Procedures

We are experts in the following dental procedures. If you would like additional information, please give our office a call and we will schedule a consultation with the doctor.

• CAD/CAM Technology

  CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and is the newest technique adopted by Denver dentists. CAD/CAM technology is particularly useful for dentists and prosthodontists to make crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges and other restorations. These restorations are made from a ceramic material that provides a seamless and flawless replacement product. CAD/CAM technology means that the final restoration for a tooth can be fabricated in a matter of minutes and can be placed at the same appointment as the cleaning and preparation of the affected tooth for restoration. Naturally, the more advanced the technology involved in treatment, the higher the price tag for the treatment.

• IV Sedation

  Many Denver dentists and dental specialists offer the option of intravenous (IV) sedation to their patients. It can be used for minor procedures like dental cleanings and for more involved procedures like wisdom tooth extraction. The advent of IV sedation means that even the most nervous of patients can have their dental treatment completed comfortably and without stress or anxiety. An IV is started, usually through a vein on the back of the hand, and the sedative administered. The amount can be adjusted by the dentist. Before agreeing to any treatment under IV sedation, a patient must be sure that their Denver dentist or oral care specialist is trained in administering IV sedation. Patients who have IV sedation with a dental procedure will need to be driven home and supervised during the first 24 hours of their recuperation at home. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with certain medical conditions are often advised not to have IV sedation.

• Composite Fillings

  Recent advances in dental technology now available to Denver-area dentists have made composite fillings as strong as amalgam fillings. The composite material is closer to the natural color of teeth and is free of any potentially harmful ingredients like mercury. The tooth decay is drilled out of the affected tooth or teeth and the space filled with the composite material. To harden the composite material, a light device will be applied to the tooth once it has been filled.

• Conscious Sedation

  Conscious sedation is a method of treatment offered by Denver dentists intended to relax tense and nervous patients during dental procedures. Depending on the type of sedation opted for a patient may receive a strong enough dosage to fall into a light sleep. The sleep associated with conscious sedation is different from the effect of general anaesthetics because the patient breathes on his/her own and still responds to stimuli. There are three different types of sedation to consider: intravenous sedation, the administering of a sedative through an IV; oral sedation through ingesting anti-anxiety medication, such as valium; and inhalation sedation, which uses nitrous oxide or laughing gas. The amount of sedation required depends on the individual patient’s comfort level and the extent of the procedure being performed. Each patient must discuss the risks associated with the use of any of these medications with their Denver dentist or dental specialist before proceeding with treatment.

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  The objective of cosmetic dentistry performed by Denver-area cosmetic dentists is to improve the appearance of a person’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatment alternatives can address any dental problem and help restore an aesthetic smile. Available choices include implant fixtures, bridges, dentures, inlays, onlays, composite bonding, tooth whitening and veneers. Patients will need to discuss their individual needs, desired treatment goals, and all potential treatment options with their Denver dentist or dental specialist.

• Dental Bonding

  Dental bonding refers to the means Denver dentists and dental specialists use to make two different materials adhere to one another. Filling material and crowns are two examples of where bonding may be utilized to ensure the two restorations work the way they’re supposed to. Some restorations may require bonding to help improve aesthetics. How much bonding is required depends on the amount of decay or damage to the affect tooth or teeth.

• Dental Cleaning

  Dental cleanings are routine procedures arranged once or twice a year with your Denver dentist. This visit is used to clean away tartar and plaque, evaluate the presence and extent of tooth decay and gum disease, and may require the taking of dental X-rays. This habitual simple method of preventative care is the most effective way of avoiding any potential more serious dental problems. This is the perfect time for you to discuss any questions or problems you may be experiencing.

• Dental Implants

  Implant placement has become the treatment of choice for Denver dentists when it comes to replacing teeth. Implants provide a more stable and long-lasting restoration than a conventional fixed bridge or conventional denture. The two pieces of the implant are the screw portion which is inserted and allowed to integrate into the bone, and the abutment which screws into the top of the implant and to which the actual “tooth” structure will attach. Many Denver dentists are able to place the implant fixture and abutment in one appointment. Once the implant is placed it is allowed to integrate for a period of time before the final restoration is attached.

• Dental Veneers

  One treatment alternative Denver dentists may use to address worn enamel or small chips and cracks is dental veneers. Dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin and look just like natural teeth. Each patient will have a veneer specially prepared for them. Once the affected tooth has been ground down and prepared, the veneer is placed.

• X-rays

  Denver dentists and dental specialists use X-rays to assess the condition of the bone and other interior structures of the mouth. There are different types of X-rays which focus on different aspects of a patient’s face. Many dentists still use the traditional film X-rays. However, the taking of digital X-rays is becoming more commonplace. There are no films required with digital X-rays and less radiation exposure to the patient. Patients with body piercings may be asked to remove them at the time of the X-ray so they don’t interfere with the quality of the film.

• Dentures

  If a patient is looking to replace several missing teeth, a denture, placed by a skilled and trained Denver dentist, denturist or prosthodontist may provide the best answer. A patient may need a complete denture, partial denture or overdenture depending on how many teeth are being replaced in a particular area. Any one of these restorations may be supported by the remaining gum (soft tissue) or tooth material, or by dental implant fixtures. Dentures are usually made out of a polymer material that is more durable than plastic. Dentures will need to be taken care of, like natural teeth, so as to avoid gum irritation and jawbone resorption.

• Inlays/Onlays

  If a tooth has a filling that needs replacement or is affected by only mild tooth decay or dental caries, then your Denver dentist may recommend an inlay or only restoration. Porcelain and gold are the materials used to make inlays, which are applied to the indented surfaces on the crown of the tooth. Onlays, which are also made from porcelain or gold, are used where decay has affected the areas between the cusps of a tooth. Whether an inlay or an onlay restoration is pursued depends upon the tooth being restored, as does the material chosen for the restoration. Both inlays and onlays provide a stable and natural-looking restoration.

• Invisalign

  Invisalign is an alternative for orthodontic alignment for adults available from Denver dentists and orthodontists. This system is made of plastic and is nearly invisible. Once a patient has been deemed a good candidate for this treatment by their Denver dentist or orthodontist, impressions and photographs of the patient’s teeth are taken and sent to the Invisalign factory. Over the period of a year, the patient will exchange their appliance for a new one every two weeks or so. The treating dentist or orthodontist will monitor the progress of tooth movement and provide the next appropriate appliance.

• Overdentures

  Overdentures are a common treatment choice for Denver dentists to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Overdentures attach to abutting teeth that have been root canaled especially to support the denture. Overdentures may also be supported by implants if there are no natural teeth to support the restoration. Most Denver dentists offer plastic or polymer overdentures.

• Partial Dentures

  As the name implies, partial dentures are used when several but not all teeth need to be replaced. Denver dentists, denturists, and prosthodontists can make partial dentures that can be removed from the mouth and made to clip onto a metal or plastic bar attached to the teeth neighboring the edentulous (toothless) region. Both polymer and plastic materials are used to manufacture the dentures, but plastic is not as durable or natural looking as polymer. Partial denture wearers are usually advised to leave the denture out at night so the denture can be disinfected and the normally covered areas given respite from the pressure of the denture.

• Periodontal Disease

  Periodontal disease is a more advanced stage of gingivitis or gum disease that needs to be monitored and treated by your Denver dentist of hygienist. Periodontal disease can lead to the destruction of supporting bone (hard tissue) and the internal structures of the tooth, just as it can the soft tissue (gum). Periodontal disease is usually manifested in red and tender areas with bleeding during brushing. Poor dental hygiene is the single most influencing factor in the development of gum and periodontal disease. A patient may have to undergo an oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar removal, grafting of bone and soft tissue (gum), or take antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to treat or deal with the aftermath of the infection.

• Porcelain Crowns

  Denver dentists can make crowns from porcelain only or porcelain surrounding a metal core. The type of teeth being restored will determine which materials are used to restore them. Teeth along the smile line will usually be restored with a porcelain-only crown, while molars will require a porcelain-to-metal crown. For a crown to be placed the affected tooth will need to be ground down and root canaled. The overall treatment usually takes two visits.

• Root Canal

  If a tooth or teeth is decayed or fractured, root canal treatment might be a possible method of treatment. Some Denver-area general dentists do perform root canals, but many will refer their more challenging patients to an endodontist (root canal specialist). Technological advances mean that endodontists can use a microscope to better visualize the area and identify all the infected canals requiring treatment. Sometimes Denver dentists or endodontists will require two appointments to complete the treatment if the damage to the tooth is more serious. There are cases where a tooth cannot be salvaged and is recommended for extraction.

• Scaling Root Planning

  If a Denver dentist or hygienist discovers low to moderate amounts of gum disease, he/she will use root planing and scaling to treat the affected areas. Small tools are used to scrape away infected material from the tooth usually in conjunction with a topical and/or local anaesthetic applied to the area. This initial treatment is followed by additional evaluations to monitor healing. Root planing and scaling will clear away active infection, but patients will need to maintain a thorough dental cleaning routine to keep the infection at bay.

• Sedation Dentistry

  To address many peoples’ anxiety at the prospect of undergoing dental care, many Denver dentists and dental specialists are now offering patients the option of being sedated through the dental procedure. There is no need for patients to avoid dental treatment any longer with the use of sedation. Sedation can take the form of: IV (intravenous) sedation, where a sedative is administered through an IV; inhalation sedation, where nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask; and oral sedation, where the patient ingests a sedative or anti-anxiety medication. Each patient, in consultation with their dental practitioner, will need to decide which option is best for them.

• Tooth Whitening

  It is possible to have a whiter smile. You can decide to have the whitening done in your Denver dentist’s office or in the comfort of your own home. Whether you go with one treatment option or the other depends on how quickly you wish to see results and the relative costs; do-it-yourself kits usually yield results in a couple of weeks, the dental office within fifteen or twenty minutes. It may be necessary to combine both types of treatment to address some staining and produce the optimum result.

• Wisdom Teeth

  Most Denver dentists will recommend that teenagers and young adults undergo the extraction of their wisdom teeth, though not everyone will require their wisdom teeth extracted. Developing and existing wisdom teeth can affect the position of adjacent teeth and result in temporomandibular joint problems and headaches. Upper wisdom teeth are usually easier to extract than lower wisdom teeth. Most Denver dentists and oral surgeons will perform most extractions under IV sedation in their office. Those patients with heart or metabolic disorders (eg: diabetes) may be booked in the hospital for the removal under a general anaesthetic.