Can You Benefit from a Dental Sealant?

dental sealant

Each and every patient runs the risk of developing tooth decay, especially if proper oral hygiene habits are not established or followed. If your tooth is showing signs of developing a cavity, a dental sealant may be perfect to prevent one from forming. A dental sealant is usually a clear or white, thin plastic coating that Dr. Ania applies to a patient’s tooth. This sealant “seals” away the sensitive parts of your tooth and protects your enamel from further decay caused by food, plaque, and bacteria. If you are prone to cavities or want to simply prevent cavities from forming in hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, you should invest in dental sealants! Let us show you the advantages of dental sealants and how they can protect you from tooth decay for up to 10 years!

 

Tooth Decay Is a Chronic Disease

Did you know that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease amongst children and adults? This comes from a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people don’t realize that tooth decay—better known as “cavities”—is a disease at all. However, a “disease” is defined as a “disorder of structure or function in a human,…especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

 

Tooth decay is caused by plaque. This is an acidic substance made from the bacteria in your mouth mixed with sugars in the foods you eat. That plaque sits on your teeth and erodes away your hard tooth enamel until it can seep inside your tooth and decay the soft center. The key to avoiding tooth decay is to brush and floss your teeth daily, see your dentist for cavity detection and care, and receive a dental sealant.

 

How Do We Detect Your Cavity?

Dr. Ania’s office uses all of the latest technology to ensure that your mouth can be the healthiest it can be. We utilize lasers in our office to help reverse damage caused by gum disease. Laser dentistry is an incredible advancement in the field that allows us to deep clean and remove gum tissue that has been diseased by bacteria. Laser light is not only effective at combating gum disease though. It is also used to help detect cavities that are present in your teeth. In the past, we had to rely on probing tools and x-ray imaging to detect cavities. However, with x-rays, we could only detect tooth decay once it had become large enough to show up in an image. With probing tools, we can detect areas of sensitivity, but they are not the most effective for detecting cavities.

 

With laser light, we use the principle of lightwave reflection to detect tooth decay in a tooth. When this laser light is pointed at a tooth, that tooth will either absorb or reflect the light. For a healthy tooth, the laser light will easily pass through the tooth. However, when there is tooth decay present, the light will be reflected. Laser cavity detection is amazing for decreasing your chances of extensive oral procedures because we can catch decay in its early stages. In fact, we can tell the exact size, shape, and location of a cavity using laser light. This means we can catch tooth decay when it is very tiny, making it easy to provide you a cavity filling.

 

Preventing Tooth Decay with a Dental Sealant

Dental sealants are excellent tools for avoiding cavities. A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that Dr. Ania puts all over your tooth. The molars and premolars are the teeth that most need a dental sealant, as these are the ones that do most of the chewing. Your front teeth are more for biting and ripping food, while the back teeth are used to chew. The molars are also the teeth that most commonly have cavities. According to the American Dental Association, a dental sealant can reduce your risk for a cavity by up to 80%.

 

When you receive a dental sealant, it will bond to your tooth and seal away all the grooves and cracks of the teeth. That will prevent plaque and other acidic substances from eroding away your tooth enamel. These are areas where food can more easily become trapped, and where a toothbrush may have a harder time cleaning. A dental sealant will also help prevent tooth decay from happening inside the tooth that commonly leads to root canals and more extensive procedures. Your dental sealant can last you up to 10 years if you take care of your teeth properly.

 

The Key to A Healthy Mouth

When it comes to avoiding tooth decay and keeping a healthy mouth, prevention is always key! Many major diseases and chronic conditions can be avoided if you take proper care of your oral health and overall wellness. Creating and following healthy oral health habits will work wonders for avoiding oral health problems. Receiving a dental sealant for a tooth can help protect your tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay from happening. Plus, these sealants last many years! If you want to give yourself the highest chance of avoiding cavities, invest in a dental sealant today. Simply call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to schedule your appointment!

 

Posted: October 23, 2017 By: Comment: 0

The Basics of a Cavity Filling

cavity filling

If you’ve ever been to the dentist, then you might also be familiar with cavities. Cavities are also known as dental caries or tooth decay. Tooth decay is one of the most chronic and prevalent diseases among children and adults. We have methods to detect cavities through x-rays and laser cavity detection. Once detected, we can remove the decayed part of your tooth and provide you a cavity filling to fix your tooth like new again. Cavity fillings are small, yet very effective at keeping your tooth intact and stopping more tooth decay from forming. Find out more about cavity fillings, how they’ve changed over the years, and what one can do for your smile today!

 

What Is A Cavity?

You may known the term “cavity” by the names of “dental caries” or “tooth decay”. All mean the same, and all refer to the decay of your tooth. Tooth decay comes as a result of poor hygiene. Plaque is a mixture of bacteria in your mouth and the sugars in the foods you eat. This mixture creates an acidic substance (which is plaque) that erodes your tooth enamel. If the teeth aren’t brushed and flossed often enough (or properly), then erosion occurs enough to create openings in your teeth. That acidic plaque then seeps inside the tender center of your tooth, where it causes quick decay. This decay is known as a cavity. Many patients won’t even know they have a cavity unless they see their dentist often for an examination or if the decay has become severe enough to cause pain when chewing and other symptoms.

 

How Do We Detect Cavities?

In the past, dentists could only detect cavities by a few methods: a patient started to experience tooth pain or sensitivity, probing tools found a cavity, or by using x-rays. However, technology now affords us the ability to use laser cavity detection. This is how we know if you will need a cavity filling or not. Laser cavity detection is an amazing advancement that allows dentists to harness the power of lasers to detect tooth decay. Tooth decay generally starts of very small, making it hard to detect until a cavity has grown. We can see cavities using x-ray imaging, but sometimes the small ones go unnoticed until they are large enough to show up on film.

 

However, with laser cavity detection, laser light can detect cavities and can show us their exact size, shape, and location in a tooth. This pen-like wand scans the surface of each tooth and blasts laser light on each tooth. In a healthy tooth, light passes through completely. However, if tooth decay is present, it will reflect the laser light, allowing us to detect a cavity before it has become severe. Once we detect that cavity, we can then use a cavity filling to stop tooth decay before it becomes more severe.

 

Treating Tooth Decay with a Cavity Filling

There are several materials you can choose from when it comes to receiving a cavity filling. In the past, metal amalgam fillings were the most popular choice of dentists. These were silver-colored fillings that were a mix of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This material was used for decades because it is so durable. However, the most popular choice for a cavity filling today is a tooth-colored filling. This tooth-colored cavity filling is also known as a “composite filling”. It’s made from a mixture of glass or quartz filler and looks like a part of your natural tooth. Hence, the reason why it is called a “tooth-colored” cavity filling.

 

Many patients won’t mind what the material is made from, as long as it is resistant to fracture and is durable. Tooth-colored fillings are just that: durable for many years and resistant to breakage. We simply remove the part of the tooth that has been decayed, and replace it with a cavity filling that matches the color of your tooth. Most patients will not even be able to tell where the cavity occurred, as we preserve most of the natural tooth and its appearance throughout the process. A cavity filling is the most basic way to restore parts of a tooth that has decayed, and is the option most patients prefer instead of more serious procedures.

 

Good Oral Hygiene

What is the best way to prevent tooth decay from happening? Good oral hygiene! In fact, if you practice good oral hygiene, then you can potentially avoid tooth decay for your entire life. You can also avoid problems such as gum disease, which affects more than 64 million American adults. The American Dental Association recommends brushing the teeth at least twice a day. Some great times to fulfill that recommendation is in the morning after breakfast and before you go to bed. For patients who want an even better chance at avoiding cavities, they should brush about 30 minutes after every meal. Brushing too soon after meals that have acidic foods (citrus fruits, soda, etc.) can erode the tooth enamel.

 

Be wise when it comes to brushing and make sure you brush each individual tooth all the way to the gumline. Flossing is also an integral part of keeping your oral health in spectacular shape. You should floss your teeth at least once a day. When you do floss, make sure to drag the floss across your tooth surface to collect all the plaque that is caked on. Bring the floss all the way up into your gum line (or under the triangle gum shape between each tooth). That is where food likes to get trapped. By brushing and flossing daily, you can avoid many oral health issues. To be even more vigilant with your oral health, you can add mouthwash and fluoride to your oral hygiene routine.

 

Prevention Is Key

When it comes to cavities, you never have to have one! Establish good oral health habits and follow them every single day, morning and night. Also, come in to see us for comprehensive examinations and dental cleanings at least every 6 months if not more often. These are the ways to prevent tooth decay and to detect it early-on. Early detection will only require a cavity filling, whereas later detection may necessitate more rigorous procedures. Prevention is key to having a healthy mouth. If you need to schedule your exam and cleaning, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: October 17, 2017 By: Comment: 0

All About Your Permanent Teeth

permanent teeth

As a dental office, we see teeth all day long. Every person is unique, but a smile is something they all share. Infant teeth are different than adult teeth in size, shape, number and more. An adult will have around 32 teeth while a child will only have around 20 teeth. Those teeth fall into categories such as incisors, canines, premolars and molars. Each tooth has a specific function in the mouth, as do your tongue, gums, and even saliva. It’s important to know about your smile and why you need to have all your teeth for it to function properly. There are over 120 million people that have a missing tooth in the United States alone. Every tooth is vitally important for your oral health and overall wellness. Find out more about your baby and permanent teeth today and what you can do to keep them healthy for life.

 

Baby Teeth

People aren’t born with teeth immediately. That should be no shocker to most people. Much like everything else a baby must develop, their teeth also come in with time. Their smile is different than an adult smile with permanent teeth as well. Babies start to have teeth come into the mouth anywhere between 4-6 months of age. Those teeth continue to come in up until age 3, when all the teeth should be in the upper and lower jaws. First, the front teeth come in such as the incisors, then some of the molars will come into the mouth and the canines, and so on.

 

Babies should have a total of 20 teeth, or 10 teeth in the upper jaw and 10 teeth in the lower jaw. These teeth are not permanent teeth, so they will eventually fall out of the mouth. You might notice that a child’s teeth are not fit snugly together. The jaw is continually growing, so the teeth are spaced out to make room for the permanent teeth to come in.

 

Permanent Teeth

One a child loses their baby teeth, the permanent teeth will start to grow in. This whole process of losing baby teeth and receiving permanent teeth can begin around age 6 or 7 and go up until ages 12-14. It all depends on the child and their genetic makeup. The permanent teeth are called that for a reason: they are permanently in the mouth unless, trauma, tooth decay, gum disease, or age take them away from you.

 

The average adult has about 32 permanent teeth in the mouth. Some adults only have 28, which depends on how many wisdom teeth a person has. Some have all 4 (giving us the number of 32 teeth), while others have no wisdom teeth. Each mouth is made up of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Those are the teeth in order from the front teeth moving towards the back of your mouth on the upper and lower jaws. Adults have 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars on average.

 

Tooth Loss in the United States

As an adult, you may have many permanent teeth, but that doesn’t mean you have any to spare. You need every tooth in the mouth to have good oral health. Sadly, tooth loss is on the rise in the United States. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that adults have an average of only 25 remaining teeth out of the original 32. The American College of Prosthodontists also reports that over 120 million people are missing at least 1 tooth and that 36 million in the U.S. don’t have any teeth at all.

 

Missing even one tooth is incredibly damaging to your oral health! Once one tooth is lost, that part of the jawbone becomes weaker as do the gums. This causes even more teeth to lose support and fall out. Prevent tooth lost at all costs, and seek help right away if you do lose a permanent tooth.

 

Keep Your Smile Intact with Help

If you’ve lost a tooth recently, then one of your best options is to receive a dental implant. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry option that allows patients to replace their missing teeth with a custom-made one that looks like your natural teeth. This is a long-lasting option to keep the area of your mouth sturdy if tooth loss has occurred.

 

We prep for your dental implant by inserting a metal post into the jawbone where a tooth was lost. Once this post heals in the jaw, and when it is sturdy, we provide you a custom-made tooth secured to the top of the post. We match the tooth to the color and shape of your smile. Others won’t know you have a dental implant, but you will know because of the strength and support an implant gives you. For patients who take good care of their implants, they can expect to keep them anywhere between 10-20 years.

 

Good Oral Hygiene for Life

Remember, the best way to keep your smile healthy is to take care of it day and night through proper oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth several times a day and floss them each day as well. Come in to the office at least twice a year to check up on your smile so we can detect if there are any oral health issues. If you are due for your comprehensive exam and dental cleaning, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: October 13, 2017 By: Comment: 0

What a Beautiful Smile Can Do for You

beautiful smile

Most people want a beautiful smile, but many patients have oral health issues that are preventing them from having that smile. The American Dental Association recommends following the basics every day such as brushing the teeth at least twice a day. Are you doing all you can to keep a healthy and beautiful smile? Healthy teeth are an investment not only now, but also for your future. Those with straighter, more beautiful smiles have a greater chance at excelling at life and are perceived as more confident and successful by others. Let us help you know how to achieve a better smile today and what we can do to fix oral health issues that may be preventing you from achieving that goal!

 

Are You Doing Enough for Your Oral Health?

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, are you doing enough? The American Dental Association is a great resource for knowing how to properly care for your teeth and how often you need to brush and floss them. We stand by their recommendation to brush the teeth at least twice a day and to floss the teeth daily. Many patients can also benefit from using fluoride treatments for their teeth. Many water sources in the United States already contain fluoride, so drink plenty of water to get this mineral. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and protects against decay-causing plaque.

 

Plaque sticks to your teeth after you eat. It is a mixture of mouth bacteria and sugars from the foods you eat. It also is the substance that causes the teeth to decay and the gums to be irritated, leading to gum disease. Both diseases cause tooth loss. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or cavities. It is the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Gum disease as well affects more than 64.7 million Americans. Severe cases lead to tooth loss or extreme tooth loss. You can avoid both cavities and gum disease in their entirety if you brush and floss your teeth enough and visit your dentist often!

 

Brushing Properly

The ADA recommends brushing the teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Some patients like harder bristles, but soft-bristle brushes are more gentle on your tooth enamel, especially if you have soft enamel. They also recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or even sooner if the bristles become frayed and are no longer straight. If your toothbrush bristles start turning a dull brown or gray, you should also get a new brush. The size, shape, and design of your toothbrush is up to you. When brushing, the ADA recommends placing your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. Move the brush back and forth on top of each tooth throughout your entire mouth, making sure to get the very back parts of your molars as well. Clean the tongue-side parts of your teeth as well as the cheek-side parts. Repeat this process daily, especially after consuming sugar.

 

Flossing Your Teeth

Floss is also an important part of your oral hygiene routine, as food can just as easily stick to parts between the teeth as it can the front of your teeth. When flossing, it’s important to also floss food out of the gumline, not just between the teeth. Make sure to take floss down between each tooth until it stops comfortably between the gums and the teeth. Also make sure to gently scrape the teeth with your floss to remove excess plaque that can still be on the teeth after you’ve brushed. This will help decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease even more.

 

Beautiful Smiles Benefit Each Patient

Not only does a better smile look appealing, but it can boost your confidence tremendously. Studies show that even school-aged children and teenagers benefit from added confidence when they improve their smiles. Invisalign conducted a study about straight teeth, how they were perceived, and how patients felt after giving themselves a more beautiful smile. 29% of people notice a person’s smile first and 24% remember a person’s smile the most. A straighter, more beautiful smile makes others see you as 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy. 47% viewed people as healthier and 73% more trustworthy when their smile was healthy and straight. The study also found that a more beautiful smile made people more attractive.

 

Overall, a better smile made patients more confident themselves and led to greater success in life. A straighter, more beautiful smile is also one that has a lower risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Patients who want a beautiful smile will practice proper oral hygiene more often because they will want to show off their smile. A straighter smile also helps you to avoid problems with the teeth, as straighter teeth are easier to clean and take care of.

 

Have a Smile Worth Showing Off

Your mouth is the window to the rest of your body, and an indication of how well you take care of your health. A healthier mouth is a better mouth and contributes to a more beautiful smile. Follow proper oral hygiene practices and you will be amazed at how long your teeth will last you and how strong they can be. If you would like our help to achieve a more beautiful smile today, we have many services such as dental cleanings, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and more to help get you to the smile you want. Simply call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to schedule your consultation! A healthier and more beautiful smile can be yours today!

 

Posted: October 5, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

dental implants

Do you have missing teeth? If so, you’re not alone! It’s estimated that about 178 million Americans have or have had a missing tooth. Millions of people are missing all of their teeth. However, you don’t have to live life without a full set of pearly whites! Dental implants are a restorative-dentistry option that allow patients to replace missing teeth with ones that look, feel and perform like natural teeth. If you are missing a tooth, restore your smile today with a long-lasting dental implant!

 

Missing Teeth Is Quite Common

If you’ve lost a tooth, you might think you are the only one. However, studies show that millions have lost teeth. Studies estimate that about 178 million Americans have or have had a missing tooth. There are also over 36 million people that are missing all of their teeth in the United States. The American Dental Association reports that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has at least 3 or more decayed or missing teeth. Some people do not even realize that the decay is happening.

 

Most tooth decay happens because of poor dental hygiene habits. The ADA recommends brushing the teeth at least twice a day, if not more. Patients should floss the teeth every single day as well to keep the teeth free of decay-causing plaque. Plaque is a mixture of bacteria in the mouth and the sugars you eat. This substance sits on the teeth after every meal and works to erode the tooth enamel. When that plaque is not brushed away often, it decays the tooth. The best way to avoid tooth decay that can lead to tooth loss is to keep up on oral habits every single day. There are other ways that a patient can lose a tooth.

 

How Does a Missing Tooth Happen?

There are many unique cases for many patients. Sports accidents or injuries can cause a patient to lose a tooth. If this happens, always seek medical treatment as well as our office so that both your smile and your health is intact. For many patients, their tooth loss is often a consequence of tooth decay (as we mentioned) or periodontal disease. You may know periodontal disease as gum disease. You may also know tooth decay as cavities. Millions of patients have cavities and gum disease. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in both children and adults.

 

Tooth decay can severely damage a tooth if left unchecked. If there is too much damage, a root canal treatment to clean the decay will not be effective enough to save the tooth. Your dentist can help monitor the presence of cavities and help prevent them from becoming serious.

 

What About Gum Disease?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that around 64.7 million American adults have gum disease in either mild, moderate or severe forms. That figure only includes American adults and does not take into account children, who can also get the disease. 8.7% of patients with gum disease have mild periodontitis. 30% have moderate gum disease, and 8.5% have severe gum disease.

 

Gum disease is also a consequence of not practicing oral hygiene habits enough. Plaque erodes tooth enamel, but it also attacks and irritates the gums. When the gums are irritated, they become more red, swollen and start to recede. In severe stages of gum recession, the gums recede enough that the teeth begin to fall out due to weakened bone and gum support. Gum disease is one of the main reasons a patient will lose a tooth.

 

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth, your situation doesn’t have to stay that way. Modern technology allows us to restore your smile with dental implants. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry option that allows patients to replace missing teeth with ones that look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. If you’ve been faced with periodontal disease, dental implants are still an option to rehabilitate your smile when other options are not available. A dental implant is the closest option for a tooth that looks and feels like your natural teeth.

 

At your appointment, we prepare your mouth with a metal post. We install this metal post in your jaw and allow it proper time to heal. At your second appointment, we attach a custom-made tooth that we secure into place. Dental implants can last between 10-20 years depending on how well they are cared for. They are the perfect choice to replace a missing tooth and keep your smile for years.

 

A Better Smile

An implant is meant to restore one tooth that is missing. If there are more than one teeth missing, we would direct you towards a dental bridge, which is similar to dental implants, but restore several teeth in a row connected to one another. Whether you are missing one tooth or more, we recommend that you consider a dental implant for your smile. You don’t have to live with missing teeth. If you have one, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to restore your smile today!

 

Posted: September 30, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Quick Same-Day Crowns for You

dental crowns

In the past, same-day crowns were not available to patients. However, today they are a reality. The integration of two major advances in technology makes same-day crowns possible: digital scanners and in-office milling machines. If you’ve got a tooth that has been seriously weakened or damaged, a strong dental crown can save your tooth and help retain your smile for years to come. Now you can receive that strong crown, customized in-office, during your visit. See what a dental crown can do to restore your smile and how you can receive one quicker than ever before!

 

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

We recommend brushing and flossing the teeth every single day. You should follow the American Dental Association’s recommendation of brushing the teeth at least twice a day. Why? The more you brush your teeth, the lower the amount of plaque you will have in your mouth. Plaque is the sticky, acidic substance made from sugars in the foods you eat mixed with bacteria in the mouth. It loves to eat away at your hard tooth enamel, weakening it over time. If you allow this to happen (by not brushing and flossing the teeth enough), then that weakening will occur. Not only will your enamel become weak, but it will also form small openings that will allow the inside of your tooth to decay.

 

Nobody wants to have teeth that have tooth decay, or cavities. Cavities slowly decay all that they can and a lot of that decay happens under the surface of your tooth. With enough tooth decay, you could lose a tooth or need such extensive work that you need a new tooth. However, there are other times where we can remove the tooth decay and save your natural tooth. That natural tooth will need to somehow be strong, and we provide that strength through a dental crown.

 

Dental Crowns

You may have heard of a dental crown before, but might not be familiar with what it is. Just as a crown sits on top of your head, a dental crown sits on top of a tooth. A dental crown is used in several different ways: to cover a damaged tooth that has been weakened, or to cover a dental implant post. 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. A crown is also referred to as a “cap,” and serves as protective armor for a tooth. After a dental procedure to remove decay, we can’t leave you missing part of your tooth or with a tooth in a weakened state. So, we create a dental crown that can cover all the work we do.

 

You may need a ceramic crown if you have a tooth that has been affected by breakage or fractures, cracks, large cavities, or outdated fillings that require replacement. Whether a crown is needed on a front tooth or a molar, we can handcraft a crown to fit over the tooth that needs it. Plus, ceramic crowns won’t show that unappealing dark band at the gumline that happens with tooth recession and decay. Our dental crowns are handcrafted in our lab and we make sure to use metal-free ceramic materials. Ceramic is very strong and will allow you to use full biting force as if it was your natural tooth.

 

Same-Day Dental Crown

Receiving a dental crown requires that we reduce part of your tooth enamel in some cases. This is to ensure that the crown fits over your natural tooth and blends in with the rest of your teeth. If we don’t reduce the enamel, then the tooth will stick out, which is something no patient wants. That’s why we take such care to carefully mold and craft a custom-made crown for you. In the past, there were several steps to receiving a crown. Usually, decay was removed from the tooth and a temporary crown provided until the following appointment. Then, our labs created a crown that you would receive during a second appointment.

 

Technology has allowed us the option to provide same-day crowns to our patients. How? Digital scanners and in-office milling machines that work together to create a crown during your time in-office. First, we scan the patient’s teeth to create an exact impression of the existing bite. (This digital scanner replaces the old impression molds that we used to create in a first appointment.) Then, the digital images sends information to the milling machine that makes a crown. This crown then goes into an oven to crystallize and set as the patient waits. Instead of taking days or weeks, the entire process from seeing your tooth to receiving your crown takes about 2 hours only.

 

Save Time at Your Dental Appointment

Sometimes, patients may wait to have work done on their teeth because they don’t have time for several appointments. You can skip coming into the office multiple times for one procedure by receiving a same-day crown. We can correct your tooth decay and give you a dental crown to protect your tooth for years to come. If you want to know more about our same-day crown option available to our patients, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: September 20, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Do I Need a Mouthguard?

mouthguard

Protecting the teeth during sports and physical activities doesn’t have to be a challenge when you invest in a mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is key to the best protection for your teeth. These guards protect the teeth from breaking and being put out of alignment. Some mouthguards even have the potential to improve athletic performance if they are properly designed. Dr. Ania believes Agility Guard is the best sports protection mouthguard for her patients. See what a mouthguard can do for you today and if you should be using one or not.

 

Mouthguards Protect Your Smile

A mouthguard is a protective device for your mouth that guards and protects your teeth from injury. A mouthguard is not known as a “teethguard” or a “gumguard”. That’s because a mouthguard is meant to protect the teeth, lips, gums and even the arches of your mouth. It tries to protect everything it can, especially when it comes to contact sports such as basketball or soccer.

 

The American Association of Endodontists tells us that traumatic dental injuries are common occurrences of contact sports. The majority of injuries are chipped teeth. With many dental injuries, a dentist is needed to correct the injury. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from cracking, chipping, fracturing and being knocked out. A lost tooth is the last thing you want when playing sports.

 

Different Types of Mouthguards

You may think that there are many types of mouthguards because of the variety of shades and shapes they come in, but there are really only 3 types. Those are: stock mouth protectors, boil and bite mouth protectors and custom-fitted mouth protectors. Some guards are used for sports, while others are worn during sleep to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching.

  • Stock Mouth Protectors – These are your cheapest option for a mouthguard, but they are cheap for a reason. These protectors can be worn by anyone and can be found in grocery stores, departments stores, and sporting goods stores. They are cheap because they are one-size-fits-all and cannot be customized for you. Dentists do not recommend these protectors because they are generally bulky, make talking (and sometimes breathing) difficult, and actually provide little protection. If a mouthguard does not fit snug with the teeth and gums, you can still receive injuries. Avoid these types of guards.

 

  • Boil and Bite Protectors – These are guards that you can buy in many sporting goods stores. These protectors are similar to stock protectors, but can be fitted to your mouth. They are called “boil and bite” guards because you place the guard in hot water to soften the thermoplastic material. Then you place it in your mouth, bite down, and try to mold it to your teeth. They generally provide a much better grip on your teeth than stock protectors, but don’t fit perfectly.

 

  • Custom-Fitted Protectors – The best way to ensure your mouthguard is snug with your teeth and gums is to have one custom made for your mouth. A custom-fit guard is individually designed to fit your mouth and no one else’s. For example, Dr. Ania would take a mold of your teeth and form a custom mouthguard from the mold. This guard should fit your teeth perfectly and will provide all the protection you need without any wiggle room for injury.

 

Agility Guard

The agility guard is one such mouthguard that Dr. Ania makes for her active patients who want to protect their mouth. She believes that the agility guard is the best sports protection mouthguard there is. In some studies, the right guard can actually help you improve your athletic performance. Your mouth is protected, helping you be more focused. The coolest part about the agility guard is that world cup champions (such as Katie Uhlaender) use these exact same guards in competitions. Trust what the pros use, and invest in a custom-made guard for your mouth.

 

Choosing a Guard

If you are in sports or involve yourself in physical activities, you may need a mouthguard. Custom-fit guards such as the agility guard tend to last much longer than generic guards. They also are fit so snug to your teeth that injuries are fairly uncommon while wearing the guard. When choosing any type of mouthguard, you should always make sure it is tear-resistant, durable and comfortable. When it comes to contact sports, we always recommend wearing your guard to protect your smile.

 

Do You Need a Mouthguard?

If you’ve decided that your oral health would greatly benefit from a mouthguard, then don’t hesitate! Get fitted for a custom mouthguard today and protect your smile from injury. Make an appointment with Dr. Ania now by calling 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: September 13, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Periodontal Therapy to Treat Gum Disease

Periodontal Treatment

One of the most common oral health problems is gum disease. This disease affects over 64 million Americans even though it is 100% avoidable with proper oral hygiene habits. Those who have gum disease are at higher risk for many conditions and ailments such as stroke or heart attack. Although gum disease cannot be reversed in severe cases, there are many methods we can employ to reduce your oral health problems. We have effective periodontal therapy treatments to help combat your gum disease. We also have tips and information for avoiding problems with the gums and keeping them healthy. Maintain a healthier mouth today with our help!

 

Gum Disease: What Is It?

Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums. It is an inflammation of the gum line that can eventually affect the bones that surround the teeth and gums. Gum disease also goes by the names of periodontitis and periodontal disease. Periodontitis can contribute to or worsen conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. The first stage of the disease is gingivitis. This is when the gums become swollen, red or tender. They may also bleed easily when brushing or flossing the teeth. You may begin to notice a change in your gums because the color becomes darker. You might also notice that you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

 

Gingivitis is a stage where periodontal disease is easily correctable. If you exercise proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing the teeth each day, your gums can become healthy once more. However, if you continue to not take care of your teeth, your gums will also take a hit. When periodontitis progresses, the gums will begin to recede from the teeth. You may start to see the underlayer of the tooth when this begins to happen. Eventually, the recession of your gums will cause your teeth to loosen and fall out. That is the severe stage of the disease where the jawbone has been weakened and correction of the disease is very difficult.

 

The Prevalence of Gum Disease

Many patients don’t realize that the gums are just as important as the teeth when it comes to taking care of your oral health. If you don’t take care of your gums, your teeth can fall out, your jawbone can weaken and your overall health can be affected. Gum disease is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can get to the point where it’s not reversible.

About 64.7 million American adults under 65 suffer from periodontitis. That figure only includes Americans and only includes adults. That’s a lot of gum disease! 64.7 million American adults equates to about 47.2% of adults in the U.S. with some stage of periodontitis. After age 65, the percentage increases to around 70.1% of people. Around 8.7% have mild periodontitis, and 8.5% have severe cases of periodontitis. Most Americans lie in the moderate range (30%) of the disease. At this stage, problems can be reversed with proper treatment. However, with severe cases, the damage may be too severe to correct and extensive periodontal procedures must be done. Because gum disease is so prevalent in the United States, the American Academy of Periodontology encourages each patient to receive a yearly comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

 

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

To be fairly honest, it’s not hard to keep your mouth healthy. There are a few very simple and very basic guidelines to achieving a healthy mouth. One is to brush the teeth AT LEAST twice a day. When we say “at least”, we mean that that is the minimum. Brushing after every meal will help remove plaque that sits on your teeth. Also brushing after eating sugary sweets or drinking sugary beverages will help keep your teeth free of plaque. Floss your teeth every single day as well. This will remove food that has become trapped in between the teeth. The correct way to floss is to go up far enough that you are getting under the start of your gums in between each tooth. Scrape your teeth as you floss them to get off as much residue as possible.

 

If you already have problems with periodontal disease, we can prescribe you a special mouthwash to help keep your gums healthier and to do a more thorough, but gentle, cleaning of the gums. To keep yourself free of gum disease (especially the later stages), come to our office biannually to receive your comprehensive examinations and cleanings. Patients who do this have a lower risk for developing gum disease than those who don’t. Periodontitis is 100% preventable with these few simple guidelines.

 

Periodontal Therapy for You

If you see signs of gum disease forming or want to know if you’re at risk, it’s always a smart choice to come see Dr. Ania. At our office, we can provide you the services needed to assess your oral health and treat the problems that are present. With conditions such as periodontitis, you always want to be vigilant with treatment. Every step you take with improving your oral health can help save the natural teeth you have and keep your smile brighter for longer. To schedule your exam, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: September 9, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Preventive Dentistry for Good Oral Health

preventative dentistry

Taking preventive dentistry steps now by practicing good brushing, cleaning, and oral hygiene habits will save you time and money on restorative care and emergency procedures down the line. It is worth your effort now to keep your teeth and gums healthy by seeing your dentist regularly. This can help you avoid more serious oral health problems as well as more extensive, expensive treatment later in life. We can help you to know what preventative dentistry is and how you can better protect your mouth today.

 

Preventative Dentistry: What Is It?

Preventative dentistry comprises dental hygiene procedures and oral hygiene habits that are meant to prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease from ever occurring. Forms of preventative dentistry include dental cleanings, comprehensive exams, dental x-rays to look for cavities, personal hygiene habits and more. At the dental office you will receive the following preventative dentistry services:

  • Comprehensive Exam – This is a biannual exam that closely checks the health of the teeth, gums and the mouth. The American Dental Association states that a comprehensive exam is an “extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral and soft tissues.” We recommend receiving a comprehensive exam at least every 6 months to monitor your oral health.
  • Dental Cleaning – A dental hygienist or Dr. Ania herself will thoroughly clean your teeth. We often use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from each individual tooth on the front and back surfaces. We also floss the teeth thoroughly, clean and polish them with dental power tools and provide you a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth. Our recommendation is to receive biannual dental cleanings unless oral health issues necessitate more frequent cleanings.
  • Dental X-Rays – Digital x-rays are the best way to detect the presence of dental caries, also known as cavities. Digital x-rays in modern times now emit up to 90% less radiation than past x-rays and provide us digital formats to view your teeth in just minutes of time. With these images, we can quickly detect and treat cavities before they become severe.

 

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

What preventative dentistry measures can you take at home to keep your mouth healthy? Plaque forms from the sugars in the foods you eat. Consuming a balanced diet and one that has fewer sugars is a great place to start when it comes to keeping your oral health great as well as you overall health. The best habits you can form to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth every single day. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. Flossing works best if you scrape it along the teeth as you do it, removing extra plaque that is stuck on the teeth.

 

For many patients, fluoride treatments can also help strengthen the teeth and prevent against tooth decay. Fluoride is present in many cities’ water supplies, but fluoride treatments in-office, in toothpastes, and in other forms such as mouthwash can be highly beneficial to keeping strong teeth.

 

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, or the hard outer layer of the teeth. This generally happens over time as a result of plaque attacking the tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky, acidic substance that forms from the bacteria in the mouth as it mixes with sugars from the food you eat. The more sugar you eat, the more plaque that can form. That’s why it’s so important to brush and floss the teeth often! When plaque is not brushed away frequently, it will erode tooth enamel. With enough erosion, plaque can seep into the soft center of the tooth and decay it. This tooth decay is also known as dental caries, or cavities.

 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in both children and adults. Millions of adults and children have tooth decay even though it is completely and 100% avoidable with proper oral hygiene care. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found alarming percentages of people with tooth decay in every age group:

  • Children: 42% in primary teeth. 23% have untreated dental caries.
  • Adolescents: 59% have tooth decay in permanent teeth. 20% have untreated tooth decay.
  • Adults: 92% in the permanent teeth. 26% have untreated tooth decay.
  • Seniors: 93% in the permanent teeth. 18% with untreated decay.

 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the oral health problems you definitely want to avoid. You may know it by the names of gingivitis, periodontitis or periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is marked by red, inflamed and/or swollen gums that bleed easily, especially with flossing. This is your first sign that there may be a problem with your gums. When gingivitis is left untreated, it leads to advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. The way to prevent this from happening is to brush and floss the teeth often, especially along the gumline where the gums tend to become irritated.

 

When gum disease progresses, the gums recede from the teeth, causing the teeth to eventually fall out. Once one tooth falls out, the structure of the teeth weakens in that area, sometimes causing a domino effect of other teeth falling out. Studies show that around 64.7 million Americans have gum disease even though it is preventable.

 

Preventative Dentistry for Good Oral Health

Practicing good oral health habits and investing in preventative dentistry (such as dental cleanings and examinations) can help keep your teeth healthy for life. There are always ways to improve oral health. To learn more about what you can do to keep a healthy mouth, contact Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 today!

 

Posted: August 30, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Teeth Whitening Do’s and Don’ts

teeth whitening

Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatments and the do-it-yourself approach, with over-the-counter products. It’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration and involve bleaching agents that, if not used correctly, can damage the enamel of your teeth. Learn the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening to ensure you have success with whitening your smile.

 

All About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure meant to enhance the look of your teeth. Over time, the teeth can become discolored, especially if you drink liquids such as coffee and tea. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also lead to discolored teeth. Whitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most economical ways to enhance your smile and bring your teeth back to that white shade you want. The outer layer of the teeth is called the enamel. This is the part of the tooth that whitening products enhance.

 

Some teeth whitening treatments use bleaching chemicals to get the teeth white. Other treatments use light therapy with whitening gel. Combining the two triggers a chemical reaction that whitens the teeth. There are also many over-the-counter treatments that can make your teeth whiter. Many toothpastes have whitening agents in them, but don’t necessarily whiten the teeth so much as they remove stains, which makes the teeth appear whiter.

 

Toothpastes

There are many ways to get your teeth whiter, and not all the ways work the same. Over-the-counter treatments are not always guaranteed to work, especially if you are using a whitening toothpaste. Many studies show that whitening toothpastes have a minimal amount of whitening agents in them. All teeth-whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide to whiten. Toothpastes only have 1-1.5% of this agent, which isn’t enough to whiten the teeth. They can remove surface stains, but so can regular brushing. Your best option for whitening is to look for a product that works stronger than a toothpaste.

 

At-Home Treatments

Many people use over-the-counter gels or strips to get their smile brighter. These contain about 6-10% of hydrogen peroxide to whiten. They can be effective at removing surface stains and can make the teeth white for a time. They don’t work as well as an in-office treatment, but can be effective at creating a whiter smile for you. You will have to do the treatments yourself, so always make sure to read directions and follow them exactly.

 

In-Office Treatments

This is the best option when it comes to teeth whitening. It’s also the fastest. When you receive a professional whitening, you can be sure that you have an experienced dentist working on your teeth. The dentist has performed the whitening countless times for many patients and knows what they’re doing. Many in-office treatments take an hour or less from start to finish and can be done in just one appointment.

 

Your teeth are more likely to come out evenly white with in-office treatments than with other methods or at-home treatments from the store. The dentist also can use much more powerful whitening gels than can be purchased over-the-counter. They also have equipment such as special lighting tools that can speed up the process immensely. When it comes to whitening the teeth, this is your best option for a even, white smile that is sure to dazzle.

 

After Your Whitening

There are some tips you should consider after you’ve had your teeth whitened. The point of whitening your teeth is to keep them bright. However, foods, drinks and substances can stain teeth once more. Consider avoiding foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, tomato sauce and even some sports drinks and hard candies. Not all of these will stain every person’s teeth, but they are all known to cause stains. If you do drink some of these, make sure to use a straw to limit contact with the teeth.

 

Tobacco is also a major culprit when it comes to teeth discoloration. Smoking is one of the quickest ways to diminish teeth whiteness, so eliminate it from your lifestyle if you truly wish to have a better smile. Eliminating tobacco will also significantly diminish your risk for oral cancer.

 

Other Factors

You may have discolored teeth that have nothing to do with food. Not taking care of your teeth can lead to tooth discoloration as well as unhealthy teeth. The tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner as you age. The dentin (part of what makes up your teeth) becomes thinner with age as well. This can make your teeth appear more yellow.

 

One of the best ways to keep your teeth brighter and healthier is to brush and floss them often. This can help you avoid problems such as gum disease and tooth decay that cause discolored teeth. Brushing and flossing everyday can also remove surface stains on a daily basis, which instantly leads to a better smile. Some tips you should consider:

  • Avoid acidic and sugary foods that can erode tooth enamel.
  • Don’t consume foods and drinks that stain the teeth.
  • Practice good oral hygiene before and after teeth whitening to keep your smile white.
  • Don’t buy generic products and always check labels to know what’s in a whitening product.
  • The more professional your teeth whitening treatment is, the longer it will last.

 

Your Consultation

In-office whitening only takes one appointment! Many people wish their smiles were brighter and whiter and they can be. For a teeth whitening treatment that’s quicker and lasts longer than all the other methods out there, all you have to do is contact our office. For your free consultation, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998. A brighter, whiter smile can be yours today!

Posted: August 25, 2017 By: Comment: 0

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