Restorative dentistry

Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crowns, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, Restorative dentistry, Smile design

Fort Collins smile makeovers with porcelain veneers and more.

Hello Fort Collins! Welcome to the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry dental blog. Let’s talk about smile transformations. Some Fort Collins patients wonder if the term is synonymous with general cosmetic dentistry.

Is the placement of four porcelain dental veneers considered a smile makeover? Well, yes and no. If your smile is attractive and healthy except for some chips in your upper front teeth, veneer placement may remedy a few cosmetic problems and result in a stunning smile.

Generally, however, a complete smile redesign combines several carefully chosen cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at the same time for a complete smile renewal. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts.

For example, one treatment plan could include crown restorations, veneers for teeth that are misshapen but otherwise healthy, tooth-colored filling replacement for old amalgam fillings, and teeth whitening for the crowning touch.

I am doctor Allison Lesko. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2016. Performing successful smile makeovers makes my profession extremely fulfilling. Patients who plan to receive a smile makeover should take their time choosing a dentist to perform it. I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and wishes. During the consultation, I can tell you about my extensive experience and show you before and after pictures of satisfied patients.

When I design a custom smile makeover, I study several elements in addition to the teeth. After all, the teeth are just one component of the patient’s face. The gumline, lips, mouth, facial shape, facial structure, coloring, and patient’s age affect the scope of the design. This comprehensive approach to a smile makeover achieves incredible results and sets our practice apart.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dental smile makeovers, call us today at 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 6779

There’s No Reason to Fear Your Root Canal Treatment

Posted on
Categories: General dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Root canal treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist, Fort Collins, COOne of the most dreaded dental procedures is a root canal. Many people avoid seeking dental care because of their fear of this treatment. However, avoiding a root canal can lead to more severe dental issues that can result in tooth loss. As a dental professional at The Fort Collins Dentist, I understand your apprehension but I want to reassure you that there is no reason to fear a root canal. In this blog, I will discuss what a root canal entails, what to expect during the procedure, and how effective and safe the treatment is.

What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that is used to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. The process involves the removal of the damaged pulp inside a tooth. The pulp of the tooth is a soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that run from the tooth’s roots to the crown. When the pulp gets infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and disinfect the canal, and fill and seal it to prevent further infection.

What to expect during the procedure:
Your dentist will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. After the anesthesia has taken effect, a rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. Your dentist will then drill an access hole into the tooth to remove the pulp and clean the root canal. When the canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, a filling material will be placed into the canal and sealed. In most cases, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it.

Is root canal treatment safe?
Many people still believe that root canal treatment is dangerous, but the truth is that it is a safe, routine dental procedure. With advances in modern dentistry and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless and has a high success rate of more than 95 percent. By saving your natural tooth, you can avoid more costly and complex dental procedures in the future, such as implants or bridges.

Is root canal treatment effective?
Root canal treatment is highly effective at saving damaged teeth and preventing the need for extraction. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a treated tooth can last for a lifetime. However, in some cases, the tooth may have to be retreated if the infection returns or the initial treatment wasn’t successful. Your dentist will monitor you after the treatment to ensure that your tooth is healing correctly.

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective dental procedure that can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for more invasive treatments. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, don’t ignore it. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and save your teeth. As a dental professional, I encourage you to seek dental care and discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Remember, there is no reason to fear a root canal.

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

Advantages of Dental Implants: Why It’s Worth the Investment

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

Dentures - The Fort Collins DentistLosing a tooth can cause a lot of problems in your life, from the way you look to the way you eat and speak. Thankfully, dental implants have become a popular solution for those missing one or more teeth. Not only do dental implants look and function like natural teeth, but they also come with many other benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top advantages of dental implants and why they are worth the investment for dental patients.

1. They are long-lasting and durable

Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Made of strong, durable materials like titanium, dental implants are built to withstand daily wear and tear and can even improve your oral health. Once implanted into the jawbone, the implant naturally fuses with the bone to create a strong and stable foundation for your new tooth.

2. They look and feel like natural teeth

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Because they are custom-designed and constructed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, dental implants give you a natural-looking smile that boosts your confidence and self-esteem.

3. They improve speech and eating patterns

Missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speaking. Without a full set of teeth, you may need to adjust the way you speak or modify your diet, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. Dental implants restore your smile and bite, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and speak clearly without worry.

4. They prevent bone loss and protect surrounding teeth

When you lose a tooth, the bone where the tooth once was begins to deteriorate over time. This can lead to further tooth loss and even changes to your facial structure. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates bone growth and prevents bone loss. They also do not require the grinding down of surrounding healthy teeth to support them, like bridges do.

5. They require minimal maintenance

Dental implants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. With proper brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime. No need to worry about removing and cleaning dentures every night or removing bridges regularly for cleaning.

Dental implants are a worthwhile investment for those missing teeth. They come with many advantages, including durability, natural appearance, improved speech and eating function, bone loss prevention, and minimal maintenance. Talk to your dentist about dental implants to determine if they are the best option for restoring your smile and improving your overall oral health. With proper care, they can provide a confident and functional smile that lasts a lifetime.

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 Do You Measure Dental Success?

Posted on
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?

Posted on
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?

Posted on
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?

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

urgent dental clinic Fort Collins

A dental emergency is any occurrence in which damage to the teeth occurs and the patient needs urgent care. While a dental emergency may have never happened to you, it could happen in the future.

Some things are too serious to wait for an appointment. How do you know if you need to call for help? Who do you call? How can you be prepared?

Some frequent questions people may have in a dental emergency:

  • “Is this serious enough, can’t we treat it at home for now?”
  • “Should I call 911?”
  • “How can I help in the moment?”

How to know if it is a dental emergency and when to seek help

If you are experiencing any of the following, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken tooth
  • An abscess with pus
  • Unexplained severe mouth pain
  • Persistent bleeding of the mouth

Should I call 911 for a dental emergency?

If you suspect you are dealing with a potential dental emergency, stay calm. In the heat of the moment a person’s instinct may be to call 911. However, paramedics and dentists would encourage you to analyze the situation.

Dental emergencies are serious. Dental offices are for an urgent dental issue. If you need treatment, dentists are the professionals for the job. Act fast and responsibly.

Calling 911 may ultimately waste your time in getting the help you need. The police cannot help in dental matters and paramedics are not dentists. They can help if you have a non-dental medical emergency, but not if it is a dental-specific issue.

What should you do instead?

Instead, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We will help you over the phone. We can talk you through your situation to identify and diagnose the issue. No prior appointment needed. We will determine the best course of action and set up a time for you to come in for treatment.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is here for you when you have a dental emergency

When it comes to your smile, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Obtaining immediate assistance is the first step in addressing the situation. When you call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, a dental professional will recommend you over the phone. Do not hesitate. The consequences of untreated emergencies can leave permanent damage. Some serious dental infections can even threaten your life if not treated.

Our contact information is below. Save our number in your phone contacts so you will be prepared in the unfortunate event that you experience a dental emergency.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8544

 

Schedule Your Coronation

Posted on
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

Posted on
Categories: General dentistry, Restorative dentistry

fix broken tooth Fort Collins

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

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

Here are seven different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At The Fort Collins Dentist we offer complete restorative dentistry. People from 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?

Posted on
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