Restorative dentistry

A Fresh Start After Losing a Tooth

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Categories: Dental crowns, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

A graphic image of a permanent tooth replacement. Do you have an extracted tooth?

If the tooth had been aching, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, it was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is extremely difficult because your tongue can’t leave the gap alone.

I’m Missing a Tooth. Now What?

Once the tooth has been taken out, you have many important decisions to make.

  • Do I want a dental bridge?
  • Is a dental bridge a permanent solution?
  • Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge?
  • Should I decide on a partial denture?
  • What about bone loss?

A Better Restoration

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root? If you select a dental implant from the Fort Collins Dentist, you can.

A tooth implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. It is comprised of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

Titanium Post

—inserted directly into the jaw bone
—quite strong
—titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

Abutment

—can be fabricated of gold, porcelain, or titanium
—permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Crown)

—usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

A dental implant is not an experimental treatment. The cutting-edge materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades.

Additionally, it has been carried out by Fort Collins dentists for over thirty years.

Do you want to take care of a gap in your smile? Let’s talk! Schedule a consultation with our team today and we’ll work together toward creating your perfect 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

 

ArticleID 3066

Correcting Severe Dental Problems At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

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

A yellow diamond shaped sign with a warning of construction ahead written in black letters.Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed at The Fort Collins Dentist in Loveland can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can correct the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Fort Collins dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures that remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Fort Collins smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course, it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Fort Collins dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Fort Collins, Wellington, and Windsor. Our team has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate 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

 

ArticleID 950

We Keep Dental Patients Comfortable

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Restorative dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

A smiling blonde woman with curly hair in a dentist's chair with dental tools on a cabinet in the background.

To state the obvious, nobody enjoys pain. doctor Lesko knows this, and that is why the dental team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry has made patient comfort our number one goal.

In conjunction with creating a calm environment, we have various medications that can lower and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in Loveland dentist offices and around the country are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue and numb the surface layers. Topical anesthetics can minimize the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations in distinct areas of the mouth. Dentists usually numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or performing cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may necessitate nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia. Ask us about sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation.

Dentists often recommend an OTC analgesic to relieve pain after a dental visit. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Because your dentist will most likely administer a pain reliever during the dental visit or prescribe something for you to take after the procedure, make sure you make a complete list of medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, before each appointment.

We want patients to be informed about their dental care, especially as it pertains to pain relief during dental treatment. If you are in the Fort Collins area and looking for quality dental care, we invite you to contact our office and schedule 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 3542

A Ginormous Cavity?

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

Upgrade your smile with restorative dentistry in Fort Collins. When Doctor Allison Lesko of the Fort Collins Dentist repairs a tooth that has decay or damage, the procedure chosen often depends on the location of the problem. We’re talking tooth-specific locale here.

If there is a chip, crack, or decay on the biting surface of a tooth, an onlay or inlay is often created to restore the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are a type of tooth restoration used successfully at the Fort Collins Dentist. They are usually bigger than a conventional filling yet smaller than a complete crown. An inlay is used to fill an area inside the cusp tips or bumps of a tooth. An onlay covers an area that includes more than one cusp.

At the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, the inlays and onlays we place for our patients are indistinguishable from their natural teeth. Dr. Allison Lesko has a finely honed eye for detail and complete mastery of dental aesthetics to design the restoration and create an exact match.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry inlays and onlays:

  • Are stain resistant
  • Do not lead to tooth sensitivity
  • Are beautifully matched to natural teeth
  • Strengthen the tooth and protect against further decay or weakening

At the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Allison Lesko ensures your dental restorations are flawless and natural-looking. Whether you need an inlay or onlay, our expertise guarantees a perfect match that strengthens your tooth and enhances your smile. Schedule your appointment today to experience our exceptional care and craftsmanship. Visit us in Fort Collins and let us help you achieve the perfect 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

 

ArticleID 1473

Tooth Restoration: Dental Implants And Dental Bridges

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

Fort Collins Dental Implants and Dental Bridges.Tooth replacement has been a highly requested dental service at the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. When my patients inquire about tooth restoration, I typically tell them about fixed (or traditional) dental bridges and tooth implants.

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth—called a pontic—is fused to porcelain crowns on both sides of the missing tooth.

Tooth Implants Replace the Root and Crown

Dental implants are also popular and can often be a more effective choice. A dental implant incorporates a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then affixed. The entire process takes several months but consistently yields extraordinary results.

Preserving Facial Contour

Both of these restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, as well.

Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many individuals have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration procedures.

Call the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule a tooth restoration consultation by calling our offices 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 371

Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

Get affordable cosmetic dental work in Fort Collins.

Restorative dentistry has progressed considerably over the years and there are now several effective ways to repair decayed teeth. In today’s post from the Fort Collins Dentist, we are going to concentrate on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.

Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive substitute for a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.

Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are created in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.

An inlay is used to repair the surface of a damaged tooth, usually to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.

Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are strong and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is exactly fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the initial tooth.

An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are commonly applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are specifically fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve a key role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide trusted dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that has a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call our office to make 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 7227

5 Tools For Tooth Transformations

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

porcelain veneers price Loveland

Too-small teeth. Misshapen teeth. Cracked teeth. Chipped teeth. Spacing irregularities. These problems are all too common. But you don’t have to live with them! With the advances in cosmetic dentistry, the Fort Collins Dentist has fixes for these vexing tooth issues!

1. Veneers. (Also called dental laminates or porcelain veneers). These extremely thin shells are custom-made so the size, shape, and color are perfectly matched to your surrounding teeth. The veneers are securely cemented to the front of the teeth to dramatically upgrade your smile.

2. Bonding. This procedure uses a strong tooth-colored resin to close spaces, repair chips and cracks, or change the shape. The resin is molded into place and then a light is applied to harden the material for secure adherence to the tooth.

3. Recontouring. Minimally-invasive reshaping of a tooth by removing small bits of enamel to improve the shape or length. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is sometimes called odontoplasty or slenderizing.

4. Crowns. Most people are familiar with this durable multi-purpose restoration. Natural-looking dental crowns are fabricated in the shape and color of the tooth and cemented into place to fully cover the part of the tooth visible above the gumline.

5. Braces. Patients of all ages are transforming their smiles with cutting-edge orthodontia. Before you dismiss this option as too time-consuming or costly, learn about the new braces now available. Braces are more convenient and discrete than ever before.

Countless Loveland dental patients have achieved beautiful smiles with a cosmetic dental smile makeover from The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry!

My name is Doctor Allison Lesko of The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins. I am enthusiastic about to helping my patients have optimum oral health and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about veneers, bonding, recontouring, or crowns, I invite you to make 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 6632

We Understand Dental Anxiety

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Categories: Dental health, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Enjoy sedation dentistry in Fort Collins.

Dental professionals in the Fort Collins area (including the team at the Fort Collins Dentist) are dedicated to oral health. Unfortunately, some individuals rarely go to the dentist. Others have the misconception that you only need to go to the dentist when you have a toothache.

In addition, there are those who have severe dental anxiety. Perhaps you fall into this category.

Dental anxiety is real, we get it.

If you are apprehensive about dental visits, here are a few guidelines that may help ease you into scheduled dental checkups. Certainly, enriched oral health will elevate your quality of life.

Choose a dentist you can trust.

We understand how difficult it can be to seek dental treatment. That’s why we make sure patients are comfortable before we examine their teeth. First, we ask you many questions. We want to get to know you, and help you get to know us. Communication builds a connection. A connection leads to a trusting relationship.

The more we know about you, the easier we can help you.

Be prepared to provide us with important information about your lifestyle and health. Many individuals are intimidated at a dentist’s office. Because of this, they may hesitate to disclose sensitive issues.

We are here to help, regardless of your history or oral condition.

There is nothing in your past that we haven’t dealt with. Neglecting oral health. Drug use. Eating disorders. Regardless of your history, we have helped patients with similar issues.

In order to help you, we need complete accurate information. Bring notes if you are worried that you will forget something.

Also, during treatment, tell us what you are experiencing so we can help you feel more relaxed. If we find that you are going to need a dental procedure more extensive than filling a cavity, let’s discuss sleep dentistry.

Oral sedation is safe and effective.

The most important thing to know is that oral conscious sedation or sleep dentistry is perfectly safe. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we have been providing sedation since 2016. We offer different levels of sedation and a choice of medication including oral analgesics, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our compassionate staff will work to make your visit as pleasant as possible.

 

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 8615

Keeping You Comfortable

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Enjoy the benefits of sleep dentistry in Loveland.

At the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not only talking about physical comfort here. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are four ways we are enthusiastic about your peace of mind:

1. We don’t judge you. Doctor Allison Lesko has devoted a professional career to promoting oral health and creating beautiful smiles.

The friendly dental team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated patients with severe tooth neglect, advanced gum disease, enamel erosion caused by eating disorders, tooth damage caused by illegal drug use, baby bottle tooth decay, tobacco-stained teeth: basically, every imaginable dental problem. We don’t live in a bubble. We understand and empathize with our patients.

2. We protect you from pain. From topical analgesics to oral conscious sedation, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can. doctor Lesko is a pro at administering barely noticeable injections.

3. We help you with your dental anxiety. Fear of the dentist is far more common than you might realize and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. The perceived loss of control, instruments poking in your mouth, and teeth being worked on are not pleasant. Some individuals get claustrophobic because they need to lie still in the chair for treatment.

Sleep dentistry (oral conscious sedation) not only helps with pain management, it allows you to sleep through your appointment. There are different levels of sedation, so you don’t have to be completely unconscious unless you want to be. If you would like more specifics about sedation, call 970-221-5115 to schedule a consultation. We can talk about the different levels of oral conscious sedation so you can select the one that is best for you.

4. We communicate with you. Doctor Lesko has established a reputation as an effective and compassionate communicator. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your vital questions will be answered prior to treatment. If you are not sure you want to initiate treatment, we are happy to let you think about it for a while. There is no rush.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Doctor Lesko and the team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry a try. Neglecting your oral health has serious consequences. Call today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

 

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 7038

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