exposes you to the lowest levels of radiation, while D-speed film is the slowest and exposes you to the highest, 1.75 microsieverts of radiation compared to F-speed’s 0.7 microsieverts. “I don’t know why they haven’t taken out of the market,” says Dr. Benavides. “It really should be replaced.” She adds that E-speed film has been taken off the market, but some dentists may be using up old stockpiles. Dr. Shenkin says that digital film is even better, given that’s it’s faster even than F-speed film. But it’s less available, because digital photo equipment requires a huge up-front investment explains Dentist Castle Rock. The ADA recommends that children with cavities get one every 6 to 12 months, but those without dental decay need X-rays every 12 to 24 months. They do recommend that new patients all have X-rays, so don’t balk if a new dentist sends you to the chair. In that case, if you’re uncomfortable with the radiation exposure, you can ask your previous dentist to send over your most recent X-rays prior to your first visit. Both the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration have issued guidelines for how often adults and children should be getting X-rays, and if you’re a healthy adult without many risk factors, you could need a dental X-ray as infrequently as every three years.

Dentist Castle Rock Provides Dental X-Ray Answers

Dental Equipment

Advances in x-ray equipment, especially film technology, allow your dentist to get a good x-ray image using much less radiation than was previously required. A typical dental x-ray image exposes you to only about 2 or 3 mrem. The National Council on Radiation Protection says that the average resident of the U.S. receives about 360 mrem every year from background sources. This comes from outer space, radioactive materials in the earth, and small amounts of radioactive material in most foods we consume. Dentistry has made great advances in lowering the radiation dose administered. For example, in the 1930s and 1940s, the irradiating cone, which emits the radiation, was huge, covering most of the head and neck. Now, the diameter of the cone is very small, less than 3 inches, so radiation is only pointed at the small spot where the X-ray film is located in your mouth explains Dentist Castle Rock. Also, in the past, the exposure lasted several seconds, whereas now, the exposure times are set at tenths of seconds.

Effects

Large amounts of radiation have been shown to be associated with cancer and changes in chromosomes. In the head and neck, areas exposed to dental radiation, X-rays increase the risk of damage to or cancer of the lens of the eye, thyroid, salivary glands, bone marrow and skin. No one knows the exact effects of low-dose radiation, which is the type used in dental X-rays. However, the effects of radiation exposures are cumulative, meaning the effects depend on the total amount you have absorbed in your life. The small amount of radiation exposure that a patient receives from dental X-rays has never been proven to cause cancer of the lens of the eye, thyroid, salivary glands, bone marrow or skin. Nevertheless, every little bit counts. You’re probably used to your dentist putting a lead apron over you before shooting any X-rays, but he or she may not provide you with a lead thyroid collar say Dentist Castle Rock. The ADA recommends that a thyroid collar be used on everyone, but specifically on women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children, because studies have shown that repeated dental X-rays can increase your risk for thyroid cancer.

Dentist Castle Rock Provides Dental X-Ray Answers

Dentist Castle Rock Talks How Diagnodent Can Aid

Dentist Castle Rock Co — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:59:55 +0000

Dentist Castle Rock Talks How Diagnodent Can Aid

Diagnodent aids in the detection of caries states Dentist Castle Rock. Even very small lesions are detected at the earliest stage, enabling you to protect and preserve the tooth substance. More and more patients place value on healthy and attractive teeth. In order to maintain them, the earliest possible care is essential. Diagnodent is a tool used for the early detection of cavities. The advanced technology uses sound pulse and laser to detect caries earlier than traditional methods allowed, so that treatment can commence immediately limiting the amount of decay allowed to occur. This helps preserve the maximum amount of natural healthy tooth structure.

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How it Benefits

A win win situation for the patient and their teeth. A decayed tooth found in this manner can be restored with a very small filling. The smaller a filling is, the longer it lasts and the less expensive it is to repair. Dentist Castle Rock encourage regular dental check-ups, cleanings and home care. Early detection of problems minimizes the entire process related to major tooth repair and potential discomfort associated with larger cavities. The Diagnodent allows us to locate hidden decay, and with conservative treatment, stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within. New technologies move us a giant step forward to helping you achieve the goal of minimally invasive dentistry. We cannot cure what we cannot see! The Diagnodent allows the dentist and hygienist to monitor areas beneath the hard enamel. Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure is a major goal for modern dentistry. The Diagnodent is useful on adult and baby teeth. It provides instant feedback on the health of a tooth. A pen like probe glides over the tooth and constantly checks for decay. A number scale and an alarm signal the dentist when there are signs of decay hidden from view. This process is completely safe and pain free. The extensive use of fluoride in toothpastes and drinking water has made tooth enamel harder and more resistant to decay. This can make diagnosing decay under the surface more difficult because the decay can start through microscopic defects or grooves and pits in the hard surface enamel and easily spread to the softer dentin beneath the surface. X-rays and checking with an explorer are limited in detecting sub surface decay, especially in its early stages.

Dentist Castle Rock Talks How Diagnodent Can Aid

Technology

Any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth. This technology quickly identifies the tiniest bit of tooth decay. Removing tooth decay early is key to preventing an onset of future dental issues. Dental exams used to be spent sitting through lengthy poking and prodding sessions to find tooth decay. Those exams turned out to only be 50 to 75 percent effective because cavities can hide along fissure lines or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. The cavity also has to be as large as the probe head for the dentist to find it. Dentist Castle Rock is pleased to offer a new and revolutionary way to detect and find cavities. Diagnodent is allowing dentists to replace the old ways of finding cavities and replace them with an innovative means of detecting cavities. Diagnodent technology uses a laser diode to inspect the patient’s teeth. It compares reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover tooth decay. The benchmark reading is taken by aiming the laser onto a healthy enamel tooth surface and then the laser is directed into all suspect areas.

Valuation of Diagnodent

When should fissure sealants be applied for preventive or therapeutic reasons? One school of thought maintains that it is more cost-effective to target sealants and place them only on teeth which are likely to become carious, rather than adopting a simpler but more expensive blanket policy which includes low risk teeth and individuals. The important point to stress, however, is that the success or failure of these selective approaches relies heavily on the quality of the original diagnosis of the presence and extent of caries. Accurate sensitive diagnosis is imperative if the patients are to be categorized into risk groups on the basis of their past disease status and present disease activity explains Dentist Castle Rock. It is also becoming financially important that practitioners are able to identify high risk individuals, since the amount and complexity of the preventive care invested in these patients will largely depend upon the results of the practitioners’ diagnostic assessments. The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Diagnodent, visual and radiographic examination in detecting non-invasive diagnosis of occlusal caries in children. In this study, 92 untreated molars with sound occlusal surface or enamel and/or dentin caries were selected from 28 healthy patients, aged 7-17 years. All teeth were examined by two researchers using each of three diagnostic system (Diagnodent, visual, radiographic). Interpretation of the Diagnodent value and the radiolucency on the bitewing film were combined with the visual examination to decide where the teeth had to be opened. Depth of caries was recorded. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated for each diagnostic method using the biopsy scores as gold standard. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility for each method was assessed by calculating Cohen’s kappa. The kappa value of inter-examiner reproducibility was highest for visual examination (0.935), and lowest for Diagnodent measurements (0.698). Intra-examiner reproducibility of Diagnodent measurements was also good (0.745 and 0.665). Sensitivity and specificity for Diagnodent, visual examination and bitewing radiography were 0.86/0.80, 0.69/1.00 and 0.36/1.00, respectively. It was concluded that Diagnodent with a high sensitivity may be useful adjunct to visual examination with a high specificity in detecting occlusal caries.