The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Provides Quality, Compassionate Dental Care

take out silver fillings Wellington

Hello, and welcome to our dental blog. My name is doctor Allison Lesko and I want to tell you about The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some individuals, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental dilemmas–whether it’s decay, gum disease or discolored teeth–we want to treat these problems and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

Relieving Dental Anxiety is Our Specialty

As mentioned, we understand that some people are sensitive about the condition of their teeth so they are reluctant to seek care. Other people are hesitant to seek care because dental treatment is downright scary for them.

If you fear dental treatment, give us a try. We have helped hundreds of nervous patients get through their procedure successfully. Let’s talk about oral conscious sedation options.

We Honor Your Trust

We know you have many choices in Fort Collins-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to honor that trust. This includes making your wait time as short as possible and your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition, we will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience. Furthermore, we are sure our skills and experience will ensure successful outcomes.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We offer general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Fort Collins office. We serve the greater Loveland area including Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

dental implants
sleep apnea
cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
general dentistry

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

Along with healthy teeth, many of our Timnath and Wellington patients want to know more about popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, and more!

A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your sensational smile!

If you live in the Loveland area and would like to see what The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry has to offer, give us a call at 970-221-5115. We are currently accepting new dental patients!

 

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

 

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Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth by The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

Flossing is a bit of a chore. It takes a little extra time, and if you haven’t flossed in a while, it can even be painful.

It’s no wonder our team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is constantly reminding our patients to ‘brush and floss!’

Flossing is critical, You’ll never hear one of us say ‘don’t worry about the flossing.’ It just isn’t going to happen for two critical reasons. Here they are:

1. Bad Breath

I knew I could catch your attention with this first one. Bad breath is something we all worry about. It’s part of our ‘appearance, and we are all aware of how that can influence our relationships.

When we meet new individuals, communicate with others in close quarters, or greet a partner, bad breath is on our minds. We worry about how bad breath affects first impressions.

It makes sense, then, that bad breath would be one of the things you might worry about.

Flossing is a great way to help you eliminate bad breath.

Flossing helps restrict plaque buildup between your teeth. It also helps flush out pockets of bacteria. Together, plaque and bacteria can create bad breath.

To decrease your chances of being caught with bad breath, floss every day.

2. Cavities

When bacteria is allowed to concentrate on your teeth, tooth decay can occur. Plaque buildup is a concentration of bacteria. When plaque is allowed to remain between your teeth it gives bacteria a chance to destroy enamel and damage your teeth. Cavities are damage to your teeth caused by bacteria.

Flossing gets between your teeth where your brush can’t get and gets rid of plaque buildup. It also loosens pockets of bacteria that can be removed with a quick rinse.

Flossing will help you keep plaque and bacteria from developing between your teeth.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry recommends you floss your teeth every time you brush your teeth. At the very least, we encourage you to floss every day before you go to bed. Once a day is your minimum, and nighttime is a good time to floss.

 

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

 

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Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?

urgent dental clinic Fort Collins

A dental emergency is any occurrence in which damage to the teeth occurs and the patient needs urgent care. While a dental emergency may have never happened to you, it could happen in the future.

Some things are too serious to wait for an appointment. How do you know if you need to call for help? Who do you call? How can you be prepared?

Some frequent questions people may have in a dental emergency:

  • “Is this serious enough, can’t we treat it at home for now?”
  • “Should I call 911?”
  • “How can I help in the moment?”

How to know if it is a dental emergency and when to seek help

If you are experiencing any of the following, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken tooth
  • An abscess with pus
  • Unexplained severe mouth pain
  • Persistent bleeding of the mouth

Should I call 911 for a dental emergency?

If you suspect you are dealing with a potential dental emergency, stay calm. In the heat of the moment a person’s instinct may be to call 911. However, paramedics and dentists would encourage you to analyze the situation.

Dental emergencies are serious. Dental offices are for an urgent dental issue. If you need treatment, dentists are the professionals for the job. Act fast and responsibly.

Calling 911 may ultimately waste your time in getting the help you need. The police cannot help in dental matters and paramedics are not dentists. They can help if you have a non-dental medical emergency, but not if it is a dental-specific issue.

What should you do instead?

Instead, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We will help you over the phone. We can talk you through your situation to identify and diagnose the issue. No prior appointment needed. We will determine the best course of action and set up a time for you to come in for treatment.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is here for you when you have a dental emergency

When it comes to your smile, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Obtaining immediate assistance is the first step in addressing the situation. When you call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, a dental professional will recommend you over the phone. Do not hesitate. The consequences of untreated emergencies can leave permanent damage. Some serious dental infections can even threaten your life if not treated.

Our contact information is below. Save our number in your phone contacts so you will be prepared in the unfortunate event that you experience a dental emergency.

 

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

 

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Let’s Talk About Your Smile

Let’s Talk About Your Smile

How do you like your smile? At The Fort Collins Dentist, we know it’s easy to be your own worst critic. But we also know lots of people don’t care for one aspect or another of their smile. We can improve any smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Maybe you have a tooth that’s been chipped since middle school, or a gap between your front teeth that’s been there since forever. Or maybe your smile has grown dull and yellow over the years.

Popular Procedures

There are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can address just about any smile issue you might have.

  • Porcelain veneers – Thin shells of medical-grade porcelain are designed to fit over the front side of your teeth. They’ll hide chips, cracks, gaps, and other flaws. They’re custom-made to your teeth, look totally natural, and leave you with a great new smile.
  • Bonding – Bonding is another way to correct any flaws in your teeth. A special material is bonded to a tooth, and shaped to create a strong structure that looks fabulous.
  • Crowns – Dental crowns are fitted over teeth that are discolored or in need of restoring due to damage or decay. They are long-lasting and strong.
  • Whitening – Teeth whitening is an easy, popular procedure that lightens the color of your teeth. The same whitening agents found in whitening toothpastes, but at much higher concentrations, bleach out years of stains and other discolorations and give you a dazzling smile.
  • Dental implants – Dental implants replace missing teeth. A titanium post is inserted into the jaw and fuses with the bone. An artificial tooth goes on top. Implants look and function like natural teeth.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, our cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile into something special. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our practice for extractions, TMJ treatment, and crowns . Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

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

 

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It Doesn’t Take Long To Beautify Your Smile

Windsor cosmetic smile makeover

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we can improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Possibilities include restoring cracked or discolored teeth, straightening them, or even replacing those that are missing.

We all want to have the best possible smiles, but cosmetic dentistry is more than just appearance. Straight teeth are easier to care for, and make for a healthier smile. That may explain why clear braces are so popular. They can straighten your teeth, and are almost undetectable as you wear them.

Also in demand are porcelain veneers. They can transform your appearance and are minimally invasive. A thin layer of tooth enamel is removed before veneers are permanently attached to your teeth. After that, you’ve got a mega-watt smile.

Dental implants are, in many ways, one of the most significant advances in the history of dentistry. Titanium posts inserted in the jaw can support one or more replacement teeth that look and function like the real thing.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for complete general dentistry. Contact us today!

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

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2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth decorations and the numbers 2023 on a tableIf you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, The Fort Collins Dentist suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and The Fort Collins Dentist can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Contact us today!

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


These Holidays, Gift Yourself A New Smile!

Woman in a santa hat pointing at her straight white smileWe know the holidays can be a time to re-prioritize and think a bit on what’s important to you. While many are busy buying expensive gifts or gym memberships, The Fort Collins Dentist wants you to think of yourself first. Specifically, your smile.

After all, your smile is a window into well-being, and when it looks best, you not only feel best, but people treat you like you do.

So, in essence, when you look into cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whiteningdental veneers, or dental implants, you’re not only thinking of your appearance, but your whole quality of life. You deserve a social life that you’re a confident player in. You also deserve a pain-free smile that you’re proud to show off to your friends.

All this is achievable with our cosmetic options. The Fort Collins Dentist wants you to face this new year with a new smile. What’s more, with all those delicious – but sticky – holiday meals around the corner, it’s the best time to look into our general and family dentistry and prepare your enamel for what’s to come. We serve satisfied patients in Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Contact us today!

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


What Are The Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Colorado

Dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology.

But like any medical or dental procedure, there are certain risks involved. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant, so you can stay informed. It is worth noting, these risk are all considered pretty rare and dental implants are still the safest way to replace teeth!

  • Infection: Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow Healing: A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus Problems: Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity.
  • Implant Failure: If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve Damage: Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at The Fort Collins Dentist we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust us with implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. Contact us today!

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

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Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

Fort Collins Cosmetic Dentistry

This post from The Fort Collins Dentist describes the ways that general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are different.

Family dentistry, also called general dentistry, is dedicated to preventing and treating oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, like a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will establish the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Cosmetic dentists offer elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Available procedures include teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns.

Many dentists provide both general and cosmetic dentistry. In some cases there is some overlap. For example, if a patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth must be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we want our patients to have healthy smiles that look great! General dentistry achieves the first goal, and cosmetic dentistry the second. Find out why patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust us with their smiles. Contact us today!

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

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3 Smart Smile Solutions

Aesthetic Dental Transformations in Fort Collins

In this article from The Fort Collins Dentist, we take a look at three procedures often used in cosmetic dentistry.

  1. Dental Implants: Implants are transforming dentistry. For most patients, a dental implant is the prime solution for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal – usually titanium – rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post. When the final crown is placed, the dental implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth in function and appearance.
  2. Porcelain Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic. We attach them to the front of your teeth to cover chips or cracks, gaps, and other imperfections. they leave you with a fantastic smile!
  3. Tooth Whitening: If you had tooth decay in the past, you may notice staining on your teeth. Professional whitening can lighten your teeth by several shades, significantly improving your smile without the need for an invasive procedure.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we use cosmetic dentistry to improve the smiles of patients every day. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our practice for complete general dentistry. Contact us today!

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

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