General dentistry

Replace Old Silver Fillings

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Restorative dentistry

white fillings Fort Collins

Superficial cuts in the skin subside without a trace, infections are wiped out with antibiotics, broken bones mend, and inflamed tissues subside. Our teeth, unfortunately, can’t regenerate. Decay can be halted in its progress, but scientists are still years away from actual enamel regeneration. That’s why the team at The Fort Collins Dentist always emphasizes preventative dentistry.

The healthiest mouths have all teeth intact and free of current or former decay. But how many smiles can boast such an admirable record? Very few. The stark reality is that most people get one or more cavities over the course of their lifetime.

In fact, most individuals probably don’t even know someone who has never had a cavity. Tooth decay is second only to the common cold as the most frequent health dilemma in childhood. When we reach middle age, many of us have even had a root canal or two.

At our practice, we help with cavities and other ailments, and always make sure to send you home with a toothbrush and proper care information. This way, you can prevent the next visit with consistent, proper brushing and flossing.

Restorations Have Come a Long Way

For those who are not lucky enough to have a good dental history, modern restorations might be the answer. Restorative dentistry has changed over the years, and new dental treatments have many advantages over those in years past. You might recall a time when fillings were all silver and did not blend in with the existing enamel.

Nowadays, we can match the exact tone of your natural smile with tooth-colored fillings. Combine it with teeth whitening, and you’ve got yourself a brand-new smile!. In general, restorations are made of stronger and more natural-looking materials these days, so you don’t have to worry about anyone noticing your dental work.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer complete general and restorative dentistry, and we focus on patient comfort. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for our cosmetic options. Contact 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 8479

Afraid of the Dentist? 4 Ways to Reduce Dental Anxiety

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

dental anxiety treatment Fort Collins

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry offered by The Fort Collins Dentist.

Millions of Americans stress out when they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether, rather than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that, of course, is it puts their dental health at risk.

Whatever the cause, sedation dentistry has helped millions of people get through their appointments.

We offer two types, as well as two suggestions for a calm visit. In total, that’s four ways to reduce dental anxiety! Check our solutions out below:

  1. Nitrous Oxide: You also know this as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a century and is highly effective.
  2. IV Sedation: As the name suggests, this is a sedative that is administered intravenously. You won’t sleep with this, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need an escort for a ride here and back.
  3. Meditation: This is a good way to clear your mind of negative thoughts before an appointment.
  4. A Good Night’s Sleep: Being well-rested can help calm frayed nerves.

Don’t compromise your dental health by skipping the dentist! Sedation dentistry from The Fort Collins Dentist may be just for you. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact 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 8533

Into The Thick Of It: The Skinny On Toothpaste

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Windsor cosmetic dental and tooth implants

At The Fort Collins Dentist we urge all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. This very good habit is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your dental health.

What kind of toothpaste should you use? There is no one-size-fits-all product on the market. One patient might be interested in whitening toothpaste, and another may need something for sensitive teeth.

There’s a huge selection of toothpastes in any grocery store, from standard paste to so-called natural toothpastes. You want to make the best choice for your teeth, but it isn’t always easy to make up your mind.

Different types of toothpastes have specific active ingredients that make them work. Fluoride is by far the most important thing to look for. But there are many other ingredients; what follows is a rundown of the more common ones.

  • Detergents: Sodium lauryl sulfate is nearly ubiquitous, not only in toothpaste, but in other personal care products like shampoo. Sometimes it’s called Sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate. It’s the stuff that makes products foamy. Some people are sensitive to it, and some consumer advocacy groups say it can be hazardous. There are toothpastes that don’t have it.
  • Whiteners: The most common toothpaste whitener is hydrogen peroxide, but there are others, like polyphosphates. While they do a modest job whitening teeth, many experts agree that the whitening agents aren’t strong enough, or in contact with the teeth long enough, to do a really good job. To get really white teeth, try professional whitening from a dentist.
  • Desensitizers: Some people’s teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods than others. And some are more tactile-sensitive. Used on a regular basis, desensitizing toothpastes can be very effective, but it’s a good idea to get a dentist’s recommendation first.
  • Plaque Fighters: A toothpaste ingredient called triclosan is believed to fight plaque and gum inflammation. While it seemed promising at first, more recent studies indicate triclosan may contribute to antibiotic resistance, and disrupt hormones and the immune system.

Always read the label, and make sure the toothpaste you’re considering has the American Dental Association seal. If you see it, it means the ADA considers it safe and effective. Whatever you choose, brush and floss twice each day!

Feel free to ask us for a recommendation, and what might be best for your particular set of teeth. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer general and restorative dentistry. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also trust their smiles to our cosmetic dentistry. Contact 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 5591

Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Loveland Mouths And Stomatitis

One of our most important roles at The Fort Collins Dentist is to help our patients maintain the best possible dental health. Regular cleanings and checkups are essential.

Some of our patients have problems with mouth sores, which is the topic of this message.

If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two, it is important to come in for an exam, even if your six-month checkup isn’t due for a while. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment aids in preventing more serious issues.

If required, treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, we will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ailments that can cause mouth sores.

There are two types of mouth sores: canker sores and cold sores.

  • Canker sores are small and ulcer-like, with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth, and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sore usually heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods aids in temporary relief while your sore is healing.
  • Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but typically heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics furnish relief.

For either condition, we can advise you on the best treatment.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact 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 4073

Bleeding Gums After Your 6-Month Cleaning?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

bleeding gums Wellington

Regular check-ups and cleanings at The Fort Collins Dentist are essential for good dental health. But some people tend to have gums that bleed after a thorough cleaning, causing them concern.

Is this a problem? Well, it depends. If your gums bleed for a couple days after your dental cleaning, don’t worry about it. But, if the bleeding and tenderness last longer, you should be checked for the possibility of gum disease.

Gum disease arises when plaque builds up along the gum line. You might also see bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth.

It is a progressive condition and a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also treatable, but as with most conditions, the earlier it is diagnosed and the treatment begins, the better.

We offer gum disease treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist. Patients from throughout Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor know they can trust us with their dental health. They also come to our practice for general and restorative dentistry. Contact 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 5448

Bad Breath Treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Bad Breath Treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

Do you worry that you have bad breath? At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer a judgment-free atmosphere and help our patients with unpleasant, annoying, and potentially embarrassing conditions.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously is dangerous to gums and contributes to gum recession.

It does mean you should work up a foam with a pre-soaked brush and fluoride toothpaste, make sure to get all sides of your teeth, and floss around each tooth to get ride of plaque.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our dental hygienists are trained in effective, deep-cleaning procedures.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we help patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor with effective brushing, bad breath solutions, and gum disease treatment. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Request 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 679

How Tooth Brushing Prevents Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease, Oral Health

Fort Collins Teeth Bleaching

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. In this post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we’ll talk about why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush with fluoride toothpaste and carefully floss your teeth, you remove food debris and clean away plaque build-up.

If, however, you let food stay on your teeth, the starches in it combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so flossing is not optional.

When You Brush

  • Make sure to get all over your teeth. Brush and floss the front and the sides, inside and out, and the top. When you clean the sides, be sure you brush along the gum-line. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
  • As you do the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes.
  • Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste; or more than a pea-sized, if you prefer. Too much is no big deal, but be sure to use enough.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we want all of our patients to enjoy clean teeth and healthy gums. People throughout Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor see us for a checkup every six months. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Request 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 2251

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

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In this post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we explore some specifics about brushing your teeth. One key to getting the most out of your toothpaste is getting plenty of foam when brushing.

Working up a good foam is brought about by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then brushing at a 45 degree angle. The foam helps dislodge food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around as you finish brushing to pick up any stragglers.

The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel. Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are best. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization of your teeth. This takes time, so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes, and get the foam throughout your mouth.

Flossing is an important part of cleaning your teeth. It doesn’t matter whether your floss before or after brushing. There are different types of floss available and they’re all effective. We do, however, recommend string floss over floss holders, because with string floss you can get all around individual teeth.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we hope all our patients brush and floss twice a day. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust us with their dental health by scheduling twice-a-year checkups. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Request 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 6935

Preventing Tooth Decay

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Preventing Tooth Decay in Colorado

Tooth decay remains the most important issue in dental health, and it affects hundreds of people. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we are committed to preventing tooth decay in our patients.

It can be an uphill battle sometimes. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. It merges with plaque and acids to break down the enamel on your teeth. The tiny holes that can result are what we call cavities.

The Sugar Factor

Tooth decay is usually a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. When sticky or sugary foods are consumed and allowed to remain on the teeth, it can result in tooth decay.

To help prevent it, limit sugary and starchy foods between meals. A good oral hygiene strategy is advised, and that means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we want to help improve the dental health of every patient. Services include complete general dentistry. Patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Request 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 338

Fixing Chipped Teeth With Bonding

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry

Fort Collins fix chipped tooth

Your teeth are covered in enamel, a strong outer layer that protects them, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. A little rough-housing at home, an accident on the playing field, or biting something like hard candy or ice, and you’ve got a chipped tooth. If that happens, call us at The Fort Collins Dentist.

Small chips can usually be fixed with a process called bonding. A composite resin material is applied to the tooth and shaped to match the original form. When the shape is right, we harden the composite resin with an ultraviolet light.

It’s a fairly straight-forward process. In most cases we don’t need to numb the area being worked on. The composite resin can be matched to the color of your existing teeth. Once we’re done, you may even forget it’s there.

A chipped tooth doesn’t always cause pain, but sometimes it does. You can ease any pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Before your appointment, the tooth may have a jagged edge that irritates your tongue and cheeks. In that case, you can cover it with a piece of sugarless gum, or even wax parafin. That will provide enough protection until you can get into our office.

If you need to eat before your appointment, but find it uncomfortable, choose softer foods that don’t need much chewing, like soup, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs, and avoid biting down on hard surfaces.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we have used bonding to repair many chipped teeth. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to our office for cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Request 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 7308