Are you not smiling due to missing teeth? video interview

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

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Benefits of mini implants for denture wearers

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. Continue reading

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Why does that sticky, smelly stuff grow on my teeth?

As a Colorado Springs dentist, I have often heard that question asked by my patients and it is a very good question to ask since that sticky smelly (bad breath causing) film that grows on our teeth every day has a major affect on our dental health and even potentially greater affect on our physical health.  I’ll explain more about this later in this article. Continue reading

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Cavity Detection: then and now

 

 

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

Cavity Detection Device used at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center

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Dental Emergencies and how to handle them

An Excellence in Dentistry article which quoted some information found in a blog concerning dental emergencies reminded me that we at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center see dental emergencies  on a daily basis..
Information on what you can do will make the difference between successfully handling the situation and having a miserable time should an emergency occur while you are on a long awaited vacation. So here goes:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOME ONE HAS A DENTAL EMERGENCY!

 

knocked out front tooth with swollen lip injury

 

1.  A tooth is knocked out - First find the tooth, usually it is a front tooth and often it is still in the mouth, although you might need to hunt outside the mouth for it.  There will be blood so get over it. looking at the tooth determine which side faces outward.  If the tooth has fallen on the ground or has debris on it rinse it off gently without any scrubbing. Now and this is important, place the tooth, root first ,back into the hole it came out of.  If it is your tooth and you are alone either feel your way to put the tooth back in or get to a mirror.  Time is important here, you are trying to keep the tooth alive.  It has the best chance of survival if it is placed and pushed back where it belongs.  The blood and nerves have been severed and can re-attach if done quickly. Once you have accomplished this get to the dentist to have the tooth connected to adjacent teeth so it can re-attach to the fibers that held it in place.

If you are unable to re-insert the tooth and it has been rinsed put it in your mouth by your cheek (remember its yours and it’s been there all along) and get to the nearest dentist fast.  Another option, if this is a child with a lost permanent tooth, milk is a good substitute medium to place the tooth in while you and the child head for the dentist.

 

tooth knocked out and lost

 

What if you can’t find the tooth!  You have looked everywhere and it has disappeared or in the case of severe trauma the tooth has been swallowed.  Focus on stopping the bleeding with direct pressure over the socket, where the tooth used to be; a gauze two by two, cloth or a damp tea bag work well for this purpose.  Sometimes stitches are needed if the gum has been torn so go to the dentist and (s)he can help.  Later you can get options to replace the tooth.  It isn’t the end of the world even though it is traumatic at the moment.

Dental Emergency?  In Colorado Springs call Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center at 719-576-1730 We can help.

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Early article using mini implants

The concept of mini dental implants is a revolutionary method for supporting replacement teeth that used very small titanium alloy implant screws that would function free standing or in combination with natural tooth supports. The concept was pioneered over 20 years ago by a Dr. Victor I. Sendax, but not developed until 1997 after collaborating with a colleague, Dr. Ronald A. Bulard.  Continue reading

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Is that tea or chocolate bar making your teeth scream?

I recently read an AGD article  (Academy of General Dentistry) on sensitivity in  teeth.This affects the enjoyment of foods and beverages and often limits what foods we can consume. dental sensitivity It was very interesting, I learned  about what can make our teeth sensitive. There are several different things that can make your teeth sensitive. I included the AGD fact sheet on sensitivity with this blog.colorado springs dentist helps sensitive teeth

I’m going to list a  couple of reasons teeth may be sensitive.

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Top 10 Tips for Hassle-Free Visits To The Dentist With Your Child.

Is this what you want your child to look like at a dental visit?

Happy Child at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center

A happy child visiting Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center

Are your kids afraid to go to the dentist? Lots of kids are, but there are ways to ease that fear and anxiety.

first, whatever you are feeling about the dentist is going to be projected, so if you feel anxious about the dentist (see our article abut fears of the dentists for adults!!) your kids can sense that and will also feel anxious. Try your best to project and positive energy about going to the dentist. try the same line you use about police officers “they are there to help you, and they are your friend!” really, its true!

another great tip for kids is to schedule what we like to call a “happy visit” Continue reading

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Orthodontic Emergency? Have no fear!

We do a lot of braces in our dental office in Colorado Springs for both kids and adults. I thought this article sounded interesting and helpful, although I don’t know that all of the scenarios in the article should be called emergencies, the advice is still sound. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to call your dentist (or orthodontist if you go to a specialty office) or if it is something you can handle on your own at home, check out this article by Dr. Greg Jorgenson

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Everything you ever wanted to know about the tooth brush and even more!

As a Colorado Springs Dentist I enjoyed this as a great summary of the history of the toothbrush and if nothing else you will be glad you live in modern times.  Can you imagine what was used to brush teeth many centuries ago?  Who knows your kids could even site this ezine article in a class report.  Read on you won’t be bored or disappointed.

One of the most asked questions by adults and children is the origin of the toothbrush. There are several schools of thought on when the real toothbrush was created, but you need to look far into the past for the first evidences of oral hygiene. Continue reading

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