The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

In recent years, patients have given aesthetics a lot of importance. For example, decades ago, dental professionals would restore a cavity with a metal filling (amalgam); today, rarely someone asks for an amalgam. They prefer to look better.

Due to this reason, our cosmetic dentist in Longmont offers a wide range of procedures to patients. 

Keep on reading if you want to know how a cosmetic dentist near you can improve your smile and lifestyle!

The First Impression

How many times have you seen someone with discolored teeth and made up a conclusion about them? And I’m sure not a positive one. You might think that a person that doesn’t care about their teeth is irresponsible and undisciplined.

On the other hand, people with bright smiles tend to have better social interactions and even good luck at their jobs because they show that they can commit to something.

So if you have dark teeth, you may visit a dental office near you for dental bleaching. It is a simple procedure, and it can be done in a single appointment or even at home!

Increases Your Self-Esteem

Studies show that people with bad teeth have lower self-esteem and lack self-confidence. I mean, feeling confident when talking, smiling, and eating with an unappealing smile must be difficult. And it gets worse with young patients. Adolescents already struggle with many issues, even more, if they don’t have a beautiful smile.

Among cosmetic dentistry, you may find orthodontic treatment. There is a low profile system that moves your teeth to the correct position, and you won’t even notice it! We are talking about Invisalign.

Invisalign consists of a set of transparent plastic aligners that straighten your teeth, and you must change the trays every two weeks. You may visit our orthodontics dentist in Longmont for more information.

Motivates You to Improve Your Habits

Believe it or not, people that leave our dental clinic in Longmont get a boost in their motivation to take care of their teeth. Once you undergo a cosmetic dental procedure, you feel better, and you want to commit to keeping up with an excellent oral care routine.

We will remind you what it should include:

- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

- Flossing daily.

- Avoid sugary snacks.

- Visit your dental professional every six months.

Your Body Releases Endorphins

Endorphins are happiness hormones, and when people have a beautiful smile, they are not afraid to show it to the World. Individuals who often smile release endorphins; hence, they feel more content and reduce their stress levels.

As you can tell, a beautiful smile is much more than White teeth!

Build Better Relationships

When a person has an appealing smile and shows it, they attract more people to their atmosphere. Usually positive people. If you visit our professionals and undergo a cosmetic dental procedure, you will develop more confidence and establish better relationships. People will even make comments about your self-care, and that is always a positive thing. Not to mention that you will encourage others to smile more and take care of their teeth. You can be an example to other people to take better care of their oral health.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you made it this far, now you know the many perks of cosmetic dentistry. And if you have questions about it or want more information, you may schedule a visit with us at your earliest convenience. Our consultation visits are free of costs, and our team of professionals will evaluate you and offer you many options to make your smile even more beautiful.

How To Keep Your Dental Crowns In Good Condition

Tooth decays and cavities are a common thing among all ages and can easily be treated by a dentist near you. However, severe tooth decay can weaken the tooth structure as the infection spreads to the roots. The best course to take at this point is to undergo root canal treatment and protect the compromised tooth by placing a dental crown over it. Additionally, dental crowns are used to replace missing teeth and to restore a fractured tooth.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap-like structure imitating a real tooth, used to protect and strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. It is usually made of pure porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, composite-resin material, or metal alloys. Crowns are the most popular restorative dental treatment that restores the proper functioning of a tooth by providing strength, stability, shape, and durability.

Made to match the exact shape, size, and colour of your real teeth, a dental crown, quite often, is also used in cosmetic dentistry. Once placed properly and taken good care of, it can easily last 10-15 years or more.

How To Ensure That Your Dental Crowns Stay In Good Shape For Long?

Like all other dental appliances, a dental crown also requires adequate oral hygiene to make it last longer. Maintaining a clean and hygienic oral cavity is essential to keep harmful germs and bacteria from causing damage to your dental structure. Similarly, it is also of utmost importance to follow the instructions provided by your dentist in Longmont post the dental crown installation to ensure they don’t come off or get infected.

Some useful tips to maintain your dental crowns are as follows:

1. Good Oral Hygiene

It is worth bearing in mind that your dental crown is like a jacket over the damaged and restored tooth. The fine line joining the crown to your gums is susceptible to bacterial development, causing tooth decay below the crown. This line at the base of a dental crown is a possible access point for germs to enter the delicate tooth structure beneath the crown and spread decay in and around the tooth.

It cannot be stressed enough by dentists all across the globe that developing and practising good oral habits goes a long way in keeping all oral diseases at bay. After you have finished the procedure for getting porcelain crowns near you, make sure you keep your oral cavity clean by brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash regularly. Going for a dental cleaning can also help eliminate the risk of developing plaque or decay around your dental crown.

2. Being Gentle With Your Dental Crown

Before getting porcelain crowns in Longmont, remember that a dental crown is not as strong as your natural teeth. Therefore, you cannot expect it to take the same bite-force as your natural teeth. Also, a dental crown is fixed onto your compromised tooth after treating it using dental cement or a specific adhesive. And, like any other bond, a strong force is best avoided to keep the bond intact for long.

Follow these rules to avoid damaging your dental crowns:

● Stay away from chewy and sticky substances like caramel or gum.

● Remember not to bite forcefully on hard substances, else you will end up with a cracked dental crown.

● Avoid habits like biting nails and grinding teeth that cause undue pressure on your crowns.

3. Seeking Help When Needed

Even with all the precautions and following the advice of your dentist, there are times when your dental crown might begin to feel loose, crack, or come off. In any such event, seek the immediate help of your dentist to repair the damage or replace the dental crown.

Also, if you notice a black line developing at the base of the dental crown, have a dentist examine it to determine if it signifies decay.

With proper care and following these tips to maintain them, there is no reason why your dental crowns will not last 15 years or more! Our dentists at Longmont Dental always ensure that the dental crowns they provide have a long life!

How to Handle Getting Dentures at a Young Age

When you think of dentures, what do you think of? Your grandparents? That is a natural and common reaction, and one of the biggest reasons that people experience such emotional and psychological impacts when told by their dentist in Longmont that they require dentures as young adults. If you are one of those younger people struggling with just that advice, how are you feeling? It’s normal to feel shocked, dismayed and even a little embarrassed. The purpose of this article isn't to tell you not to feel that way, but to recommend some strategies for approaching your dentist’s advice and your decision while feeling the way you feel.

First, know you’re not alone

That first thought about “grandparents” and “old people” is way off base. Yes, most of the marketing and media related to dentures near you is associated with seniors, but the facts are very different. Over half of people with dentures get them for the first time when they are less than 45 years old.

Avoid blaming yourself for the past

There are many reasons why you may have lost your teeth (or enough of them to warrant a recommendation to wear dentures). Many of those reasons — such as accidents and trauma, genetic conditions or disease — were completely beyond your control. Even if your tooth loss was associated with things you now think you could have controlled, like poor dental hygiene, the time to bring those things under control is now past. What you can control, though, is how you proceed to live a healthy life from now on. Dentures can restore your health, self-esteem and confidence. Really, they can. While also helping you put the embarrassment of tooth loss behind you.

Do the work

If a dentist near you has recommended getting dentures in Longmont, you’ll find it easier to get comfortable with the consequences of your decision to do so if you put real effort into making that decision in the first place. Take the time to investigate the different options available — traditional versus implant-supported dentures, for example. Treat your decision as the significant investment that it is, and shop around for a dentist you trust and who demonstrates a real understanding for the impacts of the decision on you as a younger person. The more work you do in investigating your decision and selecting the right option for you, the less likely you’ll second-guess yourself. It’ll make it easier to focus on the benefits of the choice you made for your future.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed

We won’t pretend that wearing dentures in Longmont won’t take some getting used to. For a while, it’ll be difficult to speak, to eat, to laugh and to smile freely and confidently. The staff at a dental clinic near you will give you all the advice and support they can during your transition, but it’ll still be challenging — for a time. Embrace the challenge, and give yourself the time and space you need to practice and get accustomed to wearing dentures. Follow experts’ recommendations about what to eat. Don’t stay silent, but practice speaking by reading aloud to yourself. If you’re worried about feeling really self-conscious, take some time off after you receive your dentures so that you can go through the early adjustment stages privately. When you’re ready to take your dentures out in public, do so in a comfortable environment where you eat foods that make sense to eat in the company of someone you trust. Trust your dentist’s experience helping others — including others your age — get through the very same process.

No matter what stage you’re at in the investigating, planning or decision-making process, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist in Longmont to get answers to every question and concern. They’re there to help.

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.