Archive for March, 2009

Wisdom Teeth And Your Lafayette Dentist

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Wisdom Teeth And Your Lafayette Dentist Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars (grinding teeth) to erupt from the gum. They usually appear in the late teens and early twenties. Not all people develop these teeth while others have from one to four.

Though some people never experience any problems with these extra molars, many times Wisdom teeth can create serious dental complications. If the wisdom teeth do not have the room to develop and erupt normally, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth may never emerge from the bone and gum, emerge only partially, or come in sideways.

Impacted teeth can damage the adjacent molar, cause infection or trigger gum disease. Sometimes these problems cause no noticeable symptoms for a period of time. To prevent these serious complications, wisdom teeth are often removed.

Wisdom teeth symptoms include pain when opening mouth, gum swelling, bad breath, and pain when chewing. These indicators can be constant or intermittent.

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, call 303-665-5335 to schedule an exam at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry. We provide state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment.  Our dental team can recommend the best course of treatment.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

Providing comprehensive dental care for Lafayette and Boulder area families since 1998.

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Overbites And Underbites in Lafayette

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Overbites And Underbites When the upper part of the jaw and the lower part of the jaw are not the same size, bite problems can occur. When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the reverse is true, it is called an underbite. Another related alignment disorder is called a crossbite. Crossbites occur when lower teeth are in the wrong position. They may be incorrectly positioned sideways, forward or backward.

Malocclusion (literally ‘bad bite’) is the term used for all types of bite problems including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders can cause a range of problems and often prohibit proper chewing and/or swallowing. Teeth can shift around in the mouth, causing even more discomfort or difficulty. Gum disease and tooth decay are also harder to prevent because proper oral hygiene can be difficult with a malocclusion. TMJ disorder can develop over time. Distorted facial shape and unattractive teeth are often the most noticeable and troubling issues for those affected.

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for bite problems. If you suspect your child has a bite misalignment, it is especially important to have them examined as early as possible. By starting early, you can make sure they avoid years of pain and self-consciousness.

Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335. dentist Dr. Gordon West, DDS is experienced in diagnosing bite disorders in patients of all ages. We can create a successful treatment plan for you. We also perform porcelain veneers and dental implants for Boulder area dental clients.

-Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

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Oral Conscious Sedation

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Oral Conscious Sedation Some people experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation, it is possible to relax during dental procedures instead of being tense and fearful. Oral sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, conscious sedation and anxiety-free dentistry are all terms used to describe this type of treatment. In addition to alleviating anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help patients with a variety of conditions.

You may want to consider oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following issues:

  • Strong gag reflex
  • Fear of needles
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A history of negative dental experiences
  • Trouble controlling body movement due to Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or related condition
  • Need extensive dental treatment requiring lengthy dental visits

If you have avoided dental treatment due to any of these factors, give us a call at 303-665-5335. We can give you more information about sedation options and help you determine which one is right for you. At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry we do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We look forward to discussing your oral health and dental goals.

Serving Lafayette dental patients since 1998.

Center for Advanced Dental Care.

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Porcelain Veneers

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Porcelain Veneers With porcelain veneers, you can revamp your smile without significant restorative dental work.

Porcelain veneers are glass-like, wafer-thin covers that are attached to the front of your teeth. Porcelain has been used in dentistry for many years because no other restorative material is such an excellent match for natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is translucent and can be matched to the color of any tooth. It is stronger than enamel and resists stains. Dental ceramists who fabricate porcelain veneers are both artists and technicians. They create beautiful paper-thin wafers that adhere to teeth, correcting chips and stains. Porcelain veneers can also straighten crooked teeth for patients who don’t need orthodontic work.

Patients who receive porcelain veneers appreciate the less-invasive process of enhancing their smile. Newer techniques require no removal of healthy tooth enamel.

We would be happy to show you what dental veneers can do for your smile at our Lafayette dental office.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry is located at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette. We provide skilled dental care for patients in the greater Boulder area. Our phone number is 303-665-5335. You can visit http://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/site.cfm/Services-16 for information about our practice and our state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment team.

Smile – sunshine is good for your teeth!

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Professional Teeth Whitening

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Professional Teeth Whitening at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry A brilliant smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening in our Lafayette office can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine contribute to the staining. Most of us are aware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it is an enemy to beautiful teeth. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first decide which method to use. At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our clients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 303-665-5335.

At-home tooth whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to achieve barely noticeable results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that last far longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have dental crowns, porcelain veneers or bonding, it is important to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

We do smile makeovers!

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