If you need to have a tooth extracted, you might already be thinking about how to replace it, or whether you want to. There are many good reasons why you should replace a missing tooth, and there are equally compelling reasons to choose dental implants as your replacement option.

Replacing Missing Teeth—Why Bother?

It might seem unnecessary to replace missing teeth with dental implants, especially if only one tooth is to be extracted. However, the long-term results of having a gap in your smile can be uncomfortable at best and damaging at worst. In the long term, a missing tooth can lead to:

•    Abnormal wear on your remaining teeth
•    Misalignment
•    Jawbone atrophy
•    Other teeth moving out of position
•    Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

These problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, earaches, and even an increased chance that you will lose additional teeth. Having your missing teeth replaced as soon as possible after extraction will help prevent these problems from arising.

How Dental Implants Can Help

There are several options to replace missing teeth, but looking and the most like your original teeth. Implants provide a new tooth root as well as a new tooth to bite and chew with. They do not replace the teeth with an appliance that sits on the gums and palate, but with an embedded root and a securely attached prosthetic tooth.

Implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. The root, which is made of titanium, bonds to the jawbone so that it helps stimulate bone growth, preventing eventual jawbone atrophy. The visible teeth are carefully made to look like your natural teeth, and are held stationary in the mouth so they cannot move, shift, or fall out as dentures occasionally do. You will be able to talk, eat, and smile with complete confidence.

If you have missing teeth, or need a tooth extracted, contact the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Centennial and surrounding areas, at 303 -730-1222 to get more information on how we can help you regain your natural smile with implants.

If you have misaligned teeth, teeth with spaces between them, or malocclusion, your cosmetic dentist might recommend Invisalign. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that serves as an alternative to traditional braces. It can be used to move teeth into their proper position over a period of time, and offers several advantages over metal braces. [pullquote]Anyone with teeth that need to be moved into a more optimal position can benefit from Invisalign treatment.[/pullquote]

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Anyone with teeth that need to be moved into a more optimal position can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Although braces are typically thought of as a treatment for adolescents, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. Your cosmetic dentist can determine if your goals can be met with Invisalign. Although Invisalign can correct a wide range of orthodontic and cosmetic issues, in some cases other treatments might provide a better result.

For a successful treatment, you must be able to wear your Invisalign trays for twenty-two hours every day. They are to be worn during the daytime as well as overnight, and should be removed for eating and for drinking any beverage other than water.  Proper care of your trays is vital to a successful result.

How Invisalign Works

Instead of using rubber bands attached to metal braces affixed to the teeth, Invisalign uses custom made, clear trays made of plastic to gradually shift your teeth into the proper position. Each tray is slightly different than the previous tray, gently moving your teeth a short distance at a time. The trays are carefully constructed by your cosmetic dentist to bring you a little closer to your final goal.

In general, you’ll wear each tray for about two weeks. After the first four to six weeks, you’ll start to see results. Because you can remove your trays, you’ll be able to get a good look at how your new, perfect smile is progressing.

After you’ve reached the last tray, you will have reached your goal for a straight, properly aligned smile. You’ll then need to wear a retainer periodically to be sure your teeth don’t move back to their original, misaligned position.

If you are considering the Invisalign treatment and would like to know the first steps to take, contact the doctor family Dentistry in Littleton Colorado today to schedule an appointment.

Osteoporosis is often a concern for older patients, especially women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone tissue weakens, leading to brittle bones and increased risk of fracture. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and wish to have dental implants, it is very important that you consult with your implant dentist to evaluate your individual eligibility for the procedure.

How Do I Know if I Can Have Implants?

An implant dentist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will evaluate your overall health, the health of your gums and jawbone, and take into account other aspects of your situation to be sure you have the best possible chance of a successful implant procedure. Some considerations before having implants placed include:

•    Presence of gum disease
•    Strength and volume of bone tissue
•    Medications you may be taking to treat osteoporosis
•    Presence of systemic problems such as a suppressed immune system or diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you might still be able to get implants. If osteoporosis has affected other parts of your body, it might not necessarily have caused decrease in jawbone mass or degradation of these tissues. However, certain medications used to treat osteoporosis can decrease the likelihood of a successful implant procedure.

What Medications Can Affect an Implant Procedure?

A certain class of medication used for treating osteoporosis can cause complications to implant placement or other dental surgery. These drugs, called biphosphonates, keep the body from reabsorbing bone tissue, but they also appear to affect your ability to heal after a dental implant procedure Biphosphonates can increase the risk of biphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as BONJ. When BONJ occurs, the bone tissue actually begins to die due to insufficient blood supply.

If you have osteoporosis and are , call the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and neighboring areas, today to speak with our dedicated team of dentists to determine what treatment options are best for your individual needs.

If you are missing teeth, even if you have dentures, it can be difficult to eat some of your favorite foods. This is especially true of chewy or sticky foods, or foods such as corn on the cob that require more biting pressure from your front teeth. Dentures often do not adhere well enough to make it easy to eat these foods. Dental implants, however, allow you to eat the same foods you were able to eat with your natural teeth. [pullquote]One of the major advantages of dental implants is that they do not shift or move in the mouth.[/pullquote]

Why Are Implants Better Than Dentures?

One of the major advantages of dental implants is that they do not shift or move in the mouth. Although well-fitted dentures stay relatively stable, they can become loose and can sometimes shift in the mouth. Pressure on the front teeth can cause the entire plate to pop loose. Many denture wearers avoid foods like apples or corn on the cob to avoid this possibility.

Implants, however, are firmly rooted in the jawbone. While dentures sit on the gums, implants have a root portion made of titanium that bond with the bone. Because of this bonding, implants are immobile and secure in the mouth. They also help keep your jawbone healthy, stimulating the regeneration of bone tissue every time you chew.

Making the Choice for Implants

If you are considering implants, your first step should be to consult with an implant dentist to discuss how the implant procedure works and evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Some people might not be a good candidate for implant surgery. Your dentist might not recommend implants if:

•    You have diabetes or another systemic problem that affects healing
•    You lack sufficient bone mass to support implants
•    You have severe gum disease that must be treated first

If you lack sufficient bone mass, bone grafts can help create a sufficient foundation for your implants. Gum disease should be treated before implants are placed to prevent possible failure of the procedure.

For more information or to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, contact the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Columbine and surrounding areas, today to schedule an informative consultation.

Teeth whitening is a common procedure available to most people, to brighten a smile dulled by everyday life. Some people choose to do teeth whitening at home via a range of home whitening kits that are available from most drug stores. Others choose professional treatment, carried out by a cosmetic dentist.

Home treatment kits come complete with a ready-mixed bleaching agent and a mouth tray that is filled with the bleaching agent and then worn for a period of time. Results from home treatment kits are generally good, but treatment can take a while before the desired brightness is achieved. [pullquote]…professional teeth whitening yields often far better results than is available through over-the-counter kits.[/pullquote]

Having the treatment done professionally by a cosmetic dentist allows for the bleaching agent to be carefully formulated taking into account the level of discoloration on the patient’s teeth and the desired result, and also allows for the applicator tray used in administering the treatment to be molded to fit the patient’s bite.

As a consequence, professional teeth whitening yields often far better results than is available through over-the-counter kits.

Tooth whitening is a safe, effective and painless treatment, regardless of the method chosen. However, anyone undergoing treatment to brighten their smiles should be aware that there is a possibility of heightened tooth sensitivity for a period of time after treatment has concluded.

Other side-effects of the treatment may include slight discomfort in the gums. These are often attributed to the bleaching agent coming into contact with the soft tissues of the mouth and are often caused by ill-fitting applicator trays.

However, the good news about these side-effects is that their duration is temporary, and it won’t be long until things return to normal and you can begin to enjoy a whiter smile.

Contact [PRACTICE NAME HERE] in [CITY NAME HERE] to learn more about your options for a brighter smile.

An impacted tooth can lead to extreme discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, impaction can cause serious side effects and can even prove fatal. If you experience symptoms of an impacted tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that does not emerge properly. The most common teeth to become impacted are the wisdom teeth, but impaction can occur with any tooth that does not move into the correct position. Your regular X-rays can help determine if teeth are impacted well before any symptoms occur.

Symptoms can include:

•    Swelling or redness in the gums
•    Headache or discomfort in the jaw
•    Bleeding gums
•    Halitosis and/or a bad taste in the mouth

Symptoms of an impacted tooth should be brought to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible. Impacted teeth can become infected, and the infection can migrate into the sinuses and even into the brain or the circulatory system. This can lead to heart disease, brain damage or even death if left untreated.

Treatment for an Impacted Tooth

In most cases, the recommended treatment for an impacted tooth is removal. After evaluation, your dentist will explain treatment. If the tooth has become infected, you might need to take antibiotics to treat the infection before an oral surgeon can safely remove the tooth.

In some cases, impacted teeth never exhibit symptoms and cause no difficulty and it might not be necessary to have the teeth removed. It is best to have your situation evaluated to see if leaving the teeth in place is likely to cause problems with the rest of your teeth.

If you believe you might have an , please contact the office of the doctor Family Dentistry in Littleton Colorado at 303 -730-1222 to make an appointment. We’ll evaluate your tooth and recommend an appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort as soon as possible.

The health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth. On regular visits to the dentist, your gums are evaluated for signs of inflammation. Sometimes this inflammation is classified as gum disease, based on its severity. [pullquote]Regular brushing and flossing helps keep the gums healthy through stimulation, and also removes plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line.[/pullquote]

Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums, or gingival tissue. This inflammation can be an early sign of gum disease. As inflammation becomes more severe, it is more difficult to treat, so it is best to diagnose gingivitis early, allowing for easier treatment.

Some symptoms of gingivitis include:

•    Redness or swelling of the gums
•    A shiny look to the gums
•    Bleeding while brushing

Mention to your dentist if you have any of these symptoms. In addition, during regular dental appointments the spaces between your gums and teeth will be measured. When the gums become inflamed, they pull away from the tooth roots. Enlargement of these pockets can also indicate developing gingivitis or more severe gum disease.

If you show signs of gingivitis, you will be informed how to treat your gums to prevent more severe infection from developing. This often includes baking soda toothpaste, special mouthwashes, or even a course of antibiotics.

Preventing Gingivitis

As with most dental care, the best way to approach gingivitis is through prevention. Regular brushing and flossing helps keep the gums healthy through stimulation, and also removes plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line. These substances are highly acidic and can eat through the enamel, causing cavities. As they build up along the gum line, they can also lead to inflammation in the gums, gingivitis, and eventual gum disease.

Visiting the dentist regularly will also help prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis and gum disease can be diagnosed in early stages and treated before they become serious. Evaluating the gums, the pockets between the gums and the tooth roots, and making sure you are brushing and flossing correctly are all ways regular dental visits can help you keep your gums healthy.

If you would like further information on the causes and treatment of gingivitis, call the Littleton office the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments today is teeth whitening, mainly because stained or discolored teeth are very common. Whitening treatments are simple, often performed in the dentist office.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments have limited side effects, all of which are minor. The most common side effects are irritation to the gums and other oral tissues, as well as tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is more common among those who have thin enamel. Irritation to the gums is more likely during at-home whitening. When teeth are whitened in the office, the cosmetic dentist will use a special gel to protect the lips and gums.

In-office whitening provides almost immediate results. Your teeth can be lightened five to ten shades after a single one-hour treatment. At-home treatment shows results after seven to ten days, and is often recommended for more stubborn stains that do not respond well to in-office whitening.

Treating Sensitivity

If you experience sensitivity after whitening, be sure to consult with your cosmetic dentist for treatment suggestions. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help, as can other treatments that help replace minerals that build up the tooth enamel.

Sensitivity after whitening is more common after multiple treatments, so be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations about the frequency of treatment. In most cases, a single treatment will provide dramatic results, then you will only need touch-up treatments to maintain your new, bright smile.

At-home treatment supplied by your dentist also has a slightly higher risk of sensitivity. Since at-home are used for more stubborn staining, if often makes use of stronger whitening agents. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to reduce the risk of irritation to the gums and lips as well as the risk of tooth sensitivity. Over-the-counter whitening is generally not as strong, and so is less likely to cause sensitivity, but if you use it more frequently in order to get better results, the possibility of irritation increases.

To find out more about whitening treatments and how they can benefit your smile, contact the office of the doctor Family Dentistry, located in Littleton Colorado, today at 303 -730-1222 schedule a consultation.

Orthodontic treatment is common among teens and adolescents. By the time children have reached this age, all their permanent teeth have arrived, and it is possible to tell if they need adjustment due to misalignment, crowding or other issues. However, as common as braces are, some  might prefer a less visible option. For many teens, Invisalign is a better option considering the comfort and overall appearance.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign moves misaligned teeth into correct positing using trays made of clear plastic rather than traditional metal braces with bands. Each tray represents an incremental movement of the teeth. After wearing the tray about two weeks, you’ll switch to the next tray, which will move your teeth a bit more. After the final tray is in place, your teeth will be properly aligned.

Aligner trays are made from carefully constructed digital models of what your teeth look like now and what they will look like when treatment is completed. The series of trays moves your teeth gradually into the desired final position. After the last tray is removed, you will wear a retainer, usually just at night, to keep your teeth from moving back into their misaligned position.

Why Not Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are very effective and necessary at times. You and your dentist can consult to determine what orthodontic treatment is best for your teen’s needs. This decision will be based upon the severity and type of your child’s misalignment as well as on personal preference. This might include your level of confidence that your teen will be able to take appropriate care of the trays during treatment.

In cases where , it provides a variety of advantages including:

•    No sharp wires to injure the oral tissues
•    Trays can be removed to thoroughly clean the teeth
•    Trays are virtually invisible

To determine if the Invisalign treatment is the best orthodontic option for your teen, please call the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and neighboring areas, at 303 -730-1222 to schedule a one on one consultation.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth, and can keep all surrounding teeth in correct position. If you are considering implants, you might have questions about how the new, replacement teeth might affect your remaining natural teeth. [pullquote]Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone.[/pullquote]

Implants to Prevent Long-Term Damage

Implants do affect the remaining teeth that lie adjacent, but only in positive ways. Having an implant is the next best thing to having your original teeth in this regard.

Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone. With other replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, there is no root portion to help the bone tissue regenerate. This can lead to resorption of the bone, which can change the shape of the jawbone and eventually the face itself. It can also leave the remaining teeth with a less secure anchorage, making it more likely that they will move out of position or even become loose.

Implants to Prevent Misalignment

When you lose a tooth, a gap is left behind. The surrounding teeth, if left on their own, will naturally move into this gap. While this might not seem like a serious problem, over a period of time it can lead to a variety of issues. These can include:

•    Premature wear and tear
•    Clenching and grinding
•    Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Keeping your teeth in proper alignment is very important to their ongoing health. If a single tooth is missing, it might not seem worth the effort to replace it, but making sure that gap is filled goes a long way toward helping you preserve the rest of your teeth.

If you have lost one or more teeth, call our team at the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Centennial Colorado and surrounding areas, so we can help you determine if implants are the best option for you.