Seven Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

Are you looking for a permanent solution for tooth loss? As your dentist in Longmont will explain, you’ve more than one option. Here’s one piece of advice we can offer as you sort through the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative — start from the bottom and work your way up. Here’s what we mean. When they think of replacing lost teeth, too many people think just of the teeth.

We understand why. After all, the teeth are the visible part of what was lost, and the gap left behind is obvious. But the roots of those missing teeth are missing, too. And how you navigate the loss of the support and stimulation those roots offered is key to an effective and lifelong solution for tooth loss. When you consider the options for replacing teeth from the perspective of replacing the entire tooth — root and all — the best alternative is quickly clear. Dental implants. Here are seven reasons to consider getting dental implants in Longmont.

Implants are most like your own teeth. 

Implants work almost exactly like your natural teeth, being that they are anchored directly in your jaw as opposed to floating on your gums like dentures.

Implants are a lifelong solution. 

Over the course of several months after your implant surgery, the titanium posts fuse completely with your jaw bone tissue. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, there are no wearable parts or negative effects on natural gum tissues or teeth structure.

Implants prevent bone loss. 

Losing teeth means losing bone density and mass in your jaw because there are no tooth roots present to stimulate the growth of bone tissue. Titanium roots play that part precisely as your original tooth roots did. What does that mean? It means bone loss will be halted and, better than that, reversed.

Implants require no alterations to other teeth. 

Using a bridge to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth requires altering healthy teeth on either side of the gap to accommodate a crown. Removing enamel to accommodate that crown weakens those teeth and leaves them vulnerable to damage and decay. Replacing those missing teeth with implants, on the other hand, requires absolutely no alterations to any other teeth.

With implants, you can speak and eat normally. 

Dentures change the way you eat and speak because they change the shape of the interior of your mouth and because dentures lack the foundational support offered by tooth roots. Implants occupy precisely the same volume in the same location as your original teeth while benefiting from the support of titanium posts bonded with your jaw. All this means you’ll be able to eat, speak, laugh and even sing without compromise or sacrifice.

Implants don’t slip around. 

Dentures have come a long way, there’s no denying it. As far as they’ve come, though, they still rest on top of your gums without any underlying support except what is provided by suction or adhesive. There will always be times — whether when you’re eating or laughing uproariously or singing enthusiastically — when your dentures will slip. You’ll quickly become accustomed to that and will develop strategies for dealing with it. With implants, though, it’ll never happen.

Implants are predictable. 

By that, we don’t mean that implants are boring. We mean that you can count on the performance of implants from the very first day because they work precisely like natural teeth. You’ll experience no surprises requiring accommodation or compromise, and you won’t face the future risk of bone loss or changing face structure that denture wearers often have to face over time.

Is getting dental implants from a dentist near you the right move in your circumstances. Answering that question involves more than online research. Contact a dentist and ask that question directly while making sure to get answers to any question you may have.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Many people suffer from dental anxiety or dentophobia. It is the extreme fear of dental procedures and everything related to them, such as the fear of the unknown, unpleasant sounds, dental staff, and more.

Dentistry has come a long way so far, and nowadays, there are modern techniques that can reduce this anxiety and stress in patients. Laser dentistry in Longmont is one of them.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry near you consists of using a laser to perform different dental procedures, being an alternative to drills. As a consequence, the experience in a dental office is more comfortable and pleasant and less scary.

These lasers use light to eliminate or reshape soft or hard tissues; therefore, they can work for many procedures. Our family dentist in Longmont will guide you through.

Indications of a Dental Laser

Any dentist near you that has proper training using laser dentistry may use lasers for the following situations:

• Crown lengthening
• Reshape of gums
• Frenectomy or release of a thick frenulum
• Tooth decay removal
• Preparing of tooth’s surfaces for a filling or a dental bridge
• Removal of bacteria inside root canals
• Biopsies
• Removal of lesions in the mouth
• Teeth whitening

As you can tell, a dental professional may use a laser to perform many dental procedures. In some cases, your doctor will still numb the area with a local anesthetic, but the treatment will be faster, and the time of drilling will be shorter.

The patient must wear protection glasses during the procedure not to harm their eyes with the lighting.

The Perks of Dental Lasers

Conventional dentistry works excellently and there are no doubts about it; however, innovating and investing in new technologies has many benefits for both the dental professional and the patient.

Here are some of them:

• Lasers are less invasive than drills; hence, the amount of removed tissue is more precise.
• In some treatments, it may eliminate the need for a local anesthetic.
• It decreases dental anxiety in patients.
• It reduces the bleeding after surgery and can even avoid the need for sutures.
• It sterilizes tissue, so it reduces the chances of infection after, for example, a gum reshaping procedure.
• The procedures are faster, which means more time for the dental professional to treat other patients and seize the day.
• The post-operation recovery is more pleasant than the one after a conventional procedure. Patients have stated that they feel less pain and irritation after undergoing laser treatment; therefore, they can resume their daily activities quicker.

The Risks of Laser Dentistry

There is a misconception that dental lasers can endanger the life of the tooth and impact the dental pulp; however, if you choose the right dental professional, the removal of tissue will be necessary, and they won’t risk your oral health. Look for a doctor who has the proper training in laser dentistry to ensure the treatments will be successful.

Innovative Dentistry

We live in a digital era, and patients feel more confident when they see that a dental office is keeping up with it. Dental clinics should have a pleasant and welcoming environment because it is what will make individuals feel safer as soon as they enter. As for laser dentistry, it shows that dental professionals are up to date with new procedures and techniques, which shows proactivity and professionalism.

If you have any other questions regarding this or another dental topic, feel free to contact our dental offices. We have a team of caring doctors that look forward to helping you improve your oral health and make your trip to the dentist more pleasant.

What to Expect After a Root Canal?

Many people fear the dentist, and especially, the root canal treatment; however, we will tell you all there is to know about root canal therapy in Longmont so you can abandon the misconception that it is a painful procedure.

Root canal therapy near you is not more uncomfortable than the placing of a dental filling. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are new techniques that make all dental procedures safer and quicker.

Our endodontic dentist in Longmont will explain to you the procedure of a root canal:

First of all, your dental professional will take a set of rays of your tooth from different angles to have better visibility of the root canal system.

He or she will numb the area using a local anesthetic and will place a rubber dam to keep the tooth dried. Using a dental drill, they will make a hole inside the tooth to access the pulp of it. Next, they will remove the infected pulp and connective tissues and disinfect the canals with a hypochlorite solution.

Your endodontic dentist near you will then seal the canals using a biocompatible material. They will place a temporary filling, and in another appointment, a permanent restoration, such as a porcelain dental crown for proper sealing.

Usually, you will feel mild to moderate discomfort after the root canal procedure. Keep on reading to know what else to expect during the recovery and what you can do to speed the healing time.

After the Root Canal

As we mentioned above, some discomfort is normal. You may also experience tenderness in the treated area. To alleviate the pain, take any over-the-counter painkillers, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

To reduce the swelling, you may apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies for ten minutes on and off on the side of the skin.

It’s essential to avoid chewing on the treated side until you heal because that tooth is more fragile than the rest. Do not relent on your oral hygiene procedure as the teeth are still sensitive and prone to infections. Remember to book regular dental checks with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are healing well.

Keeping up with your oral health routine is also the key to a successful treatment. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and avoid sugary snacks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Recovery Time

Most people may resume their daily activities right away, but it depends on each patient. Remember that dentistry is not one-size-fits-all, and a root canal may feel more invasive for some people. It’s also essential to listen to your body. If you feel like resting afterward, do so. Rest is a big part of the recovery.

If, on the contrary, you feel good afterward, you may go back to work or resume any other activities except intense exercising. You must wait at least 24 hours to do these activities.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If you feel a sharp pain in a tooth, you notice a discolored dental piece, or you experience sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, visit your dentist right away. While you may be asymptomatic in some cases, it is not the majority.

Ignoring the signs will only worsen the problem, and it can even lead to a dental extraction; therefore, visit your dental professional regularly to monitor your oral condition.

If you have any other questions about root canal therapy, feel free to contact our dental clinic. We have a team of excellent endodontists that will help you with improving your smile.

Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Ah, root canals. People have an irrational fear towards them because of all the myths out there! It is true that decades ago, the treatment was tedious; however, thanks to modern dentistry, the new procedures make it safe, quick, and pain-free.

Root Canal

So what is a root canal? As its name suggests, they are the canals that are within the tooth that contain the nerve and vessels of it. When they are infected, they cause severe pain. When this happens, you must visit your endodontics dentist near you. He or she will remove this infected tissue, disinfect the canals, and enlarge them with files, to create room for the sealing material.

The filling materials are a special paste and guttapercha. They are both biocompatible with the body. Afterward, your endodontics dentist in Longmont CO. will place temporary cement on top, and you must schedule a final appointment for the placing of a dental crown. The permanent restoration is as important as the treatment itself because it will prevent bacteria from penetrating the tooth and the tooth from breaking.

Reasons Why You Need a Root Canal

You should look for a root canal near you if you:

• Have an untreated cavity that reached its way to the pulp inside the tooth.

• Suffered a dental trauma that injured the nerve of the tooth.

• Have a decay that infected the pulp.

• Have a dental abscess (it is a clear sign of a spread infection).

• Underwent a root canal, but it got reinfected.

Signs that You Need a Root Canal

The treatment for you might be a root canal in Longmont if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Tooth sensitivity – Your teeth are sensitive to hot/cold foods or drinks.

• Pain when chewing – If you bite down and experience pain, you might need to undergo root canal therapy.

• Swelling – It might be due to an infection on a tooth. To reduce the swelling, you may apply ice packs on and off for ten minutes on the side of the face (never directly on the skin).

• Random pain – Perhaps you are not eating or using your teeth in any way, but you feel pain at specific points. It is a clear sign that there is damage to a tooth.

• No symptoms – While the usual scenario is the presence of pain, sometimes the pulp has an infection, and you don’t experience any symptoms. The reason for it is that the nerve is already dead; however, the tooth is still salvable. Your endodontist will remove the pulp inside and damaged tissue and perform the process that we described above (disinfecting, reshaping canals, and sealing).

If you have any of the symptoms above, don’t ignore them. Postponing a dental visit will only worsen the problem, and it can lead to irreparable damage. When the infection has spread too much, the only option might be to extract the dental piece.

And if you don’t experience any symptoms, don’t miss your bi-annual dental checkups. It is during these visits that your dentist will monitor the condition of your mouth for early signs of oral disease. Remember that, sometimes, a tooth can be infected and goes unnoticed because there is not a pain.

Call Our Offices

If you have any other questions regarding this or other dental procedures, feel free to call us right away. We have a team of caring professionals that are looking forward to helping you restore your smile.

This blog offers information regarding dental topics; however, it doesn’t replace a consultation visit with your doctor. For any other doubts, diagnostic, or treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental appointment at your earliest convenience.

Increase Your Confidence With Dental Implants at Longmont Dental

Did you know that missing one or many teeth has a significant impact on people’s self-confidence? Studies have shown that people who are missing a dental piece tend to have a decrease in their self-esteem. Not only they may struggle with small daily chores, such as chewing and biting, but they can also feel embarrassed when speaking to other people, and not wanting to smile because it would show the holes in their mouths.

Nobody likes to have a hole inside their mouths, which is why we should be thankful for dental implants in Longmont. Nowadays, losing a tooth doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Sure, it would be ideal if your permanent teeth remain healthy during your life, but we know this is not the case for many people.

You can lose a tooth because of many reasons, such as:

Severe Tooth Damage

Sometimes, the tooth can be in such a condition that the only possible option is to remove it.

Periodontal Disease

The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which is an infection of the gums that causes soreness and bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. Your dentist can reduce your gingivitis by performing a dental cleaning, and you will have to care better for the cleaning of your mouth to avoid the periodontal disease to worsen.

When periodontal disease progresses to periodontitis, it affects the bone and connective tissue that surrounds the teeth. If you reach a severe periodontitis stage, your teeth will loosen and maybe even fall out.

Dental Trauma

If you suffer a dental trauma, your dentist will evaluate the condition of the affected teeth and try to preserve them. He or she might advise to perform a root canal if necessary and to place a dental restoration, such as a crown or a bridge. However, if the tooth is beyond repair, tooth extraction might be the option to take.

Dental Implants as a Solution

If you relate to any of the situations above or any other that made you lose a tooth, you should look for dental implants near you to restore your smile.

A dental implant is a small metal post that our dentist in Longmont places into your jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth.

It is the first dental device that fuses permanently with the bone due to a process called osseointegration. This process takes from three to six months to complete; afterward, the permanent dental crown can be installed on top of the implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• They boost your self-confidence –Restoring a missing tooth has a boost on your self-esteem.

• They have a natural look – You will feel and look as natural as if you had never lost a tooth.

• Durability – They can last for many decades and even forever if you take proper care.

• They improve your face appearance – When you lose a tooth, the jawbone starts to resorb because it lacks its functionality. The shrinking jawbones can make your face look shorter than it should be, and you look older. Hence, dental implants help you look younger again.

Keep in mind that implants are expensive, but given all their advantages, it is an investment, and all the patients that have undergone implant surgery with our dentist in Longmont have stated that it is worth it.

Investing in your health is always a good idea, so if you are looking for a dentist near you that helps you with your wants and needs, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation visit at your earliest convenience.

What Should I Do When I Need Emergency Dental Care?

What will you do in the event of a dental emergency? We’d all like to think that they won’t arise, but emergencies do come up when least expected. As a general rule, we have a pretty good handle on how to deal with medical emergencies — we know what’s routine, and what’s urgent; we know where the emergency room is, and how to get help.

What amounts to a dental emergency?

There are five dental situations that should be treated as emergencies that warrant urgent attention from an emergency dentist near you.

● Seek emergency dental services in Longmont if you have a broken tooth. An emergency dentist will be able to help you with the pain, and may even be able to save and restore that tooth.

● Unexplained, persistent, and worsening toothaches can indicate gum disease, infections, or an abscessed tooth.

● If you have continuous bleeding gums — beyond what is natural after flossing — along swelling and pain, you need to see an emergency dentist near you

● Some causes of swelling in your mouth and jaw can be extremely serious —infection, swollen lymph nodes, and even cancer. An emergency dentist in Longmont can determine if your swelling is serious and act quickly if required

● The taste of pennies in your mouth can mean a loose filling or crown that can be a gilded invitation to infection and cavities

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, they aren’t routine. Don’t wait to seek emergency dental services near you.

Where should I go in case of a dental emergency?

As a general rule, the hospital emergency room is not where to go in the case of a dental emergency. But there are exceptions. If any of the following are true about your dental emergency, go to the hospital emergency room:

● You are unable to or having difficulty breathing or swallowing

● You are bleeding severely or persistently

● You have sustained neck or head trauma

● You suffer from a serious chronic illness

Except in those four situations, don’t go to the emergency room at a hospital. Doctors there may be able to help with initial pain management but are neither trained nor equipped to provide comprehensive dental treatment.

In a dental emergency like any of those talked about here, contact us. We can provide an immediate assessment and, when appropriate, provide same-day emergency service — even after hours.

What should I do until I get to an emergency dentist in Longmont?

Emergency dental clinics near you will always try to provide urgent dental treatment as quickly as possible. That does not always mean that treatment will be immediate. There are things that you can do before arriving at an emergency dentist to help your situation:

● If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse it but don’t wash away anything attached to it. If you can put it back in its place without swallowing or forcing it, do that

● If putting your tooth back in its socket isn’t an option, put it in some milk or saliva and bring it with you. Handle the tooth as little as possible

● You can reduce swelling and limit bleeding by gently holding a wet cold compress to the gap in your teeth

● If you don’t have a cold compress, you can make one by: putting ice or frozen vegetables into a bag; and wrapping a wet washcloth around that bag

● You can take over the counter pain medication, but be careful when swallowing it not to let the pills touch your gums since they can burn that tissue. Tell your emergency dentist what you’ve taken when you get to the emergency dental clinic.

Dental emergencies can be stressful. Knowing in advance when urgent dental treatment is appropriate, where to go, and what to do while you await treatment can reduce that stress and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Toothaches

If you’re like most people, you know all too well what a toothache feels like. But how serious are they? An occasional toothache can be a minor nuisance that may respond well to a home remedy. On the other hand, there are several causes of toothaches, and some are more serious than others. Here’s everything you want to know about toothaches, including their causes, some home remedies, and when you should go see an emergency dentist in Longmont.

What is a toothache?

Fundamentally, a toothache is when the nerve root in or around your tooth has become irritated. That irritation can be caused in several different ways. The most common causes of irritation are a tooth infection, tooth decay, the after-effects of dental procedures, a damaged tooth, and a lost tooth.

That most common symptom of a toothache is the ache — pain due to the irritation of the nerve root. Pain is not the only symptom of the problem, though. Other common symptoms of toothaches or the underlying problem are sensitivity to both heat and cold, swelling in your gums, a bloody taste in your mouth, discharge from the affected teeth or gums, earaches and headaches, and even a swollen jaw or face.

When a toothache is an emergency

A minor, short-lived, and one-off toothache may not require emergency dental services in Longmont. However, some toothaches do justify getting in touch with an emergency dentist near you.

Unexplained, worsening, and persistent toothaches can mean that you are suffering from an abscessed tooth, infection, or serious gum disease. If you have a toothache that you can’t explain, is getting worse rather than better, and is just not going away, contact an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible — especially if that toothache is accompanied by fever, sensitivity, a swollen jaw or face, and any bumps in your gums. All of those symptoms are additional signs of potential gum disease, infection, or an abscessed tooth that warrant emergency attention.

Home remedies for toothaches

If your toothache is of the common and minor variety, there are several home remedies that some people find effective. Seek emergency dental services near you if any fever or swelling emerges, or your toothache lasts for more than a day or two.

Some toothaches are caused by a piece of food or debris — a piece of a popcorn kernel’s shell is a common example — caught between two teeth. Tie knots in a piece of floss and floss gently to see if any debris can be dislodged.

Peppermint tea has a natural and mild numbing effect that can reduce the pain of a minor toothache. Drinking a lukewarm cup of peppermint tea, or even just placing a wet peppermint tea bag onto the affected tooth may bring some relief.

Peel a clove of garlic, then crush it gently in a garlic press or between the side of a clean knife and cutting board. Then gently rub that crushed garlic clove against the affected tooth.

When laying down, elevate your head to prevent excessive blood from flowing to the source of your toothache. This may help reduce the pain and swelling symptoms of your toothache.

Gargling with lukewarm salt water up to five times daily will help minimize the inflammation associated with a toothache. The recipe is simple — use half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of water — but make sure the water is just hot enough to dissolve the salt. Your aching tooth may be more sensitive to heat than usual.

Finally, the classic cold compress or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth can reduce swelling and gently numb your jaw. Apply it for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

If your toothache pain is unexplainable, persists, or worsens, contact an emergency dentist in Longmont. If you begin to experience a fever or swelling along with your toothache, home remedies are not enough. You need emergency dental services. Contact an emergency dentist near you for pain relief and to eliminate the underlying cause of your toothache.