Family dentistry

Missing Teeth in Boulder? Don’t Miss Out On A Beautiful Smile

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, Family dentistry, general dentistry

Lafayette cosmetic dentistry

If you have chipped or cracked teeth, or are missing one or more of your teeth, cosmetic and restorative dentistry from Boulder County Smiles may be just what you need. We offer multiple ways for you to keep (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.

Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer a relatively cost-effective approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size, or shape. They are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They upgrade unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the patient’s jaw. A tooth restoration goes on top of the post. Because they are physically attached, they prevent bone loss. Best of all, they look and function like natural teeth.

Dentures
For patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth, there are several options in dentures. Traditional dentures are removable, and rest on top of the gums. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants and are more stable than traditional dentures.

Schedule a consultation with Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette to find out more about cosmetic dentistry. We also provide general and family dentistry, and treat sleep apnea.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Let’s Make A Plan: Cosmetic Dentistry in Lafayette CO

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Gum Disease Treatment, Orthodontics, teeth whitening

personalized dental treatment plan Lafayette

When you want to reach a goal, the difference between success and failure often comes down to planning. If you want to improve your smile, make a cosmetic dentistry plan with Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.

Maybe you haven’t thought much about your teeth in the past, but have noticed some problems lately. These maybe purely aesthetic, like stains, or a serious hazard like gum disease.

Do you have a vision for your smile? We’re dedicated to customized, patient-focused care. We design a personalized treatment plan for every patient. Age, lifestyle, current status of oral health, overall physical health, and risk factors are all taken into account.

Let’s make a plan. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, our services include general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and MTM Clear Aligners. We provide treatment for gum disease, and sedation dentistry for those with dental anxiety.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

What Does Your Saliva Reveal? Ask Your Dentist in Lafayette CO

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry, General health, teeth whitening

 

Dentists know that an examination can reveal issues in other parts of the patient’s body. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we often refer our patients to their medical doctor for further diagnosis when they encounter inflammation, chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, or jaw pain.

Healthcare providers may soon have another oral diagnostic tool for detecting systemic diseases—a test that valuates the molecules in saliva.

UCLA researchers are working on a test that could have the ability to diagnose diseases like diabetes and cancer. It’s conceivable that dentists will soon be able to take saliva samples that can be tested for numerous diseases. And if that happens, disease diagnosis will be much simpler for all parties.1

We understand how the state of your dental health impacts the rest of your body. Think of us as a key member of your healthcare team, dedicated to your overall health and well-being.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. We also do oral cancer screening.

1Saliva Test May Uncover Deadly Diseases, Dentistry Today (citing an article in Clinical Chemistry, clinchem.org), November 6, 2014, http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10711-saliva-test-may-uncover-deadly-diseases, accessed on December 19, 2014

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Not The End Of The World – Root Canals in Lafayette CO

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Root Canal, sedation dentistry, Toothache

root canal sedation Lafayette

Root canal. These are among the most ominous words in dentistry. But at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, they don’t have to be.

A successful root canal (known formally as endodontic treatment) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp of the affected tooth are removed. What remains is the tooth’s interior – the canal – which is cleaned and disinfected. The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

The most common reason to need one is that a tooth’s roots have become inflamed or infected. Root canals can be a straightforward procedure, not much different than having a cavity filled. The area where the treatment is taking place is numbed beforehand. Even so, some of our patients have anxiety at thought of most procedures. If you’re one of them, ask us about sedation dentistry.

If you have a tooth that is bothering you, don’t put off calling us, because it won’t get better on its own. In addition to root canals, Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO provides general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and treatment for gum disease. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Kids Who Like The Dentist? Family Dentistry in Lafayette

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry, teeth whitening

friendly children

Most of our young patients at Boulder County Smiles like visiting our Lafayette office for checkups, cleanings, and treatments. Establishing a good relationship with family dentistry is a vital dental health.

The Oral Health-Physical Health Connection

Good physical health in children is impossible without the oral health component. This may seem obvious, but cavities in children is a national epidemic, and for the most part is preventable. Regular checkups are just as important as wellness exams and immunizations.

The health of your child’s teeth and gums affects their speech development, eating habits, academic success, mental health, and social relationships. We love working with you and your child to establish habits that ensure a healthy smile for life.

The Good News

Today’s children are far less fearful of the dentist than previous generations. Part of the reason is that modern dental tools are better, and rarely cause any pain. If you are old enough to remember the whining dental drills of fifty years ago, you probably have a greater appreciation for the technological innovations that make dental treatment far more pleasant than in years past.

But advanced tools are not the only reason that our youngest patients look forward to dental visits. At Boulder County Smiles, we have a warm, inviting atmosphere that puts patients of all ages at ease.

We recommend that parents bring their toddler in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth comes in. During the initial visit, we can review treatments such as sealants, fluoride, and brushing and flossing techniques.

In addition to offering general and family dentistry, Boulder County Smiles offers cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Don’t Ignore It! Toothaches in Lafayette

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, dental implants, Family dentistry, general dentistry, teeth whitening, Toothache

general and cosmetic dentistry Boulder

Life is chaotic enough, isn’t it? At times, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done. Too many important things get put on the back burner, but at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, we urge you to not let your dental health be one of them – especially when you have a toothache.

Here are some common dental health shortcuts to watch out for:

Rushing Through Brushing
Your teeth deserve two minutes or more. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Be methodical and get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.

Neglecting Professional Cleanings
When softer plaque turns to tartar, you can’t brush it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of it before it can hurt your enamel or irritate your gums.

Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss
While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to recognize that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line. When you wrap a string of floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more thoroughly clean that crucial area around and just below the gum line.

Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Feel a Toothache
A toothache is an SOS from your mouth, saying that something is wrong. The most common reason is a cavity, but it could be something worse, like gum disease.

If you have a toothache or some other dental issue, call Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette right away. We offer a full range of general and family dentistry, plus cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and dental implants. Call to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026