Archives for October 2015

Prophylaxis is one of the more thorough types of tooth cleaning that you can have done and it can actually help to deter the progression of periodontal diseases.

No amount of brushing and flossing will guarantee that you will get rid of all the plaque causing bacteria living in your mouth. Of course practicing good oral health habits at home is well advised and will definitely contribute to a healthy smile but it will take the know how and experience of a dental professional to spot the beginnings of a problem. Then your dentist or hygienist can use the special technology and instruments at his disposal to get rid of any plaque buildup. A prophylaxis procedure will also remove any stains that your toothbrush might have missed or just couldn’t eliminate.

When plaque is left to harden it will gradually turn to tartar. Part of the prophylaxis treatment will be to remove tartar from above and around the gumline but it will also entail going further under the gumline and into the pockets where harmful bacteria can hide. The last phase in the treatment is called “root planing.” This is when the hygienist goes to the root of the tooth to clean out any remaining bacteria that could contaminate the gums.

Prophylaxis is a preventive measure used to keep a developing case of periodontitis from getting any worse. Having it done can save a patient from having to undergo a more invasive procedure. Call Southlands Dental in Aurora @ 720-886-0606 to make an appointment for your exam.

A successful dental practice is due in part to having an office staff made up of the right kind of people, people who are genuinely concerned about the care and comfort of others. Let’s face it, even though a dentist is there to relieve pain and at times even improve the quality of life for their patients going to the dentist’s office is seldom something that most of us look forward to. Being greeted with a reassuring smile and a manner that puts people at ease can make things a bit easier. Everyone likes to be recognized, so if the receptionist can remember to welcome the patient by name it will make him feel like he is truly part of a dental family.

The waiting area or outer office of a dental facility is the first impression a patient will have of the professionalism of the practice. It will be up to the staffers to see to it that the patients see a clean space with a warm atmosphere. Of course cleanliness is key for any medical office but if patients can also be welcomed with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a morning newspaper or a current magazine that’s all good too.

Dental associates will be smart to set aside the time for individual interviews with prospective staff members. Personal and previous professional references should be as important as computer and phone skills.

Southlands Dental invites you to meet their team on the website, www.southlandsdental.com.

Your smile has a lot to do with the first impression you make on the people that you meet. Fortunately cosmetic procedures have become more available to the general public and are more affordable than ever before so that if you need some improvement you can get it without having to spend a fortune.

There are various over the counter tooth whiteners that work adequately to remove superficial stains. They come in the form of toothpastes and various types of home whitening kits and strips. More traditional home remedies suggest brushing with baking soda and eating foods that increase the production of saliva – sugarless chewing gum is good for that also – and our saliva is what washes away acidic bacteria.

Bleach is commonly used as the main ingredient in tooth whitening formulas, but it is only effective on natural teeth. It will not work on bridge work or crowned teeth, but your dentist may advise alternative dental work.

If you do whiten your teeth and are pleased with the result your next concern will be to keep them looking good. Too much whitening is not advised but if you take care the effects of one treatment should last at least a year. Your dentist will tell you what foods and drinks to avoid in order to prevent further staining and that if you do indulge to rinse with water afterward.

Southlands Dental specializes in cosmetic procedures and can work wonders to enhance your smile. Call today @720-886-0606 in Aurora, CO.

It’s important to replace missing teeth so that the remaining ones will continue to be supported and able to remain in position. One of the more innovative options are dental implants. An implant is a surgically placed screw like apparatus that is attached to the jawbone to take the place of the natural root of the lost tooth. Once the implant is installed your dentist will wait 2-6 months to allow time for it to bond to its new environment and become strong enough to support an artificial tooth restoration. During this waiting period you may be able to wear a temporary crown if the missing tooth is obvious.

Most patients are good candidates for a dental implant assuming there is sufficient bone structure and healthy gums. If you ask your dentist about the possibility of an implant he will do an evaluation to make sure it is a doable procedure in your case. There are no special care instructions after having an implant, but your dentist will encourage you to keep up with your normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and having regular check-ups.

After your implant has bonded and your new tooth has been installed it will feel as though your natural tooth has grown back. You will find that the confidence that comes with having a healthy smile has also been restored.

Southlands Dental in Aurora, CO is devoted to patient comfort and individual attention. Call 720-886-0606 today for your implant evaluation.