Restorative Dentistry: Some Basics

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Categories: Dental health, Restorative dentistry

“Restorative dentistry” is a term we use at The Fort Collins Dentist for procedures that repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. We emphasize work that promotes overall health, is long-lasting, and is aesthetically pleasing.

If, for example, a patient comes to us missing one or more teeth, we are likely to recommend a restoration like a dental implant. It’s important to fill any gaps among the dental arch because it prevents remaining teeth from shifting in place. If they did it could affect your bite and jaw, and even your overall health.

Before any procedure takes place, we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, including X-rays. We’ll make sure you are fully informed about anything we may find, and discuss all of your options.

Restorations include:

  • Implants
  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Root canals

Fillings are also considered restorations. We use metal-free, mercury-free composite fillings that are long-lasting and look great.

At The Fort Collins Dentist restorative dentistry helps us provide each one of our patients with the best possible dental health. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to our practice for complete family dentistry, and much more. Schedule an appointment 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

Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

tooth implants Loveland

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from The Fort Collins Dentist often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from The Fort Collins Dentist are the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our office for general and family dentistry. Please schedule an appointment 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

ArticleID 8546

A Picture-Perfect Smile!

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Smile design

Man smiling into the camera with nice teeth from cosmetic dental treatment in Fort CollinsWhat makes a perfect smile? The answer to that is going to vary from one person to the next. But there are some general principles we think most people can agree on, and we can create most of them with cosmetic dentistry from The Fort Collins Dentist.

A perfect smile is a real asset: it makes you more attractive to others and can give your self-esteem a big boost. Here are some generally-agreed on components that make a smile as near-to-perfect as possible:

  • An even, narrow gumline. The appearance of too much of the gums, and/or an uneven gumline, are common complaints. They make what we call a “gummy smile.” We can address it with a procedure called crown lengthening.
  • Even teeth. Are there noticeable gaps between any of your teeth? They can really detract from your smile. Porcelain veneers can fix them, and also cover any chips or cracks. We are a leader in advanced veneers technology.
  • Whiteness. Teeth can become dull or gray over the years. As a rule of thumb, an ideal color is when the teeth are close to the whites of your eyes. Teeth whitening can revitalize your smile.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we create picture-perfect smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day! People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our practice for family dentistry, and much more. Schedule an appointment 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

Aching Jaw?

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Categories: Dental health, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Aching Jaw In Fort Collins?

In this blog post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we are going to look at some of the conditions that may result in jaw pain.

The jaw joint is a complex structure. Its made up of muscles, tendons, and bones, which enable us to bite, grind, and chew. Jaw pain is common, and may result from any number of things.

Jaw pain may be caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissues that line your sinuses, and when these tissues are inflamed, the sinuses exert pressure on surrounding areas. If the inflamed sinus is near the jaw, pain in the jaw joint may result. This commonly happens with a cold or allergies.

Injury or trauma to the jaw can also lead to recurrent, ongoing pain. It may be on one or both sides of the face, pain may come and go, or only occur when  chewing.

Jaw pain may be broadly categorized as temporomandibular joint disorder, usually shortened to TMJ or TMD. We can help identify what’s going on and treatment can begin from there. But remember, jaw pain shouldn’t be ignored.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, our patients come from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor for TMJ/TMD treatment, family dentistry, and many other services. Please call our office to 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 4025

It’s Not About Vanity

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry

Windsorf cosmetic dental and tooth implants

At The Fort Collins Dentist we create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day.

Smile enhancement with cosmetic dentistry can have positive changes on your life. The smallest improvement can boost your self-confidence. We have many techniques we can use, depending on the state of your smile: we can correct teeth that are discolored, chipped, mis-shapen, and even replace any  that are missing.

Cosmetic dentistry aims to complement your overall dental health. We do more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth, and the facial shape and coloring of each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Your teeth take a lot of wear and tear over the years, but wanting to look your best is not about vanity. At The Fort Collins Dentist we use cosmetic dentistry to create your dream smile! Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our office for dental implants, and much more. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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 5680

Is Grandpa Smiling?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

elderly oral health Fort Collins

How are Americans doing when it comes to the dental health of those who are sixty-five and over? Well, at The Fort Collins Dentist we have some good news and bad news.

The Good News:

  • Tooth decay rates in older Americans has decreased in the past thirty years.

The Bad News:

  • 25% of people over sixty-five have no remaining teeth
  • Nearly 20% have untreated cavities
  • 10% of adults 65 and over have moderate to severe periodontal disease.
  • There is evidence to suggest that advanced gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease
  • Most older Americans don’t have dental insurance

Clearly, there is room for improvement. What elements will improve the oral health of older Americans? The National Institutes of Health cite three things:

  1. Improved oral health education for the elderly
  2. Seniors practicing effective daily oral hygiene
  3. Increased access to dental care

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we are committed to providing all of our patients with comprehensive oral health education and care. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for our full range of family and cosmetic dentistry services. Please call our office to 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 7123

Are Dentures the Only Answer for Extensive Tooth Loss?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

total mouth reconstruction Fort CollinsDental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, to the point where conventional dentures are no longer the only solution to extensive tooth loss. Implant-supported dentures from The Fort Collins Dentist are the go-to answer.

Implant-supported dentures may sound too good to be true, but they really do look and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are typically made of titanium, which is fully compatible with human bone. This is one of the great things about them: they completely fuse with the bone and become a part of the body. Cases of rejection are rare.

The implants act as replacement tooth roots. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge or full dental arch.

The process takes about six months, start-to-finish. Once healing is complete the implant is a solid support. It usually takes four implants per dental arch.

At The Fort Collins Dentist implant-supported dentures have transformed many lives. Patients throughout Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor are enjoying the benefits. They also come to our practice for complete cosmetic dentistry. Please give us a call to 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 8230

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

gum disease treatment Fort Collins

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adult Americans, yet many people are surprisingly under-informed about it. In this blog post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we share some basic facts about gum disease.

  • In its earliest and most treatable stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. The more advanced form is called periodontitis.
  • More than half of Americans who are thirty and older have periodontitis. That equals nearly sixty-five million people.
  • The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and have a dental checkup twice a year.
  • Gum disease has few symptoms in its early stages. You could have it but be completely unaware.
  • Tiny amounts of blood in the sink when you brush is not normal. If you see a little blood when you brush and floss, make an appointment with us right away.
  • Improved brushing and flossing, along with using an antiseptic mouthwash, is often enough to successfully treat gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease affects bone and ligaments, in addition to the gums. It requires more aggressive treatment, such as deep cleaning, but it too can be reversed.
  • Gum disease has been linked to more serious health conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.

These are frightening facts. It reminds us of the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

To put it another way: guard your dental health with regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups at The Fort Collins Dentist. We treat gum disease. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for complete general and family dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup 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 7386

Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

dental implant cost Timnath

Have you lost one or more of your teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, adult teeth won’t grow back (and a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were a kid.) But don’t despair! If you’ve lost one or more teeth, dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist can restore your smile.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jaw. It is made of titanium, a lightweight metal that is ideally suited to implant dentistry (titanium is used in joint replacements, too).

One of the remarkable things about titanium is its ability to fuse with bone. Once this happens, we’ve got a rock-solid base on which to restore your missing tooth.

Dental implants can support a single artificial tooth, as well as bridgework and even full dentures. It’s no wonder that they have been hailed as one of the great advances in the history of modern dentistry.

A missing tooth can cause you all sorts of problems: it makes it difficult to speak clearly, and to eat. It can also be embarrassing to have that gap in your smile. But dental implants from The Fort Collins Dentist not only restore your smile; they look and function like natural teeth. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for complete general and family dentistry services. Schedule an appointment 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

ArticleID 6945

Less Is More At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry In Fort Collins

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Fort Collins affordable family dentist

There are momentous new developments in dentistry: stronger, natural-looking materials; improved techniques; more effective diagnostic methods; and more precise instruments.

Combine these with the experience and expertise of The Fort Collins Dentist team and you’re left with less of what used to make people dread going to the dentist.

Less Pain

Improved painkillers, lasers, and unprecedented techniques take the pain out of dental procedures.

Less Inconvenience

Laser dentistry, which employs powerful beams of light, has significantly reduced the time required to complete dental treatment.

Less Time Needed To Heal

Laser dentistry helps alleviate recovery times for procedures such as dental implants, root canals, smile redesigns, and other types of oral surgery.

Less Risk

The overall success rate of many dental procedures, including dental implants, has increased.

Less Loss of Healthy Tooth Structure

Dental procedures such as decay removal, inlays, porcelain veneers, and crown restoration can be performed with less loss of healthy tooth structure.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we offer general and family dentistry. People throughout Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsoralso come to us for cosmetic dentistry, and much more. 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 6799