Cosmetic Crowns

At one time, crowns were the most common way to treat cracked, pitted, heavily discolored or misshapen teeth. They can also be used to slightly reposition teeth or to alter the bite. In some cases, porcelain veneers are used for these purposes, since they are less invasive and easier to place than crowns.

However, sometimes teeth are too damaged to support veneers, or other issues mean veneers are not the best choice for restorations. In these cases, crowns can be a better option. If teeth have already had restorations such as fillings, especially multiple fillings or large fillings, crowns are often a better choice for additional restoration. In addition, veneers are only used on front teeth. Restoration or cosmetic treatment for molars is best accomplished with cosmetic crowns.

How Dental Crowns are Placed

Whether they are for cosmetic or restoration purposes, dental crowns are placed in a two-part process. First, the tooth is prepared. The dentist reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown, then molds are taken. A temporary crown is affixed to the tooth to protect it over the next few days while the custom made, permanent crown is manufactured.

When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and affixes the permanent crown. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or metal fused with porcelain. A consultation with our dentist can help you determine which of these options is best for you and for the individual tooth. For example, metal crowns or metal crowns bonded with porcelain are often preferred for back teeth because they can better withstand the force exerted during chewing.

For more information about cosmetic crowns, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group serving Denver CO to schedule an appointment or a consultation.

Changes During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth can also have an effect on your dental health. These hormones affect the connective tissues throughout your body, including the tissues in your mouth. Your gums might become more sensitive and more prone to infection and gum disease. Your gums are also more likely to bleed during brushing while you are pregnant. This makes regular trips to the dentist important so that any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease are diagnosed and treated promptly.

If you suffer from morning sickness, your teeth could also be more susceptible to decay because of increased acid in the mouth. Using a mouthwash can help reduce acid buildup on your teeth, making it less likely that this acid will lead to severe decay. If you experience any symptoms of gum disease or possible decay, be sure to bring these to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Be sure to maintain your regular dental care routine during your pregnancy. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and ensure the health of your gums. Visit the dentist for standard cleanings and other care. Your dentist will make recommendations as to how often you should have your teeth cleaned and be screened for gum disease and oral cancers.

When you visit the dentist, be sure to let the dentist know that you are pregnant. It is advisable to avoid X-rays during pregnancy. The exposure to radiation from a standard X-ray is relatively small, but because your baby is growing very quickly, the side effects of the exposure can be more severe than they are with an adult. Therefore, dentists avoid X-rays for pregnant women except in emergencies.

If you are pregnant and have questions about proper oral hygiene and dental care during pregnancy, please call our Denver office at 303-832-7789 for more information.

What is a cavity? A cavity is the more common term for dental caries (holes in the tooth) or tooth decay. A cavity can affect anyone who has teeth, young or old. A cavity can form when foods containing sugar or starch are left on the teeth. Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, and some of the bacteria coupled with food particles work with saliva to form plaque which sticks to the teeth. 

This is why visiting the dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning is so essential. Although brushing and flossing are needed to maintain dental health between dental visits, only your dental provider can get below the gum line to remove the plaque that clings to teeth.

The acids found in plaque work to dissolve the healthy enamel that covers and protects our teeth. When acid eats through the protective layer of enamel, a cavity may form. Most cavities will be found during those visits to the dentist during the dental exam or as a result of dental radiographs or x-rays.

Generally, if you feel a cavity before it is discovered by your dentist, the cavity is already in an advanced state and has become sensitive to sweet, hot or cold food or beverages.  Depending on the severity of the cavity and the tooth involved, your dentist can remove the decay and then fill the tooth with one of several types of fillings available. A discussion with your dentist to determine the best filling most suitable for your needs is recommended.

Fluoride is recognized as very beneficial in the prevention of cavities. Although there is fluoride in our water and the foods we eat, fluoride applied in the dental office is available in many forms and is strongly advised for children and adults.

Brushing twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste or gel and flossing daily are also urged by your dentist as a means to keep plaque under control as much as possible. Avoiding or limiting sugary beverages and treats and encouraging healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables are advocated for helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

It is never too early to start teaching the values of excellent oral hygiene habits to win in the battle with dental decay. Call our experienced dental team today to schedule your next exam.

The temporomandibular joint is located just above your jaw in front of your ear. There are two of these joints, one on each side, and they are designed to work together to allow us to chew, speak, yawn …. virtually anything that is related to tasks involving our mouth or jaw.

This joint is a very complex part of the body. It has many functions, and as such when there is discomfort, locating the exact source can be difficult. This joint is made up of muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, connective tissue and teeth.

TMJ disorder involves inflammation, and can manifest itself in many ways.  Migraines, neck or shoulder discomfort, earache and even hearing loss can be attributed to TMJ disorder.  Chewing difficulties or a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth should be examined by a dentist for the root cause.

One of the major causes of TMJ disorder has focused on the grinding and clenching of teeth. Most often this is an involuntary function done during sleep or unconsciously throughout the day. Many people grind their teeth at times due to anxiety, which is normal. But when grinding becomes more habitual, your dentist has several suggestions to help.

Perhaps on initial examination your dentist might recommend some of the simpler ideas you can try such as smaller bites of food when you chew, avoid biting your nails or chewing gum. But for longer term relief, many have found that employing the use of a night guard will help alleviate the grinding and teeth clenching often associated with TMJ disorder.

A night guard is also called an occlusal splint or a mouth guard. There are several different types so a discussion with your dentist will help determine what will work best for you.

In addition to a night guard, your dentist might also suggest checking your bite for any signs of a malocclusion which might alter the motion engaged while chewing. A bite adjustment might provide some relief to minor TMJ disorders.  Also your dentist might suggest acetaminophen to relieve inflammation, but this is generally a short term solution.

For more information about TMJ disorder and to schedule a consultation, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789.

There was a time when the options to deal with spaces between teeth involved lengthy treatment at the orthodontist office or cosmetic work that was available only to the wealthy. Times have changed, and the answer to close those gaps is available and affordable with dental veneers. 

Dental veneers are thin shell like coverings made from porcelain or composite that are designed to fit on the front of your existing teeth. As such, they don’t actually close spaces between teeth. They cover up those spaces as well as many other dental concerns such as dental stain, broken or chipped teeth, or uneven or misaligned teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will work with you to determine exactly the look you wish to achieve. Dental veneers are suitable for one or several teeth and they offer your cosmetic dentist the flexibility to match the shape and shade of your existing teeth.

Veneers become a permanent correction that not only improves your appearance by giving you a smile makeover, but at the same time veneers offer protection, durability, and give added strength to treated teeth. And unlike other cosmetic enhancements, placing veneers allows your dentist to remove only a minimal amount of your tooth to apply the veneer making this procedure much less invasive than other cosmetic procedures.

Once your makeover is complete, your dental veneers will be virtually undetectable. The spaces between your teeth will be a distant memory, and your dental transformation will have been completed in a few brief dental visits.

Your dental veneers do not require any special care, however it is generally recommended that caution be taken when biting or chewing hard objects such as ice or sticky foods like caramel. It is important to note that dental veneers are not treatable with whitening products so foods and beverages that stain should be consumed with care.

Good oral hygiene habits of brushing twice per day and flossing daily in addition to twice annual visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning and exam will help keep your teeth and dental veneers looking great for many years.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when infection develops in the gums. It begins as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gingival tissue. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into more severe gum disease, referred to as periodontitis. It can lead to tooth loss, as well as systemic problems, since the infection in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, for example.

In early stages, gum disease can be treated with topical treatments such as baking soda toothpastes or special rinses. As it progresses, though, infection can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. In addition, tartar can develop on the tooth roots. In these cases, planing and scaling might be necessary to bring your gum disease under control.

How Planing and Scaling Works

Planing and scaling is essentially an intensive cleaning technique that removes tartar and plaque from the teeth below the gum line, down to the tooth roots. Your dentist uses a special tool to scrape the surfaces clean. In most cases, your dentist will use an anesthetic during the procedure.

After the procedure, your dentist might place antibiotic fibers in the pockets between your gums and teeth to prevent additional infection. Your lips and mouth will remain numb for a few hours if you have been treated with an anesthetic. The antibiotic fibers will be removed after about a week.

For more information about how we can treat your gum disease, please contact our general and cosmetic dentistry office for an appointment or a consultation.

Caring for Your Teeth as You Age

As you get older, it remains important to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Regular visits to your dentist are also vital to ensure your teeth and gums are in the best possible health. Aging can lead to a less efficient immune system, which means that gum disease could progress more rapidly. In addition, infections in the gums, especially serious periodontal disease, have been shown to be related to systemic problems such as heart disease. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy, in turn, helps keep the rest of your body healthy and strong. 

Some older people find that discomfort in the mouth makes it difficult to eat, which can lead to malnutrition. Missing teeth can also make it difficult to eat healthy foods. If you take care of your teeth through regular everyday care and regular visits to the dentist, you will be less likely to suffer from discomfort and much less likely to lose your teeth.

Challenges of Dental Care as You Grow Older

As you grow older, you might find it more difficult to maneuver dental floss between your teeth, or to exert sufficient pressure with a toothbrush to ensure thorough cleaning. If you are experiencing difficulty using your everyday dental hygiene tools, consult with your dentist.

Several options are available for older patients who have difficulty using toothbrushes or standard floss. Special holders that are pre-threaded with lengths of floss make it much easier to maneuver the floss between your teeth. Toothbrushes with larger, more easily grasped handles also make it easier to keep the toothbrush in the correct position relative to your teeth and to exert sufficient pressure to remove plaque.

To find out more about how to keep your teeth healthy, and for help with any difficulties you might be having with your daily oral hygiene routine, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789 to make an appointment.

How Digital X-Rays Work

With traditional X-rays, X-rays pass through the tissues to strike a piece of sensitive film, much like photographic film. The film must then be developed on-site in order to view the resulting pictures, which takes a few minutes. Film is then stored in your file at the dentist’s office. If specialists need your X-rays, or if you move away and begin working with another dentist, these films must be physically transferred to the new office.

Digital X-rays use the same kind of X-ray technology, but the X-rays strike a special tablet that converts the light rays to digital pictures that are sent immediately to a computer. The pictures can be viewed right away, and are stored on the computer for later reference. Stored as files, the pictures are easily transferable.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays can be viewed immediately, unlike traditional X-rays that must be developed. In addition, the digital images are stored on the computer where they can be compared to previous images for more accurate diagnosis. With special software, your dentist can compare a series of images to more easily spot changes in your teeth such as minor decay, root loss or other problems.

Using digital X-rays, your dentist can keep better track of changes in your teeth that might go unnoticed with regular X-ray technology. These records can also be easily accessed on the computer and can be transferred digitally to dental specialists you might need to work with, or to a new dental office if you move to another city or out of state.

The advanced technology of digital X-rays makes it easier for our dental team to provide you with the best possible care. For more information on how this cutting edge technology can help you, please contact our office.

Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home

At-home care is vital for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and dental health. Brushing every day as well as daily flossing are the most effective ways to prevent decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss in the long term. Your dentist can help you determine what type of brush and floss are best for you. If you have mobility issues or particularly sensitive teeth, for example, different tools might work better to ensure you keep your teeth thoroughly clean and maintain the health of your gums.

It is also important to take measures to prevent injury. For example, if you play contact sports of any kind, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaws from injury. You should also always be prepared in case of a dental emergency, so that your teeth can be treated immediately for the best results and most thorough recovery.

Regular Care at Your Dentist’s Office

In addition to thorough, everyday care at home, you should visit your dental office at least twice a year. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. He or she will also provide an oral cancer screening, and take X-rays to find structural problems or decay that is not immediately visible on the surfaces of the teeth.

Though it might be tempting to skip the occasional dentist appointment, it’s very important to keep your visits regular and up-to-date. Regular visits help the dentist keep track of any existing problems and determine if they are worsening so treatment can be recommend immediately.

Combining diligent at-home care with regular office visits will help you make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy for many years to come. If you are due for a dental check-up, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789 right away for an appointment.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth usually occurs as a symptom of another underlying problem. The most common cause of dry mouth, however, is as a side effect to certain medications. If you are experiencing dry mouth, you should consult with your dentist to determine the underlying cause.

Some systemic issues that can lead to dry mouth include:

• Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Cerebral palsy
• Thyroid problems
• Radiation therapy

If you suspect any of these issues, you should speak to a doctor and/or your dentist right away. Prompt treatment of the underlying condition will reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, as well as ensuring that any problems associated with the condition that causes the dry mouth are dealt with promptly and effectively.

Treatment for Dry Mouth

Since the most common cause of dry mouth is medication, the most common treatment is an alteration of the medication leading to the reduction in saliva production. When you visit the dental office, be sure to let the dentist know what kinds of medication you are taking. Without this knowledge, it will be difficult to determine the cause of your dry mouth symptoms.

If the dry mouth does not abate with changes in medication, or if the underlying condition will take some time to correct, other methods of treatment can help alleviate the symptoms. Saliva substitutes can be used to help moisten and lubricate the mouth, making it easier to eat and reducing the likelihood of infections or increased dental decay. Other treatments include medications to stimulate saliva production. There are also special toothpastes available that are formulated specifically to help people suffering from dry mouth.

For more information about dry mouth, its causes, and possible treatments, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group in Downtown Denver to schedule your consultation.