General dentistry

Gum disease treatment in adults: What you need to know

Posted on
Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease
Closeup, Loving Couple, Blonde Woman and Beautiful Man

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults in the United States have gum disease. Thankfully, there are effective gum disease treatments available that can help you get your oral health back on track. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common gum disease treatments for adults and what you can expect during the process.

1. Scaling and Root Planing: This is a non-surgical gum disease treatment that involves deep cleaning your gums. Your dentist or periodontist will use a special tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. They will also smooth out any rough spots on your tooth roots, which can help prevent bacteria from building up in the future. Scaling and root planing may take several visits to complete, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

2. Antibiotics: If your gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to your gums. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

3. Gum Grafting: If your gum disease has caused your gums to recede, your dentist may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof of your mouth) and attaching it to the affected areas of your gums. Gum grafting can help protect your tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.

4. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment that uses a laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from your gums. This procedure is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy can also stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissue.

5. Oral Surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, oral surgery may be necessary to treat the infection. This may include removing damaged tissue, reshaping your gums, or removing teeth that cannot be saved. Your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Gum disease can be a serious oral health problem, but with the right treatment, you can prevent it from causing long-term damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or receding gums, contact your dentist right away. They can help you determine the best course of treatment to get your oral health back on track. Remember, taking care of your gums is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!

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

I Evaluate Your Teeth – You Evaluate The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, General dentistry, Oral Health

North Laramie Smile Makeovers Hello friends and neighbors in Fort Collins!

Welcome to our dentistry blog. This site is for my valued patients and anyone in the Fort Collins area who is looking for a local experienced and friendly general and family dentist.

We are taking new patients at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry.

I invite you to call 970-221-5115 to schedule an evaluation.

I’m not talking about an ordinary dental evaluation, although I will certainly examine your teeth and gums thoroughly and advise you on any preventative or restorative needs.

I invite you to perform your own evaluation of me and my dental practice.

I encourage you to evaluate:

  • My education, experience and dental skill
  • The variety of services we provide at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry
  • My recommendations about your dental needs
  • Before and after photos of my smile transformation patients
  • My philosophy of preventative dentistry
  • The length of the wait time for your appointment
  • My office atmosphere and the attentiveness of my personable professional dental team
  • All the extras that make your dental visits pleasant and comfortable
  • My ability to explain the critical technical details of procedures and characteristics of restorative materials
  • The many services available at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry including general dentistry, dazzling smile makeovers, and oral sedation

Fair enough? I will evaluate your dental needs and you can consider everything about me and my Fort Collins dental practice. I am sure that you will like what you find.

We are a full-service dental practice.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide a full array of dental services. If you don’t make it a point to keep up with the ever-evolving world of dentistry (and who does?), you might not be aware of the procedures that are now available.

There have never been as many effective treatments for tooth decay, missing teeth, misaligned teeth, and bite problems.

Beautiful smiles are our specialty

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, beautiful smiles are our specialty.

We provide dental fillings, porcelain crowns, dental veneers, inlays and onlays, tooth implants and other cosmetic dental procedures for complete smile makeovers.

Again, thanks for visiting our The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry website. Enjoy your day and call us to schedule an appointment.

 

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 3065

What You Need to Know About Dental Implant Surgery

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, General dentistry

Couple Hiking After Chipped Tooth Repair at The Fort Collins DentistD

ental implant surgery is an increasingly popular procedure that replaces missing teeth or stabilizes loose dentures, helping patients regain their confidence and improve their oral health. While dental implants may seem intimidating to some, understanding the steps involved in the procedure can help alleviate anxiety and allow patients to feel more comfortable moving forward. In this post, we’ll go over what you need to know about dental implant surgery, including the benefits, procedure, and recovery process.

1. Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over traditional dentures or bridges. First and foremost, implants are a much more permanent and comfortable solution. They are designed to function just like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Implants are also less likely to cause discomfort or irritation, and since they are anchored directly into the jawbone, they also help preserve the surrounding bone and prevent further deterioration.

2. The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps. First, the patient will undergo a thorough examination to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure. They will then receive local anesthesia to numb the area, and the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to access the underlying bone. A hole is then drilled into the jawbone, which will serve as the implant’s anchor. Once the implant is secured, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed over it. The healing process, during which the implant will fuse with the bone, may take several months.

3. Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery

The recovery process from dental implant surgery varies from patient to patient but generally involves a few days of discomfort and swelling. Patients may need to stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a week. They will also need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to expect during recovery and how to care for the implant.

4. Maintenance of Dental Implants

To ensure the longevity of the implant, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Patients with implants should also avoid chewing on hard foods or objects, and quit smoking if they haven’t already, as smoking can increase the risk of implant failure.

Dental implant surgery is a highly effective and safe way to replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. Knowing what to expect during the procedure and recovery process can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a successful outcome. If you’re interested in dental implant surgery, be sure to consult with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

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

Gummy Smile?

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, Gum disease

Gummy Smile? Many Fort Collins cosmetic dentistry patients with a gummy smile undergo crown lengthening surgery to bring proper balance and symmetry to their smile. Gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is removed to expose more of the visible part of a tooth. It is a safe procedure that does not affect healthy tooth structure.

A ‘gummy smile’ is a term used to describe a smile with teeth that appear too short because an unusual amount of bone and soft tissue hide part of the crown. Our Fort Collins cosmetic dental patients who have opted for crown lengthening love how their new perfect smile looks and feels. Some of our South Berthoud crown lengthening patients also choose teeth whitening for an extra-dazzling smile!

Crown lengthening is not used solely for cosmetic reasons. When a tooth is injured and breaks at the gum line or if a filling or crown comes off a tooth that contains decay, crown lengthening makes additional tooth structure accessible for further restorative work. It is also used to treat some types of periodontal disease.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform cosmetic and restorative crown lengthening for patients in the Fort Collins, Cheyenne, and Greeley areas. The surgery can be performed by a general dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon.

If you are interested in crown lengthening or other cosmetic dental procedures and live in the North Laramie, area, schedule an exam by calling 970-221-5115. We are conveniently located at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L in Fort Collins. When you come in, we can show you before and after photos of Colorado cosmetic dentistry patients who are enjoying their new smiles.

 

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 727

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

Posted on
Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General dentistry

Prevent Mouth Sores Cheyenne

Hi. I’m Doctor Allison Lesko. When my patients get mouth sores, I guide them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. I know it’s boring, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.

3. Also, keep it cool. Only eat dishes served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can avoid the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

I hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in the North Laramie area, consider my practice, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We have been serving Fort Collins since 2016.

 

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 4628

Why Improve Your Smile?

Posted on
Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

oral health Fort Collins

Causes and consequences of poor dental health and how you can brush up on your own

Most of us struggle with at least one area of our dental care. It could be that flossing is the one dreaded task, or maybe you haven’t been wearing the night guard recommended often enough. All of us should check with our dentists from time to time and make sure we’re on track with the best dental care plan unique to our situation. It’s best to never let the untreated cavity become a dental emergency.

How poor dental health can arise

Teeth Grinding

Grinding our teeth can happen when we’re sleeping at night, completely unaware of the toll it’s taking on our mouths. Even during the day, we might do this unknowingly, since stress at work or school can result in grinding. This bad habit will slowly wear away our fillings and eventually remove the hard enamel which protects the soft layer of dentin beneath. If you’ve recently observed a chipped tooth, or your jaw aches in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night.

Improper Care

It can be difficult to create the best oral hygiene regimen and your dentist might even urge more frequent brushing due to incorrect or inadequate self-care in the past. Not brushing often enough can lead to bad breath, swollen gums and even gum disease in the long run. Most individuals still feel that brushing and flossing are the main tools for success when it comes to protecting their teeth.

Poor Diet

Regularly eating foods high in sugar exposes our teeth to its deteriorating impact. The longer we spend chewing on candy, the longer our teeth spend fighting its harmful acidic content. If you’ve noticed an increase in cavities or nasty breath, you might be eating too many sweets, putting your teeth at risk. It would be smart to consider more fresh fruits and vegetables for their natural teeth-cleaning ability or go for more calcium enriched foods to shield and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits of improving your dental health

Increased Confidence

By upgrading your smile, you will improve your self-esteem and encourage a full and bright smile. If you suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, you might hide your smile while speaking and laughing in front of others. By having certain flaws in our teeth corrected, we no longer fear speaking to others and become more engaged in conversation. If we don’t feel this confidence in ourselves it can be discouraging to spark up a conversation with someone new, since our smile could be the first thing they notice.

Improved Health

Misaligned teeth are not only a cosmetic issue but can lead to a plethora of dilemmas down the road. When our teeth don’t align appropriately, it causes unneeded wear and tear that can lead to toothaches, cavities, cracked teeth, and periodontal issues. If your smile has some imperfections, it might be wise to consider braces or some other aligner for better support.

Save Money

If you’ve ever refused a night guard at the dentist or put off much-needed braces, it might be costing you. Cigna Health estimates that every dollar spent on maintaining dental health saves you anywhere from $8 to $50 restoring it. Improving your smile not only helps you look and feel better but puts money in your pocket better spent on other needs.

 

 

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 8542

 

Let’s Take Care Of Those Tooth Stains

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Fort Collins Teeth BleachingThe effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the best to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you eliminate these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for some individuals.

Intrinsic tooth stains develop from the inside out. Tooth injury or tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are harder to remove completely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are darkened, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry at 970-221-5115. We have treated many patients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to beautify your smile.

Men and women can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Teens and young adults with surface stains can prevent them from becoming intrinsic stains with tooth bleaching.

 

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 2991

 

Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, General dentistry

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

 

ArticleID 7780

Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, General dentistry, Restorative dentistry

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

 

ArticleID 8544

 

7 Ways To Fix A Chipped Tooth

Posted on
Categories: General dentistry, Restorative dentistry

fix broken tooth Fort Collins

In a perfect world, each of your teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. Unfortunately, most of us will need to restore a tooth at some point. At The Fort Collins Dentist we can help.

A tooth can be compromised by decay, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are seven different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

Dental Bonding. Bonding is used to fix minor cosmetic problems like small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A composite resin is applied and shaped as necessary.

Porcelain Veneers. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are permanently attached to the front of natural teeth. They can cover chips, cracks, and gaps, or the alignment of a tooth.

Fillings. Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. Patients love them because they blend in so well with natural tooth color. People concerned about the safety of metal fillings often replace those with non-metal white fillings.

Inlays and Onlays. Inlays are applied to the center of a tooth’s biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point). An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crowns. A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. A crown is often necessary for a tooth that has had a root canal, with severe decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge.

Soft Tissue Grafts. Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bone at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to prevent further damage. Gum surgery is also done for cosmetic reasons, such as reshaping a gumline.

Dental Implants. Implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw. Once they fuse with the bone implants can support one or more artificial teeth.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we offer complete restorative dentistry. People from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud also come to us for cosmetic and sedation dentistry, and much more. Please call our office to find out what we can do for your smile!

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