Gum disease

Gum disease treatment in adults: What you need to know

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

gum disease treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist
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

Achieving a Beautiful Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry at the Fort Collins Dentist

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental veneers, Gum disease

Couple Hiking After Chipped Tooth Repair at The Fort Collins Dentist

A smile is often the first thing that people notice about someone. It can convey warmth, confidence, and positivity. However, if you are not satisfied with your smile due to discoloration, misaligned teeth, or other cosmetic issues, it can affect your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry provides a range of solutions to enhance your smile’s appearance. At the Fort Collins Dentist, we offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Teeth Whitening: One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is teeth whitening. Over time, our teeth can become stained or discolored due to aging, lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking coffee, or certain medications. In-office teeth whitening uses special light and bleaching agents to remove stubborn stains and brighten teeth by several shades in just one visit. Alternatively, we also offer take-home whitening kits that allow you to whiten your teeth gradually and more discreetly.

Invisalign: A straighter smile not only looks more aesthetically pleasing, but it can also improve your oral health by making brushing and flossing easier. Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their optimal position. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Porcelain Veneers: If you have dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, or gaps, porcelain veneers may be an ideal solution. Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are made from durable and stain-resistant materials and can transform your smile in just a few visits. Veneers also require minimal tooth reduction, making them a conservative yet highly effective cosmetic dental solution.

Cosmetic Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple yet effective procedure for repairing minor chips, cracks, or discolorations on teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected area and then shaping and polishing it until it blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Bonding is an affordable and non-invasive cosmetic dental option that can be completed in just one visit.

Gum Reshaping: Sometimes, uneven or excessive gum tissue can make teeth appear too short or too long, which can detract from an otherwise attractive smile. Gum reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing or reshaping gum tissue to improve the appearance of the teeth. In some cases, we may also use laser dentistry to reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.

At the Fort Collins Dentist, we believe that everyone deserves a smile that they can be proud of. Whether your cosmetic dental concerns are minor or complex, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments to help you achieve your desired results. Our experienced and caring team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, budget, and preferences. To learn more about our cosmetic dental services or to schedule a consultation, please 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

 

A Youthful Smile At Any Age

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Gum disease

implant dentures Fort Collins

Declining health, limited mobility, financial strains – clearly, aging is not for wimps. Though some challenges seniors face can’t be avoided, others can. Dental dilemmas, for instance.

Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed enamel, can be remedied.

With modern cosmetic dentistry at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, mature men and women can have fantastic smile that looks as young as they feel (or wish they felt!). Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile – even if you have some missing teeth.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, we pamper our esteemed patients. We offer comprehensive general and advanced cosmetic dental services including dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.

If you are looking for a friendly, experienced dentist, call 970-221-5115 to schedule an exam and consultation. You can meet with us about porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth-colored fillings, implant-supported dentures, invisible braces, and teeth whitening.

 

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 4820

Gummy Smile?

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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

Why Improve Your Smile?

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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

 

4 Oral Ailments To Discuss With Your Dentist

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

Bad Breath Treatment North Laramie

This article is about some of the most common conditions that should be discussed with us, at The Fort Collins Dentist.

There is a solution for each one of these issues.

Tooth Decay. This is easily the most common dental problem. Tooth decay (cavities) occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and/or starches in food to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. We can always do a drill-and-fill, but prevention via regular brushing and flossing is best.

Dry Mouth. Also known as xerostomia, this lack of saliva is very bothersome and can predispose you to a host of dilemmas such as decay and gum disease. It’s a common side effect of prescription medications, so make sure to bring a list of current prescriptions with you to your appointment.

Jaw Issues. If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with us immediately. These symptoms can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.

Teeth Grinding. Known as bruxism, this can damage teeth surfaces. If you’ve been stressed out and find that you’ve been grinding your teeth, discuss it with us. An oral appliance can make all the difference.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. Patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to our office for restorative dentistry, general dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule your next cleaning and checkup 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

 

ArticleID 4795

Bleeding Gums After Your 6-Month Cleaning?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

bleeding gums Greeley

Regular check-ups and cleanings at The Fort Collins Dentist are essential for good dental health. But some people tend to have gums that bleed after a thorough cleaning, causing them concern.

Is this a problem? Well, it depends. If your gums bleed for a couple days after your dental cleaning, don’t worry about it. But, if the bleeding and tenderness last longer, you should be checked for the possibility of gum disease.

Gum disease arises when plaque builds up along the gum line. You might also see bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth.

It is a progressive condition and a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also treatable, but as with most conditions, the earlier it is diagnosed and the treatment begins, the better.

We offer gum disease treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist. Patients from throughout North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud know they can trust us with their dental health. They also come to our practice for general and restorative 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

ArticleID 5448

How Tooth Brushing Prevents Gum Disease

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

Fort Collins Teeth Bleaching

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. In this post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we’ll talk about why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush with fluoride toothpaste and carefully floss your teeth, you remove food debris and clean away plaque build-up.

If, however, you let food stay on your teeth, the starches in it combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so flossing is not optional.

When You Brush

  • Make sure to get all over your teeth. Brush and floss the front and the sides, inside and out, and the top. When you clean the sides, be sure you brush along the gum-line. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
  • As you do the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes.
  • Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste; or more than a pea-sized, if you prefer. Too much is no big deal, but be sure to use enough.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we want all of our patients to enjoy clean teeth and healthy gums. People throughout North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud see us for a checkup every six months. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Request an appointment 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

ArticleID 2251

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

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Categories: General dentistry, Gum disease

prevent gum disease Fort Collins

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. But it is a preventable disease, and also treatable, at The Fort Collins Dentist.

Here are some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

  1. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much simpler to insert floss between teeth.
  3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Don’t smoke, or use smokeless tobacco, which may bring about advanced gum disease or oral cancer. That includes e-cigarettes.
  6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy smile. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines.
  7. Exercise prevention and schedule regular evaluations — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
  8. Talk to us about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
  9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to protect them.

Prevention is always the best medicine, so brush and floss your teeth twice a day. At The Fort Collins Dentist we treat gum disease, and people from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to us for general and family dentistry services. 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

ArticleID 8129

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

gum disease treatment Fort Collins

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adult Americans, yet many people are surprisingly under-informed about it. In this blog post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we share some basic facts about gum disease.

  • In its earliest and most treatable stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. The more advanced form is called periodontitis.
  • More than half of Americans who are thirty and older have periodontitis. That equals nearly sixty-five million people.
  • The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and have a dental checkup twice a year.
  • Gum disease has few symptoms in its early stages. You could have it but be completely unaware.
  • Tiny amounts of blood in the sink when you brush is not normal. If you see a little blood when you brush and floss, make an appointment with us right away.
  • Improved brushing and flossing, along with using an antiseptic mouthwash, is often enough to successfully treat gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease affects bone and ligaments, in addition to the gums. It requires more aggressive treatment, such as deep cleaning, but it too can be reversed.
  • Gum disease has been linked to more serious health conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.

These are frightening facts. It reminds us of the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

To put it another way: guard your dental health with regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups at The Fort Collins Dentist. We treat gum disease. People from North Larmie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud also come to us for complete general and family dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup 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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