Archives for February 2016

A cracked tooth can be painful, but if it is diagnosed in time it can be successfully treated with root canal therapy and restored with a crown. Surface cracks may only need to be crowned. However, a crack that is left untreated for too long a time may reach to below the gumline and will be harder to deal with. So obviously you’ll want to get treatment asap.

Some cracks are so tiny that they can easily go unnoticed. The first sign of trouble may be that you start to feel pain any time you put pressure on the tooth like when biting down on something hard. This could mean that the crack has opened under the tension and the nerve center of the tooth has been exposed. At this point you will start to notice a sensitivity to hot or cold drinks that without treatment will continue to increase.

There are some circumstances that may make your teeth more susceptible to cracking. A tooth that has undergone an extensive restoration for instance, will be in a more weakened state than a healthy one. The mere wear and tear of everyday living will eventually take a toll on our teeth, so as we age our risk increases.

Brushing and flossing along with regular professional cleanings and checkups are the best ways to prevent damage to our teeth. Look to Dr. Looze of Southlands Dental for the best in comprehensive diagnosis and personalized care.
Call the office to schedule an intial consultation at 720-886-0606.

Dental implants promise to so closely simulate natural teeth that it will be hard to tell them apart. That’s definitely a good selling point, but we should also keep in mind that there are some differences.

Titanium implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and intended to last for a lifetime, but there are specific precautions that go along with the recovery from any surgical procedure. Postoperative instructions will explain how to control bleeding and swelling along with a list of do’s and don’ts to follow for a full and timely adjustment.

Don’t be too anxious. You won’t be able to see the implant anyway so leave the area alone to let the healing process proceed at its own pace. Your dentist may install a “healing cap” to cover the implant while the gum tissue regenerates. Take care not to disturb the progress. Two of the biggest no-nos are smoking and strenuous activities.

If you want the best result possible you have to be dedicated to taking good care of your implant. Because the implant is metal it will require protection from scrapes and scratches that could attract infection causing bacteria. Avoid putting anything in your mouth that could irritate surface of the implant. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a specialized floss.
Take good care of your implant and see your dentist regularly for follow up exams.

Call Southlands Dental @ 720-886-0606 to set up an appointment with Dr. Looze. Be sure to take advantage of the new patient special offers listed on the website.

If you’re in the process of looking for just the right dentist for your needs the American Dental Association has suggestions that might make your search a little easier. A lot will depend on your specific situation.

If you have a family you may want to find a practice that can be responsible for the dental health of yourself, your spouse and your children as well. On the other hand, one or more of your family members may need periodontal treatment, or you may want to have pediatric care for your children. Whatever the case may be the ADA can provide a listing of dentists – both speciality and general – in your area.

A personal recommendation is fine but here again individual needs will come into play. When you ask a friend or coworker to suggest a dentist make sure they know about any particular qualifications that you or a family member may require. If you need an orthodontist for instance, ask around your place of work for someone who can steer you in that direction.

Don’t feel obligated. Just making an appointment doesn’t mean that you’re ready to make a commitment, but If you like what you see and the answer to your questions are what you wanted to hear then you may well have found your new dental home.

If you’re in Aurora or the surrounding area visit Southlands Dental at Smoky Hill Rd. and E-470 for a “meet and greet” with Dr. Looze and his staff.