Crown lengthening is a procedure used both in restorations and in cosmetic dentistry. It is used to expose more of the tooth surface either to make room for a crown or to improve the look of the teeth. A cosmetic dentist will usually use crown lengthening to make short teeth look longer.
When Crown Lengthening is Recommended
For restoration purposes, crown lengthening is most commonly used in cases where a tooth is not long enough to accommodate a crown. Some common reasons for restorative crown lengthening include:
- A tooth has been broken off below the gum line
- There is decay below the gum line
- The tooth is broken or otherwise damaged below the gum line
In all these cases, crown lengthening allows the dentist to reach decayed areas or to expose enough of the tooth to provide a stable base for a crown or other restoration.
For cosmetic purposes, crown lengthening is most often used when the teeth are disproportionately short compared to the gums or when the gums grow farther up the teeth than is normal. In these cases, the procedure exposes more of the teeth so that they appear longer and more aesthetically balanced in relationship to the gums.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
The crown lengthening procedure removes gum tissue from the base of the tooth, exposing more of the tooth root. In some cases, the procedure can also involve removing bone or part of the tooth root.
To perform the crown lengthening procedure, the dentist removes small amounts of tissue from the gums to reshape the gum line. The amount removed depends upon the reason for the procedure. For cosmetic purposes, less tissue is usually removed. More tissue is often removed when a tooth has been damaged or is decayed.
Regardless of the reasons for crown lengthening, it is generally performed under local anesthetic or local anesthetic accompanied by sedation. Please call our office, serving Northglenn and the surrounding areas, for more information.
Porcelain veneers are a popular and versatile restoration treatment for cosmetic issues with the teeth. Veneers are made of porcelain, but are strong and durable when affixed to the teeth. If properly cared for, veneers will last many years.
Treatment with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are used for a variety of cosmetic applications. They are easy to apply and minimally invasive. Custom made to match the color and shape of your teeth, they can provide the perfect, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Porcelain veneers are a popular and versatile restoration treatment for cosmetic issues with the teeth.
Some issues that are easily treated with veneers include:
- Severe discoloration
- Chips, cracks and pitting
- Small gaps
- Minor misalignment
Veneers require very little alteration of the teeth. The porcelain reflects light like natural enamel, making them almost indistinguishable from your natural smile. Because they are easy to apply and give a natural-looking result, veneers have become very popular in cosmetic dentistry.
Caring for Your Veneers
Veneers are attached to the teeth with a special adhesive that bonds the porcelain to the enamel. The porcelain is durable and easy to care for. It will last longer and remain more attractive if you follow guidelines your cosmetic dentist provides for care. Some of these guidelines include:
- Do not use overly abrasive toothpaste or an overly stiff toothbrush
- When you have your teeth cleaned, be sure to tell the hygienist that you have veneers
- Avoid staining agents such as nicotine, coffee and tea
- Do not bite hard objects that can chip the edges of your veneers
It is also important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure the health of your gums and to detect any cavities that might develop under the veneers or along the edges of the veneers.
Making sure your veneers are cared for is the best way to ensure they will last a long time. Veneers can remain intact and beautiful for many years if you take proper care of them and avoid actions that could create chipping, staining or cracks.
For more information about porcelain veneers and how to care for them in Westminster, please contact Mountain Range Dentistry at 303-452-2221 and schedule your professional consultation.
If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth, it can make you self conscious and uncomfortable. If you want your smile to be restored to its original look, dental implants can help.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants replace your missing teeth from the root up. They are placed in two stages. First an artificial root made of titanium is placed directly in the jawbone. Titanium possesses special properties, in that it bonds with bone after an adjustment and healing period. This allows the new, replacement roots to stimulate your jawbone and help it remain strong and healthy even after you’ve had your missing teeth replaced.
After the root portion of the implant heals, your implant dentist will place the visible portions of your teeth. They are attached to the stationary roots and are permanent replacements. You can bite, chew and speak naturally, without worrying about your teeth becoming loose or falling out unexpectedly, as dentures can sometimes do.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution that closely resembles your natural teeth in the way they look, feel and function. They are convenient and comfortable, and since they’re custom made and color-matched to your natural dentition, no one will notice your replacement teeth.
Almost anyone who has a missing tooth can benefit from dental implants. A consultation with our implant dentist will help to determine if dental implants are an appropriate solution.
Implants require sufficient bone mass in the jaw for the best results. The root portion of the implant needs to be solidly anchored in the bone so the implants will bond properly. If you have diminished bone mass, which can occur if you have worn dentures for a period of time, a bone graft might be recommended to strengthen your jawbone before your implants are placed.
To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants to replace your missing teeth, please call our Westminster CO office to schedule a consultation.
Inlays and onlays are used to help correct chipped, broken, misshapen or asymmetrical teeth. They can also be used to restore teeth that have decayed areas. They are sometimes referred to as partial crowns.
How are onlays and Onlays Different From Traditional Fillings?
Though their use is similar to that of fillings, inlays and onlays are used for both restorative and cosmetic applications. The major difference between fillings and inlays is how they are placed.
When fillings are used for restorations, the decayed area is removed and replaced with a metal amalgam or with a composite similar to the materials used for inlays. It is then shaped right in the office. Your bite is tested to be sure the filling aligns properly with your other teeth.
By contrast, when an inlay or an onlay is used for a restoration or for cosmetic purposes, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth after any decayed sections have been removed. The inlay or onlay is then constructed at an offsite lab from this mold. Temporary restorations protect your tooth in the meantime. When the permanent restorations are complete, the temporary ones are removed and the final inlays or onlays are cemented into place. Since they are custom made to match the original shape of your tooth, and are often made of natural-colored materials, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays provide several advantages over other types or restorations or cosmetic dentistry treatments. They are much less invasive than crowns, in which the entire tooth must be reshaped in order to make room for the crown, rather than simply removing decayed areas. Also, since inlays and onlays are custom made, they blend perfectly with your adjacent teeth. Both the color and the shape can match exactly, and the custom molding means your restored teeth will be compatible with your bite so you can bite and chew comfortably.
To learn more about inlays and onlays, please contact Mountain Range Dentistry, serving Broomfield and the surrounding areas, at 303-452-2221 to schedule your appointment.
Impaction most often occurs when wisdom teeth try to come in but lack sufficient room. However, other teeth can also become impacted. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an impacted tooth can help you determine when you should head for the dental office for treatment.
Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth
A tooth becomes impacted when it cannot emerge properly through the gums. This can lead to numerous complications including:
- Discomfort
- Infection
- Damage to adjacent teeth
Sometimes impacted teeth are asymptomatic, but even if they do not produce obvious problems, they can be susceptible to problems like decay or future infection. If you suspect a tooth might be impacted, consult with your dentist. He might recommend removal even if there are no symptoms in order to prevent problems from developing in the future.
If an impacted tooth does produce symptoms, these can include:
- Redness in the gums where the tooth is trying to emerge
- Partially emerged tooth with uncomfortable tissues surrounding it
- Discomfort in the adjacent teeth as the impacted tooth causes movement
- Headaches
- Halitosis or a strange taste in the mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your dentist regarding treatment. In most cases, removal will be recommended.
Treatment for an Impacted Tooth
Removal is the most common treatment for an impacted tooth. If the tooth has become infected, you might require antibiotics before the tooth is removed. Removal can be performed under local or general anesthetic depending upon whether the tooth has emerged at all. If it is still beneath the gums, oral surgery will be necessary, which usually requires general anesthesia. A tooth that has already emerged can usually be removed under local anesthesia.
Be sure to keep all your regular appointments for check-ups. Often routine X-rays can detect an impacted tooth long before any symptoms can set in. If you are concerned about impacted teeth, please call our office serving North Denver and the surrounding areas for an appointment.
If your smile isn’t as dazzling as it once was, and no amount of cleaning will restore its shine, you might be wondering what options, if any, you might have.
The fact is, however, it’s never been easier to regain a dazzling smile through cosmetic dentistry procedures; the most popular of which is teeth whitening.
Everyday, our teeth take a great deal of punishment, and over time our regular use of tea and coffee, cola drinks, smoking, food and more can leave a mark on our teeth through staining of the tooth enamel. However, cosmetic dentistry can make it easy to reverse the staining process.
The fact is, however, it’s never been easier to regain a dazzling smile through cosmetic dentistry procedures; the most popular of which is teeth whitening.
If you are considering teeth whitening, it’s important to know the various options open to you and so a consultation with a dentist can help ensure any teeth whitening procedure is carried out safely and effectively. Alternatively, you might decide to go it alone and purchase an over-the-counter kit instead.
With an over-the-counter kit, you will receive a mold which you fill with a solution and place over your teeth for a couple of hours each day. While this solution might work, its effects are generally not as long-lasting as professional solutions, and the mold which comes with the kit may not fit well in the patient’s mouth. This could lead to the gums and other areas of the mouth becoming irritated by the whitening solution.
Dentist-supplied kits are also available; these are similar to the over-the-counter kits, but the mold you wear is specially fitted to the shape of your mouth, reducing the chances of irritation. In addition, the peroxide solution supplied in a dentist-supplied kit will be specially formulated to tackle the level of staining evident on the patient’s teeth and so should yield a better result than standard over-the-counter-kits.
A third alternative is to have your dentist do it for you in-office. This involves a cosmetic dentist applying a whitening solution to the patient’s teeth which is then activated by way of an argon laser that triggers the whitening process. The laser agitates the molecules in the whitening solution, creating a chemical reaction which removes stains from the patient’s teeth.
Although there are several in-office treatments available, Zoom! Chair-side Whitening System is one of the most well-known and widely used in-office tooth whitening solutions. This treatment is especially suitable for those patients with sensitive teeth and the whole procedure takes just 45 minutes, made up of three 15-minute sessions. An average treatment whitens teeth by up to eight shades.
There are other, more common treatments such as teeth whitening toothpastes, dental whitening strips and more which can also help brighten a smile, but these treatments can take a long period of time to have any real effect and so looking towards professional cosmetic dentistry to restore your smile may be a better option.
If you are seeking a brighter smile in Westminster, contact Mountain Range Dentistry at 303-452-2221 and learn how we can help.
As we progress, grow and change through the days, months and years of our lives, our teeth and gums – like many parts of our body – also undergo change in relation to the stage of life we are at. As a result, our dental needs change accordingly.
In childhood, baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth as the physiology of our mouths change and it is these adult teeth that stay with us for the rest of our lives – provided we look after them! That’s why, in our adult years it becomes much more vital to pay regular visits to a dentist to ensure we keep our teeth and gums in good health.
In adulthood, a visit to the dentist isn’t just about maintaining the health of the tooth; rather, it is also to ensure that any underlying cause of adult tooth loss – such as gum disease – is discovered and treated quickly before it has a chance to take root and cause dental problems later.
Mitigating factors in lifestyle such as acidic drinks and spicy foods can affect the enamel of your teeth, either directly through the acidic properties present in the food or drink, or indirectly by stimulating acid reflux in the digestive system. Strong, aggressive brushing of the teeth can also cause damage to the gums, leading to receding gums which can affect and weaken the foundation of the teeth, making them loose and easier to damage.
Your general state of health can also have a bearing on your oral health, with such conditions as diabetes and heart disease being linked to increased likelihood of advanced gum disease, or periodontitis.
But, as it was in the case of your teenage years through to adulthood and heading into retirement, it is important to maintain a regular and thorough dental hygiene program and so reduce the risks of incurring any dental health issues as we grow older.
Regular brushing and flossing, and using a good mouthwash should always form the long-term basis of any dental hygiene routine. Coupled with a good dental hygiene regime, a visit to a dentist can ensure that we keep our adult teeth well into our retirement.
Contact our experienced team at Mountain Range Dentistry in Westminster to schedule your next exam.
Dental implants have grown in popularity in recent times, and are just one method of replacing a lost tooth; others treatments being bridge treatments and dentures. If you require treatment to replace a lost tooth, then the appropriate treatment that is right for you will depend on a host of factors such as the patient’s overall health, the condition of the mouth and even the patient’s own ability to maintain a good level of dental hygiene.
When a patient requires treatment for a missing tooth, they should always seek advice from an implant dentist, who can advise on the best course of action based on the patient’s health history.
When a patient requires treatment for a missing tooth, they should always seek advice from an implant dentist, who can advise on the best course of action based on the patient’s health history.
However, not all patients who want dental implants qualify for them; even if they meet specific criteria relating to their health. In some cases, the age of the patient may exclude them from having dental implants.
While there is no upper age limit for patients looking to dental implants, the same is not the case at the opposite end of the scale; indeed there is a minimum age limit for patients before they qualify to have a dental implant procedure. In most cases, dental implant patients should have passed through their formative years, including adolescence before dental implants are considered a suitable treatment.
This is due to the fact that during this time as children grow, their jawbone may not have developed fully and is still growing; and so the location of any implant may alter slightly as the jaw continues to develop and grow as the child gets older.
That is not to say that children cannot have a dental implant as part of a wider treatment; however any decision by an implant dentist to perform the procedure on children would require careful thought and discussion with an oral surgeon prior to implementation.
But for older patients, providing they have sufficient bone structure to allow for the support of the artificial ‘root’ and are in reasonable health, then there should be little problem in being considered for dental implants.
Even those patients who may not have sufficient bone structure may be eligible, as it is possible for a dentist to increase the level of bone structure through surgical expansion of the affected area.
But the question of whether or not you qualify for a dental implant, or whether you should consider alternative treatments should be asked of a good implant dentist, who can ensure you get the proper solution for your situation.
To learn more about dental implants in the Broomfield CO area, contact Mountain Range Dentistry at 303-452-2221 and schedule your consultation.
There are many different treatments available when one suffers the loss of a tooth. A visit with your dentist will help you understand all the options and merits each procedure can offer.
One of the most popular is a dental bridge. A bridge becomes permanent making it hassle free as it virtually becomes part of your mouth much like your natural teeth. A dental bridge is most suitable for replacing one or a couple of teeth.
There are many reasons to replace a missing tooth:
- Aesthetics – You can smile again with confidence.
- Teeth can shift when there is a gap. When this happens, the bite is off which can create discomfort and lead to further dental problems.
- Speech can be affected by a missing tooth.
- Eating your favorite foods can be difficult due to tooth loss.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental bridge. Your dentist will assess your dental health to make sure your teeth and gums are capable of supporting a bridge before making this recommendation. It is also very important that good oral hygiene habits are in place before proceeding with a bridge. Bridge failure is most likely due to decay in the teeth supporting a bridge, so it is extremely important that the patient commit to daily flossing and brushing a minimum of twice per day.
There are several types of bridges depending on where the tooth loss has occurred. Your dentist will be able to explain the various types of dental bridges and what would be best for your needs.
A dental bridge can usually be put in place within two dental visits. The first visit requires preparation of the surrounding teeth that will support the bridge. Dental impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of your bridge. Your dentist will also help in selecting the correct shade of your new bridge so that it will match your surrounding teeth. A temporary bridge will be put in place to protect the prepared teeth and gums until you receive your permanent bridge.
On your second visit, our dentist will put the bridge in place. Once you and our Thornton area dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the bridge is permanently cemented in place. In as little time as one week, your tooth loss can be history and you become the recipient of a new dental bridge. If you are considering tooth replacement, call our office at 303-452-2221 today!
Dental implants offer many wonderful advantages. In addition to the aesthetic value of placing a permanent tooth where a tooth has been lost, you can now chew, speak and no longer worry about the ramifications of not replacing a lost tooth.
Once you have decided to move forward with one or more dental implants, there are several things you will want to do.
- Discontinue the use of tobacco products. Smoking has been proven to be a major cause of dental implant failure.
- Keep the implant area clean. Daily flossing and brushing should be the standard for good oral hygiene habits whether you are caring for a dental implant or still have all your natural teeth. Infection of the implant site can lead to implant failure.
- Make sure you keep all dental appointments and follow the explicit instructions provided by your implant dentist.
Dental implants take six months to a year from start to finish. There are several phases from the surgical placement of the implant, the healing process, the uncovering of the implant, and the placement of the final restoration. It is important to adhere to all guidelines during each phase of treatment to give yourself the best opportunity for a successful implant.
The dental implant basically becomes part of your dental anatomy.
Like many types of dental procedures, there are different dental implants available. Your implant dentist will explain each type and work with you to determine the best implant for your needs.
Once your implant has healed and your final restoration has been placed, you will essentially have the next best thing to having your own tooth back. While special care is not required, it is still important to make sure you are flossing daily and brushing a minimum of twice per day as a daily standard.
The dental implant basically becomes part of your dental anatomy. It now supports your restoration much like the root of your natural tooth. With eating and speaking now fully restored, and the concern of bone loss and shifting teeth no longer an issue, you are free to resume all of life’s joys you experienced prior to your tooth loss. The only exception is smoking and the use of tobacco products.
Seeing your dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam are highly recommended. If you adhere to the basic good hygiene rules of daily flossing and brushing, your dental implant should serve you well for a lifetime of smiles. To schedule a consultation, call Mountain Range Dentistry in Westminster today!
