Root Canals: No Fear, Just Relief!

A young woman smiling fearlessly at her dental exam.When you hear the words “root canal,” you might feel a shiver run down your spine. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we know root canals have an unfair reputation for being notoriously painful. But here’s the reality—it’s not the procedure you should fear; it’s the pain from not getting a necessary treatment. Modern root canal therapy is quick, effective, and most importantly, designed to relieve pain, not cause it.

Why a Root Canal Is Nothing to Fear

Root canals are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary anxiety for many patients. The truth is that modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. Using advanced numbing techniques and cutting-edge technology, dentists ensure the procedure is as seamless and pain-free as possible.

The real benefit? Relief from the intense pain often caused by an infected tooth. A root canal isn’t something designed to make you suffer—it’s an effective treatment that eliminates the discomfort caused by tooth decay or infection and protects your overall oral health.

When You Might Need a Root Canal

You might not realize it immediately, but certain symptoms signal the need for a root canal. Persistent toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling or redness in your gums, and even discoloration of a tooth are all indicators of a potential infection inside the tooth. Another subtle sign is the presence of a small pimple-like bump on your gums that doesn’t disappear.

Prompt treatment is essential to stop the infection from spreading. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, don’t wait—consult The Fort Collins Dentist, where expert care is just a call away.

The Root Canal Process at The Fort Collins Dentist

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we’ve streamlined the root canal process to make it as straightforward and comfortable as possible. The procedure is completed in three key steps.

First, the infected pulp is gently removed, alleviating the pain you’ve been experiencing. Next, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent any future infection. Finally, the tooth is restored using a custom-fit crown to ensure strength, functionality, and a natural appearance.

Thanks to our state-of-the-art technology, there’s no need for multiple visits. With CEREC technology, we provide same-day crowns, giving you a fully restored smile in just one appointment.

Why Opt for a Root Canal Over Extraction?

While extracting a problematic tooth might seem like a simpler option, it comes with significant downsides. A root canal saves your natural tooth, maintaining your bite alignment and preventing issues like jawbone deterioration.

Additionally, extractions often require additional costly procedures, like bridges or implants, to replace the missing tooth. With a root canal, you preserve your natural smile without the need for these alternatives, making it a more cost-effective and time-efficient choice.

Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain!

There’s no need to live with tooth pain or fear the solution. A root canal is a simple, effective procedure that restores not just your tooth, but also your peace of mind. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we pride ourselves on delivering advanced, pain-free dental care that puts our patients first.

Don’t wait to experience the benefits of exceptional dental care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko today and say goodbye to tooth pain for good!

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


Life-Changing Results with Dental Crowns at The Fort Collins Dentist

Results of a patient recieving porcelain crowns at The Fort Collins Dentist.If you’ve been dealing with chipped, damaged, or discolored teeth, dental crowns can offer a fast and transformative solution. At The Fort Collins Dentist, Dr. Lesko and her team use advanced technology, including CEREC same-day crowns, to restore smiles and boost confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about dental crowns, who they’re for, and how they can change your life.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a protective cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and functionality. Crowns are ideal for teeth compromised by decay, trauma, or large restorative procedures like root canals. Beyond their restorative benefits, crowns enhance the appearance of teeth, giving you a refreshed and natural-looking smile.

Crowns are made from materials like ceramic, gold, or porcelain fused to metal. Each option offers unique advantages, from the natural aesthetics of ceramic to the durability of gold, ensuring a solution tailored to your needs.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns address a wide range of issues, including chipped or broken teeth, discolored or misshapen teeth, and teeth weakened by decay or trauma. For example, crowns can restore the original shape of a damaged tooth or cover discoloration that whitening treatments can’t resolve.

Patients often experience life-changing transformations. Imagine someone hesitant to smile due to chipped front teeth—after receiving custom crowns, they regain their confidence and enjoy interacting with others without hesitation. Dental crowns are an investment in both appearance and functionality.

The Life-Changing Impact of Dental Crowns

Few dental treatments offer as many benefits as crowns. Functionally, they restore the ability to chew and speak comfortably, enhancing everyday life. Patients also report a significant boost in self-esteem, feeling more confident in social and professional settings.

In addition to their immediate benefits, crowns are a long-term investment. With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or more, making them a durable and cost-effective solution for oral health.

The Convenience of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we take dental restoration to the next level with CEREC same-day crowns. This advanced technology allows us to design, mill, and place custom crowns in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments.

Using digital imaging, Dr. Lesko takes a precise 3D scan of your tooth to create a custom-fit crown. The crown is then crafted from a high-quality ceramic block and bonded to your tooth—all within two hours. This streamlined process saves time and delivers exceptional results.

Why Choose The Fort Collins Dentist?

Dr. Lesko and her team are dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care. From CEREC technology to 3D imaging, our state-of-the-art tools ensure efficient and effective treatment. We also prioritize comfort, creating a welcoming environment where you can feel at ease during your visit.

Discover the Crown Worthy of Your Smile

Dental crowns are more than a treatment—they’re an investment in your confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health. At The Fort Collins Dentist, Dr. Lesko offers fast, transformative results tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t wait to reclaim your smile. Request your appointment today and experience the life-changing benefits of dental crowns.

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


A Fresh Start After Losing a Tooth

A graphic image of a permanent tooth replacement. Do you have an extracted tooth?

If the tooth had been aching, it may have been a relief. Unless, of course, it was in the front of your mouth and now the gaping hole shows every time you smile. Ignoring it is extremely difficult because your tongue can’t leave the gap alone.

I’m Missing a Tooth. Now What?

Once the tooth has been taken out, you have many important decisions to make.

  • Do I want a dental bridge?
  • Is a dental bridge a permanent solution?
  • Do I want to damage two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge?
  • Should I decide on a partial denture?
  • What about bone loss?

A Better Restoration

What if you could have a fresh start? What if you could have a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that would restore your smile and retain the healthy bone and gum tissue around the tooth root? If you select a dental implant from the Fort Collins Dentist, you can.

A tooth implant is a permanent replacement for all parts of the tooth. It is comprised of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the restoration.

Titanium Post

—inserted directly into the jaw bone
—quite strong
—titanium is unique in that it bonds with living bone tissue (also used in knee and hip replacement surgery)

Abutment

—can be fabricated of gold, porcelain, or titanium
—permanently attached to the post (it will not slip and slide like dentures)

The Restoration (Crown)

—usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM)
—made to match the color of surrounding teeth
—will look as good or better than the tooth it replaced

A dental implant is not an experimental treatment. The cutting-edge materials and techniques have been tested and refined for several decades.

Additionally, it has been carried out by Fort Collins dentists for over thirty years.

Do you want to take care of a gap in your smile? Let’s talk! Schedule a consultation with our team today and we’ll work together toward creating your perfect 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

 

ArticleID 3066

We Keep Dental Patients Comfortable

A smiling blonde woman with curly hair in a dentist's chair with dental tools on a cabinet in the background.

To state the obvious, nobody enjoys pain. doctor Lesko knows this, and that is why the dental team at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry has made patient comfort our number one goal.

In conjunction with creating a calm environment, we have various medications that can lower and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in Loveland dentist offices and around the country are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue and numb the surface layers. Topical anesthetics can minimize the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations in distinct areas of the mouth. Dentists usually numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or performing cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may necessitate nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia. Ask us about sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation.

Dentists often recommend an OTC analgesic to relieve pain after a dental visit. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Because your dentist will most likely administer a pain reliever during the dental visit or prescribe something for you to take after the procedure, make sure you make a complete list of medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, before each appointment.

We want patients to be informed about their dental care, especially as it pertains to pain relief during dental treatment. If you are in the Fort Collins area and looking for quality dental care, we invite you to contact our office and 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 3542

A Ginormous Cavity?

Upgrade your smile with restorative dentistry in Fort Collins. When Doctor Allison Lesko of the Fort Collins Dentist repairs a tooth that has decay or damage, the procedure chosen often depends on the location of the problem. We’re talking tooth-specific locale here.

If there is a chip, crack, or decay on the biting surface of a tooth, an onlay or inlay is often created to restore the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are a type of tooth restoration used successfully at the Fort Collins Dentist. They are usually bigger than a conventional filling yet smaller than a complete crown. An inlay is used to fill an area inside the cusp tips or bumps of a tooth. An onlay covers an area that includes more than one cusp.

At the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, the inlays and onlays we place for our patients are indistinguishable from their natural teeth. Dr. Allison Lesko has a finely honed eye for detail and complete mastery of dental aesthetics to design the restoration and create an exact match.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry inlays and onlays:

  • Are stain resistant
  • Do not lead to tooth sensitivity
  • Are beautifully matched to natural teeth
  • Strengthen the tooth and protect against further decay or weakening

At the Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Allison Lesko ensures your dental restorations are flawless and natural-looking. Whether you need an inlay or onlay, our expertise guarantees a perfect match that strengthens your tooth and enhances your smile. Schedule your appointment today to experience our exceptional care and craftsmanship. Visit us in Fort Collins and let us help you achieve the perfect 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

 

ArticleID 1473

Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns

Get affordable cosmetic dental work in Fort Collins.

Restorative dentistry has progressed considerably over the years and there are now several effective ways to repair decayed teeth. In today’s post from the Fort Collins Dentist, we are going to concentrate on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.

Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive substitute for a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.

Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are created in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.

An inlay is used to repair the surface of a damaged tooth, usually to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.

Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are strong and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is exactly fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the initial tooth.

An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are commonly applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are specifically fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve a key role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide trusted dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that has a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call our office to make 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 7227

Making The Cost Of Dental Treatment Palatable At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

The cost of dental crowns in Loveland at the Fort Collins Dentist.A healthy smile is priceless and superior dental care is a worthwhile investment in your quality of life. However, the cost of treatment and precision restorations can sometimes be prohibitive. Knowing what to expect price-wise can make your dental visit with the Fort Collins Dentist more palatable.

Obviously, the cost of some procedures such as crowns versus fillings is dependent upon unknown factors. X-rays can show the basic problem but sometimes the extent of the damage isn’t clear until we get in there. Our caring staff works to offer estimates based on best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Nailing down the cost is much easier once the overall treatment plan is established. Doctor Allison Lesko performs an oral exam, reviews the patient’s dental history, and consults with the patient before creating an estimate. The price is influenced by the patient’s current condition, cosmetic goals, and long-term functionality.

Usually, the cost of treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, denture fittings, and the price of cosmetic dentistry can be explained at the initial consultation with Doctor Lesko. We encourage our patients to take some time to review the options before they choose which elective procedures to pursue. We never pressure our patients to make a quick decision about something as important as dental treatment.

Here at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to customized patient-focused care. Often the treatment plan will be extended over several visits to allow healing and adjustment in the mouth before doing more work.

With restorations, the most conservative treatment is always preferred. The cost is weighed with priority for adequate eating and speaking functionality. Personal confidence in appearance is also taken into account and given priority.

Doctor Lesko has been practicing compassionate dentistry since 2016. If you are in the market for sedation dentistry or sleep apnea but are worried about how much it will set you back or whether your insurance company covers the procedure, then call 970-221-5115 today and let us look into it for you.

Feel free to shop around and compare our affordable prices to other dentists in the area – but be wary of bargain-basement dental advertisements. Many ads present a false picture of the actual cost of the treatment. And, do you really want to trust your smile to the lowest bidder?

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 6781

Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

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

Are Dental Implants Experimental?

Dental implants in Fort Collins, CO.

No. Tooth implants have been placed in millions of men and women. Some studies have revealed a success rate as high as 98%. Here at the Fort Collins Dentist, we believe dental implants can make a big difference for our patients.

Dental implants have been perfected and tested

If you don’t follow the dental industry, you may not be aware that tooth implants have been used since the 1960s. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans have received implants.

The dental implant market is estimated to reach $5 billion by 2022.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) is the first professional organization in the world dedicated to the advancement of implant dentistry. As part of its commitment to top quality patient care, research, education and excellence, the AAID created a program to credential professionals in implant dentistry.

When do you think the American Academy of Implant Dentistry was established?

  1. 1974
  2. 1998
  3. 1951

The answer is 1951. Surprised?

Dental implants have been studied since the 1970s

On the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, you can read an analysis of tooth implants from the 1970s. Complete with images of old-school film X-rays.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that serves as a durable substitute for the root of a missing tooth. Modern teeth implants are very versatile in restorative dentistry. They can anchor a replacement tooth, a set of replacement teeth (dentures), or a dental bridge.

In case you are unfamiliar with dental implants, first let’s explore what they are.

A permanent dental implant is a permanent replacement tooth root. It is anchored into the jaw and eventually integrates with the jawbone. This provides a durable, sturdy base for a porcelain crown or denture.

What are the benefits of tooth implants?

Implants:

  • Are durable and unmovable
  • Blend perfectly with your natural teeth
  • Help you speak and eat normally
  • Prevent bone loss that can develop when a tooth is extracted
  • Prevent the dilemmas connected to dentures

Dental implant success rates

Now let’s address success rates.

Have you heard that dental implants have a high failure rate? This is simply not true. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, our success rate for tooth implants is nearly 100%.

If properly cared for, an implant can last the rest of your life.

 

 

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 8258

Get The Royal Treatment At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry Fort Collins

In need of a crown? At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we can provide the exceptional experience you deserve with the dental care needed. Get discolored teeth brightened and chipped teeth fixed. Receive one important procedure or a full smile transformation. Your wish is our command.

Doctor Allison Lesko has been serving noble lords and ladies with the royal treatment since 2016. We crown patients with beautiful restorations and empower them with the confidence of a regal smile fit for a king.

Call us at: 970-221-5115. We are located in Fort Collins and also serve Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor.

Many individuals believe that cosmetic dentistry refers to care designed solely to enhance the looks of your smile as opposed to procedures such as fillings that fix a structural issue. However, there is much overlap. For example, the use of white fillings takes care of the cavities and makes your smile more beautiful. Other procedures used in cosmetic and general dentistry are veneers, inlays/onlays, braces, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, tooth implants, and dental bonding.

We want you to experience the transformation that comes from cosmetic dental care carried out by a true artist. Whether you need veneers, crowns, or whitening, we have an imperial seat ready for you to choose from.

Let us fulfill your every whim:

We look forward to making your acquaintance, your Highness.

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 6130