Oral 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

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

Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

Learn about dental enamel erosion treatment in Fort Collins.

Most of our patients at the Fort Collins Dentist know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar.

Research has found that a higher frequency of sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids, and bacteria.

Let’s consider additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.

Acid is as Bad as Sugar

First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially harmful because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

You can shield your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to limit the acidic effects. It is wise to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts, and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will promote tooth remineralization.

Meal Timing Makes a Difference

The more often you eat the more frequently your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be tempered by picking healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brushing and flossing altogether.

Enamel Erosion

While the enamel is soft, the tooth is vulnerable to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

Broadly speaking, the ordinary diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are highly acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or liquids, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Doctor Lesko can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Now let’s talk about liquids. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Fort Collins teenagers who sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their densest. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the consequences of their increasing popularity.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can spark the remineralization process.

Xylitol Gum

If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually useful for your teeth.

Several clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol restricts the growth of the bacteria that initiates tooth decay. It also helps alleviate plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

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 8677

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

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

What Do You Do If You Get Something Stuck Between Your Teeth?

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Categories: General dentistry, Gum disease, Oral Health

what to do if something is stuck between your teeth Fort Collins

People get food stuck in and between their teeth all the time. Most of the time it is not a malfunction to get the food unstuck with floss or a toothbrush and move on with your day. However, once in a while there is a pesky piece of food that seems practically impossible to get out of your teeth. So, what do you do if this is the case?

Sometimes, depending on the food that is stuck between your teeth and where the food is stuck, it can be dangerous and possibly damaging to your teeth to remove it on your own. Remember that you do not need to do everything yourself, and it is okay and oftentimes safer to seek professional help.

In fact, Dr. Lesko at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is available to help you when something is stuck between your teeth and is too problematic or dangerous to get out on your own. A dentist can carefully and safely remove the piece of food that is stuck and causing irritation or discomfort.

When to seek professional dental care to get food unstuck from between your teeth: 

It is vital to seek care from a dentist if the food stuck between your teeth causes you pain. Also, if you get food stuck deep between your teeth, in your gums, or in a hard-to-reach location like the back teeth it is smart to see a dentist for help.

Trying to take action and fix the issue on your own in any of these settings can lead to consequences. For example, if a piece of food gets stuck in the gums and you accidentally push it farther in, making it harder to get out, you may cause your gums to get infected.

This happened to 41-year-old firefighter Adam Martin in January of 2020. Martin got a popcorn kernel stuck between his teeth that he continuously poked at and tried to get unstuck for months. The constant prodding with random sharp objects led to a potentially fatal blood infection that required open heart surgery to treat. After the surgery, Martin said, “If I had gone to the dentist in the first place, then none of this would have happened.”

The possible effects of trying to remove food from between your teeth on your own:

  1. Puncturing and/or infecting the gums
  2. Breaking or cracking the teeth
  3. Creating pain
  4. Causing existing pain to worsen

In conclusion, if you get food stuck between your teeth that does not easily come out by using floss or brushing your teeth you should take caution and seek professional dental help. It is much better to have a dentist safely remove the food than to try to do it yourself and end up in more pain or with an infection.

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 8435

Learn More About Toothache Relief in Fort Collins, CO

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Toothaches can be incredibly painful and disruptive to daily life. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to seek relief promptly. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, we offer toothache relief services to help ease your pain and restore your oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss toothaches and the different toothache relief options available at our dental practice.

What is a Toothache?

A toothache is a pain that is felt in or around a tooth. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including dental cavities, gum disease, infection, trauma, or even a sinus infection. Symptoms of a toothache may vary but typically include pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and a headache or fever. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to seek dental care right away.

Toothache Relief Options at The Fort Collins Dentist

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a variety of toothache relief options to help alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. For mild to moderate toothaches, we may recommend over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your toothache is caused by a dental cavity, we may need to fill the cavity or perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue and relieve your pain. For severe toothaches, we may need to extract the tooth.

Preventing Toothaches

The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our dental practice regularly for checkups and cleanings. We may also recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth from decay and infection. If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent tooth injuries.

Why Choose The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry?

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing the highest level of dental care to our patients. Our team of dental professionals is experienced in treating a variety of dental issues, including toothaches. We use the latest dental technologies and techniques to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. With our convenient location and flexible scheduling options, we make it easy for you to get the dental care you need when you need it.

If you are experiencing a toothache, don’t wait to seek dental care. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, we offer toothache relief services to help alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free 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

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Fort Collins tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it over with. But are you doing it correct?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better support your oral health and shield your smile from cavities and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush—you might be surprised at how quickly you finish. The process should take at least two to three minutes. It can also be beneficial to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By adjusting your pattern, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s problematic to clear away the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily propagate and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people hurt their enamel or gums because they brush too forcefully with a rigid brush. doctor Lesko counsels patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is terrible to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air—even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and allow it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for kids. Not true. Your enamel is continuously under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

 

 

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 7193