From the Office

If you regularly experience soreness and tension in your jaw, you may need to see a neuromuscular dentist. Pain in the jaw is a major sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also called “TMD” or sometimes mistakenly referred to as “TMJ.” Facial pain, neck pain, back pain, and even shoulder or arm pain may actually be an indication that the upper and lower jaws are not fitting together in an ideal position, a condition known as a “bad bite.” The good news is that TMJ/TMD treatment can work wonders to reduce or eliminate the pain and related symptoms.

Additional signs of a jaw joint problem, along with pain, can indicate the need for a comprehensive neuromuscular evaluation. My team and I practice neuromuscular dentistry in our Boulder, Colorado dental office to help patients restore a healthy bite and put an end to pain. You may benefit from a neuromuscular consultation if you experience headaches, jaw clenching or grinding, ringing in the ears, ear pain, limited range of motion in the jaw, clicking sounds in the jaw, loose teeth, or worn teeth. Seemingly unrelated medical issues like dizziness or hearing problems could be an indication that TMJ/TMD treatment is needed.

The actual diagnosis of TMD indicates a dysfunction of the jaw joints, or any of the surrounding muscle, ligaments, and tendons. TMJ/TMD treatment is tailored to the individual, using conservative approaches first, and a comprehensive philosophy that addresses the nerves, teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissue of the face, neck, and head. Often pain relief can be found through noninvasive methods, such as the following:

• Orthotic appliances to retrain the jaw muscles
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) therapy to promote jaw muscle relaxation
• Lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise)
• Physical therapy of the jaw joints
• Dental reconstruction (crowns, dental implants, and other restorations to redesign the bite)

If you think you may have a jaw joint problem, start with an advanced diagnosis using sophisticated jaw tracking technology. First we’ll spend a good amount of time identifying the dysfunction so we can set your bite right using advanced neuromuscular treatments. Our goal is to make sure you can move your jaw in all positions with comfort and ease. After treatment, we hope you will feel invigorated, healthy, and happy with your pain-free bite.

For experienced TMJ/TMD advice and evaluation, our team is here to provide you with answers and help alleviate your neuromuscular pain. To schedule your jaw joint assessment, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing personalized dental care to you and your family.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

The successful management of your dental health takes a commitment on your part to make this aspect of your total wellness a priority in your life — and that includes following through with treatments recommended by your dentist.

As my team and I have seen firsthand, people who neglect their dental health and forego dental checkups or good dental hygiene pay for it in the long run. Avoiding necessary care can lead to comprehensive plaque build-up, bacteria collection and early stage gum disease, weakened tooth structures due to decay and degraded old dental work, and even jaw joint issues.

Here at my Boulder dental clinic, we try to convey the importance of early treatment and curbing the damage that cavities and other threats may cause. The link between dental health and total health is undeniable, and we urge patients to consider the consequences of ignoring issues that can put their dental health in danger. For instance, high bacteria levels in the mouth have been shown to directly correspond to narrowing of the arteries. With methods like professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, bacteria can be significantly reduced.

Dental restorations like dental crowns, veneers, and implants are performed to strengthen and protect your dental health, to make your smile more resistant to future health issues. We practice minimally-invasive dentistry, which means we prefer to use the most conservative treatments possible to address dental problems.

Of course we understand that cost is often an issue and that adding an unexpected dental treatment expense to your budget can be tricky to do. We offer a variety of payment options to help our patients afford care and we also accept dental financing for those who wish to spread payments out over several months.  

To learn more about the treatments we offer and talk to our team about ways you can be proactive about your dental health, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

The successful management of your dental health takes a commitment on your part to make this aspect of your total wellness a priority in your life — and that includes following through with treatments recommended by your dentist.

As my team and I have seen firsthand, people who neglect their dental health and forego dental checkups or good dental hygiene pay for it in the long run. Avoiding necessary care can lead to comprehensive plaque build-up, bacteria collection and early stage gum disease, weakened tooth structures due to decay and degraded old dental work, and even jaw joint issues.

Here at my Boulder dental clinic, we try to convey the importance of early treatment and curbing the damage that cavities and other threats may cause. The link between dental health and total health is undeniable, and we urge patients to consider the consequences of ignoring issues that can put their dental health in danger. For instance, high bacteria levels in the mouth have been shown to directly correspond to narrowing of the arteries. With methods like professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, bacteria can be significantly reduced.

Dental restorations like dental crowns, veneers, and implants are performed to strengthen and protect your dental health, to make your smile more resistant to future health issues. We practice minimally-invasive dentistry, which means we prefer to use the most conservative treatments possible to address dental problems.

Of course we understand that cost is often an issue and that adding an unexpected dental treatment expense to your budget can be tricky to do. We offer a variety of payment options to help our patients afford care and we also accept dental financing for those who wish to spread payments out over several months.  

To learn more about the treatments we offer and talk to our team about ways you can be proactive about your dental health, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

A few years back, a Fox News article reported on the Food and Drug Administration’s stance that “Silver-colored dental fillings containing mercury may be harmful to pregnant women, children and fetuses.” But despite consistent controversy surrounding the use of metal in dental restorations, most notably regarding mercury toxicity, amalgam is still very much a part of dental practices across the country. In fact, many dental insurance providers won’t pay for anything but metal, even though it impedes the continuity of a white smile and carries potential health hazards.

Although the exact dangers of mercury in filling and crown use are still collectively unproven, my team and I err on the side of caution. We want to do what is best for our patients in every decision we make, and that includes the materials we use. We are proud to be metal-free dental practice.

If you have a cavity, I ask you to think about the ramifications of filling your tooth with a toxic substance like mercury. Not only does metal stand out, there is also potential for the dense matter to come loose and release vapors. Also, metal is known to be a difficult substance: When exposed to dramatic temperature changes it can expand and contract, sometimes causing tooth fractures.

It is crucial for the patient's safety to remove amalgam very carefully in order to minimize risk of mercury toxicity. Using a rubber dam is a must, among other factors. My team and I follow specific recommendations from the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology.
If you are concerned about old metal fillings or crowns causing discomfort, wearing down, or coming loose, I can remove the amalgam using safe extraction techniques. I will then replace the old restoration with a ceramic, tooth-colored crown or composite filling that poses no risk to teeth and gums. With composite, tooth-colored material that matches your enamel, your fillings and crowns mesh well with your natural smile and there is no risk of temperature-related fracture.

At our Boulder dental clinic, we believe we have a responsibility to our patients to make sure we are providing the safest, highest quality restorations available. When you choose us to protect your dental health, you can trust that my team and I will do all we can to maximize your safety, comfort, and wellness.

If you are in the Boulder, Denver, Longmont, or Nederland area, please contact my team today for more information on safe, metal-free restorations.  We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to schedule an appointment for your personal dental health evaluation.  

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

When you take a trip to the dentist’s office, the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistants assess your dental health, provide recommendations, and treat various problems affecting your teeth and gums. What you don’t see is the behind the scenes team, the lab technicians, who design state-of-the-art restorations and dental appliances to accomplish the objectives set by your dentist.

At my Boulder dental clinic, I use a variety of different local laboratories to provide the best range of services. One for dentures, one for standard ceramic crowns, and another one for bridges, and yet another for handcrafted, ceramic onlays and inlays. Cases involving full mouth rehabilitation are sent to a local lab with specialized knowledge of neuromuscular principles.

I’ve found that each lab has unique strengths, and by using multiple labs I am able to customize the benefits according to each patient’s needs.

The technicians working in dental laboratories are responsible for creating dental appliances and restorations according to the specifications for each patient as directed by Dr. Ania. Many have received certification through the National Board for Certification and Dental Laboratory Technology as well as LVI (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies) training.

Here’s a brief description of how a ceramic onlay or inlay is created by a lab technician:

• The lab technician starts with the physical mouth mold or digital impression sent over by Dr. Ania.
• A model is made of the patient’s mouth, followed by a wax model of the teeth, which is then used in creation of a metal framework.
• Ceramic resin material is applied to the metal to match the size, shape and color of the tooth.
• Finally, the finished restoration is hardened using a baking process, sealed, and sent over to Dr. Ania’s office for permanent placement.

Our dental restoration team will choose the lab that we feel is strongest in your particular area of need and can meet the treatment requirements with exceptional results. .

If you’d like to replace old dental restorations or simply want a wellness evaluation, please schedule an appointment with my Boulder team today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Your teeth and gums are precious resources that should be protected, through both diligent home care and respectful dental care alike. At my Boulder dental clinic, my team and I prefer to practice a conservative style called minimally-invasive dentistry. This means we realize that your one set of teeth are irreplaceable and recommend the least-invasive methods first. If there are ways we can solve your problem with less risk, less discomfort, less removal of enamel, etc, we will search for the solution that has the least impact.

Conservative treatments allow us to preserve more of your natural teeth and involve less pain and tooth or gum trauma than more invasive measures. Most of the time this guiding principle is successful and our patients are able to find relief with minor tooth treatment like tooth-colored dental fillings, laser bacterial removal, and other procedures that are easy to undergo and recover from. In cases where additional reinforcement is needed, only then will we recommend the more invasive options such as ceramic crowns, dental implants, and endodontics (root canals).

The principle of minimally-invasive dentistry also translates to the equipment and technology used daily in our office. For instance, our digital X-ray services allow for optimal evaluation of teeth and gums with less hassle, risk and discomfort for our patients. Our dental restoration procedures are performed in the most efficient manner, with advanced equipment, in order to maximize your time and improve comfort while you are here.

If you are not happy with your current dentist and want to find out more about my practice and our minimally invasive style of dentistry, please schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Ania

Finding a new dentist doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you know what you’re looking for before you begin. Here we make some suggestions as to the qualities and characteristics you might consider as you conduct your search. And, while it is great to have the finer points checked off paper, you should also trust your instincts when looking for a Boulder dental team to trust with your comprehensive dental health. If you get a good (or not so good) feeling about a practice, we encocurage you to ask many questions as you can and then move on if they don’t meet your expectations.

Technology

Ask your potential dental practices how they integrate technology and what types of advanced treatments or features are available currently. For example, laser dentistry and digital X-rays are two technological advancements that provide benefits like improved safety and early cavity detection.

Results

You can tell a lot about a dentist’s abilities from before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Personal Service

The way you are treated both over the phone and in person is a good indication of how the practice regards patients.

Attentiveness

Attentiveness is one thing that is missing from many medical and dental practices, especially when patients are scheduled back-to-back.

Education/Experience

Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist about his or her background and training, and to research the educational facilities and check for accreditation. 

Patient Education

A dentist who truly cares about the long-term health of patients will empower them through educational efforts, such as a dental blog, engaging visual aids, and fun educational models for kids. 

Amenities

A practice that offers amenities is likely one that will put forth extra effort to improve the whole patient experience.

Dental Treatments

Find out if the practice offers a wide variety of treatment types, so that you can have all of your dental needs met through one strong team. Ask about Invisalign® braces, porcelain veneers, or other dental restoration options, as well as dental rehabilitation services such as TMD treatment and periodontal therapy.

If you’re shopping for a new dentist, my team and I would be honored to have you come in for a dental wellness visit or a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Please schedule an appointment to meet with my Boulder dental team at your convenience and we’ll show you all we have to offer.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry 

The root canal procedure has earned a bad reputation as a painful and invasive dental procedure. This common misconception most likely originated decades ago before technological and anesthetic advancements made the root canal not just bearable, but quick and often painless.

At my dental practice in Boulder, we perform endodontic procedures using the latest techniques and technology. The root canal is actually a wonderful tool to help save teeth in trouble that would otherwise need to be removed.

Purpose of a Root Canal

The root canal is one of many restoration services designed to preserve your natural tooth and protect it from extraction. Unlike the less invasive options, the root canal is often the last resort option after more conservative treatments have been considered. If you have a severely infected tooth, or tooth that is cracked, fractured, or damaged beyond the repair capabilities of a filling or crown, a root canal may be your best treatment option.

What to Expect During the Root Canal

First, my assistant and I ensure that you are properly anesthetized. When the affected area is completely numb, I use a tiny dental drill to access the dental pulp through an opening in the enamel. I then perform a pulpectomy, the removal of diseased pulp. The root canals and pulp chamber are cleaned thoroughly and then enlarged. A non-toxic material called gutta-percha is used to fill the chamber and empty canals. Finally, I add a dental crown to the tooth to restore a natural appearance and provide additional support.

Choosing Your Endodontic Specialist

The dentist you choose can have a significant effect on your experience as well as your results. Ideally, you want a root canal specialist who has many years of experience and is an active leader in the field of dentistry. I believe the best way to provide excellent care is to stay current on dental techniques and technology through continuing education and organizational participation, I am currently a member of The American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I continue to study all aspects of dentistry and regularly attend classes and seminars at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute.

To learn more about the root canal procedure and our other tooth restoration solutions, or to schedule your next dental wellness visit, please schedule an appointment to meet with my Boulder dental team.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are in the process of looking for a Colorado dental center that is just right for you and your family’s needs, we have a few suggestions on how you can get acquainted with the dentists in your area that are up for consideration.

It is easy to get valuable insight into what a dental practice is like from the very first phone call. Notice how you are treated and how accommodating the patient coordinator comes across. Do they answer your questions thoroughly? Focused attention on the phone is a sign that the team truly cares about building patient relationships.

At my dental practice in Boulder, we make it effortless for our patients to get to know our staff upfront, before any actual dental work is performed. During your first visit, our patient coordinator will sit down with you and ask you a series of questions about what you are looking for in a dental practice. We also take this opportunity to get to know you as a person — your lifestyle, goals, hobbies, and motivations. At this time, you can feel free to ask us anything at all regarding our philosophy of care, experience, technology, insurance, financing, and anything else that may be on your mind.

If you are unsure about what to ask, here are a few suggestions:

Do you offer special amenities to make the dental visits more enjoyable?

What happens during the dental wellness checks?

Do you have photos of cosmetic dentistry results available to view?

What is your dental education and background?

How long have you been in practice?

How do you make visits fun for kids?

How important is technology in your practice?

This initial meet-and-greet is integral in understanding each patient’s unique needs so that we may provide exceptional personalized care.

If you are ready to find a dentist you can trust for years to come, please schedule an appointment to meet with our team and find out what we have to offer. 

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth-colored fillings are a valuable dental procedure used to restore a tooth that has been damaged, either by decay or physical injury. Onlays and inlays are two types of deep fillings that protect natural teeth from further damage and prevent the need for extraction. Placed by a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, they can help increase tooth strength as much as 75%!

At my Boulder, Colorado dental office, all of our onlays and inlays are handcrafted from a safe ceramic, or glass-type material, in our dental laboratory. Unlike metal fillings, they will not expand and contract due to temperature changes so there’s no risk of internal cracking.

A dental inlay is recommended when a tooth’s decay or damage is confined to its indented top surface. A dental onlay is used when the damaged area encompasses one or more of the tooth cusps. Here’s a brief description of how they are placed.

1. We take an impression of the decayed or damaged tooth.
2. A temporary onlay or inlay is placed in position.
3. Your impression is sent to our state-of-the-art lab.
4. The onlay or inlay is created from ceramic material to match your exact specifications.
5. You return to our office for the placement of your permanent restoration.

Onlays and inlays require less tooth reduction than ceramic crowns, but more than regular fillings. My team and I often use them to restore a tooth that has carried a metal filling for too many years and is now in a weakened state because of it. (See our blog on When to Replace Old Fillings.)

If you have tooth issues that are minor or purely cosmetic in nature, you may want to consider dental bonding or porcelain veneers as an alternative to fillings.

If you’d like to learn about the benefits of dental onlays and inlays, please schedule an appointment with our experienced cosmetic dentistry team.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry