You may have heard of dental implants but if you’re not sure what they are or what they do, you can find out more below. Lakewood dentists Callahan & Klein Dental have also created a comprehensive guide to dental implants if you need any further information.

The Purpose of Dental Implants

A dental implant, while it sounds like a whole replacement tooth, actually refers to the titanium post that’s implanted into your jawbone. This is used as an anchor to attach to a crown or other dental work. The purpose of the dental implant is to replace the root of the missing or removed tooth. Without a tooth and root in place, your jawbone will start to lose density, surrounding teeth will shift and your face will lose support. Dental implants can stimulate and maintain the jawbone and fuse with it over time, providing a solid and secure base for a crown or other dental work such as implant dentures.

What Is The Procedure For Getting Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants can be a long procedure, typically taking at least a few months from start to finish. The reason it takes so long is that the jawbone needs to heal around the implant first before next steps can be taken. Here’s a rundown of the usual procedure after it’s been decided that an implant will be placed:

• 1) The area is prepped for the implant by removing a tooth if necessary.
• 2) If the jawbone isn’t strong enough, bone grafting may be carried out first.
• 3) The newest digital technology is used to virtually place the implant before the surgery to minimize risk.
• 4) A custom surgical guide is created based on the virtual placing of the implant.
• 5) After an appointment is set up, the dental implant is surgically placed deep in the empty socket.
• 6) The jawbone fuses with the implant and healing takes place.
• 7) A small connecting piece called an abutment is added and healing takes place again, although this can sometimes be added at the same time as the implant.
• 8) The artificial crown is attached.

Eventually you will have a fully functional, natural looking tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the preferred way to replace teeth for several reasons:

• They offer an extremely strong base to attach a crown, fixed bridge or denture.
• Titanium is biocompatible and should last a lifetime.
• Dental implants replace a tooth root and replicate its function, keeping surrounding teeth and your jawbone healthy.
• They are permanent so you only need to replace the crown if necessary.
• With a good oral healthcare routine, they are easy to care for.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Here are some things to be aware of when it comes to getting dental implants:

• Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants.
• Your jawbone needs to be able to support the implant. If bone grafting is not successful, an implant cannot be placed.
• As with all surgeries, there is a small risk of infection or injury. This is minimized with the advanced procedure of placing dental implants that Callahan and Klein Dentistry uses.
• The process can take many months from start to finish.
• The implant may not fuse correctly, however, your dentist may be able to try again after a few months.

Interested in Dental Implants?

If you want to find out more about dental implants, contact your dentist to schedule a consultation. Patients in Lakewood, CO, can call the dental implant professionals at Callahan & Klein Dental for a permanent, aesthetically pleasing way to fix your smile.

If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, getting them replaced is essential to maintaining your oral health. If you have gaps in your mouth, surrounding teeth lose support and are also at risk of falling out. You have a higher risk of gum disease and it’s also impossible to speak, chew and swallow normally. Your jawbone may lose density and your whole face shape could change so it’s highly recommended that you get those teeth replaced! Dental implants are the go-to choice for fixing gaps in your smile but how long do they last and are they really worth it?

What Are Dental Implants?

When you hear “dental implants” you may automatically think of a false tooth, implanted into a gap in your gum. This is half correct, but the implant part is actually the metal post that is inserted into the jaw, replacing the root. The false tooth part is a separate prosthetic crown that is attached to the implant, usually by way of a small connecting piece called an abutment.

Dental implants are increasingly popular as the best replacement for a missing or removed tooth. They can also be used to attach other dental work into the mouth, such as bridges or implant dentures. This means that rather than replacing an entire jaw with lots of separate implants and crowns, a few strategically placed implants can be added and then a row of prosthetic teeth can be securely attached to them.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Here are the main reasons why dentists recommend dental implants:

• The implant is made of biocompatible titanium which fuses with your jawbone creating an extremely strong anchor for your crown or dental work.
• Dental implants create a foundation for a natural looking crown that restores eating and speaking functions to your mouth.
• Replacing a tooth with a dental implant supports surrounding teeth and decreases the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss.
• Having dental implants prevents further bone loss in the jaw and can stop your face from sagging.
• Dental implants can last a very long time.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re paying for dental implants, you want to make sure it’s going to be worth it. Well, rest assured that dental implants will last for a long time. In fact, the dental implant post itself will probably last the whole rest of your life. With a good oral healthcare routine which includes daily flossing and twice daily brushing, your implant should remain in great condition for decades. The prosthetic crown on top may not last so long, however. Due to the function of teeth, daily wear and grinding will eventually wear down a crown to the point where it might need to be replaced. Depending on the material and location in the mouth, crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years and even beyond. If your crown does need replacing, a new one will just be attached to the existing implant.

If you’re interested in finding out more about dental implants, check out the ultimate guide from Callahan & Klein Dental. Patients in Lakewood, CO and surrounding areas can contact Callahan & Klein for expert dental implant treatment, guaranteed to make you smile.

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular as a way to replace teeth and fix smiles but you may not be sure of what they actually are. The dental implant refers to a small metal post, usually made of titanium, that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace a root of a tooth that’s fallen out or been removed. Once this implant has fused with the surrounding bone, it can be used as an anchor to attach a prosthetic crown or other dental work such as fixed bridges or implant dentures.

What Do Dental Implants Do?

The dental implant acts as a replacement root. Titanium is extremely biocompatible so your jawbone will heal around it and the implant will be held securely in place. This is good not only as a stable way to attach a crown, it also helps to stimulate bone growth in the affected area. Replacing teeth is important to keep the surrounding teeth stable, and to prevent gum disease and further tooth loss.

Once the implant is stable, a prosthetic crown, or false tooth, is screwed on to it by using a small connecting piece called an abutment. Your dentist will create a realistic looking tooth that’s color matched to the rest of your teeth, meaning that it will look and function exactly like a real tooth.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

While the crown might need replacing after 10-15 years, with good care the implant itself can last a lifetime. Just brush and floss as you normally would to keep your implants in good shape.

Are There Any Downsides to Getting Dental Implants?

Dentists consider dental implants to be the best solution to replacing teeth. While there are unlikely to be any issues with the procedure, there are a few things you may need to take into consideration:

• Titanium is used for its biocompatibility but you may not be a suitable candidate if you are sensitive to metals or have a metal allergy.
• Your jawbone needs to be dense enough to support the implant. Bone grafting may need to take place in advance of implant surgery.
• Due to the time taken for your jawbone to heal, the whole process can take many months from start to finish.
• Some oral and general health conditions may prevent you from being able to get dental implants.
• As with any type of surgical procedure, there is always a slight risk of infection or injury at the surgery site.

Thinking About Getting Dental Implants?

Talk to your dentist about getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth. If you’re in Lakewood, CO or surrounding areas, contact the implant experts at Callahan & Klein Dental and check out our ultimate guide to dental implants for even more information.

If you have a missing tooth, a tooth that needs to be removed, multiple missing teeth or a whole mouthful of nothing, dental implants are the best way to replace your missing teeth. Are they the cheapest way to do it? No. Are they the most long-lasting, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way to do it? Yes. Let’s find out more.

What Does A Dental Implant Consist Of?

A dental implant is a titanium or titanium alloy post that’s inserted into the jawbone to replace a tooth’s root. A porcelain or ceramic crown that looks like a real tooth is then attached to the implant via a small connector called an abutment. It’s important to replace missing teeth to maintain the integrity of your jawbone, to support the surrounding teeth and to improve the look of your smile.

Yes, But How Much Do They Actually Cost?

It’s not possible to give an exact price for the cost of a dental implant as it varies per patient, depending on the number of implants needed and what preparation work might need to be carried out first. If, for example, you need a bone graft to strengthen your jawbone so it supports an implant, this will increase the cost compared with someone who doesn’t need a bone graft.

To give you a rough idea, the median cost in Colorado for a single dental implant plus abutment and crown is around $2500. Your dentist at Callahan and Klein Dental will be able to work out a treatment plan before any procedures so you will be fully aware of the potential costs. Obviously, the more implants you have, the more it will cost.

How Do You Pay For Dental Implants?

Unless it’s medically necessary, it’s unlikely that insurance companies will cover any portion of the dental implant procedure as it’s generally considered cosmetic dentistry. This means that you will need to pay for the treatment yourself. If you are unable to pay the full amount at the time of service, your dentist will likely work out a payment plan with you in advance to ensure that you’re able to afford dental implant treatment. Dentists like Callahan and Klein Dental also accept other forms of payment such as CareCredit, which is a credit card specifically for healthcare.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

OK, getting dental implants may be pricey but are they worth it? In one word, YES. If you take good care of them, dental implants can last a lifetime which is far longer than any alternative treatment such as bridges or dentures. They look natural, they feel natural and they will function as well, if not better, than your other teeth. Your jawbone will be healthier, your teeth will be stable and there will be no more hiding your smile because you’re embarrassed by the gaps. Consider it an investment not only in your oral health but your wellbeing in general and really, it’s impossible to put a price on that!

If you live in Lakewood, CO or surrounding areas, call Callahan and Klein Dental for a free expert consultation on dental implants. For more information about dental implants and the process for getting them, check out our ultimate guide to dental implants.

Are your teeth less than dazzling? Do you feel embarrassed by yellow teeth? Are you brushing every day and still not seeing any improvement? What could be going on? There’s more than just good brushing involved when it comes to the color of your teeth. Let’s find out about types of tooth staining and the best way to get that white smile back again.

What Makes Teeth Yellow?

First off, most people’s teeth are not naturally bright white. Natural enamel color can run in a wide range of shades between white and yellow, white and gray and even white with reddish-brown undertones. There are different reasons for why your teeth might be yellow, however, and the type of stain also affects the best way to treat them.

Why Your Teeth Might Be Yellow

• Poor Oral Health
  You might think brushing is enough but are you really taking care of your teeth? Dentists recommend brushing twice daily for two minutes each time. In addition, you should be flossing at least once a day. If your oral care routine could do with an upgrade, this is the best way you can keep your teeth looking healthy and white.
• Smoking
  The tobacco and nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products can stain your teeth. As well as being detrimental to your health overall, using cigarettes or chewing tobacco will cause your teeth to turn yellow or even brown.
• Food and Drink
  Eating foods with strong colors such as berries, tomato sauces and soy sauce can stain the surface of your teeth if you don’t brush regularly. Drinks such as red wine, coffee and sodas can have the same effect, especially with prolonged contact with your teeth.
• Medications
  If you’ve recently started some new medications and have noticed a change in your tooth color, check the list of side effects. Some medicines for blood pressure, asthma, and mental illness can affect and discolor your teeth. Talk to your dentist or doctor if this is an issue but do not stop using your medications unless instructed.

Types of Staining That Cause Yellow Teeth

There are two types of staining that can change the color of your teeth from white to yellow: extrinsic stains or intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains affect the exterior surface of your teeth. They can be caused by food and drinks or by using tobacco products. Extrinsic stains are easier to remove than other types of staining.

Intrinsic stains affect the interior of your teeth. They can be caused by damage or decay to the tooth or by past procedures such as root canals. Intrinsic stains can also be caused by excessive consumption of fluoride, antibiotics and your genetic makeup. These stains are harder to remove as they are inside the tooth, but cosmetic options are available.

Can Yellow Teeth Be Treated?

Happily, there are several treatment options for yellow teeth, no matter what causes them.

• A Professional Dental Cleaning
  Sometimes all it takes to get rid of your yellow teeth is to see the dentist for a scheduled cleaning. A mild abrasive paste can be applied to remove surface stains and you’ll leave with smoother, shinier, healthier teeth. Keep the yellow at bay by brushing and flossing and drinking more water.
• Whitening Treatments
  If brushing isn’t helping, or you just want a brighter smile, try a dental whitening or bleaching treatment. This non-invasive treatment usually lightens teeth by several shades in one appointment so you can safely say goodbye to those yellow teeth. Callahan & Klein Dental uses the Zoom whitening system for an even more effective treatment. Teeth bleaching or whitening will need to be repeated every couple of years to maintain a white smile but it’s a quick, easy and affordable way to get rid of yellow teeth.
• Dental Veneers
  For the ultimate in yellow teeth removal, you can cover them with dental veneers. These thin slices of porcelain are fitted to the outside surface of a tooth or teeth, giving a perfect appearance when you smile. You can have one veneer or several, your dentist will be able to advise on the best way to treat your yellow teeth.

Don’t let yellow teeth get you down – a visit to your dentist will give you a choice of options to lift your tooth color and your confidence. Patients in Lakewood, CO can contact Callahan & Klein Dental for the best in cosmetic dentistry in a friendly office.

If you’re an adult, your permanent teeth are supposed to be just that: permanent. If you have a loose or wobbly tooth, contact your dentist straight away to get to the bottom of the issue. There are a few reasons why you might have a loose tooth and in some cases it might tighten back up on its own but in most cases, dental intervention will be necessary.

Do I Have A Loose Tooth?

It may have been a long time since you lost a baby tooth but you probably remember the feeling. If your adult tooth is wobbly or loose, you may also be seeing bleeding when brushing or flossing and your gums may also appear swollen. If this is the case, call your dentist to see if they can fix your loose tooth.

What Causes A Loose Tooth?

There are several things that can give you a loose tooth or loose teeth as an adult.

• Impact or Injury
  If you are hit in the mouth while participating in sports, for example, or you fall, this can cause damage to your teeth to the point of loosening or even knocking them out.
• Damage from Bruxism
  Bruxism, or grinding and clenching your teeth and jaws is quite common in adults. Severe cases can result in the tissue weakening enough to loosen your teeth.
• Gum Disease
  Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the most common reason for loose teeth in adults. Gum disease due to poor oral hygiene can result in the gums receding from the teeth, making them loose and potentially leading to the tooth falling out.
• Pregnancy
  The change in hormones during pregnancy can also cause a change in the periodontium, the tissues anchoring your teeth in your jaws. This means that your teeth can feel loose during pregnancy although this should be temporary.

Can A Loose Tooth Be Fixed?

This depends on the reason for the loose tooth and how soon you receive treatment for it.

• Loose Tooth From Impact or Injury
  This is likely to be permanent damage which won’t fix itself. If you suffer a dental emergency, see a dentist as soon as possible to see if the tooth can be saved. If the tooth can’t be fixed, a likely solution is to remove it and replace it with an implant.
• Loose Tooth From Grinding Teeth
  If seen early enough, there is a chance to save your teeth from weakening further if you are clenching and grinding them at night. Your dentist can create a custom fitted mouthguard to wear while you sleep to protect your teeth and jaws from further damage.
• Loose Teeth From Gum Disease
  Again, early intervention is the key here. If caught early, gum disease is reversible and your teeth do have a chance of tightening back up. Deep dental cleanings can help clean bacteria out of the roots of your teeth and below the gumline. If the gum disease is too severe, teeth can be replaced with dental implants or dental bridges.
• Loose Teeth During Pregnancy
  Any loose teeth you may experience during pregnancy should tighten back up on their own in due course. If you are experiencing loose teeth during pregnancy, it’s probably a good idea to see a dentist anyway to rule out other issues such as gum disease.

What To Do If You Have Loose Teeth

Fixing a loose tooth is sometimes possible, although it depends on the reason why it is loose and how soon you seek treatment for it. Patients in Lakewood, CO can rely on the team at Callahan & Klein Dental to provide the best advice and treatment if you are experiencing loose teeth. Contact the office today to schedule your appointment.

We all have a bad night’s sleep from time to time but if you suffer regularly from interrupted sleep or wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed, consider going to see a dentist. Why? Because you may have sleep apnea and a dentist can help.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where your breathing is irregular and may even stop for short periods – this is called an “apnea”. You may not be aware that it’s happening so here are some other signs that a partner also may be able to tell you about:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for breath when asleep
• Night sweats
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Waking up with a headache
• Not feeling rested after sleep

This can have knock-on effects throughout the day such as irritability, a lack of concentration and an overall feeling of fatigue. A lack of restorative sleep is also bad for your health overall so what might be going on?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is quite common in the population, affecting up to 25% of men and about 10% of women of all ages. It’s called “obstructive sleep apnea” as the soft tissue in the back of your throat blocks, or obstructs, your airway when you’re lying down asleep. This causes the gasping or choking, loud snoring and sometimes frequent awakening during the night. While it can happen to anyone, patients more at risk for OSA include those with neuromuscular, cardiac or pulmonary disease, people with certain physical traits such as overbites or large tonsils, or those who are overweight.

How Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

So what’s this got to do with your local dentist? If you see your dentist regularly, they’ll be able to check for signs of obstructive sleep apnea and may be able to offer effective treatments. You may have heard of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine but they don’t necessarily work out for everyone. Going to a dentist for sleep apnea treatment can include things such as:

• Oral Appliance Therapy:
  Your dentist may recommend an oral appliance to treat your mild to moderate sleep apnea. This hinged device fits over your teeth and is worn to move your jaw or keep your tongue from blocking your airway so you can sleep uninterrupted. It is small, removable and does not require a power source to work.
• A Tongue Stabilizer:
  Similar in shape to a pacifier, you put your tongue through a hole in the plastic splint, or tongue retaining device, and it holds it away from your airway while you sleep.
• A Night Guard:
  Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is a sign of sleep apnea. A custom fitted nightguard can relieve pressure on your jaws and teeth, leading to a better nights’ sleep.

Dental Devices Can Improve Your Sleep

Now that you know there is an answer to your bad sleep, make that appointment to talk to your dentist. Patients in Lakewood, CO can contact Callahan & Klein Dental for expert sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Sweet dreams!

In Cosmetic March 3, 2021

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that attach to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They boost your smile by changing the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth. Veneers can correct worn down, chipped, or broken teeth, unwanted gaps, and discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments. You can also use veneers to correct mild misalignment and uneven or misshapen teeth.

While they are available in various forms, there are two main types of veneers; traditional and no-prep veneers. Read on to find out the difference between the two, so you can make an informed decision.

About Traditional Veneers

Traditional veneers are permanent and available in porcelain or composite materials. When installing traditional veneers, your dentist will first prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to ensure that they fit comfortably and look natural. Your dentist will then take an impression of your teeth for the fabrication of your veneers. Once ready, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using dental cement and UV light. Traditional veneers are a permanent option, and they can last for many years with proper care.

Types of Traditional Veneers

When getting traditional veneers, you can choose between two types: porcelain veneers or composite veneers. While porcelain and composite veneers have their differences, they are both aesthetically appealing.

Porcelain: Porcelain is a biocompatible material that closely mimics the color and transparency of enamel. They are stain-resistant and effective as a long-term treatment. Getting porcelain veneers requires at least two dental visits, one for preparation and another for placement.

Composite: Composite veneers are a quick and affordable alternative to porcelain veneers as they only require one appointment and they only need minimal enamel removal. However, they chip easily and can stain just like natural teeth. Composite veneers can last for up to eight years, and you can repair them easily as needed.

About No-Prep Veneers

No-prep veneers refer to veneers that need less tooth preparation for placement. Your dentist only takes an impression of your teeth to make custom veneers before bonding them to the front of your teeth. If an alteration is necessary, it is minimal as the dentist only removes a small amount of enamel. The process is painless and does not require an anesthetic unless you suffer from excess sensitivity.

Types of No-Prep Veneers

No-prep veneers may be made of porcelain or composite. Below are your typical types of no-prep veneers.

Vivaneers™ Veneers: Vivaneers are ultra-thin veneers that allow for opaque or translucent chairside shading. They are also durable and long-lasting.
Lumineers® Veneers: Lumineers are the most-marketed and popular type of no-prep veneers. They are ultra-thin and go over your teeth to produce a natural-looking smile.

DURAthin® Veneers: These veneers are designed to attach directly to the front of your teeth without shaving the enamel. They are highly conservative and do not impact your smile if you decide to remove them.
No-prep veneers are convenient and less costly compared to traditional veneers.

Caring for Your Veneers

Taking proper care of your veneers lengthens their lifespan. Practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Get regular dental checkups to maintain your oral health and ensure that your veneers are in good shape.

Other ways to take care of your veneers include getting a splint or retainer if you grind your teeth at night and wearing a mouthguard when engaging in vigorous physical activity. Lastly, avoid chewing or biting hard foods and using your teeth as tools to open packages.

Ask Your Dental Professional

Conserving your natural enamel is essential in any dental restoration procedure, which calls for expertise and precision during veneer placement. Always seek the services of a dentist with experience in veneers. A professional dentist will discuss your options with you and recommend appropriate solutions depending on your oral situation.