Dr. West's Boulder Dentist Blog » restorative dentistry http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com Advanced Cosmetic & General Dentistry Serving the Boulder, CO Area Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:41:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Wisdom Teeth And Your Lafayette Dentist http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/23/wisdom-teeth-and-your-lafayette-dentist/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/23/wisdom-teeth-and-your-lafayette-dentist/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:41:30 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/?p=29 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.

]]> http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/23/wisdom-teeth-and-your-lafayette-dentist/feed/ 0 Overbites And Underbites in Lafayette http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/18/overbites-and-underbites-in-lafayette/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/18/overbites-and-underbites-in-lafayette/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:41:53 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/18/overbites-and-underbites-in-lafayette/ 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

]]> http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/18/overbites-and-underbites-in-lafayette/feed/ 0 Oral Conscious Sedation http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/17/oral-conscious-sedation/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/17/oral-conscious-sedation/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:36:10 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/17/oral-conscious-sedation/ 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.

]]> http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/03/17/oral-conscious-sedation/feed/ 0 Questions To Ask Your Lafayette Dentist http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/01/13/questions-to-ask-your-lafayette-dentist/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/01/13/questions-to-ask-your-lafayette-dentist/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:19:40 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/01/13/questions-to-ask-your-lafayette-dentist/ Questions To Ask Your Lafayette Dentist Sometimes we research our Lafayette mechanic or Longmont hairdresser more thoroughly than our Lafayette dental professional. Shouldn’t your dental care be far more important than the condition of your car or the style of your hair? At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we love to answer questions about your teeth. You should be asking your Colorado dentist any question you have about the care and status of your teeth.

For instance, you may have questions about the school of dentistry he or she attended and the dental specialties studied. Though important, dentistry school is not the only place to gain dental experience. Dr. Gordon West has been performing complex dental procedures in Colorado since 1998.

You should also be asking about the dentistry specialties your Longmont dentist offers such as tooth restoration and Invisalign invisible braces. These services may not be important to you now, but it is a good idea to have an understanding of your options, and to know what your Longmont dentist has to offer.

If you are contemplating smile restoration, tooth implants, or tooth whitening, evaluate cosmetic dentistry options with your Longmont dentist. Look at before and after pictures, and ask your Longmont dentist what procedures may be right for you.

General dentists in Boulder offer a variety of dental services such as tooth extractions and tooth fillings, and can treat every member of the family. At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and dental implants.

You have many choices for your Lafayette family dentistry. We welcome questions about all aspects of our Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry practice. Visit us at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette and talk to a member of our state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment team.

Visit our Lafayette dentistry website at http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

]]> http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2009/01/13/questions-to-ask-your-lafayette-dentist/feed/ 0 Boulder Dental Implants and Dental Bridges http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2008/12/10/boulder-dental-implants-and-dental-bridges/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2008/12/10/boulder-dental-implants-and-dental-bridges/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:00:51 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/?p=5 When my Boulder patients ask me about tooth restoration, I usually tell them about fixed (or ‘traditional’) dental bridges or dental implants. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth (called a ‘pontic’) is fused to porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth replacement has been a highly requested procedure at my Boulder dental practice. Patients from the Lafayette, Broomfield, Louisville and Longmont have expressed concern about tooth replacement for many years. Most of my questions in these areas and the Fort Collins area have to do with the strength of the tooth replacement, and durability.

Dental implants are also popular concern for my Lafayette tooth replacement patients. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields terrific results for Lafayette dental implants patients. My Colorado cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that I stay up to date on the latest advancements in tooth replacement procedures.

Both Colorado smile restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, too. Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many
Boulder area dental patients have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration alternatives.

Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry and ask for Dr. Gordon West to schedule an evaluation for Colorado tooth restoration. You can schedule your tooth restoration by calling us at 303-665-5335.

]]> http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2008/12/10/boulder-dental-implants-and-dental-bridges/feed/ 0 Boulder Smile Makeovers at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic and General Dentistry http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2008/12/10/boulder-smile-makeovers-at-gordon-west-dds-cosmetic-dentistry/ http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/2008/12/10/boulder-smile-makeovers-at-gordon-west-dds-cosmetic-dentistry/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:02:03 +0000 admin http://boulderdentist.mydentistblog.com/?p=3 Many Colorado residents have experienced a boost in self-confidence by undergoing restorative or cosmetic dentistry at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette, CO. I’m cosmetic and sedation dentist Dr. Gordon West. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than helping Boulder area dentistry patients dramatically improve their smile and overall health with the latest tooth restoration procedures to correct dental problems and imperfections.

I enjoy consulting with my Louisville, Longmont, and Broomfield cosmetic dentistry patients to create personalized Colorado smile makeover treatment plans. At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, the treatment plan may include tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental implants. For Boulder dental patients with old or damaged crowns, we can provide beautiful new dental crowns. Tooth-colored dental fillings are popular for our Colorado cosmetic dentistry patients who are happy to be free of unsightly old silver fillings. It is important to be examined by your Boulder dentist regularly to check your previous dental work, including fillings, tooth bonding, veneers, crowns and bridges.

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we can tailor a cosmetic or restorative dental treatment plan to fit your budget. Tooth whitening in our Lafayette, CO office is a surprisingly affordable way to attain a mega-watt smile without spending a lot.

Restorative and cosmetic dentistry can relieve pain, correct bite issues, and prevent future problems. A Boulder smile makeover is an investment in yourself that you will enjoy every day for many years to come. If you have ever wondered what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, or have some dental concerns, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335 to schedule a thorough exam and consultation.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.

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