Restorative dentistry

How Do You Measure Dental Success?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Fort Collins affordable family dentist

How do you measure “dental success?” A check-up with no cavities? A perfect smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities, learning daily dental hygiene practices, and gaining an understanding of why it’s critical.

For a local Timnath teen who is hesitant to smile because of misaligned teeth, dental success could be measured by a successful course of orthodontic treatment resulting in a beautiful smile that restores confidence and boosts self-esteem.

For a middle-aged Fort Collins man who neglected his teeth in his youth, dental success could be defined as restorative dentistry that stabilizes his dental condition and improves his oral health.

For a woman with tetracycline stains but otherwise healthy teeth, dental success may be as easy as quick in-office same-day tooth whitening.

Consider a man with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods. Dental success might require natural-looking implant-anchored dentures that allow him to eat steak for the first time in years.

What are your goals for your smile? What is the current state of your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Allison Lesko.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our goal is your complete satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing patient-focused dental care of the highest standard. We can give you valuable guidance. You could be our next success story!

 

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 6718

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Smile design

esthetic smile design Timnath

It is no secret that a beautiful, pleasing, healthy smile can be your most admired physical attribute. After all, people notice your smile first thing. How do you know if your smile is detracting from your appearance?

Do you love your smile?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; if you look at your smile in the mirror and believe it is unattractive, it doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks. But what if you are not sure?

Common dental problems that influence your smile

There are many dilemmas that are generally considered to detract from beautiful smiles. Missing teeth is a biggie. People who are missing teeth in the back of the mouth may mistakenly believe that the gap doesn’t show. They are usually wrong. When smiling, talking, laughing, or eating, a missing tooth definitely shows–even if the missing tooth is the very last molar.

Are your teeth yellowish or gray?

Yellow or gray teeth diminish the appeal of a smile–even one that is perfectly healthy and aligned–and crooked teeth are often considered unattractive.

You can embrace your unique smile characteristics…or not

There are a few unique smile characteristics that some people proudly show off and others wish to change. For instance, a gap between the two front teeth can become your trademark. True Blood star Anna Paquin, actor Woody Harrelson, and singer Seal have retained their spaces. Perhaps the most famous gap-toothed smile belongs to model Lauren Hutton who has proudly flashed it throughout her fifty-year career. Other celebrities such as Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, and Keith Urban weren’t happy with gaps so they transformed their smiles with innovative cosmetic dentistry.

We know how to create stunning smiles

If you want an objective aesthetic evaluation of your smile, how can you do this? You can’t see your smile from every angle when you look in the mirror. If you want an expert opinion on the attractiveness of your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist. There are a surprising number of design principles that are used in smile makeovers. These include size, shape, alignment, proportion, color, and translucency. Moreover, cosmetic dentists also consider the characteristics of the gums, lips, and facial features.

Your dream smile starts with a consultation at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

When you have a cosmetic dental consultation, you will be able to see how the vital elements work together to create a natural-looking, standout smile. Bottom line? If you want to change your smile, you can! Schedule a consultation today by calling 970-221-5115.

 

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 6717

What are Implant-Stabilized Dentures?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Fort Collins dentures secured with implants

What are dentures secured by implants?

Dentures secured by implants are permanent dentures held in place with permanent metal screws or posts. The metal posts are also called tooth implants or dental implants. Dental implants can be used in many different ways. In this post, we describe one application for tooth implants; the sturdy base for securing a denture to either the upper or lower arch.

How are the posts inserted?

The implants are first surgically anchored into the jaw bone.

The patient is then given time to heal with the posts in place. In the months after implantation, the post meshes with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration.

Once healed, the tooth implant patient returns for a final fitment of his/her new permanent dentures.

Who is a well-suited candidate for dentures secured by implants?

When considering whether to get implant-secured dentures, traditional dentures, or some other restoration option, the number of teeth missing will be a determining factor. If you have experienced severe tooth loss but still have good bone then you may be an appropriate candidate.

For individuals with one or two missing teeth, an implant for each missing tooth may be a better option. Each post would have an abutment (connecting piece) and crown attached.

People with three or four adjacent missing teeth may consider two implants affixed to a dental bridge. This configuration is similar to dentures secured by but the bridge covers less gum tissue at the location.

If you live in Timnath, Wellington, or Fort Collins (where The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is located) call 970-221-5115 to set up a 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 8541

 

Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?

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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

 

Schedule Your Coronation

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Categories: Dental crowns, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry

dentist crowns Fort Collins

We treat all of our patients royally here at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, but some of them receive actual crowns. We’re not talking about crowns a king or queen wears, but crowns for your teeth! If you live near Loveland, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is the best place to get your teeth looking better than ever. And putting a crown on a tooth with problems could be just what you need to realize a dazzling smile.

Crowns are a therapy for a plethora of problems:

  • To protect a weak tooth from decay, breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth.
  • To cover and provide durability to a tooth with a large filling and little tooth structure remaining.
  • To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
  • To upgrade a tooth that is too small or misshapen.
  • To cover a tooth with extreme discoloration.
  • To add strength to a tooth following a root canal procedure.

If you feel like you have a need for a crown, don’t look any further than The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. Our dentists and lab techs have the experience, training, and ability to make sure your crowns are fabricated and placed accurately. There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We complete a thorough examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.

We then prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit the way that it should. Once the tooth is prepared and ready, we use state-of-the-art tools to fit the crown on your tooth. When done properly, crowns can last many years. Crowns are remarkable way to safeguard and upgrade your smile. Schedule a coronation 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

7 Ways To Fix A Chipped Tooth

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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 Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor 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

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

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

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Too many people wait too long to get a new toothbrush, and this can contribute to poor dental health. At The Fort Collins Dentist we recommend a new toothbrush about every three months.

How often you replace your toothbrush depends, of course, on how often you use it. We recommend, strongly, that you brush at least twice a day. If you’re brushing twice a day, picking up a new toothbrush at the store every three months is recommended.

Keep It Fresh

A toothbrush can become familiar, like a comfy pair of shoes. Sometimes the idea of tossing out the old one and replacing it isn’t very appealing. But after three months, the bristles are getting bent and frayed. There is probably some dried toothpaste foam starting to build up, too. So toss that old brush, and get a fresh one!

What kind of brush should you be using? There are so many choices. The most important thing is to choose a brush with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

To recap: for good dental health, replace your toothbrush every three months. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to The Fort Collins Dentist for general dentistry and restorations. Schedule your next 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

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

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

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

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

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

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

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

What Are The Possible Dental Implant Complications?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

risks of dental implants Colorado

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

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

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

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

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

ArticleID 8296

Is Your Smile In A World Of Hurt?

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Categories: Dental crowns, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

full mouth reconstruction Loveland

Do you have extreme tooth damage, bone loss, or few to no remaining teeth? This post from The Fort Collins Dentist is for anyone whose mouth is in a world of hurt.

We understand how dental issues impact you every day of your life. Whatever the cause of the condition – severe mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.

Restorative dentistry can renew your healthy, attractive smile – or give you the stunning smile you never had. Patients who address troublesome dental issues regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that affect your life?

Restorative dentistry refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with multiple damaged or missing teeth. Treatment may include crowns, dental bonding, white filling replacement, or dental implants.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures that don’t simply renew your smile: they can give you back a big part of your life. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our practice for complete cosmetic 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 7017