Prevent Early Tooth Loss

pliers with a molar tooth

Did you know that you can keep your natural teeth for life if you take care of them properly? Many people think that tooth loss simply happens with age, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Millions of people don’t visit their dentist enough, and many more don’t brush or floss their teeth every day. This leads to problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, both of which will lead to early tooth loss. The more you know about the caring for your teeth, the more likely you are to keep your natural smile throughout life. Find out how you can prevent early tooth loss and what you can do now to reverse common oral health issues!

 

Visiting the Dentist

Did you know that you should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year? This recommendation comes straight from the American Dental Association and countless other health sources. You should be visiting the dentist even if you feel healthy and your mouth seems to be doing fine. That twice-a-year visit is a part of preventative dentistry. This means that you are making sure your oral health is doing great and that you are preventing tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other oral health problems.

 

However, too many people don’t visit the dentist each year or at all. Some don’t even have a dentist and don’t see one unless a major dental emergency has happened to their mouth. By that time, tooth loss, infection and other major problems are very common. Some studies show that about 1/3rd of Americans don’t visit a dentist during the year. Only about 65% of people do make a dental appointment during the year, but that percentage has stayed the same through the last decade. It’s no wonder that gum disease and tooth decay are so common in American adults and children!

 

man looking at dentures

Oral Health Problems

When you think about chronic diseases, you probably don’t think about your gums or cavities. However, gum disease affects more than 64.7 million Americans, and that’s only counting adults. Millions more have tooth decay and many don’t have those cavities treated. Once you get a cavity, the only way to get rid of it is to remove the diseased part of your tooth and fill it with dental material. With your gums, there is even less that can be done if you have severe gum disease.

 

Gum disease happens because you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth as you should. When you eat, sugars in your food and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth. This creates a sticky film called plaque that sticks to your teeth and touches your gums. Over time, that acidic film will erode your tooth enamel, causing decay. It will also irritate your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, inflamed and to bleed easy. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease that we can reverse. However, severe gum disease leads to gum recession and tooth loss. One you lose one tooth, you start to have tooth loss all over. Even getting a dental implant, bridges or dentures can be difficult too as your gums are too mushy to hold these dental appliances.

 

Oral Hygiene Is a Must

Nobody wants mushy gums or tooth loss. Luckily, you don’t have to have either! You simply have to brush and floss your teeth, eat well and see the dentist. That’s it. Sounds pretty easy, right? The ADA recommends that every person brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. You can do this after every meal if you want to reduce your risk for plaque even more. Many patients also benefit from using bacteria-killing mouthwash and tooth-strengthening fluoride. All of these oral hygiene habits will significantly reduce your risk for tooth decay, gum disease and especially tooth loss. What you eat also matters, so make sure you limit your sugar to reduce the amount of plaque your body makes and avoid carbonated and citrus drinks that have acids in them.

 

You may never have tooth loss your entire life if you are vigilant with oral health habits every single day. Plus, taking care of your teeth only takes a few minutes out of your entire day. You have 1440 minutes every day to work with. It takes less than 10 of those to keep your mouth healthy, so brushing and flossing is something everyone has time for.

 

woman examining her smile at the dentist's office

Prevent Early Tooth Loss

Like we said, you don’t ever have to lose your teeth if you take care of your oral health! A major part of preventing early tooth loss is to brush and floss your teeth every day. Avoid foods and drinks that will hurt your tooth enamel. See the dentist several times a year (even if you feel fine) and definitely go to the dentist when you feel tooth pain or sensitivity. Prevention is always better than having to deal with tooth loss or any other problem in life. To learn how you can protect your teeth even more or to schedule your dental exam and cleaning, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: March 2, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Prevent Broken Teeth

woman with a tooth problem

Many patients won’t break a tooth during their lifetime. However, many patients will have this type of dental emergency. A cracked or broken tooth can lead to infection, decay and even the loss of a tooth if you don’t seek dental care right away. If you break a tooth, it can also be a sign of internal tooth decay that grew too large. We can help you know what to do at home if you break a tooth and what we can do to save your tooth. Prevent broken teeth with our help and fix your smile through restorative dentistry if you have already cracked or broken a tooth.

 

Habits that Weaken Teeth

Did you know that your tooth enamel is perhaps the strongest tissue in your body? However, inside each tooth is a soft, pulpy center full of nerves and blood vessels that nourish your tooth and make it strong. Even the strongest materials can weaken over time if they are not properly taken care of, and your teeth are no exception. Everyday, your teeth have the potential to weaken from the foods and drinks you consume. If you take a close look at your teeth, you may notice a sticky, clear film on them. This film is plaque, and it is made when the sugars in your food mix with bacteria in your mouth.

 

That film will stick to your teeth like glue and because plaque is acidic, that film will also work to erode and weaken your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal. Not enough people do this though, as studies show that many Americans will only brush their teeth once during the day, if at all. Millions don’t even floss or can’t remember the last time they brushed their teeth. Studies also show that only about 65% of people see the the dentist each year as well. It’s no wonder that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases plaguing children and adults! Tooth decay easily leads to broken teeth, cracks, chips and tooth loss.

 

Toothaches

Not everyone will have a dental emergency during their lifetime. However, many people will, and you want to seek help for these dental emergencies right away if you want to keep your tooth. People who wait to get help generally end up losing their tooth, when that doesn’t have to happen. Even a toothache is considered a dental emergency. A toothache is a sign of severe tooth decay in many cases. This happens if you don’t always brush or floss your teeth to remove plaque from your tooth surface. That allows tooth erosion to happen, and plaque can get inside the tooth, decaying it. This will result in a toothache. However, tooth sensitivity and pain can also simply happen because of changing weather or because you are drinking too hot or too cold of drinks. We can help you know the cause so we can fix it.

 

Dental Emergencies

Here’s what you need to know about these dental emergencies such as broken teeth:

  • Broken Teeth – You need to take action immediately with a broken tooth so you don’t lose it. Rinse the area with warm water and put a cold compress over the facial area to reduce swelling. Call our office immediately and recover any broken tooth fragments for us. Broken teeth will generally lead to lost teeth if you don’t have us look at it and restore it in time before the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth are damaged.
  • Cracked Teeth – A crack is also no joke. Cracks in teeth generally go below the gumline. If this is the case, an infection can start where your nerves and blood vessels lie, and you could lose a tooth.
  • Chipped Tooth – A chip isn’t quite as bad as broken teeth or a cracked tooth. Chips can be fixed through restorative dentistry. If you chip off a filling, you should get it filled again so tooth decay doesn’t happen inside your tooth.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth – Recover the tooth and hold it only by the crown so you don’t damage the root nerves. Rinse, but do not clean or handle it more than necessary. Either reinsert it into your socket and hold it in place with gauze or carry it to our office in a cup containing milk or water. Knocked-out teeth may need to be replaced.

 

chipped front tooth

Prevent Broken Teeth

The best way to prevent broken teeth is to do more for your oral hygiene routine and avoid hard foods and bad oral health habits. You should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day, per the ADA recommendation. Limit the amount of carbonated drinks you drink, as carbonic acid in carbonation erodes your tooth enamel. Avoid citrus drinks and limit citrus fruits as well, which contain citric acid. When you floss, make sure you are using the floss the also scrape the surface of each tooth, removing stuck-on plaque. The more you reduce your risk for tooth decay, the less of a chance you have for broken teeth.

 

You should also visit the dentist at least twice a year if your oral health is in good shape and even more often if you already have problems with tooth decay and gum disease. Only a dentist can find cracks and chips that are hidden as well as tooth decay. Only a dentist can repair broken teeth in time for you to not lose a tooth. However, broken teeth generally cause a lot of pain immediately, so you’ll want to seek dental help anyways. As we mentioned, a cracked tooth is also something you don’t want to wait on, as it can be just as bad as broken teeth. When you have broken teeth or any other dental emergency, call Dr. Ania’s office right away at 303-443-0998 and we’ll do all that we can to restore your smile!

Posted: February 21, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Child and Infant Oral Care

Baby with a teething toy

Did you know that your infant should start seeing a dentist within the first 6 months of their first tooth showing? Infants will get their teeth slowly, and they will have those teeth for up to a decade. Those 20 baby teeth are small and delicate, and must receive extensive care or they can easily decay. Good infant oral care will turn into childhood hygiene habits that your child will have when they are an adult. Do you know what proper child and infant oral care habits your little one needs to keep their smile healthy? We can help you know!

 

Infant Oral Care: When to Start

Many people know the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. However, despite this knowledge, cavities are incredibly prevalent. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that tooth decay (which is cavities) is the most prevalent chronic disease among children and adults. When you think of tooth decay as a disease, it becomes something even more important to try to avoid. Many people don’t know how to properly care for their teeth or when they need to be brushing and flossing. When it comes to infants, new parents don’t always know when to start.

 

When your child gets their first tooth (even if it is still just pushing through the gums, you must start on infant oral care practices. Brush that delicate first tooth after each meal or bottle of milk. When the baby does drink milk, make sure to use a wet cloth and clean the baby’s gums. Milk is full of sugars (breast milk has even more than formula), and that sugar goes to work immediate to decay a tooth. Don’t wait until your child has several teeth in their mouth to start on an infant oral care routine. Watch your baby’s gums for that first little tooth to pop through and then care for it meticulously once it’s emerged. To get you even better prepared, you can start early on cleaning your baby’s gums with a damp cloth if you want. Their gums can’t get tooth decay, but it never hurts to start the habit early-on.

 

Baby getting their first 4 teeth

Baby and Child Teeth

Your baby will have teeth come into their mouth one at a time. This can happen as early as 3 months or your baby could be 2 years old when they get their teeth. For most children, they will start having teeth erupt between 4 and 9 months old. The bottom two teeth will come in first, followed by the upper 2 teeth. They will eventually have 20 teeth in their mouth. It’s very important to practice infant oral care because those baby teeth will stay with your child for several years. They will begin to fall out around age 7 or 8 (sometimes earlier) to start making way for the permanent, adult teeth. However, baby teeth are very delicate and can decay fast, so you always want to brush and floss their tiny teeth and teach them how to do it themselves once they are old enough.

 

Child Oral Care

You will have to help brush and floss your child’s teeth for several years. For infants, brush their teeth (or tooth) at least twice a day and clean their gums with a damp cloth after feedings. Brush gently on the baby teeth and the gums. You can even gently brush their tongue to remove food and bacteria that cause bad breath and decay. Use an infant brush for your infant oral care and upgrade to different child toothbrushes as they grow. Some of these child toothbrushes will have easy-hold grips and fun shapes for children. The toothbrush heads will also be smaller than adult toothbrushes to fit the size of your child’s mouth.

 

You want to always make sure you do get them a child’s brush, as having a toothbrush that is sized for their mouth will help make sure that brushing is effective. These toothbrushes are generally softer than adult ones as well, making brushing more enjoyable. Children may not need to floss as much when they have a few teeth, but if the teeth fit more snug together or if your infant starts to get many teeth, then flossing should be integrated into the infant oral care routine. To reduce your child’s risk for tooth decay even more, you can use a fluoride toothpaste that is safe for children. You only use a grain-of-rice size of toothpaste for a toddler, and then upgrade to a pea-size amount when your child is about 3 or 4 years old.

 

Mother watching her toddler brush their teeth

See the Dentist

We mentioned the importance of having an infant oral care routine. Once that first tooth is there, your child should have an oral hygiene routine forever after if they want to keep their teeth. Your participation in vital in helping them avoid tooth decay. Make a schedule throughout the day to brush your child’s teeth, especially if you have multiple children so you don’t forget. Lastly, seeing the dentist is incredibly important for your child’s oral health. A dentist can spot the signs of early decay and can help you with your infant oral care. At our office, we can even give you instructions for helping your child have a healthy mouth. Children should come visit us at least twice a year, just as an adult would. An infant should see the dentist within the first 6 months of getting their first baby tooth. If you need to schedule your child’s dental visit or your own, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: February 17, 2018 By: Comment: 0

What’s Your Toothache Telling You?

Woman with a toothache

Have you ever had a toothache before? In many cases, a toothache is a sign of tooth decay that is hidden under the surface of your tooth. However, a cavity isn’t the only reason you might have a toothache. You could have a piece of food stuck in your gums or you could have receding gums that are sensitive. Even problems such as the temperature outside or a sinus infection could be causing your tooth pain. Find out why a toothache happens and how you can remedy it!

 

Tooth Decay Is a Major Culprit

Tooth decay is one of the reasons you might have a toothache. When you eat, sugars in foods and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. This sticky, acidic substance coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. It does this by weakening your hard enamel, creating small cracks and fissures that you can’t see. If that plaque gets inside your tooth it spreads decay like wildfire, which will give you a severe cavity and/or infection. You avoid tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day so that plaque never gets the chance to destroy your teeth.

 

toothache

Have You Damaged a Tooth?

There are many other reasons you might have a toothache. A toothache is a sign of damage or sensitivity if it’s not caused by tooth decay. Anything hurting in your mouth is a sign that something is not right and needs to be evaluated. Our patients get toothaches for reasons such as:

Tooth decay. If the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, you probably have severe damage that is causing you pain. For severe decay, we sometimes have to perform a root canal or a dental extraction.

Injured tooth. If the problem isn’t tooth decay, then we look at the structure of your tooth. If you chew on ice or other hard foods, it’s easy to chip, crack or break a tooth. You can chip some of your tooth right off the top or even break a filling that is already present. Sometimes our patients realize that they have done this as soon as it happens. If you chip a tooth, you will have a slight ache. If you’ve broken or cracked a tooth, that toothache will be more severe. Never wait to get dental help, as infection sets in quickly with broken or cracked teeth.

Winter cold. With changing seasons, we have patients that get a toothache here and there. Cold air hitting the teeth will cause sensitivity in many patients. Running heat directly in your face in a car or other small space can also irritate your teeth. Patients tend to drink more hot beverages in the winter, which can cause tooth sensitivity. Limit these habits or try venting the heat more, as well as drinking warm beverages instead of hot ones.

Gum recession. Plaque and tartar buildup will damage your teeth and irritate your gums. That irritation causes gum recession, which exposes part of your tooth root. This root will be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages, which can cause you sharp, sudden pains.

Bruxism and TMJ. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with headaches and a toothache in one or more places. We will look to see if you are clenching or grinding or if you need treatment for dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint.

 

Reduce Your Toothache Risk

We mentioned that tooth decay is one of the reasons you might have a toothache. When you eat, sugars in foods and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. This sticky, acidic substance coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. It does this by weakening your hard enamel, creating small cracks and fissures that you can’t see. If that plaque gets inside your tooth it spreads tooth decay like wildfire, which will give you severe tooth decay and/or infection.

 

You avoid tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day so that plaque never gets the chance to destroy your teeth. Keeping your teeth clean will reduce your risk for decay and infection and will remove food that is stuck in your teeth and gums. The cleaner you keep your mouth, the fewer problems you will have, as tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches.

 

woman with a toothache using a ice pack

Remedy a Toothache

A toothache should never be something you commonly get. A healthy mouth is one that is pain-free and clean. When you start to get an ache in one of your teeth, monitor it throughout the day. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, call our office right away, especially if it’s getting close to a weekend. If your toothache is caused by tooth decay, we want to remove that decay as soon as possible or your aches and pains will get worse.

 

Until you can see us, use a cold compress on your face by applying it to your cheek 15-20 minutes on and 15-20 minutes off. You can also take an over-the-counter painkiller such as Tylenol to help with the pain. However, never touch aspirin or other painkillers straight to your gums or the area that hurts or you could end up with burns or other oral health problems. For help with your toothache or other oral health problem, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998

 

Posted: February 7, 2018 By: Comment: 0

It’s Not Too Late: Adult Orthodontics Can Restore Your Smile!

Adult male with braces

Advancements in dental technology are encouraging adults everywhere to take advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too! In the past, the thought of having metal braces as an adult discouraged many from receiving treatment, but today there are many options for adults besides traditional metal braces, including: ceramic, invisible, and lingual (behind the teeth) braces. Explore your options for orthodontic treatment as an adult by visiting our office!

 

Adult Orthodontics

When you think of braces, you probably picture teenagers with metal brackets. However, millions of braces wearers are children and adults. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 5 patients that receive braces is over the age of 21. Add that to the more than 4 million people that wear braces each year, and you have almost a million people over 21 sporting orthodontic appliances. That means, if you do choose to get braces, you won’t be alone. Adult orthodontics is simply orthodontic treatment for adults, which is very similar to what a teenager or child would receive.

 

Studies show that you can benefit from getting braces at any age. For adults, they can improve their success and confidence by receiving adult orthodontics. Many studies have shown that straightening your smile makes you appear more attractive, successful, wealthy, healthy and more. In studies, people even perceived others as 73% more trustworthy if their teeth were straight. You are more likely to land a job over your competition as well if you have straight teeth. The benefits of adult orthodontics are endless, and so are your possibilities if you choose to receive this life-changing treatment.

 

Invisalign treatment

Should You Get Braces?

You may think that it is too late to get braces once you are an adult, but that is not the case. In many patients, it’s easier to correct bite and alignment problems when young. This is because the jaw continues to grow until your teenage years. After that, bite and alignment problems become more difficult to treat, but nowhere near impossible. However, when it comes to straightening teeth, it’s easy to do whether you are an adult, child or teenager. For all patients, we say that it’s never too late to straighten your pearly whites. Why? Because you will improve your health by doing so no matter your age.

 

When you straighten your teeth, you reduce your risk for tooth decay, gum disease and oral health problems. Crooked teeth are teeth that are harder to keep clean. Because of this, you end up getting plaque and tartar buildup on different parts of your teeth. This leads to your teeth decaying in those areas and your gums receding. Those with crooked teeth (even adults) have a higher chance of having cavities and gum problems. Crooked teeth also lead to cracked, chipped and broken teeth over time because there is uneven pressure on the teeth when you bite, chew and speak. Breaking or cracking a tooth could eventually lead to losing that tooth, which you want to avoid. Straightening your teeth can remove or seriously reduce your risk for all of these problems.

 

Adult woman with orthodontics

You Have Options

Did you know that metal brackets aren’t your only option for adult orthodontics? In the past, metal brackets were all that were available to patients, but now there are also lingual braces, clear braces and Invisalign treatment.

  • Metal braces – This is the most economical choice for adult orthodontics if you are on a tight budget. These braces are the the ones with metal brackets and wires attached to the front of your teeth.
  • Lingual braces – A discreet option for adult orthodontics is lingual braces. These are metal braces that are custom-fit to the back of your teeth instead of the front. This option is perfect for adults who want braces, but want to hide them.
  • Clear braces – These are braces that mimic the look and feel of traditional metal braces, except they are made of white ceramic material. That material is made to match the whiteness of your teeth. Even the archwire can be made white to match your tooth shade.
  • Invisalign – We love Invisalign treatment for our patients, especially when it comes to adult orthodontics! Invisalign is the most discreet way to straighten your teeth. This is a series of transparent aligners that we custom-make for your mouth and that you switch out every week. Over time, these clear trays gradually shift your teeth straight. The best part is that no one will even know you are wearing an orthodontic appliance. Plus, you can remove your aligners for eating, drinking, sports, physical activity, and cleaning your teeth like normal. This is the best option for adults wanting adult orthodontics, but who don’t want everyone to know they have braces.

 

A Better Smile Today

Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too! If you are interested in exploring your options for orthodontic treatment as an adult, please contact us to schedule an appointment. For your free consultation, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: January 28, 2018 By: Comment: 0

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning treatments are one of the best ways to prevent and treat periodontal disease and tooth decay. A dental cleaning also helps our patients maintain optimal tooth health and cultivate a bright, white smile. Some patients are apprehensive about coming in for a dental cleaning because they don’t know what to expect. By knowing what happens during a dental cleaning, you can eliminate your fears (or the fears of a loved one) and approach this dental visit without fear or anxiety.

 

Your Oral Health

Certain conditions, such as high cholesterol and diabetes, can affect the health of your gums. Your oral health habits (brushing and flossing) will also affect how healthy your mouth is and if you are at risk for tooth decay. It is critical to take care of your oral health, because your oral health affects overall health. Researchers at Columbia University found that people with gum disease were more likely to suffer from arteriosclerosis, or the narrowing of the blood vessels. This leads to stroke and heart attack. Studies also show that the more bacteria you have in your mouth, the more likely you are to have more health problems.

 

Reducing your bacteria through proper oral hygiene habits is key to keeping your mouth healthy and reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that every person brush their teeth at least twice a day. The ADA also recommends flossing your teeth everyday to remove food that is stuck between teeth. These two habits alone will significantly reduce your risk for decay and disease. Also critical to your oral health? Seeing the dentist at least twice a year for comprehensive examinations and a dental cleaning.

 

dental cleaning

What Is a Dental Cleaning?

Did you know that about 1/3rd of people don’t see their dentist every year? Only about 65% of people see their dentist regularly. That statistic has stayed consistent throughout the years. Some of the most basic services a dentist provides is a dental cleaning and comprehensive exam. Although basic, these are some of the most important services, because they determine if you have tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues.

 

When you come into our office for a dental cleaning, Dr. Ania or one of her dental hygienists will provide your teeth with one of the best cleanings they will get all year. This isn’t your ordinary brushing and flossing. Our hygienists will brush your teeth with our brushing and polishing tools. They will remove tartar (mineralized plaque) with ultrasonic treatments or fine hand tools. We will remove all plaque from your teeth and polish them. Thorough flossing will remove stuck food and will determine if your flossing habits are good or not. We will also provide you a flouride treatment that will protect your teeth from decay and strengthen them. A dental hygienist will clean every part of your tooth meticulously and Dr. Ania will evaluate your oral health.

 

Comprehensive Exams

This is a time for Dr. Ania to check your mouth for oral cancer. She will do a thorough examination of your tongue, lips, cheeks, throat and more, and will check for any abnormalities. She will check your biting, chewing and swallowing patterns and see if you need orthodontic treatment in the future. If you have tooth decay, we will set up an appointment to remove your decay and restore your tooth health. For gum problems, she can prescribe you antibiotics for gum infections or bacteria problems. If your oral health needs improvement, she will teach you what needs to be done at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

 

dental cleaning tools

Battling Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is our biggest concern when it comes to the health of your teeth. This is because the National Institutes of Health reports that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children and adults. That’s compared to thousands of other diseases! The worst part is that tooth decay (cavities) are 100% avoidable if you take care of your teeth. This is one disease you don’t have to have. Knowing how cavities form can help you avoid them.

 

When you eat, sugars in food and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth to form a sticky, clear and acidic substance we call plaque. Some bacteria helps break down your food for digestion, while other bacteria (the bad kind) forms this plaque. That plaque damages your teeth because it sticks to your tooth enamel. The acids in it work to slowly weaken your teeth and erode your enamel over time. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth several times a day, you will eventually have weak spots and small cracks in your teeth. That allows plaque to get inside the soft center of your tooth where your nerves and blood vessels are. This is the most sensitive part of your tooth, and where tooth decay will happen rapidly. Severe tooth decay leads to large cavities, root canals and even lost teeth.

 

Better Oral Health Today

Not enough people visit their dentist each year. This is why so many people have tooth decay and gum disease—both of which are avoidable with proper oral health habits. Investing in a dental cleaning can help reduce your risk for both of these diseases and can eliminate your chance of other oral health issues. Win the battle against tooth decay by having your teeth cleaned and examined at our dental office today. Simply call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to schedule your appointment!

Posted: January 21, 2018 By: Comment: 0

The Advantages of Same-Day Dentistry

appointment for a dental crown

Enjoy the convenience of same-day dentistry with our state-of-the-art dental systems! At our office, we have a cutting-edge dental system that alleviates the need for traditional impressions, temporaries and second appointments. This saves you precious time and elevates your overall dental experience. Two major technological advances makes same-day dentistry crowns a real possibility: digital scanners and in-office milling machines. Find out how these machines help you get in and out of the office in record time!

 

What Does Same-Day Dentistry Mean?

Judging by the title, you will assume that “same-day dentistry” means that you will have a service done that same day. You are correct in this assumption. However, we are talking about dental crowns when we talk about same-day dentistry. A dental crown acts like a cap for your tooth. It covers and protects a tooth that has been damaged by decay and infection. Dental crowns are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth and preserve tooth enamel, however, the usual process is lengthy. In the past (and still at many dental facilities), receiving a dental crown was time consuming. It takes at least 2 office visits and up to several weeks of waiting for your crown to be made in a lab.

 

Same-day dentistry eliminates the need for two office visits. In the past, we would remove your tooth decay and provide you a temporary crown for your tooth. You then had to wait up to two weeks to get your crown and have it placed. Fortunately, advanced technology now allows a handful of specially-trained dentists to take digital impressions of their patient’s mouths and create a crown in-office the same day. That is why we refer to this as “same-day dentistry”. There’s no waiting several weeks and you get a sturdy, supportive dental crown that will help make your mouth stronger.

 

dental crown model

Same-Day Dentistry Appointment

We know that your time is valuable, especially if you are working. That’s why we have same-day dentistry crowns! When you come in for a dental crown, we will take digital scans of your teeth. This will take an exact impression of your existing bite and will provide us images of how your teeth look. Our digital scanner replaces the need for old-fashioned, gooey impressions we did in the past. Dr. Ania will use that digital image to create a crown that is customized for your mouth’s exact needs.

 

We use our in-house milling machine to create a custom crown while you wait in our office. Dr. Ania does this by sending the digital image to a milling machine that creates the crown, and then places the crown in an oven to crystallize. Once your crown has been made, Dr. Ania takes the time to bond the crown to your tooth and to protect your natural tooth from any elements or further tooth decay. The entire procedure from start to finish takes about 2 hours and there is no need to worry about temporary crowns.

 

dental crown

Why You Need a Dental Crown

Not every patient needs a dental crown. Patients who have had a dental emergency or severe tooth decay are the patients who will need a dental crown. When tooth decay is small, we can easily remove that decay and provide you with a tooth-colored cavity filling. We simply use our drills and other tools to remove the decayed part of your tooth and fill it like new. However, it is possible for tooth decay to spread so fast that it decays a large part of your tooth. In this case, a patient will need a root canal to clear the tooth of decay and any infection that has formed. This leaves your natural tooth in a vulnerable state, where it will be very sensitive and could develop decay again.

 

We never want to simply remove your natural tooth, so we will perform that root canal and then provide a dental crown to cover your natural tooth. We shape your dental crown to look like your real tooth—so much so that no one will ever know the difference. If you’ve got a tooth that has been seriously weakened or damaged, a strong dental crown is a highly-effective and attractive cosmetic dentistry solution.

 

How You Benefit

Same-day dentistry works amazing well for our patient’s schedules. It takes one simple office visit, where you can then return to work or home. If you have had a toothache or oral health problem, don’t wait to come into the office! If your dental work requires a dental crown, we can perform this with a same-day dentistry appointment. To have your free consultation, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: January 12, 2018 By: Comment: 0

5 Things to Know About Nutrition and Your Teeth

teeth health

Dr. Ania and her friendly staff concern themselves with not only your current dental health but also your future dental health. Taking preventive steps early gives you defense against some of the most common dental issues and problems that affect your teeth. One of the most important components to a healthy smile is your nutrition. Certain food choices greatly affect the strength, color, appearance and health of your gums and mouth. Read on to learn how you can eat for a better smile today and tomorrow.

 

Nutrition and Your Teeth

Before you put another bite of food in your mouth, think of what that food is doing for your body and for your teeth. Nutrition is a major part of staying healthy through the years and living longer. The better you eat, the longer you live. It’s no surprise that the better your nutrition, the better every part of your body can be. Your teeth are no exception! What’s so important about nutrition and your teeth?

  1. Certain foods and drinks can damage your teeth.
  2. Foods and drinks can also make your teeth stronger.
  3. Tooth decay starts with your food choices.
  4. Proper teeth habits help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Preventative dentistry services will protect your smile for years.

 

What You Eat Matters!

Foods can make you healthy or they can make you feel sick. A diet full of sugar and processed foods (generally also high in fat) will quickly lead to sickness, weight gain, and chronic conditions and diseases. Foods can also damage your teeth. The American Dental Association suggests reducing or cutting out foods that will make a dent in your smile. These are foods that many people eat on a daily basis without realizing that they are doing their pearly whites a disservice. Some foods you should avoid include:

  • Hard Candies – Hard candies are almost purely sugar. Sucking on them exposes your teeth to sugars over a long period of time, decaying your tooth enamel.
  • Hard Ice – Chewing on ice can crack, break or fracture your teeth. Suck on ice instead.
  • Chewy Candies – Taffy, gummies, caramels, fruit snacks and similar treats are also almost purely sugar. Sticky candies literally “stick” to your teeth and increase your risk for tooth decay. They get into the cracks of your teeth and cause cavities.
  • Citrus Fruits – Whether you eat citrus fruits or have them in beverages, your teeth are taking a hit from acids. Citric acid erodes away your tooth enamel when you have it in foods and drinks. Don’t brush your teeth immediately afterwards either, or you could brush away a layer of your tooth enamel.
  • Coffee, Tea and Wine – All of these drinks contain substances that get in the grooves of your teeth and stain them. Plus, people tend to add lots of sugar to make these drinks sweet.

 

teeth health

Make Your Smile Stronger

You can instantly make your smile stronger by cutting out sugary foods. This will protect your teeth from decay and will help your health as well. There are many foods that can help give your teeth the vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy and strong. These include foods such as:

  • Dairy Products – These are high in calcium, phosphate, protein, vitamins and minerals you teeth need to stay healthy.
  • Leafy Greens – These are also high in vitamins and minerals.
  • Fluoridated Water – Most public drinking water in the U.S. contains fluoride in the water. Fluoride will help shield your teeth from sugar and will strengthen your teeth.

 

Tooth Decay from Food

Not only will eating better help your overall health and wellness, but it makes a big difference in your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is also known as “dental caries” or cavities” The National Institutes of Health report that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases amongst adults and children. We keep mentioning sugar. Sugar is found in almost every food, and added sugars are making more of a presence in foods that shouldn’t have them. Sugars in the foods you eat mix with bacteria in your mouth to create plaque. That’s the sticky, acidic substance we’ve mentioned that sticks to your teeth.

 

Every time you eat, plaque sticks on the teeth and tries to erode away your tooth enamel. If you don’t clean that plaque away, you’ll start to have tooth decay (cavities) that are big or small and can get gum disease. Both of these problems are avoidable with good teeth-cleaning habits.

 

teeth health

Healthy Teeth Habits At-Home

You reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease the most right in your own home! Brushing and flossing your teeth should be two habits that you do every single day. Studies show that 1 in 4 adults don’t brush twice a day and 1 in 10 don’t brush their teeth often. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You can take these recommendations a step further and brush and floss after every meal.

 

Preventative Dentistry

You can’t keep a healthy smile without visiting the dentist! Every patient should visit the dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings and comprehensive examinations. These are preventative dentistry services to prevent cavities and gum problems. We take x-rays of your teeth to ensure your bite and alignment is good and to detect cavities. We also clean plaque from the teeth and stuck-on tartar. Only a dentist can detect tooth decay and gum disease at a stage where it can be fixed. If you do have frequent cavities or problems with gum disease or recession, you should see us 3-4 times a year to keep your smile healthy and bright. To schedule your dental check-up, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: January 6, 2018 By: Comment: 0

What to Expect with Laser Dentistry

laser dentistry

Laser dentistry and tissue treatment offer you the best tools from today’s science and dental technology. Dr. Ania’s practice is one of just a few practices that currently offers this innovative laser tissue treatment. Laser dentistry sets a high standard with its superior precision, minimized bleeding, reduced risk of infection, and accelerated healing. Patients also report significantly less pain and discomfort during and after treatment. If you dread getting dental work done, you might be surprised to find out how easy and comfortable laser dentistry can be. Change your dental experience today by receiving laser dentistry services!

 

Avoiding Cavities

Most people don’t like having cavities and like getting them fixed even less. Did you know that cavities are actually 100% preventable if you take care of your oral health? The National Institutes of Health reports that tooth decay (which are cavities) is one of the most “prevalent chronic” diseases in children and adults alike. Your risk for cavities increases as you age, so not only do you have to be vigilant with your oral health as a child, but you also have to be adamant about brushing and flossing as an adult!

You can avoid cavities fairly easy if you brush and floss your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. We would even take it a step further and suggest that you brush your teeth after every meal (especially if you get cavities easy).

laser for dental office

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Most people think of probing tools and needles when they think about getting a cavity filled. However, laser dentistry is a popular method of performing dental procedures that is much better than using tools and needles. Laser dentistry involves using an instrument that gives off a very narrow beam of intense light energy. We have found that lasers can clean your teeth without hurting you or damaging your teeth.

Laser dentistry is not a new concept. It’s actually been around since 1990 and is becoming more popular each year amongst dentists. Dr. Ania uses lasers in her practice for:

  • Deep cleaning gingival pockets (for laser decontamination)
  • Diseased tissue removal (laser-assisted periodontal therapy)
  • Sterilization of root canals
  • Gum recontouring (which is reshaping the gums for cosmetic purposes)
  • Crown lengthening
  • Cold-sore treatment
  • Laser tooth whitening
  • Dental implant exposure

Laser Cavity Detection

Lasers can be used for cleaning the teeth easier and more comfortably than other methods. Did you know that we can also detect cavities using lasers? We call this “laser cavity detection.” Tooth decay can be difficult to diagnose, especially with probing tools alone. X-ray detection can be very beneficial for finding cavities, but in many cases, the cavity has to be large. There is a better way to detect cavities with lasers. Using a “Diagnodent” laser—which is a pen-like wand—we can scan your tooth surface for signs of hidden tooth decay.

Using lightwave reflection, we pass the laser over each tooth to discover tooth decay. If your tooth is healthy, the laser light will pass through your tooth. However, if there is a cavity, the light will be reflected. This way, we are able to know the exact size, shape and location of a cavity no matter how big or small it is. Using lasers in dentistry can help us fix a tiny cavity before it becomes large and needs a more in-depth procedure.

Why Choose Laser Dentistry?

Dr. Ania often applies the use of lasers in her dentistry practice to offer a speedy and more pain-free treatment for certain procedures. She can use lasers for treatments that may not have been possible in the past. She can treat unsightly cold sores with low-intensity dental lasers that reduce irritation and minimize healing time. Lasers can detect and treat cavities, enhance a smile by reshaping gums, eliminate benign tumors, whiten teeth and more.

The benefits of choosing laser dentistry over hand-held instruments include extreme precision, which allows Dr. Ania to remove only diseased tissue without disturbing surrounding tissue. Laser treatment is notorious for quick healing because the laser instantaneously seals the blood vessels. Patients love that as well as the fact that light-energy sessions don’t usually cause bleeding. When you need dental work done, it’s easy to use laser dentistry services and then return immediately to your normal activities. If you want to learn more about laser dentistry and what it can do for you, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: December 28, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Diagnosing and Treating Your TMJ Pain

TMJ pain

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research it is believed that over 10 million Americans are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) and joint pain. If you are having TMJ pain in your jaw or the muscles that control the movement of your jaw, or if you hear a popping or clicking noise when chewing, or opening and closing your jaw, you may have fallen victim as well. Dr. Ania and her friendly team can help diagnose your TMJ pain and prescribe appropriate treatment.

 

Joint Pain

Millions of Americans experience chronic or episodic pain every day. In fact, some studies suggest that around 100 million Americans have chronic pain. This pain comes from many conditions or diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. When you think of pain, you may think of this major conditions. However, joint pain in your face is something that happens to millions of people as well. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that an estimated 10 million Americans have pain from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. This term is usually shortened to “TMJ” or “TMD”.

 

TMJ Pain

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Saying that you have “TMJ pain” is like saying you have KJ (knee joint) or EJ (elbow joint) pain. TMJ was originally named because of the belief that this disorder largely originated in the joint itself. However, recent knowledge shows that the true cause of joint problems in this area actually originate elsewhere. That is why TMJ is also referred to as “TMD”, which means “temporomandibular disorder”.

 

There are many names for TMJ pain such as “craniomandibular disorders” (CMD), “craniofacial pain disorders” (CPD) and temporomandibular dysfunction. However, TMJ has still been the most-used out of all the terms. So, what is it?

 

jaw pain

Temporomandibular Joint

There are 360 different joints in your body. The temporomandibular joint is located in your head by the temporal bone and the mandible (hence the name “temporomandibular). This is the joint that connects this bone to your mandible. This is also the joint that moves when you eat, chew, speak and more. This joint acts like a sliding hinge when you move and you have one of these joints on each side of your face.

 

There are several reasons you may develop pain in this area. You could have a genetic factor that causes you weakness and pain in this area. You could have arthritis developing in this area, as many joint disorders stem from arthritis complications. However, it is also possible that you have a jaw injury or that you are grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw.

 

Diagnosing Your TMJ Pain

We see patients on a daily basis that have pain due to tooth decay or other oral health issues. Although TMJ is not an oral health issue, it is something that we help treat, as it has to do with opening and closing your mouth. You will have symptoms that are quite common among other patients with the same problem. Some of those symptoms include:

  • Tenderness or pain in your jaw
  • Pain in the area of one or both of your temporomandibular joints
  • Pain around your ear but not exactly in your ear
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Locking of your joint, which makes it difficult to open or close your mouth

 

All of these symptoms are not something that you should just live with, as you should not naturally have pain or tenderness in your face or jaw. You body sends your brain signals of pain to tell you that something is amiss. The NIH reports that between 5% and 12% of people have TMJ pain. There are solutions for fixing your TMJ pain today and you can do it by simply coming to Dr. Ania’s office for an evaluation.

 

Relieving Your Pain Today

The many signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD often lead patients to seek a dental consultation. Many other seek help from a medical doctor, which will generally result in them receiving an anti-inflammatory drug, pain medications or tranquilizers. As a dental office, we believe that TMJ pain should be treated in the most conservative manner possible, and surgery should always be the last resort for this kind of pain. Drugs from a doctor will mask symptoms. However, we want to relieve your TMJ pain for good. We have found that the primary problem can often be traced to a poor occlusion in your bite instead of a problem with the joint itself.

 

Joint problems are frequently related to a misalignment of the teeth, which in turn causes a misaligned joint. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the dynamic relationships related to the physiologic range-of-motion and body posture. We look at the bite and alignment of your teeth and examine your teeth to see if you are clenching them or grinding them at night. We also see if alignment is good so that you’re not straining the area where your temporomandibular joint is. For some patients, we can provide mouthguards and bite guards that they can wear at night to help relieve pain and pressure. For others, we can refer you to a proper orthodontist, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), oral surgeon or other professional.

 

Get Rid of TMJ Pain

You don’t have to live your life with TMJ pain! Come see us at Dr. Ania’s office for an evaluation and we can either help you in-office or refer you to the specialist that can best serve you. If you have jaw pain, call our office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: December 18, 2017 By: Comment: 0

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