Archive for the ‘Dentist’ Category
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
 If your teeth are severely decayed, heavily worn down, injured or damaged, porcelain crowns might be the best treatment for restoration.
Conditions Treated with Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of problems with your teeth. Your dentist can help you decide if crowns are the best possible treatment for your individual issues. Some problems treated with crowns include:
- Teeth damaged by trauma
- Severely cracked teeth
- Seriously decayed teeth
- Teeth that have been treated with a root canal
In many of these cases, treatment with a porcelain crown will help you keep a tooth that might otherwise require removal. Keeping your tooth intact will help maintain proper alignment of the rest of your teeth, preventing long-term problems with wear and tear, proper bite, or other issues that can affect your dental health.
How Porcelain Crowns Work
Porcelain crowns are placed in the same way as traditional metal crowns. First, the tooth is modified to make room for the crown to fit over it. Then your dentist makes a mold of the tooth, from which your permanent crown is manufactured. Porcelain crowns are made of a natural-looking material that matches the color of your other teeth.
While the final crown is being manufactured, your tooth will be protected with a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is completed, it replaces the temporary crown. The porcelain crown is bonded to the tooth with a special bonding agent. Your newly repaired tooth will look completely natural, without the distracting appearance of a metal crown.
To find out more about how porcelain crowns can help preserve your tooth and keep your smile bright and natural looking, please contact our Thornton CO office at 303-428-6367. We can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment for your damaged, injured or severely decayed tooth.
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Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
When we age, our body will not be able to heal itself as fast as it used to. This applies to both teeth and gums. Dr. Alan Gurman, your dentist serving Northglenn patients, wants you to have full use of your dentition in your old age. By incorporating proper dental hygiene into your daily life, you may not have to rely on dentures or dental implants when you reach your golden years.
Smoking constricts and reduces circulation. This is why many smokers have gingival tissue that is darker than the normal shell-pink color. All forms of tobacco can lead to periodontal problems, tooth loss and oral cancer. Your dentist understands that it may be hard to quit cold-turkey. You can enroll yourself in a support group to help you through the first few months.
Improper brushing techniques can also damage your teeth and gums. You can brush the occlusal portion with horizontal strokes and use the Bass technique for the other surfaces. Angle your brush at a 45 degree angle so the bristles rest on the area where teeth and gums meet. Move the toothbrush towards the incisal edge to remove the plaque found on the gumline. Repeat the procedure a few times to rid the area of plaque build-up. The procedure should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Your dentist would be happy to demonstrate this technique during your next visit.
Our alveolar bone is made up of osseous tissue and you may notice that older individuals who do not wear dentures exhibit a shrunken mandible or maxilla which purses their lips. Upon close inspection, the jawline will show resorption. This can be a problem if the patient wants dentures or implants. To keep your bones healthy, incorporate foods that are high in calcium into your diet. If you have lost a tooth, consider dentures or implants to prevent jaw shrinkage.
People with heart problems or diabetes need to prevent plaque from building up because it can actually worsen their medical condition. There are studies that show a link between periodontal problems and the fore-mentioned diseases. Individuals with familial history can lessen their risk of developing these conditions by maintaining proper oral hygiene, monitoring their food intake and regular exercise.
Contact Alpine Dental Center today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
 Our oral cavity requires as much care as the rest of our body. We use our teeth to break down the food we eat and our tongue is a hyper-sensitive sensory mechanism that helps us taste every morsel we ingest. Many people focus on the superficial needs of their mouth without fully understanding that this structure is also a breeding ground for bacteria if not maintained properly. To maintain your oral health, it would be best if you visit Dr. Alan Gurman, your dentist serving Thornton CO, regularly for plaque debridement and check-ups.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to keep the bad bacteria at bay. Make sure you incorporate this into your daily lifestyle, especially if you are fond of beverages that can stain the teeth. Drinking coffee, tea and red wine or smoking increases your risk of stains that will require bleaching treatments to resolve. It is imperative that you maintain your dental hygiene by meticulously brushing your teeth.
Plaque build-up can lead to tooth loss. When the soft, cheese-like matter hardens, it will turn into calcular deposits. This shell-like deposit can seep into the free gingival and give bacteria an entry point to subgingival structures like your periodontal ligament or roots. Once the bacteria have settled down in the area, the colonization will lead to periodontal problems.
An infected pulp chamber will require your dentist to perform root canal treatment. If it is left untreated, an abscess could develop. This will cause extreme discomfort because it involves the alveolar bone and the supporting structures. Your immune system will try to combat the foreign organisms and this will cause an inflammatory response. The patient will notice that the area around the tooth is swollen. There will usually be discomfort in the area when the specific tooth is used to chew food.
If this is not resolved, the bacteria may travel to the nervous tissue, maxillary sinus and in severe cases, even the brain. Your oral cavity is made up of vital tissue. Although we have an immune system that fights infections, we are not invincible. Ask your dentist for tips on how to maintain excellent dental hygiene.
To schedule your next exam, call Alpine Dental Center at 303.428.6367 today!
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Friday, August 5th, 2011
 Caring for your toddler’s teeth can be a full-time responsibility. The normally recommended plaque control measures apply to your little ones, just as they apply to adults. Regular brushing and flossing after meals and before bedtime are the foundation for everyone’s home care routines, both for children and adults. Though there are many similarities, there are also some important differences.
The care that you provide for your toddler will go a long way towards caring for the baby teeth as well as the developing adult teeth. Even as the baby teeth are growing in, the permanent adult teeth are already forming. Also, teaching good dental habits at an early age can lay an important foundation for your child’s healthy future.
Even as a toddler, your child should be receiving routine preventive dental care from your dentist serving Thornton Colorado. Your dentist can provide valuable insight into your child’s dental and skeletal development, and also answer questions about the recommended homecare measures. Between dental visits, remember these important tips for protecting your toddler’s teeth:
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks- As toddlers begin to gain independence, they may enjoy feeding themselves and carrying their own beverages. Even healthy fruit drinks, milk, and crackers can break down into harmful sugars, and frequent exposure can lead to tooth decay. Try offering water or encouraging brushing between snacks whenever possible.
- Encourage brushing and flossing- Allowing your toddler to brush and floss his own teeth at least once daily promotes independence of responsibility. Even if your child’s efforts are not perfect, simply introducing the concept and establishing a routine can send an important message to your little one.
- Enjoy healthy food choices (but don’t eat toothpaste!)- Eating a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables is good for the entire body, including developing teeth. It is also important to prevent your child from eating fluoridated toothpastes, or risk damage to the permanent teeth that may be developing. Choose training toothpastes specifically designed for children who may not have learned to spit rather than swallow.
Caring for your toddler’s teeth can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to schedule your child’s first dental visit. Call our office at 303.728.6367 for your toddler’s appointment today.
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
 Good nutrition is the best way to keep your body strong and healthy, and to help boost your immune system so you can more easily fight disease. Although the benefits of good nutrition are not as commonly associated with dental health, eating right can also help you maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums. Our dentist in Thornton can help you maintain a good, healthy diet that will keep your teeth in the best of health.
Foods to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
The body requires certain minerals and vitamins to ensure healthy teeth. These are especially important during childhood, when the teeth are developing. The most important minerals are calcium and phosphorous. Dairy products are often cited as important to dental health because of their high calcium content, but other foods can supply calcium, as well. Fluoride is important to keeping teeth strong and preventing decay, but is required in very small amounts. What is supplied in toothpaste, rinses, or drinking water is sufficient.
A healthy diet can also help you maintain healthy gums. Bacteria that lead to gum disease are more easily fought off if your immune system is strong. Be sure to eat sufficient fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Your dentist can provide nutritional guidelines to help support your dental health.
Foods to Avoid to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums
Processed foods, sugars, sticky foods, and foods that are extremely hard to bite or chew can all be detrimental to your dental health. Sugary foods provide ample nutrients for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If foods are sticky and remain on the teeth, this can also create an environment in which bacteria can reproduce, causing plaque and tartar to build up. Overly hard foods, including ice, can chip the teeth.
When you do eat sugary or sticky foods, be sure to brush thoroughly to remove the sugar from the surface of your teeth. This will reduce the possibility that the sugar will result in tooth decay, or allow plaque to build up which can lead to gum disease. Regular visits to Dr. Alan Gurman, your Thornton dentist, will also help reduce the possibility of decay.
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Monday, April 4th, 2011
 Fluoride is not just for kids, anymore. It is a widely accepted fact that fluoride is critical for strengthening the teeth and preventing cavities. You may be surprised to know that fluoride is highly effective in reducing tooth sensitivity, also known as hypersensitivity, as well. Both professionally applied fluoride treatments and self-applied fluoride treatments are beneficial to your overall dental health, when used under the instruction of your dentist and dental hygienist.
Successful fluoride programs began with the use of fluoridated water and fluoride toothpastes. The use of fluoride now includes the addition of professionally applied fluoride treatments as well as prescription pastes, gels, and over the counter rinses. The benefit from the fluoride is mainly related to its ability to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of the teeth. Research has shown that water fluoridation alone can reduce tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent in both children and adults.
Fluoride is a primary ingredient in many products specifically designed to address tooth sensitivity. Many patients may notice an increase in tooth sensitivity when the gums have recessed, or pulled away from the teeth, exposing the root of the tooth. The root surface is composed of microscopic openings that create a direct pathway to the nerve inside the tooth. By blocking these microscopic openings with fluoride, pain signals are not transmitted through the tooth, essentially stopping sensitivity triggered by stimuli such as heat, cold, or pressure.
Generally, patients who are at risk for cavities or tooth sensitivity can benefit from a combination of a variety of fluoride applications. Professionally applied fluoride treatments provide periodic high doses of fluoride. Home use products provide low regular doses of fluoride. Ask Dr. Alan Gurman, a dentist in Thornton, about fluoride sources and discuss your specific needs.
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Friday, March 4th, 2011
 Years ago, a Canadian study revealed that the keys to a high-quality life during the retirement years included health, wealth, and living a meaningful life. Of course, the definition of a “meaningful life” is ever-changing. And your level of wealth is subjective. But your health may be the biggest factor driving your quality of life during the retirement years. When you feel well, your outlook on life improves dramatically.
The retirement years are no longer a time for sitting in a rocker watching life pass you by. More often, retirees are taking charge of their health and maintaining active lifestyles. Paying special attention to diet, exercise, and emotional health all contribute to a higher quality of life. Applying this philosophy to your dental health is no exception.
Think about your mouth as the gateway to the rest of your body. It is the pathway for nutrition and medication. Your smile is your calling card for social interaction. And when a problem arises, the initial signs and symptoms are often revealed in the oral cavity first. Discussing your dental health with your dentist is important during this time. Consider these systemic conditions related to your oral health:
- Diabetes (studies have shown that, in patients with both diabetes and periodontal disease, when periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes significantly improved).
- Heart Disease (studies have shown that patients with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease).
- Stroke (patients diagnosed with stroke symptoms are more likely to have periodontal disease).
- Angular Cheilitis (cracking or inflammation in the corners of the mouth as a result of Vitamin B12 or Iron deficiencies).
- Pale, swollen tongue (Vitamin B or Iron deficiency).
- Dry mouth (caused by many medications, it can lead to painful speaking and swallowing, as well as rampant decay).
In addition to the systemic effects of disease, your dental health includes your smile. Over time, your dental work can accumulate stain and begin to show signs of wear. Speak with Dr. Alan Gurman, a dentist serving Northglenn and the surrounding areas about creating a smile that makes you confident.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
 Plaque and tartar are the root cause of all dental decay. Plaque is a combination of food particles, bacteria and saliva that collects on the teeth, especially near the gum line. If left undisturbed on the tooth surface, plaque hardens into a substance called tartar. The bacteria that lurks in plaque and tartar creates acidic byproducts that eat through the surface of the teeth, leading to cavities.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar
The best way to prevent plaque and tartar is through diligent dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing removes a large percentage of the plaque from your teeth, thus preventing it from transforming into tartar. Avoiding sugary foods also helps reduce the occurrence of plaque, because the bacteria that cause tooth decay thrive on sugar that is left on the teeth.
In addition to maintaining at-home dental hygiene, it is important to visit your dentist regularly. At the dental office, you will receive a thorough cleaning that removes plaque and tartar that your regular brushing and flossing regimen might have left behind. In addition, the dentist can monitor any changes in your teeth and provide X-rays or detailed digital imaging that will find decay in your teeth before it becomes serious.
Treating Plaque and Tartar Buildups
If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, the best way to remove it is to see a dentist. Dentists use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. These tools are more effective than a toothbrush at removing stubborn buildups, and can help prevent decay from developing.
Severe buildup of plaque and tartar can also lead to gum disease. Bacteria under the gum line leads to infection in the gums, also called gingivitis. Serious tartar buildup at and below the gum line might require an intensive cleaning procedure in which the dentist uses special tools to remove this buildup to protect the gums. Severe infection might also require antibiotics to restore your gums to health.
To find out the best ways to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, please contact Dr. Alan Gurman, a dentist in Thornton.
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