What is Sedation Dentistry and How Does it Work?
There are millions of Americans who are terrified of going to a dentist, and for that reason, they suffer unnecessarily with dental problems that could have been prevented altogether with preventative dental care. If you are one of those people who is horrified by the thought of drills, dental work and the whole experience of sitting in that chair to have your teeth worked on, you are not alone. Thankfully, however, there have been a number of advances in the world of dentistry in recent years; these advances help make dental work less painful, and they have changed the way many people feel about going to a dentist. If you have not been to a dentist in years, or even decades, you will be absolutely amazed at how much less stressful and painful it is to have dental work done these days. Long gone are the days of sitting in a dentist’s chair for hours while he or she pulled teeth, performed root canals or filled cavities. Now, many dental procedures are completely pain and free and can be done in less than an hour; even better, many of today’s dental procedures don’t even require the use of the dreaded “dentist drill,” the sound of which can cause people to panic and become filled with fear. What is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry has changed the way people feel about going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry, also referred to as “sleep dentistry,” uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures—making the procedures more tolerable for the patient and easier for the dentist to perform. While sedation dentistry if often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” that term is not really accurate because patients are not really asleep during the procedures. Except for those who are under general anesthesia, patients are aware for procedures when they visit a sedation dentist. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Denver, be sure you choose one that uses sedation dentistry to make the procedures less painful and stressful for you. In sedation dentistry, different types and levels of sedation are used depending on the patient’s ability to withstand dental work and what procedures are necessary. Dr. Jeff Johnston, cosmetic dentist in Denver, will discuss your sedation options with you and let you know which one will be best for your needs. If you ever have any questions about sedation dentistry and how it works, or if you’d like to go ahead and schedule an appointment to have some much-needed dental work performed, please contact Ascent Dental Group today.
How to Promote Good Dental Hygiene in Children
If you teach proper oral hygiene to your kids at a young age, you’re really making an investment in the future of you all. Having your children brush and floss properly starting out early in life may minimize the number of cavities they get and will help to promote good oral hygiene throughout their entire lives. And by modeling good brushing and flossing, you’re teaching your kids about healthy dental hygiene habits. How to Teach Dental Hygiene to Kids By following some simple steps, you can help your kids take good care of their teeth and gums. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that’s approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) to remove plaque. Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. Plaque, when not removed, will harden and form into tartar, and tartar can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning. Eat a well-balanced diet (low in sugary and starchy foods); these types of foods cause the plaque acids that cause tooth decay. Use dental products that contain fluoride. Make sure that your children’s drinking water has fluoride in it. Go to the dentist for regular check-ups. Fluoride is one of the best things to help prevent tooth decay; fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that works with the tooth’s enamel to strengthen it. In many municipal water supplies, the right amount of fluoride is added for proper tooth development. If your water supply does not contain enough (or any at all) fluoride, your child’s pediatrician or dentist may suggest using fluoride drops or a mouth rinse in addition to a fluoride toothpaste. If you have questions about fluoride, please ask Dr. Jeff Johnston, general and cosmetic dentist in the Denver area. Brushing technique is quite important when it comes to good dental hygiene. Here are some tips to help you teach your children the proper way to brush and floss: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and teach your child the importance of not swallowing the toothpaste. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the inside surface of each tooth first, where plaque may accumulate most. Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the outer gum line and gently brush back and forth. Gently brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom. Brush the tongue. To learn more about how to promote good dental hygiene in children, please contact Ascent Dental Group today.
Signs That You Are Flossing Too Much
Can You Floss Too Much & When to Floss We all know the importance of properly brushing and flossing our teeth to maintain good oral health and lengthen the lifespan of our teeth. After all, no one wants to lose their teeth to decay or periodontal disease (gum disease), so it’s important that brush and floss properly and that you don’t do over-do it by brushing or flossing too much. If you have questions about how often to floss your teeth or what the proper flossing method is, please contact Cherry Creek Dentist, Dr. Jeff Johnston at Ascent Dental Group. When to Floss Flossing just once a day is enough, unless you have something stuck between your teeth that can only be removed with dental floss. Because the bacterial colonies that create plaque take around 24 hours to form completely, flossing more than once per 24-hour period has no real benefits. If you floss more than once per day, serious damage can occur to your gum tissue, but it’s not only how often you floss that can cause problems. If you floss too vigorously or apply too much pressure on the gums, the gums can bleed and become painful. Eventually, over-flossing can destroy the gum line, which exposes more of the teeth’s root, eventually causing tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay and cavities will lead to costly dental repairs that you definitely want to avoid. Flossing properly just once a day is the best way to ensure you’re taking good care of your teeth and gums, and if you have any questions about the proper technique for flossing, the team at Ascent Dental Group will be happy to show you how to floss properly. Some enthusiastic flossers use a saw-like motion to get their teeth as clean as possible. This improper flossing method can wear through the tooth’s enamel and can even result in periodontal bone loss in very extreme cases. Flossing improperly can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out. Please schedule a dental visit with Dr. Jeff Johnston at Ascent Dental Group today. If you need a dentist in Denver or a surrounding area, you’ve come to the right place. We will not only perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health, but we will show you to brush and floss properly to keep your teeth and gums as healthy for as long as possible.
Facts About KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System™
Teeth Whitening in Cherry Creek, Denver Developed by internationally renowned cosmetic dentist and bleaching expert, Dr. Rod Kurthy, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System is currently being used by dentists all over the world. It is considered the most reliable and effective teeth bleaching system ever developed, and Dr. Jeff Johnston at Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek, Colorado uses this amazing teeth whitening system on his patients. If you’re looking for a dentist in Cherry Creek, Denver who uses the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System, you have come to the right place. Before making an appointment for any cosmetic dental work, you definitely want to do your homework so you’re a bit more prepared as to what to expect. While we will certainly explain everything about the KöR whitening system during your consultation, it never hurts to read up on exciting cosmetic dental procedures such as this. The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System works so well because it restores your teeth’s natural ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the KöR whitening gel is absorbed deeply into your teeth, dissolving the stain molecules that discolor your teeth. Something that is truly different about the KöR whitening system is that unlike other whitening products, KöR is permanent. Once you have it performed, your teeth will remain white for many, many years. There is no need to go back for regular touch-ups as there is with other teeth whitening systems. Also, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System is pain-free and has been clinically studied and used on many patients—producing successful results every time. There is absolutely nothing dangerous about this teeth-whitening system, and most patients claim to feel no discomfort during the process. Even though this system will dramatically whiten your teeth—sometimes up to 16 shades lighter—your teeth will not look unnaturally white or bright. If your teeth were stained by the medication tetracycline, which does happen in children and adults, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System will permanently whiten your teeth—something no other teeth whitening product has been able to achieve. Dr. Jeff Johnston, a general and cosmetic dentist in Cherry Creek, Denver, will take molds of your teeth to create custom-made trays that fit your mouth perfectly and cause no discomfort. You will wear the trays for two weeks while you sleep, and then after one final visit to our Cherry Creek office, your teeth will be more stunning than you ever imagined. To learn more about this amazing teeth whitening system in Cherry Creek, Denver, please contact Ascent Dental Group today to schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeff Johnston.
How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Not only is it important to keep your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing regularly and properly, but it’s also very important to give your gums the tender loving care they need to stay healthy. Sometimes brushing and flossing isn’t enough, and you have to go above and beyond what you have done for years to keep your gums healthy, especially if you’ve been experiencing some problems like tender or bleeding gums. 3 Tips to Follow for Healthy Gums If you are looking for a dentist in Denver due to painful, bleeding gums, you’ve come to the right place. Ascent Dental Group has a superb team of dental professionals with experience in cosmetic and general dentistry. Please read on to learn some tips about how to keep your gums (and teeth) healthy between visits to your dentist. Use a toothbrush with soft, round bristles, so your gums are not hurt while brushing. Also, criss-crossed bristles are recommended because they help get to the hard-to-reach places around your gums and teeth, and the criss-crossed bristles remove plaque in between the teeth. Don’t smoke or, if you do smoke, quit as soon as possible because smoking wreaks havoc on your gums. Smokers are more prone than non-smokers to have calculus, which is the hardened plaque on your teeth that can only be removed during a professional cleaning. If the calculus is not removed and stays below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth (known as “receding gums”). When your gums pull away from the teeth (recede), periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria that can make you very ill. Destroy bacteria nests; a bacteria nest is a hotspot where bacteria live (your gum line, for example). If you don’t destroy bacteria nests, they will turn into plaque and then into calculus, which is difficult to remove and can only be done during a professional cleaning. To break up bacteria nests, angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees against the area of attack and make very quick motions to help break up the nests. Repeat this technique a few times until your gum line feels clean and not sticky to the touch. You can learn everything you need to know about oral health at Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek. If you’re looking for a dentist in Denver, please contact our office today and we’ll get you in as quickly as we can.
Foods That Promote Good Oral Health
Taking good care of your oral health is just as important as taking care of your general and emotional health. Even if you dread going to the dentist, there are steps you can take right in your very own home and on your own time to help keep your teeth, gums and mouth in good condition. Staying away from food and drinks that contain a lot of sugar (and other ingredients that can hinder your oral health) and eating more foods that promote good oral health is one way to take care of your mouth, and regular visits to your dentist in Denver combined with a healthy diet will do wonders for your oral health. Let’s take a look at some foods that promote good oral health (and some even taste good, too!). What Foods are Good for Your Teeth and Gums? Kiwi contains more Vitamin C than any other fruit, and without Vitamin C, the collagen in your gums breaks down, your gums may become tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. By eating just a few bites of Kiwi fruit, you give your mouth the boost of Vitamin C it needs to stay healthy. Cheese, which is high in phosphate and calcium, balances the pH in the mouth, killing bacteria and preserving tooth enamel, which helps prevents cavities and gum disease. Celery is a water-filled vegetable; chewing celery produces saliva and neutralizes the bacteria that cause cavities. Because it’s naturally abrasive, celery massages the gums and cleans between your teeth, so you get multiple oral health benefits with this delicious veggie. Onions have strong sulfur compounds, which make them excellent for oral health; to get the maximum benefit from onions, it’s best to eat them uncooked. You may want to reserve this oral health promoter for a time you’re not going to be in the close company of someone else due to its strong odor. Get your two scoops of raisins because these tasty treats contain phytochemicals like oleanolic acid that fight off the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. If you’re looking for a caring, patient and knowledgeable dentist in Denver or a surrounding community, please contact Ascent Dental Group. Our office is located in Cherry Creek, but our patients come from many different communities in and around that area. If you have been thinking about finding a dentist in Denver or switching to a new dentist, look no further than Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek, Denver.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are among the most popular reconstructive dentistry procedures performed in the US. Also called a dental cap, a dental crown is a sheath that fits over a damaged tooth, covering the entire visible area of the tooth, from the top of the crown to the gumline, and often even a little bit below. Why Dental Crowns Are Used Dental crowns are used for many purposes. Most commonly, dental crowns are used to support teeth that are too damaged to stand on their own. Often a dental crown is a follow-up procedure for teeth that had fillings that developed secondary decay around them, weakening the tooth. Dental crowns are also used if your teeth suffer serious cracks, jeopardizing their stability. If you have a root canal, a dental crown is used to protect the treated tooth. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes. If a tooth is discolored by decay, trauma, or metal fillings, a dental crown can be used to give the tooth a more attractive color that matches with other teeth. Dental crowns can also be used to build up small or poorly shaped teeth, or reshape teeth as part of an instant orthodontics procedure with porcelain veneers. Dental crowns can be used to help build up teeth that have been worn down and may be contributing to a bad bite. Finally, dental crowns can be used to help replace teeth. A dental implant can be topped with a dental crown, and dental crowns can support a dental bridge. Types of Dental Crowns Permanent dental crowns can be classified into three basic types based on their material (temporary dental crowns are a little different). Metal crowns are most often made of gold or a noble metal alloy, though sometimes stainless steel crowns are used for children’s primary teeth that have extensive decay. Although durable, these crowns are often undesirable because they are unattractive. Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a metal base that is covered over with ceramic material. This can provide a more attractive appearance, though the metal around the edge of the crown may be exposed by receding gums and the porcelain can flake away under heavy bite forces. Full ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic material that mimics the natural tooth structure, color, and luster. At Ascent Dental we offer a special kind of ceramic crown called a CEREC crown. The benefit of the CEREC system is that we can give you a permanent dental crown in one day, without having to send away to a lab or make a temporary crown for you. CEREC crowns are also very durable and attractive. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, please contact Ascent Dental in the Cherry Creek area of Denver today.
Facts about Dentures & Statistics
Most people don’t know much about dentures, and probably aren’t curious enough to learn. But if you are facing the loss of your teeth, maybe it’s time you knew more. What Are Dentures? Dentures can be full dentures—plastic bases with artificial teeth in them that replace all a person’s teeth—partial dentures—plastic or metal removable appliance replacing one or a few teeth—and even dental bridges—technically known as fixed partial dentures Dentures can be supported by dental implants The bases of most removable dentures today are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Denture teeth can be made of PMMA or ceramic material similar to that used for porcelain veneers PMMA has been the preferred denture material since before WWII What Dentures Can Do Dentures are used to replace missing teeth Economy dentures are designed to do the job cheaply with a minimum in customization More expensive dentures offer improved fit, function, and appearance Some dentures are designed to improve a person’s bite, eliminating headaches, jaw pain, and other TMJ symptoms Dentures Statistics More than 35 million Americans are edentulous—meaning they don’t have any teeth 90% of the edentulous population has dentures 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth 13% of current smokers are edentulous, compared to just 5% of people who never smoked Dentures History The Etruscans made the first dentures in the 7th century BCE, securing human or animal teeth together with gold bands By the 16th century CE, wooden dentures were commonly used in Japan In the 18th century, Europeans were making dentures of wood, bone, and ivory with carved teeth or human teeth Dentures with human teeth were marketed as “Waterloo teeth” because young soldiers killed in battle were considered the best donors for dentures, though many poor people sold their teeth George Washington’s dentures were never made of wood. He had several sets that were made of bone and ivory, with both carved and human teeth When Vulcanite dentures were invented in the 19th century, they were so profitable that one dentist committed murder to preserve his right to keep making them In WWI, the US Army developed a special denture for use by troops because many recruits couldn’t meet the minimum standard of 12 teeth required to serve In WWII, Winston Churchill had his denture specially crafted to preserve his characteristic lisp Have more questions about dentures? We can answer them. Please contact Ascent Dental in the Cherry Creek area of Denver today to schedule an appointment.
Denture Myths and Facts
Don’t Believe These Denture Myths About 90% of people without teeth wear dentures. They’re an effective, economical, and attractive way to replace lost teeth. Unfortunately, people have many misconceptions about dentures. Here are a few of these myths and the actual truth you should know. Myth: I have to choose dentures or dental implants. Truth: Dentures and dental implants are often represented as alternative tooth replacement strategies, but the truth is that if you get dental implants you will likely have a denture placed on top of them. These dentures may be removable or permanently fixed in place. Myth: Once I have dentures, I can’t get dental implants. Truth: If you want dental implants, it’s best to get them right away, but even if you’ve had dentures for years, we may be able to put in dental implants. Myth: Once I have dentures, I won’t need to see the dentist. Truth: You won’t need to see the dentist as often after you get dentures, but you should still see the dentist once a year to make sure your gums are healthy and your dentures fit properly. Myth: Dentures are all the same, so cheapest is best. Truth: As with so many things, when it comes to dentures you get what you pay for. Cheap dentures tend to look cheap, fit poorly, and function badly. You will likely have a much worse denture experience if you buy cheap dentures. Myth: Everyone will know I have dentures. Truth: Although cheap dentures are easy to spot, quality dentures can look a lot like your natural teeth—or better. Nobody needs to know that you have dentures. Myth: Dentures always fall out when I eat or talk. Truth: Cheap dentures are prone to falling out when you eat or talk, but not all dentures do. If you get quality dentures and get them checked regularly, you will find they stay in place very well. Myth: I won’t be able to eat my favorite foods with dentures. Truth: Eating with dentures takes a little bit of practice, but once you learn how, you will be delighted with the range of foods that you can enjoy. Myth: Dentures only stay in if you “glue” them. Truth: Properly fitting dentures don’t need adhesive to stay in place, though it may still be recommended to help create a seal under the dentures to prevent food and drink from getting between the dentures and the gums. Myth: Dentures will make me smell bad. Truth: The causes of denture odor are the same as the causes of bad breath: bacteria growing in the mouth that are allowed to multiply because they are not regularly removed through proper hygiene. Clean dentures thoroughly and soak them overnight, and you won’t smell. If you’ve been told stories about what dentures are like, don’t believe hearsay. Instead, learn for yourself what properly-fitting dentures can do for you. Please contact Ascent Dental in the Cherry Creek area of Denver today.
When Should Children Lose Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth play an important role in helping your children’s jaw develop. And they can be a great set of trial teeth for learning oral hygiene. But when it’s time for them to go, they have to get out of the way and make room for your child’s permanent teeth. When to Expect Your Child’s Teeth to Fall out Your teeth follow a pattern of first in, first out, so the first teeth to emerge, the central incisors, usually on the bottom, are also the first to fall out. This normally happens at the age of 6 or 7. However, it can begin much earlier for some children—as early as age 4 in some cases. The other teeth will follow, working their way out and back from the incisors, so that by the age of 12 your child will likely have lost all their baby teeth. Teeth Falling Out Early or Late: Should You Worry? Most parents only check out this information if they have concerns that their child’s teeth are falling out early or late. Typically, this isn’t a major concern, but there are some things to watch for. Teeth that fall out early may be due to a trauma your child suffered, typically as a result of a fall. The tooth may have turned discolored before it fell out. Here the concern is that there may also be damage to the permanent tooth that is developing in the jaw. There may also be effects on the spacing of permanent teeth as they emerge. In both cases, we will have to deal with those issues as the teeth emerge. Another issue that worries parents is the appearance of shark teeth: when permanent teeth emerge behind baby teeth that haven’t fallen out yet. This isn’t normally a cause for concern. The baby teeth will still fall out and the adult teeth will move into position. If, however, the baby teeth don’t fall out by the time the permanent tooth has fully emerged, it may need to be extracted. This will normally allow the permanent tooth to move into position. If your child’s permanent teeth are not properly guided into position because of early or late loss of baby teeth, orthodontics may be recommended. If you think your child might need braces, please contact a Denver family dentist at Ascent Dental in Cherry Creek.
7 Worst Beverages for Your Teeth
The best drink for your teeth is water. Neutral pH, hydrating, and nonstaining. But we know you’re tempted to drink something else from time to time. But if you’re going to drink, do it in a way that’s safe for your teeth. Here’s a list of drinks to avoid or limit if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Soda Soda is the most dangerous drink for your teeth. It’s very acidic (colas have a pH of around three—some even in the range of 2–where pure water is 7 and battery acid is 1), and many people are tempted to sip them all day, day after day. This will eat away your tooth enamel, the white outer covering of your teeth. And if the soda contains sugar, that fuels the growth of mouth bacteria, which excrete acid and can damage your teeth further. Sports Drinks Sports drinks are also very acidic, many of them having a pH similar to or even lower than sodas. And they contain sugars. It’s hard to say whether they’re worse than sodas. Although people don’t usually drink them all afternoon, when they are being used it’s in the context of working out when people are somewhat dehydrated and the mouth environment is prime space for bacteria. Sports drinks have been blamed for workout cavities. Lemonade Lemonade is a similar story to soda and sports drinks. Depending on the source of the lemonade, the pH can be in the 2.5-3 range, and it’s also likely to be full of sugar. This is another very good reason to avoid lemonade cleanse diets, which encourage you to basically drink lemonade instead of eating full meals. These dangerous diets can destroy your teeth as well as harm your health. Mixed Drinks If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably got a clue what we’re going to say here. Most mixed drinks are made with alcohol and soda or simple syrup, which makes them acidic, sugary, or both. Mixed drinks also have the problem of dehydrating you, which means you’ll have less saliva to help keep bacteria under control. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but at your regular happy hours, you should get used to ordering “neat” or “on the rocks.” Better yet, order a beer, which has antibacterial properties, is only mildly acidic, and has nutrients that are good for your teeth and bones. Wine Coolers The worst thing about wine coolers is that they don’t have wine. Wine, although acidic, can be good for your teeth. But wine coolers are mostly sugar, water, and acid. With artificial colors thrown in. If you want a cooler smile, just order wine. Sweet Tea It’s likely that tea is actually good for your teeth. Sure, it can be staining (that’s what teeth whitening is for!), but it has antibacterial properties and can even slow the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars in your mouth, which makes them less damaging to your teeth. But these benefits are completely outweighed if you add a lot of sugar to your tea. And lemon. And don’t drink those bottled teas they sell at the store if they have any sweeteners or flavoring added. Starbucks Coffee is a similar story to tea. Yeah, it’s staining, but it has antibacterial properties and at least one study has linked coffee consumption with lower gum disease rates. But once you add in all the sugar that gets put in one of Starbucks’ signature drinks (or a similar drink at any other place), you’re looking at an entirely different picture. Have a cup of black in the morning, but by all means, you must resist the temptation to drink liquid candy! But if you haven’t heeded these tips and you are now in need of some general dentistry work in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, please contact Ascent Dental today for an appointment.
What to Do When a Crown Is Loose
Loose Dental Crown Solutions If you have a loose dental crown, don’t panic. Dental crowns can last for years, but everything fails sometimes, and coming loose is a common problem for dental crowns. But if you respond properly, it won’t necessarily harm your tooth, and the crown can often be put back in place. The first thing to do when you have a loose crown is to contact your dentist. The sooner you can get in, the better. If your crown is in good shape, it can often be cemented back in place with little trouble, but the sooner you get in, the better. The longer you wait after a dental crown is loose or has come off, the more likely it is that the dentin underneath the crown (which is vulnerable to both decay and wear) will change shape so that the crown won’t fit anymore. If the Crown Is Loose, but Not Off If your dental crown is loose but hasn’t come completely off your tooth, you can try to keep it on a little longer by chewing in other parts of your mouth. This isn’t a guarantee that it won’t come off, but it might help. You need to be very careful in this situation, because the worst thing would be for the crown to come off and have you swallow it. If the Crown Comes Off If your dental crown has come off completely, you can try to secure it in place with temporary dental cement, but never do this without asking your dentist about it first. It won’t last particularly well, but it will hold it in place for many situations. This can be especially important if your crown is in a visible place and you don’t want to have to hide it all day at work or at a special event. Having the crown secured with temporary cement can also protect the dentin against abrasion or decay, and it can make the tooth less sensitive to hot and cold. How to Glue a Crown Back on Before gluing the crown back on, make sure the tooth is free of all debris. The last thing you want is to glue your crown on with a supply of food for bacteria under there where you can’t get it. Once the tooth is clean, consider using an antibacterial rinse. Don’t forget to clean and rinse the inside of the crown, too. Test seat the crown to make sure you have the proper orientation. Then put a small amount of adhesive inside the crown and place it back on. If You Swallow a Crown Since most of the time crowns come off during chewing, it’s not unusual for people to swallow crowns. If you want to recover the crown, you can try to induce vomiting or search through your bowel movements for the lost crown. If you actually swallowed the crown into your stomach, it’s unlikely to cause problems. However, if it got into your airway, you may be in trouble. If you coughed a lot when swallowing the crown or if you feel any chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention. The good news is that even if you lost a crown, we can get you a new one in a single appointment with our CEREC system. For help with a loose or lost crown, please contact Ascent Dental, your locally trusted Cherry Creek Dentist. Book a FREE Consultation
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that is used to preserve an infected and threatened tooth. By removing the infected tooth nerve and replacing it with an inert material, the tooth is preserved. How a Root Canal Works A root canal is necessary when the bacteria that live in your mouth and cause cavities have penetrated deep into your tooth. They have begun to colonize the interior of the tooth, destroying and displacing your tooth nerve. That’s why most people suffering from an infected tooth experience significant pain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXUmimQNITY If left alone, these bacteria will completely colonize your tooth and spread through the canals in the tooth roots to your jawbone, then into other teeth, your sinuses, or maybe even your brain. An infected tooth can become fatal if not treated in a timely fashion. To remove the infection, we drill into the center of the tooth and scrape out all the infected area, as well as the remainder of the tooth nerve so there’s nothing left in the tooth to become infected or cause pain in the future. Then the tooth is filled up with an inert material, typically a type of natural rubber, though other options are available. Finally, a crown is placed on the tooth to seal and protect it. Benefits of a Root Canal People often dread the prospect of a root canal, but the truth is they’re very beneficial procedures. Ideally, you don’t want your tooth to become infected, but if it does, there are many reasons why you want a root canal: Reduces pain—studies show that within a week patients experience less pain after a root canal than they did before Prevents the spread of infection Makes a damaged tooth strong and attractive again Lasts as long as dental implants Allows for dental implants in the future All these benefits mean you should seriously consider a root canal treatment if you have an infected tooth. On the other hand, there are limitations. The procedure has a high success rate, but it is possible that some infection may remain and the tooth may have to be retreated. And sometimes the tooth is lost anyway. But there are no guarantees in medicine, and with a success rate as high as dental implants, it’s best to preserve your natural tooth if you can. If you think you might need a root canal, please contact Ascent Dental in the Cherry Creek area of Denver.
Is Fluoride Good For You?
Fluoride is like anything else: it’s good for you in appropriate doses. In doses that are too large, it can be poisonous, especially for children. At appropriate doses, fluoride can strengthen your teeth, preventing cavities and infected teeth. Studies show that people who spent most of their lives drinking fluoridated water have about 30% fewer cavities than those who spent most of their lives drinking non-fluoridated water, and that means fewer fillings and fewer crowns. At higher doses, it can lead to a number of serious health problems and even death. Anti-fluoride protesters often try to confuse the issue by presenting studies showing injury related to fluoride, but ignoring the dosages involved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw50ZjNlnYU Injuries Caused by Fluoride It is true that high levels of fluoride can lead to serious problems, such as thyroid problems or developmental difficulties that may lead to a lowered IQ. However, if we look at a study of thyroid problems related to fluoride, we can see that the levels of fluoride present in drinking water are far in excess of levels used in municipal drinking water. The study looked at children in areas with naturally-occurring fluoride in the drinking water. Some children came from an area where the fluoride level in the water was 2.6 parts per million (ppm). Others came from an area where the natural fluoride levels were 5.7 ppm. The recommended dose for fluoride in municipal water supplies—and what we have here in Denver—is 0.7 ppm. In other words, kids in these areas were exposed to fluoride levels of 4-7 times what is in our water supply. For comparison, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers fluoride levels of 2.0 ppm as being potentially harmful, and levels of 4.0 ppm are considered toxic. Even the control group in this study had water fluoride levels of 0.98-1.0 ppm, significantly in excess of municipal fluoride levels. And even with these high levels of fluoride, the impact was minor. From the conclusion of the study: “The children with dental fluorosis living in endemic fluorosis areas may not have a frank thyroid disease due to excessive fluorine consumption.” In other words, even these high levels of fluoride only resulted in minor perturbations of the thyroid. But what about potential brain damage? The most commonly cited study on this issue is a review of Chinese studies conducted by a Harvard researcher. The study looked at people suffering neurotoxic responses to fluoride. Children were drinking water with fluoride levels up to 11.5 ppm, or nearly 3 times the toxic dose! Based on the studies, it seemed that these children did experience brain damage, as measured by results on IQ tests. But when researchers completed analysis, they found, “The estimated decrease in average IQ associated with fluoride exposure based on our analysis may seem small and may be within the measurement error of IQ testing.” Even at 3 times the toxic dose and 16 times the municipal water dose, the impact on IQ is small. Avoiding Overexposure to Fluoride The key to getting the benefits of fluoride for your teeth without risking toxicity for you or your child is to make sure you’re not getting too much fluoride. Most importantly, don’t swallow fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse. Don’t let a child brush with fluoride toothpaste before they are able to spit the toothpaste out without swallowing. If you live in an area without fluoridated water, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplementation. Never supplement fluoride without talking to a dentist or doctor first. If you have questions related to properly maintaining oral health and are looking for a dentist in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, please contact Ascent Dental today.