Archives for April 2016

Root canal therapy is the better known name for an endodontic treatment. The term endodontic is taken from the Greek and translates to mean inside the tooth. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth which serves as its protective covering. Just underneath the enamel lies the dentin which is made up of more tissue and little tubes that connect with the pulp. The pulp is the center of the tooth where its’ nerves are located.

Even though your tooth enamel is extraordinarily strong it can be invaded. Injury or extensive decay can weaken the enamel and cause it to crack. When this happens the underlying layers can become infected. If the infection reaches into the pulp the nerves will react and the symptomatic pain that you feel will let you know that something is wrong.

See your dentist as soon as possible after you start to feel the pain of an infected tooth. He will need to do an exam and take x-rays to determine the progress of the infection and how much damage has been done to the root. Most endodontic treatments can be done in one visit unless there are complications or the infection is extensive.

Because Dr. Looze uses only the best in available dental technology you can be sure to receive quality treatment in a timely manner as a patient of Southlands Dental in Aurora. Call us @ 720-886-0606 to schedule your appointment.

A plan for good oral health includes regular dental examinations and professional cleanings. The habits that you practice at home also have an effect. The combined goal of these efforts is to come away with the feeling of having freshly cleaned mouth with teeth that are free of plaque buildup and cavity causing bacteria.

The most common belief has been that brushing after every meal is the best way to protect our teeth from the bacteria in the food particles that may be left behind. The truth is that every time we eat or drink something sweet or high in acidic content we are feeding the bad bacteria in our mouths that eat away at tooth enamel. Brushing when the enamel is most vulnerable will only contribute to the damage already being done. If we brush before we eat we will be removing at least some of the bacteria before it has a chance to mix with the acidic foods. Flossing after eating will take care of any food that may have gotten stuck between our teeth.

Some people maintain that toothpaste alters the way their food tastes so they want to avoid brushing before they eat. Hygienists will tell you that the sodium laurel sulfate compound found in a lot of toothpastes is what affects the flavor of some foods, but there are fluoride toothpastes that are free of the formula, so check the brand label before you buy.

Visit the website, www.southlandsdental.com and read about the varied services that Dr. Looze offers. Call the office @ 720-886-0606 for your appointment.

If it’s come to the point where you can’t even think about biting into an ice cream bar and you have to let your morning cup of coffee cool before you can enjoy it, you may want to find ways to decrease your tooth sensitivity.

There are several things that can cause your teeth to become overly sensitive to heat or cold. The continual use of a hard bristle toothbrush for instance, can wear away tooth enamel exposing the nerve center and activating the pain. Try switching to softer bristles and apply gently.

The brand of toothpaste that you use can also compromise the enamel that protects the teeth. Stay away from those toothpastes that contain whitening agents and see if it makes a difference. Chemically based mouth rinses, or those that contain alcohol, can also break down tooth enamel. Most people can go without using a mouthwash every day.

Tooth sensitivity is likely to heighten after a dental procedure but it should return to normal over a short amount of time. If the sensitivity continues or increases it could be something more. Be sure to contact your dentist if you experience any lasting side effects.

If you have sensitive teeth you may have to adjust some of your habits. Avoiding acidic foods and drinking cold beverages through a straw are good examples of how to manage tooth sensitivity.

You can rely on Dr. Looze of Southlands Dental in Aurora to be able to alert you to the symptoms of over sensitivity. Call Southlands Dental @ 720-886-0606.

There are any number of reasons for people to want to improve the way their smile appears to others. Business men and women for instance, are meeting and greeting customers and associates everyday, all day. They want to come across as positive and confident to make as good an impression as possible.

A first impression sticks. Stained or misshapen teeth can take away from the impact that a dazzling smile can make, whether in a professional situation or on a personal level. Your dentist can advise you on the ways to prevent staining and can offer a multitude of cosmetic dental procedures to correct or conceal many kinds of imperfections.

There are some foods and drinks that are infamously known stain causers. Unfortunately many of them are among our favorites – soft drinks, coffee, tea, and red wine, to name a few, but if we want to keep our pearly whites looking their best we may have to make some sacrifices. Moderation and preventive methods are key. If you like to enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner for instance, feel free but rinse with plain water afterwards and if you like to have a soda now and then use a straw so that the sugary drink doesn’t come so directly in contact with your teeth.

Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is a basic recommendation for the prevention of cavities and gum disease. Good oral health habits also work to keep your teeth bright and your breath fresh. Your dentist may approve a toothpaste with whitening agents as an extra measure. An in-office professional tooth whitening procedure can be the best way to ensure a good outcome. Talk to your dentist about all the possibilities available.

If your teeth are chipped or marred in any way dental bonding can restore them. Older fillings can be replaced with a composite resin that is colored to match the shade of your natural teeth and porcelain veneers can be placed over teeth that have shifted or have gaps between them. These are just some examples of what cosmetic dentistry has to offer.

Rely on Southlands Dental in Aurora to offer you the latest in dental technology. Call 720-886-0606 today.