Sometimes Lafayette residents research their mechanic or hairdresser more thoroughly than their dental professional. Shouldn’t your oral health be far more important? At Boulder County Smiles, we love to answer questions about all facets of dentistry. What Training and Experience Do You Have? You may have questions about a dentist’s training and experience. Dr. West has…
general dentistry
Does Your Teen Feel Wisdom Teeth Coming In?
65 percent of men and women who detect wisdom teeth notice them in their late teens or early twenties. At Boulder County Smiles, we help our teen patients with their wisdom teeth issues. Why are wisdom teeth often extracted? There are several reasons… 1. Wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth and nerves. 2. Most jaws…
3 Critical Things You Didn’t Know About Kids’ Cavities
It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Lafayette. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding. Here are three essential things to know about children’s dental health. 1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay.…
Are All Clear Aligners Alike?
If you are researching orthodontics, you have probably heard about clear aligners. They offer several advantages over traditional metal braces. The most popular benefit is the fact that they are nearly invisible. Millions of people have corrected their teeth with aligners in the past twenty years since they were invented. We’re here to help with…
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that improves the placement of an implanted tooth. Some people need dental implants but do not have enough bone support for an implant due to bone loss. A sinus lift can help because it increases the bone in your upper jaw by adding bone to the…
Don’t Underestimate The Importance of Retainers
The retention phase is a critical milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, difficult work of moving teeth is over. Your smile looks extraordinary, but stay with the program. There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a…
What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry: Minimal inhaled sedation. You breathe in nitrous oxide – also known as “laughing gas” – combined with oxygen through a mask placed over your nose. Chi helps you relax. Your dentist can control how much sedation you receive, and the gas tends to dissipate quickly. This…
Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation in which damage to the teeth occurs and the patient needs urgent care. While a dental emergency may have never happened to you, it could happen in the future. Some things are too pressing to wait for an appointment. How do you know if you need to call for…
The Link Between Gum Disease and Viral Infections
The pandemic has increased public awareness of the danger of viruses and the importance of a healthy immune system. Our Immune System Protects Against Serious Illness The variation in the seriousness of COVID-19 illness is due, in part, to the strength of natural biological defenses. Of course, you may be wondering why we’re discussing this…
Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?
Most Lafayette residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar. Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar…
