Dental health

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Performs Emergency Root Canals

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Colorado Dentist Calms Root Canal Fears.At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform emergency root canals. Though this procedure strikes fear into the hearts of many individuals, they should be more afraid of not having a root canal.

What is a root canal?

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, our qualified dental team can fix it.

First, we clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth.

The dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further cavities and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in one or two visits. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth.

Are all teeth at risk?

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your dentist can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many individuals, the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not produce symptoms, it is critical to have regular dental examinations. Your dentist can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 421

Affordable Teeth Whitening?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, Teeth Whitening

Affordable Tooth Whitening in Fort Collins. If you are like most web users, you have probably observed the multitude of ads for ‘free teeth whitening kits’.

Some show a ‘real Wellington mom’ who discovered a ‘tooth whitening secret’. Others assure you that their system is the one that ‘Fort Collins dentists don’t want you to know about’. Many contain a link to a page that contains a convincing tooth-whitening testimonial. They bolster their legitimacy by aligning themselves with respected companies such as CNN, USA Today, and Forbes.

Unfortunately, most of these are fraudulent. In a recent article, the Better Business Bureau explains the scam:

The countless websites for various teeth whitening products claim to offer a no-risk, money-back guarantee, and free trial of the product. To sign up, customers must provide a credit or debit card number to cover shipping. Complainants to BBB state that they are billed before their trial ends and continue to be billed after they have told the company they want to cancel.

Complainants also may find mystery charges for other companies and services that they didn’t realize they were signing up for with their ‘free’ trial.

The BBB has received complaints about the following company/product names:

  • Dazzle White
  • White Smile
  • Teeth Smile
  • Dazzle Smile
  • Ivory White
  • Max White
  • My Whitening
  • Gleaming White Smile
  • Advanced Wellness Research

Don’t trust your smile to an internet scammer. Your tooth whitening dental office is the only place for safe teeth bleaching. You don’t want to take a chance with your credit card number or your tooth enamel! Call us at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry for advanced cosmetic dentistry and worry-free tooth whitening. You can reach us at 970-221-5115

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 1384

Fun Floss Facts

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

Get convenient dental care in Fort Collins.

You probably believe that the most urgent aspect regarding flossing is simply to do it every day. At the Fort Collins Dentist, we agree. However, many people find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish or solidify the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire.

Let’s discuss some of the most common types of dental floss.

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is often made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less pricey, more common, and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, many people find that it pulls in between the teeth more easily. This type of floss is typically referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses. It is beneficial to find the size that works best for you. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the form of a wide, flat ribbon. Many patients at the Fort Collins Dentist find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to communicate with your orthodontist about flossing because you don’t want to break this vital habit just because you’re having your teeth corrected!

A good person to give you advice about flossing is your dental hygienist. Here at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our proficient hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth bleaching and veneers.

My name is Doctor Allison Lesko. My practice, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, has been serving the Fort Collins area since 2016. Our top services include cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and general dentistry.

Call us today at 970-221-5115 for your appointment!

Source:
“The Different Types of Dental Floss,” Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html, accessed on September 17, 2013

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 5273

Do You Love Your Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Learn Our Loveland Cosmetic Dentistry Options. The Wellington people who are most happy with their smiles have healthy, straight teeth that sparkle when they laugh. If nature didn’t bless you with attractive teeth, you are not alone. Most perfect smiles you come across in Timnath were not always that way. They are the result of cosmetic dentistry performed by an experienced Loveland aesthetic dentist.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, Allison Lesko DDS provides state-of-the-art procedures that deliver dazzling, flawless teeth for cosmetic dentistry patients. We treat patients from 30 to 101. You are never too young or too old to improve your smile, but it will definitely make you feel younger!

Two common smile problems are yellow enamel and chipped teeth.

Discolored Teeth

Few Fort Collins people have pearly white smiles that stay that way forever. Even with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, our teeth darken as we age. Fortunately, the most affordable Fort Collins cosmetic dentistry procedure is tooth bleaching. Picture yourself with a celebrity-caliber smile. It is possible with safe and affordable teeth whitening at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry.

Damaged Teeth

Our teeth work hard for us day after day, year after year. Sometimes they get chipped or cracked in the process. If you would like to fix your tooth flaws, schedule a consultation by calling The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry at 970-221-5115. We use porcelain veneers every day to remedy tooth trauma. Cosmetic bonding has been used with fabulous results for many years and bonding is usually a fraction of the price of a crown.

Ask doctor Lesko which of our Loveland cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in one appointment. How about a same-day smile makeover?

If you have never been eager to show your teeth when you smile or laugh, now is the time to change that. Call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry today at 970-221-5115 to schedule a smile design consultation.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 1335

The ADA: Promoting Dental Health Since 1859

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

American Dental Association and your Fort Collins Dentist.

Hello, thank you for visiting the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry blog. I’m Doctor Allison Lesko. Along with my fantastic team, I have been providing premium dental care since 2016.

Today’s article is about the American Dental Association. You have probably seen the ADA insignia on toothpaste and floss—but what else do you know about this dental organization?

The ADA’s self-proclaimed objective is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through not-for-profit federal, state, and local societies. It was established in 1859 and is run by its members, which currently total over 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product per se but rather a confirmation of the claims made by said product. Companies who want the ADA certification for a product must submit proof of rigorous scientific testing. Once submitted, the ADA re-tests the product to further verify results. There are currently over 300 products with ADA certification.

The ADA does more than evaluate dental products. Here are some other ways the ADA works to fulfill its mission:

  • Provides resources to support dentists and their practices
  • Educates the public about oral health
  • Works to maximize access to dental care
  • Offers guidance on important issues that affect the dental industry
  • Collaborates with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives
  • Offers scholarships to dental students

For more information about the ADA, visit http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada

Source:
http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 7411

Health Habits To Keep You Smiling

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Essential habits to keep teeth healthy in Fort Collins.

In today’s post, we will focus on important behaviors that influence oral health. Of course, at the Fort Collins Dentist, we know effective brushing and flossing are two critical habits for healthy teeth, but there are many more things we can do to maintain a healthy smile.

Diet Do’s

  • Do eat a nutritious diet with a variety of foods. This is needed for overall physical health and a strong immune system.
  • Do enjoy calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to neutralize acids that are detrimental to enamel.

Diet Don’ts

  • Don’t eat sugary foods. Sugar leads to the production of detrimental cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel and lead to tooth decay.
  • Don’t snack throughout the day. This accelerates plaque production and subjects the teeth to continual contact with acids.
  • Don’t chew on ice. (It really can crack teeth.)
  • Don’t drink energy drinks. They have many substances that are detrimental to teeth.

Other Important Tips

  • Don’t use your teeth as tools. It is smarter to cut that knotted shoelace than to gnaw at it to try to untangle it.
  • Don’t get piercings in or around your mouth.
  • Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.
  • If you have children, talk to doctor Lesko about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your kids fluoride supplements.
  • Don’t use a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. It can damage gums.
  • If you have an eating disorder—seek professional help ASAP. Bulimia and anorexia are extremely damaging to teeth. (Not to mention the toll they take on the heart and other organs.)

We encourage all of our patients to maintain a lifestyle that maintains dental health as well as overall physical health. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we serve the Fort Collins area with exceptional dental care including general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about dental implants, sleep apnea, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8164

Making The Cost Of Dental Treatment Palatable At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental health, Restorative dentistry

The cost of dental crowns in Loveland at the Fort Collins Dentist.A healthy smile is priceless and superior dental care is a worthwhile investment in your quality of life. However, the cost of treatment and precision restorations can sometimes be prohibitive. Knowing what to expect price-wise can make your dental visit with the Fort Collins Dentist more palatable.

Obviously, the cost of some procedures such as crowns versus fillings is dependent upon unknown factors. X-rays can show the basic problem but sometimes the extent of the damage isn’t clear until we get in there. Our caring staff works to offer estimates based on best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Nailing down the cost is much easier once the overall treatment plan is established. Doctor Allison Lesko performs an oral exam, reviews the patient’s dental history, and consults with the patient before creating an estimate. The price is influenced by the patient’s current condition, cosmetic goals, and long-term functionality.

Usually, the cost of treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, denture fittings, and the price of cosmetic dentistry can be explained at the initial consultation with Doctor Lesko. We encourage our patients to take some time to review the options before they choose which elective procedures to pursue. We never pressure our patients to make a quick decision about something as important as dental treatment.

Here at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to customized patient-focused care. Often the treatment plan will be extended over several visits to allow healing and adjustment in the mouth before doing more work.

With restorations, the most conservative treatment is always preferred. The cost is weighed with priority for adequate eating and speaking functionality. Personal confidence in appearance is also taken into account and given priority.

Doctor Lesko has been practicing compassionate dentistry since 2016. If you are in the market for sedation dentistry or sleep apnea but are worried about how much it will set you back or whether your insurance company covers the procedure, then call 970-221-5115 today and let us look into it for you.

Feel free to shop around and compare our affordable prices to other dentists in the area – but be wary of bargain-basement dental advertisements. Many ads present a false picture of the actual cost of the treatment. And, do you really want to trust your smile to the lowest bidder?

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 6781

Rather Have A Root Canal?

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Root Canals

Fort Collins Endodontics and Root Canal Therapy.

Would you rather have a root canal?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our patients, and many report minimal discomfort.

Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many root canal patients, the procedure is no more stressful than getting a filling.

If root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Colorado.

How do you know if you need a root canal? You should communicate with your dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is vital to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 373

Are Dental Implants Experimental?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental health, Dental Implants

Dental implants in Fort Collins, CO.

No. Tooth implants have been placed in millions of men and women. Some studies have revealed a success rate as high as 98%. Here at the Fort Collins Dentist, we believe dental implants can make a big difference for our patients.

Dental implants have been perfected and tested

If you don’t follow the dental industry, you may not be aware that tooth implants have been used since the 1960s. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans have received implants.

The dental implant market is estimated to reach $5 billion by 2022.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) is the first professional organization in the world dedicated to the advancement of implant dentistry. As part of its commitment to top quality patient care, research, education and excellence, the AAID created a program to credential professionals in implant dentistry.

When do you think the American Academy of Implant Dentistry was established?

  1. 1974
  2. 1998
  3. 1951

The answer is 1951. Surprised?

Dental implants have been studied since the 1970s

On the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, you can read an analysis of tooth implants from the 1970s. Complete with images of old-school film X-rays.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that serves as a durable substitute for the root of a missing tooth. Modern teeth implants are very versatile in restorative dentistry. They can anchor a replacement tooth, a set of replacement teeth (dentures), or a dental bridge.

In case you are unfamiliar with dental implants, first let’s explore what they are.

A permanent dental implant is a permanent replacement tooth root. It is anchored into the jaw and eventually integrates with the jawbone. This provides a durable, sturdy base for a porcelain crown or denture.

What are the benefits of tooth implants?

Implants:

  • Are durable and unmovable
  • Blend perfectly with your natural teeth
  • Help you speak and eat normally
  • Prevent bone loss that can develop when a tooth is extracted
  • Prevent the dilemmas connected to dentures

Dental implant success rates

Now let’s address success rates.

Have you heard that dental implants have a high failure rate? This is simply not true. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our success rate for tooth implants is nearly 100%.

If properly cared for, an implant can last the rest of your life.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8258

Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

Loveland Dentists And Your Mouth Sores As a dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Some of my patients have issues with mouth sores, thus the topic of today’s message.

If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; it is vital to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment helps with preventing more serious problems. If required, vital treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, I will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in problems that can cause mouth sores.

There are two types of mouth sores; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sores generally heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods help with temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations include a cut on the inside of the mouth, a reaction to extreme temperatures, acids from food or drink, fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or a virus, or a combination of these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but generally heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics furnish relief.

Hope on the Horizon

There are innovative antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in curtailing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause recurrent cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

Talk To Your Dentist

In some cases, a change in the way you care for your mouth the frequency of mouth sores. If you are in the Fort Collins, area and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, give us a call at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule an examination.

Our number is 970-221-5115.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 341