What You Need to Know About Dental Implant Surgery

Couple Hiking After Chipped Tooth Repair at The Fort Collins DentistD

ental implant surgery is an increasingly popular procedure that replaces missing teeth or stabilizes loose dentures, helping patients regain their confidence and improve their oral health. While dental implants may seem intimidating to some, understanding the steps involved in the procedure can help alleviate anxiety and allow patients to feel more comfortable moving forward. In this post, we’ll go over what you need to know about dental implant surgery, including the benefits, procedure, and recovery process.

1. Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over traditional dentures or bridges. First and foremost, implants are a much more permanent and comfortable solution. They are designed to function just like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Implants are also less likely to cause discomfort or irritation, and since they are anchored directly into the jawbone, they also help preserve the surrounding bone and prevent further deterioration.

2. The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps. First, the patient will undergo a thorough examination to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure. They will then receive local anesthesia to numb the area, and the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to access the underlying bone. A hole is then drilled into the jawbone, which will serve as the implant’s anchor. Once the implant is secured, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed over it. The healing process, during which the implant will fuse with the bone, may take several months.

3. Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery

The recovery process from dental implant surgery varies from patient to patient but generally involves a few days of discomfort and swelling. Patients may need to stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a week. They will also need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to expect during recovery and how to care for the implant.

4. Maintenance of Dental Implants

To ensure the longevity of the implant, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Patients with implants should also avoid chewing on hard foods or objects, and quit smoking if they haven’t already, as smoking can increase the risk of implant failure.

Dental implant surgery is a highly effective and safe way to replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. Knowing what to expect during the procedure and recovery process can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a successful outcome. If you’re interested in dental implant surgery, be sure to consult with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

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?

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

A Youthful Smile At Any Age

implant dentures Fort Collins

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

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

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

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

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

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 4820

Don’t Let A Simple Problem Become Serious

canker sore treatment LovelandToday in the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry dental blog we are going to discuss those small irritations in the mouth that have the potential to become big problems.

Injuries, sores, or inflammation in the mouth can be very uncomfortable. These non-specific irritations, called stomatitis, have many different causes.

They may be caused by cold sores, gum disease, teeth grinding, or biting the inside of your mouth. They may also be linked to broken teeth or braces.

In fact, any inflammation of the membranes in the mouth can be classified as stomatitis. Stomatitis can impact a person’s ability to speak, eat, and even fall asleep at night.

In most cases, these sores clear up on their own in less than two weeks. However, there is a possibility that a viral or bacterial infection can occur. It’s important to let your dentist know about these sores if they don’t clear up after several weeks. Even if there are no complications, your dentist can help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis.

Hi, my name is Doctor Allison Lesko. I take care of patients in the Loveland area at my comfortable Fort Collins dental office.

I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. I also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, give us a call at 970-221-5115. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures used in smile makeovers include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and dental implants.

We hope to see you in our office soon!

 

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 5204

Gummy Smile?

Gummy Smile? Many Fort Collins cosmetic dentistry patients with a gummy smile undergo crown lengthening surgery to bring proper balance and symmetry to their smile. Gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is removed to expose more of the visible part of a tooth. It is a safe procedure that does not affect healthy tooth structure.

A ‘gummy smile’ is a term used to describe a smile with teeth that appear too short because an unusual amount of bone and soft tissue hide part of the crown. Our Fort Collins cosmetic dental patients who have opted for crown lengthening love how their new perfect smile looks and feels. Some of our Windsor crown lengthening patients also choose teeth whitening for an extra-dazzling smile!

Crown lengthening is not used solely for cosmetic reasons. When a tooth is injured and breaks at the gum line or if a filling or crown comes off a tooth that contains decay, crown lengthening makes additional tooth structure accessible for further restorative work. It is also used to treat some types of periodontal disease.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform cosmetic and restorative crown lengthening for patients in the Fort Collins, Timnath, and Wellington areas. The surgery can be performed by a general dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon.

If you are interested in crown lengthening or other cosmetic dental procedures and live in the Loveland, area, schedule an exam by calling 970-221-5115. We are conveniently located at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L in Fort Collins. When you come in, we can show you before and after photos of Colorado cosmetic dentistry patients who are enjoying their new smiles.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 727

How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit

how to kick a tooth grinding habit Fort Collins

Plenty of individuals all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some men and women grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some individuals grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can occur consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be harmful to both your oral health and overall physical health.

Let’s talk about it.

Possible Causes of  Teeth Grinding

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

  • Caffeine consumption
  • Sleep apnea
  • Acid reflux
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Certain medications

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Loss of tooth enamel or worn-down teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Earaches
  • Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most prevalent and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. It’s to seek guidance from a dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental impairment that can cause or complicate your grinding.

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Some teeth grinders can successfully overcome this condition on their own. Most people, however, need professional help from a doctor or dentist.

Ways to treat tooth grinding include:

  • Use a custom mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
  • Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
  • Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
  • Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
  • Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is a good idea to consult a professional. doctor Lesko at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is available for consultations about tooth grinding.

 

 

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 8442

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

Prevent Mouth Sores Timnath

Hi. I’m Doctor Allison Lesko. When my patients get mouth sores, I guide them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. I know it’s boring, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.

3. Also, keep it cool. Only eat dishes served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can avoid the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

I hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in the Loveland area, consider my practice, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We have been serving Fort Collins since 2016.

 

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 4628

Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

Fort Collins Tooth Whitening Welcome to the dental practice of Allison Lesko, DDS.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide comprehensive full-service dentistry for patients in Fort Collins and surrounding communities. Our compassionate team of skilled hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff help Doctor Lesko exceed our patients’ expectations. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we understand the value of a healthy and beautiful smile.

We are devoted to providing each patient with personalized care in our state-of-the-art dental practice.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is located at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L in Fort Collins. For more information about our team, see https://www.thefortcollins.dentist/.

If you were blessed with an attractive smile, we can help you keep it that way with professional deep cleanings and thorough examinations. We set the standard for preventative family dentistry.

If you were not blessed with an attractive smile, let’s address how we can improve it. Modern cosmetic dentistry provides a remedy for virtually every aesthetic issue.

If it has been a while since you received a professional dental cleaning, call 970-221-5115 today to schedule a cleaning with one of our skilled hygienists. Your teeth will feel amazingly clean, silky, and smooth after the chalky plaque and calculus is removed.

Whether you need an examination or a complex full mouth reconstruction, at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry we’ll get you smiling again!

 

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 1467

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

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

Peace Begins With A Smile

Timnath cosmetic dental veneers

Mother Theresa once said “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Do you believe it is beautiful? Does it express your best self? Let’s talk about your smile.

Bright eyes and bright smiles are best served clear and clean. Regular check ups with your local dental provider can prevent runaway decay and costly corrections. Stay at peace with your smile by scheduling regular dental visits to avoid any future oral problems.

Rest assured that there are ways to redo what nature has given you or cosmetically remedy problems that have affected your once-pleasant smile. Talk to a cosmetic dentist to learn how you can achieve a smile you can be at peace with. For information about veneers, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign braces, visit https://www.thefortcollins.dentist/.

I’m Doctor Allison Lesko with The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry located in Fort Collins at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L. Just like Mother Teresa said, I believe peace can begin with a smile. If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums, or bite, call 970-221-5115 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

I have years of experience providing my Fort Collins area patients with cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, and total mouth reconstruction. I repair bite issues, seal children’s molars, remove decay, contour gums, mend cracks, bridge gaps, and reconstruct after tooth injury.

We are your local, experienced dental practice and provide quality service and products. We are enthusiastic about creating the best dental experience possible. If dental visits make you feel the exact opposite of peaceful, let’s talk about oral conscious sedation. With a little help, you can get through your treatment with minimal anxiety and be at peace with your smile for years to come.

We’ve been providing services such as cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants since 2016 to Fort Collins and nearby communities such as Windsor, Timnath, and Wellington. Even patients from Loveland have found value in traveling to see us. Our compassionate, competent staff can schedule and discuss any of our top services such as cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and sleep apnea.

none- DDS

 

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 6857