This article from Dr. Ralph Parkin of Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center describes in detail the new single stage mini dental implants.

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) are titanium screws that replace the root of a tooth. The ball shaped head and collar design can be used for both permanently cemented crowns or bridges as well as securing full or partial dentures. When used for fixed or cemented applications the prosthesis is cemented directly to the head of the implant. If the implant is to be used for a removable denture then a housing with a rubber gasket is attached precisely to the acrylic denture and functions like a button that snaps on and off the implant. the denture sits snugly against the gums and is retained securely allowing better chewing function and increased confidence.

How are Mini Dental Implants placed?

MDIs are placed quickly and easily using a microsurgical technique. Your dentist will use a small amount of local anesthetic and make a pin-sized puncture in the gum and jaw. The MDI is then threaded gently and carefully into the jaw. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide an attachment for securing dentures, or cementing crowns or bridges. It is a one step procedure involving minimally invasive surgery.

Is MDI technology a better option than “regular implants?”

Implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. Tens of thousands of grateful patients testify to the benefits of replacing lost teeth and restoring confidence in their smile. Several different types of implants and restorations are available. The problem is, many of them are expensive and require a long recovery. Your options depend upon the amount of bone available, the patient’s general health, and restoration preference. MDIs are minimally invasive and in most cases require only local anesthesia. With an MDI, less bone is necessary, which is a great benefit for patients who have previously been told they would need bone grafts to receive any implants. Another benefit is for patients who are medically compromised and have previously been told they cannot get implants.

Why so small?

The computer and medical worlds are both striving to develop smaller and smaller components. In similar fashion, The MDI represents a smaller version of the implant. Smaller means less invasive which makes the procedure and recovery easier on you. This microsurgical approach allows Mini Implant Solutions for more patients and represents a new option for many previously denied treatment with older conventional-style implants.

Are Mini Implants more expensive?

Typically, Mini Implants are more affordable—usually half the price of conventional implant treatment. This affordability enables people to expand their treatment options, allowing some to realize their dream of fixed bridgework instead of removable dentures. Because Mini Dental Implants require less bone, this option eliminates the need for expensive, time-consuming bone graft procedures.

Who invented them?

Although many dentists and engineers participated in the development of MDIs, a few stand out individuals propelled them to their current popularity. The titanium alloy was developed about twenty years ago and was recognized as being a useful material for a variety of medical and dental implanted devices. Dr. Victor Sendax and The Imtec Corporation, now a 3M Company, developed the the Mini Dental Implant System and the important placement protocol. Many other dentists deserve credit for promoting the use of this great product and service by their lectures and research. Thousands of patients have them to thank for their new-found confidence and ability to chew and eat any foods they want.

How widely accepted are Mini Dental Implants?

A great deal of time, research and study has gone into the development of Mini Dental Implants. It is safe, bio compatible, FDA approved and provides an improved method of tooth replacement. After 40 years of study the technique is now used by thousands of dentists in many different countries and is recommended by some of the top implant dentists in the world. Because of the important service that minis provide to patients, research is ongoing and scientific journals continue to release new studies about the small diameter implants.

Conclusion

MDIs have become a real asset to both dentists and patients. MDIs are fast, easy and affordable. They can be used in a minimally invasive manner which helps patients with medical conditions who would otherwise not be a candidate for dental implant treatment. Also, MDIs allow patients to chose not to have bone graft procedures and still get a dental implant solution. So call Dr Parkin and ask if  mini dental implants will be great for you! Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center    Colorado Springs dentist       719-576-1730

Now lets focus are a less obvious but very powerful source of bad breath, Bacteria; especially dead bacteria.  Bacteria have a short but prolific life span and as they multiply and die in our mouths each type of bacteria leave behind rather unique foul smelling odors.  So where are these dead and dying germs hiding out;  around teeth and gums, in the spaces dentists call pockets between the gum and tooth.  They are found on the tongue especially on “hairy” tongue and fissured tongues.  Sinus bacteria and nasal bacteria can pile up ;on the far back of the tongue and as we breath and speak the air coming over these dead rotten bacteria can be very foul indeed.

What to do about it.  Be as clean as you can, floss, brush (I prefer a sonic type brush)use a tongue brush such as the new Orabrush, use a Waterpik or similar irrigation device to get between your teeth and into the spaces between your teeth and use xylitol gums and mints that help block bacterial reproduction.  The companies even have a xylitol nasal wash.  I haven’t tried it yet but the concept is interesting.  In essence avoid certain foods and be a clean mouth person.  Try this test to prove that this works; floss , brush , use irrigation and thorough tongue brushing, then rinse with a good non-alcohol mouth rinse such as the all natural herbs and essential oils “tooth and Gum Tonic” then go to bed and notice or have your partner notice your breath in the morning as compared to not doing the above. There will be a major improvement even though your saliva flow is lower.  Your mouth is simply a great place to grow smelly germs, its wet ,warm, dark and if it is not clean there is lots of stuff for germs to munch on and multiply.  As promised here are some articles from the pages of WebMD:

Change Your Breath From Bad to Good

Bad breath is embarrassing, unpleasant, and all too common. These eight easy tips will sweeten your breath for good.

(continued)

Drink more water.

Wolner says the older you get the more likely you are to get dehydrated. You might not even notice you’re thirsty, he says, so make drinking water a habit, because water will help keep the bacteria in your mouth to a minimum. Drinking water has a lot of health benefits, and preventing bad breath is one of them.

Rule out rare causes for bad breath.

While most bad breath can be banished with simple hygienic steps, there are times when dental or medical conditions might be the culprit. Make an appointment with your dentist if an unsavory odor takes residence in your mouth.

“If there is a persistent odor in your mouth, and you know it’s not from the pasta you ate last night, see a dentist,” Wolner tells WebMD. Your dentist will be able to pinpoint any cavities or decay, or even periodontal (gum) disease, that might be causing your bad breath.

Because on rare occasions bad breath can signal a larger problem, including infection, and even kidney or liver failure, you should also visit a doctor if your dentist doesn’t find a cause for your bad breath problem.

Have a slice of bread.

If you’re on one of the many popular low-carb diets, remember that bad breath or “ketone breath” is a potential side effect when you always have that burger sans bun. You can try different methods of masking the odor, such as gum or tart candies, but adding a few carbs to your daily diet might also do the trick.

Get a water pick.

You can’t really clean your entire mouth with a toothbrush. “Using an irrigator or water pick cleans everything out around and under your gums and between your teeth,” says Wolner. “If food lingers between your teeth where a toothbrush doesn’t reach, it’s fermenting.” Next time you floss, take a whiff of your floss after you’re done, and you’ll have a good idea about what fermented or rotten food particles smell like.

Don’t let bad breath go to your head.

If you think you have bad breath, get a second opinion. “A large proportion of people who think they’re social pariahs with terrible breath don’t have bad breath at all,” says Wolner.

I hope this has been helpful to you.

Ralph Parkin DMD

Mom kissing baby

Babies are born without cavity-causing bacteria, but did you know that by age 26 months, children have the same oral bacteria as moms?

Strep Mutans(cavity-causing bacteria) are transferred from mom to baby through saliva by kissing and sharing spoons, cups and food.  Let us not forget the occasional popping the pacifier in the mouth to “clean” it before giving it to baby.

What can you do?  Chew gum sweetened with xylitol, such as Trident, for 20 minutes three to four times a day.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants that greatly reduces cavity-causing bacteria.  For babies, wipe their gums and teeth with Spiffie wipes available at www.Spiffies.com .

Children of mothers who chew xylitol-sweetened gum require 70% fewer fillings by age 10.  Since xylitol reduces cavity-causing bacteria, cavity prevention starts when the mother is pregnant.

In addition, mothers can transfer viruses such as Herpes Simplex Type I (cold sores) to their babies through saliva.  These sores appear on or around the lips, on the roof of the mouth (hard palate), and near the gum line.  These sores are similar in appearance to canker sores but are located on gum tissue attached to bone, with exception of the lips, and can be painful.

            Some infections in the mouth go undetected by those afflicted if no discomfort is involved.  Early gum disease is not always painful; however, the bacteria involved can still transfer to baby by kissing on the lips.

            An important note:  Children receive little oral care if their parents don’t go to the dentist regularly.  Irregular visits as children continue into adulthood, and the cycle begins again.  Children follow by example; see your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.  Call Rhonda to make an appointment with Dr. Parkin and Susan for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning.

 Susan Divine, RDH

Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center



If you are concerned about your smile because of tooth deficiencies, then you are not alone. There are thousands of individuals that are looking to obtain straight teeth in order to have a beautiful smile. You no longer have to feel embarrassed by the way you look, as there are many dental techniques that can straighten out your teeth in a reasonable amount of time.

1. Braces – A great way to get the straight teeth that you have always wanted is to have braces placed on your teeth. This type of orthodontics will be able to correct various types of issues with your smile — from large gaps between your teeth, under bites and over bites. Each tooth that needs to be repaired will have a bracket that is installed using dental cement. Each row of braces are then joined with a wire that allows the dentist to correct your smile.
2. Implants – If you have missing teeth, then you may want to consider implants. This dental technique provides a strong substrate that will permit an artificial tooth to fill the void. It will generally take up to six months for the implants to be accepted by the jaw bone. It is often used to replace teeth that have been lost due to gum disease, tooth decay and root canal issues.
3. Mini-implants – Similar to implants, mini-implants will also provide you with the straight teeth you are searching for, but in less time. For instance, custom dentures can be created to provide you with the smile that you deserve and they are able to be installed in one day. Additionally, patients that already wear dentures and are tired of having them come loose, can have mini-implants installed so that their existing dentures may be retrofitted.
4. Veneers – A cosmetic dentist can also provide you with straight teeth by having veneers installed on teeth that are chipped, cracked, uneven, over worn and damaged. The dental work is completed by taking a mold or cast of the subject area. The dentist will then create a custom veneer that will cover the tooth, properly aligning it with the teeth immediately around it.
5. 6-Month Smile – This type of orthodontics will provide patients with perfectly straight teeth in no more than 6 months. The secret behind this type of dental work is that a dentist only concentrates on teeth that are clearly visible or the teeth that you feel most insecure about. This is accomplished by using braces that are clear, along with wires that are colored to match your teeth. The end-result is the same as braces, but it is accomplished in less time.

Having straight teeth is important because it boosts your self-confidence level. You no longer have to live with an imperfect smile, contact your dentist today to find out more about these and other dental procedures.

From a little to a lot!

Using the “If a little is good, a lot must be better” philosophy more and more denture adhesive, even if it tastes bad and is a nasty mess, is applied.  Now here is the problem:When you read the ingredients in these adhesives, maybe you shouldn’t as the ingredients are not in the least bit appetizing, you come across Zinc which can be toxic when used in excess.  Here is the Warning O NOT USE MORE THAN DIRECTED. CONTAINS ZINC. EXCESSIVE AND PROLONGED ZINC INTAKE IS REPORTED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS.  CONSULT A DOCTOR IF USING OTHER PRODUCTS CONTAINING ZINC.

Patients who are using denture adhesives in amounts greater than that directed on the package should be instructed to STOP using denture adhesives and see their dentist to be evaluated for the proper fitting of their denture or for denture replacement.  Adding more adhesive simply creates a mess and a health hazard. If you want a great reason to consider Mini Dental Implants this is certainly a good one.

Call me today and we can discuss your individual circumstances.  As always , yours in the interest of great dental health,

Dr. Ralph Parkin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYBsCCOADPg

embarrassed by a missing tooth? Watch this video and commiserate, but also see the answer!

With advancements in dentistry, individuals can now have mini dental implants installed in their jaw bones which allow false teeth (dentures) to be firmly held in place without the aid of an adhesive. These dental implants allow individuals with dentures to continue enjoying life without all of the associated disadvantages.

One of the main benefits of mini dental implants is the amount of time that it takes to install it. In a matter of a couple hours, a patient can have the procedure completed. I can assess a candidate’s situation to determine if their jaw bone will allow for the installation of the implants. The mini implants come in several sizes and lengths to accommodate a patient’s jaw bone structure and density. To determine the size of the implant that will be utilized, we will take x-rays of the jaw during the initial visit.

Once the implants are installed, individuals with dentures have them fitted so that they comfortably sit on the posts of the mini dental implants. It will take only an hour or so for us to  affix the denture over the implants, and the entire procedure will occur in one single visit.  The inserting of the implants ( 4 or 6 implants depending on whether they are for the lower or upper jaw) requires only minimal anesthesia with only minimal discomfort experienced by the vast number of patient reports.

Once the procedure for mini implants is complete, patients will immediately notice an improvement in the look and feel of their dentures . Patients do not have to worry about using their lips or tongue to hold their dentures in place, they can begin chewing their food better because the denture does not move around in their mouth and patients can pronounce their words better and hold better conversations because they know their teeth are secure and are not moving up and down as they speak. All of these factors reduce any discomfort or embarrassment.

Food particles are less likely to  get caught under the denture since the mini dental implants keep the dentures firmly in place.

Mini dental implants provide individuals with the opportunity to wear dentures with confidence.

Individuals no longer have to worry about the denture moving around or falling out of place when eating and speaking, allowing them to have a happier life.

Dr.Parkin’s comments on this article:  This article is a good overview of the benefits of mini dental implants.  Certainly an individual denture wearer will be able to chew much better than without the implants.  Could food still slip under the back of the denture, possibly.  The dentures are secure and do not move around which is a real blessing to a denture wearer for sure.  Call 719-576-1730 with any question you might have regarding mini dental implants.

Invisible braces are one of the hottest new treatment options for patients who want the attractive smile they have always dreamed about, but couldn’t stand the thought of wearing braces.  Good news!

With the advent of computer aided diagnostics/computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) the quality has gone way up and the cost has come way down.  In the past the cost was prohibitive, usually adding several thousand dollars to the fee for care. We at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center are happy to announce that Dr. Parkin now offers invisible braces from Clear Correct, a company that uses the CAD/CAM technology and advanced treatment planning to bring you affordable  great looking smiles. Cheap invisible braces is very good news

The benefits of invisible braces are first they are invisible as the name implies.  The teeth are easily cleaned because the aligners (clear mouth trays) are removed so brushing and flossing can be accomplished as usual. The process of straightening teeth is done with clear aligners that periodically are changed, gradually moving the teeth into the desired position.  There is no hard pushing of teeth with this technique, the teeth are simply encouraged to reposition themselves with light forces applied to them through constant wearing of the aligners. For adults who want straight attractive teeth and can’t stand the thought of the metal smile, invisible braces are ideal. For some patients in traditional braces, getting used to the braces against their lips and cheeks is not enjoyable.  If you are certain you will wear the aligners faithfully, this may be the way for you to go.

For teens, this technique is also a possible option.  The secret to success is wearing the aligners 24 hours a day except to eat and for dental hygiene (flossing and brushing to keep the cavities away).  Teens have to be highly motivated and totally committed to do their part or the treatment won’t work and the cost of care will be wasted. For that reason most of the invisible braces treatment is done for adults.  The commitment and motivation for adults needs to be the same.  Don’t start the process unless you are 100% sure you will make the appointments and wear the aligners!

If having a beautiful, winning smile appeals to you, give Christina, the receptionist at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center a call at 719-576-1730 and as for a free evaluation for invisible braces.  Call Today!

For example, the most common acid loving bacteria that lives in this biofilm formed germ housing development  is Strep Mutans, the major player in tooth decay. It has also been recently implicated as  THE bacteria causing heart infections that can be fatal.

The biofilm builds a protective coating to keep out enemies such as our own bodies immune system and any antibiotics that may be prescribed to fight infections..  The early colonizers start to produce a matrix (a patchwork) that allows the inhabitant germs to hang out, reproduce and grow the colony.  Soon the acid loving and acid forming bacteria join the colony and tooth decay begins under and around the biofilm.  The photo below shows the damage these colonies cause to the gums and teeth.  The smell alone is repulsive and the damage to the gums and underlying bone that holds teeth in place is often permanent.  IN the case of the picture below, the gums bleed profusely and the gum’s efforts to seal off the body from harmful and potentially body destroying germs from entering the blood stream has been compromised.

As a local general dentist in Colorado Springs I can tell you, the reader, that I see this type of damage on a regular basis. The health connection from the biofilm caused problems include increased risk of heart attacks and stroke as well as pneumonia and even miscarriage and pre-term births.

What if you could cause a major reduction in the biofilm? Is it possible?  Yes, here is the good news that it is preventable and here is how !  Now what if instead of just brushing and flossing, which I highly recommend, you could switch  your thinking and doing regarding biofilm reduction to include the foods you eat? Well let’s see what the biofilm possibilities are.

If the biofilm could be broken up the process of plaque formation would be stopped and the harmful effects it causes would not exist. The good news is that there are foods that do precisely that, read on. What do grapes, cranberries,blueberries, raspberries , raisins, root beer and xylitol all have in common? The answer is they all interfere with the formation of the biofilm.

Xylitol as I have discussed in other blogs interferes with the germs ability to upload the energy producing foods it needs and it dies. Chewing xylitol gum a few times a day has shown good results.

Cranberries and it appears several other berries contain a flavonoid which breaks down the sticky mechanism that holds the biofilm together. If the film can not form properly the safety net it forms is lost and the germs can no longer adhere to teeth surfaces so they are easily washed away or swallowed and destroyed.

Licorice root found in root beer and licorice products interferes with the decay causing bacteria itself, reducing their numbers and the damage they cause.  Who knew that root beer which is also the least acidic of the soft drinks and therefore less damaging to the tooth enamel would also be a biofilm destroyer and thereby be a good cavity fighter.

Raisins would seem an odd ingredient in biofilm reduction, they are sweet and also sticky so what gives here?  Raisins contain  a substance found in grape seeds that appears to actually help re-mineralize roots and besides they represent  a healthy alternative to other sugar containing snack foods; by the way so does xylitol. Decay causing germs love acid so anything that will make the mouth less acidic even bicarbonate of soda which is found in certain toothpastes can be beneficial in reducing the biofilm. Because of all the acids, germ love sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks and they are wreaking havoc on our teeth.

Still brush and floss and add a water irrigating device such as a ‘Water Pik’, which I as a practicing dentist in Colorado Springs, have been advocating for years.  It works by creating a reduction in surface pressure as the water swiftly passes over the biofilm and literally pulls the bacteria out of the biofilm leaving it empty. Even kids and some adults who aren’t always motivated to brush can benefit from a water irrigator and they are not expensive either.

So now you know what grapes, berries, root beer, raisins and xylitol have in common…fewer cavities because the biofilm that starts the decay process is reduced.  They say ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink’.  You are much smarter than any horse I am sure, so take action and make changes for the better.  Check out the website at CheyenneMountainDentalCenter.com for more helpful information on keeping your mouth healthy.

Looking for a Colorado Springs Dentist that really cares about his patients?  Call 719-576-1730 and speak with Christina about an appointment with Dr. Parkin. Ask about the new patient “get to know each other”offer.

Yours in the interest of great dental health,

Ralph Parkin DMD

Do you know how a dentist at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center checks for cavities? You should! Traditionally dentists would “pick” at your teeth looking for soft areas. This worked fairly well in pre-fluoride times. Cavities were often indicated by soft spots on the enamel, but with the advent of fluoride use, the bacteria that cause tooth decay hide in the hard enamel tooth grooves and start the decay process below the enamel down in the softer dentin material. With the enamel  hardened and cavities forming below the enamel they are much harder to find with the traditional method. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel so it doesn’t get soft as fast when decay is present  thus, it becomes harder for a traditional dentist to find cavities by picking at your tooth. So I would like to introduce you to is the Diagnodent Caries Detection Laser, or simply referred to as the laser.

Cavity Detection Device used at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center

The laser shines a completely safe light into the tooth structure, it can “see” further into the tooth and the bacteria that causes cavities fluoresces back at the laser. the laser reads the amount of bacterial fluorescence and reports the findings by  emiting a “squawking” noise and registering a number between 1-99. the idea is simple. The louder the squawk and the higher the number the larger the cavity.

So now with this method dentists can be much more accurate in their diagnosing of cavities. The other benefit of the laser, besides being much more accurate is it is totally painless, no more being poked and asked if you felt it.  When removing cavities Colorado Springs dentist, Dr. Parkin can do a quick scan to make sure all the decay is out of the tooth making the new filling more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.  Next time you are at the dentist, ask him or her how they detect cavities. If they are using the laser, congratulations, you have found a dentist that is keeping up with the newest and best technology. If they aren’t using the laser which has been tested and proven more accurate come visit us for a new patient exam and let us show you the best way to find cavities.

For a Colorado Springs Dentist in your area

Call Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center at 719-576-1730.  Ask for Christina  and mention this blog post for a special $49.00 exam offer through the end of February 2012.