Today’s article explains how behind-the-scenes dental technology helps us serve our patients. CAD/CAM CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) are used for many restorative treatments. These include same-day inlays/onlays and crowns. Dentists who offer dental implants can use CAD/CAM technology in every phase of the dental implant procedure. CAD/CAM is also used in dental…
There is more than one way to fix a child’s tooth. Whether it’s decay or a crack, we have a restoration option. Today’s message looks at three pediatric tooth restoration procedures we provide to repair a damaged tooth: 1. Dental Bonding Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to correct chips, cracks, and stains,…
There are significant new developments in Colorado dentistry: stronger, natural-looking materials; improved techniques; more effective diagnostic methods; and more precise instruments. Combine these with the experience and expertise of Dr. Gordon West and you’re left with less of what used to make people dread going to the dentist. Less Pain Improved painkillers, lasers, and innovative…
Overview Temporomandibular joint The temporomandibular joint (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) (TMJ) acts like a sliding ring, connecting your jaw to your skull. You have joints in every part of your jaw. TMJ disorders – a type of temporomandibular disorder, or TMD – can cause pain in the jaw joints and muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination…
How are Americans doing when it comes to the dental health of the 65+ population? The Good News: The rate of cavities in the elderly has decreased in the past thirty years.1 The Bad News: 25% of persons age 65+ have no remaining teeth2 Nearly 20% have untreated cavities3 10% of adults 65 and over…
Evolution isn’t always tidy and linear. For example, we have smaller jaws than our ancestors thousands of years ago, but most of our bodies haven’t adapted by generating fewer teeth. Two-thirds of us produce the same amount of teeth as early humans. These late-developing extra molars are called wisdom teeth and they pose unique oral…
Today, we’re reviewing the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. A water irrigation tool oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out fragments of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it…
Implants require a strong jawbone to hold them in place; Therefore, patients who do not have enough bone will have to graft to the bone before implanting it, which allows for a three-fold recovery. Although different combinations of methods are sometimes possible (such as combining the implant and abutment positioning), we will focus on the typical two-phase recovery process: After the implant post is placed, there is a 3–6-month recovery and healing…
Sometimes Lafayette residents research their mechanic or hairdresser more thoroughly than their dental professional. Shouldn’t your oral health be far more important? At Boulder County Smiles, we love to answer questions about all facets of dentistry. What Training and Experience Do You Have? You may have questions about a dentist’s training and experience. Dr. West has…
65 percent of men and women who detect wisdom teeth notice them in their late teens or early twenties. At Boulder County Smiles, we help our teen patients with their wisdom teeth issues. Why are wisdom teeth often extracted? There are several reasons… 1. Wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth and nerves. 2. Most jaws…