general dentistry

Don’t Put Off Your Dental Exam

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry

comprehensive dental deep cleanings Lafayette

Hi kids and adults in Lafayette. No matter what age you are, as long as you have teeth, dental exams are a vital practice for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, and the Boulder County Smiles dentist wants to help.

We have an excellent office and state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment and a team of professionals to make your exams something you’ll look forward to.

Knowledge is Power
Dental exams are often put off because they can be seen as unnecessary. But exams are truly one of the best methods for preventative care. At each check up, our experienced and well trained hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. Once they are polished sparkling clean, your teeth will receive a thorough analysis. They will be inspected for any dental caries, gum recession, excessive wear, or other risks. Catching these types of threats early is crucial so you can be certain that they don’t turn into larger problems.

Innovative Dental Technology
Technology is moving swiftly, so it’s essential to find a dental office that has the latest instruments to ensure your check up is detailed and comprehensive. At Boulder County Smiles, we have state-of-the-art technology that is used for your exams. If a malfunction is detected, an appropriate, individualized treatment plan will be designed.

Peace of Mind
After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is required moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will be certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette we provide general and cosmetic dentistry.

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

 

ArticleID 7260

Dental Questions? Gordon West DDS Has Answers

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, dental implants, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Sleep apnea

sealants Louisville

Health conscious people want to take care of their teeth. However, many men and women need a place where they can review basic principles of dental health and get straightforward information about restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers. This blog from a Lafayette CO dentist is your source for this helpful oral care information.

Many of our dental patients have concerns and questions about their oral care. That’s why we include hot-button dental issues in our blog such as:

Smile Makeovers
Sealants
Invisible Braces
Toothbrush Care
ADA Seal Products
Tooth Protection
Gum Contouring
Dental Implants

We hope that this information will help you make educated decisions about your oral care.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, dental implants, and treat conditions like sleep apnea. 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

 

Schedule Your Coronation

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, general dentistry

dentist crowns Lafayette

We treat all of our patients royally here at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, but some of them receive actual crowns. Not what a king or queen wears, but crowns for your teeth!

Crowns are a therapy for a host of problems:

  • To protect a weak tooth from decay, breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth.
  • To cover and provide strength to a tooth with a large filling and little tooth structure remaining.
  • To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
  • To improve a tooth that is too small or misshapen.
  • To cover a tooth with severe discoloration.
  • To add strength to a tooth following a root canal procedure.

If you feel like you have a need for a crown, don’t look any further than Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Our dentists and lab techs have the experience, training, and expertise to make sure your crowns are constructed and placed accurately. There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We complete an extensive examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.

We then prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit the way that it should. Once the tooth is prepared and ready, we use state-of-the-art tools to fit the crown on your tooth. When done properly, crowns can last many years.

Crowns are wonderful way to safeguard and beautify your smile. Schedule a coronation today! Boulder County Smiles also provides dental implants, and sedation dentistry.

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

 

Restore Or Replace: New Life For Your Damaged Tooth

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, dental implants, Family dentistry, general dentistry, porcelain veneers

As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat (although we don’t know anyone who has actually tried). And with cosmetic dentistry at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, there is more than one way to fix a tooth.

If you are the lucky owner of a set of perfectly healthy teeth, you may never need any of these procedures. However, if you are like most of us, you will probably need to restore a tooth eventually. Today’s post looks at six restoration procedures that are used routinely to repair damaged teeth:

A Porcelain Veneer
These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or fix the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked.

A Filling, Inlay, or Onlay
This procedure has been used to restore teeth for over a century though the materials and techniques have advanced. One fairly new option is white filling replacement for metal fillings. A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are frequently called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are frequently smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to correct chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill cavities. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies pliable composite resin and molds it to the specific shape needed. The resin is then hardenend with a special curing light.

A Dental Crown
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. Crowns are used for teeth that have had a root canal, teeth with acute decay, the replacement tooth in a dental bridge, and the visible portion of a dental implant. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Dental Implants
Many dentists consider a tooth implant to be the ultimate restoration because it restores the entire tooth – both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Another boon is the fact that an implant can prevent bone recession which is common at an extraction site. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.

For more information about any of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Boulder County Smiles. We also treat sleep apnea and other conditions. Make an appointment with us 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

 

Can My Dentist Help Stop My Snoring?

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Sleep apnea, Snoring

snoring dental treatment Lafayette

Partner can’t sleep because you snore? Is it finally time to do away with it? At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we can help.

Snoring sounds can develop when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses onto the soft palate. This narrows the air passageway. As you breathe, this area opens and closes—with a noisy result.

Your snoring may be a symptom of a condition called sleep apnea. With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the air passageway not only narrows, you actually stop breathing. These pauses can last for up to a minute and occur dozens or even hundreds of time per night.

Many people with sleep apnea snore, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. Regular snoring does not generally wake you up during the night. (Though it may wake your partner up again and again.)

Is My Snoring a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?

  • Do you wake up multiple times during the night gasping?
  • Are you excessively tired during the day?
  • Do you wake up with a headache?
  • Do you nod off during the day because you are sleepy?
  • Are your mouth and throat noticeably dry when you wake up?

Snoring is more than a pesky annoyance, but you are not without options. Contact Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO. We also provide general and family dentistry.

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

 

Sleep Apnea Is A Serious Health Threat

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Sleep apnea

sleep apnea Lafayette

At Gordon West DDS in Lafayette CO, we often see patients who say they have been struggling with deficient sleep for months or even years. Some of these individuals end up being diagnosed with sleep apnea or related conditions.

You Can’t Just “Tough It Out”

The reluctance to obtain professional help is lamentable, because sleep apnea takes such a high toll on health and reduces quality of life. If they are keeping someone up at night, it makes life more difficult for that person, as well.

Protect Your Health

For some puzzling reason, many individuals don’t consider sleep apnea a grave issue. Why the disconnect? We are talking about breathing, folks! There isn’t a biological activity more indispensable than that. And poor sleep can cause a myriad of serious health issues. It also impacts performance in every area of life; work, hobbies, and social activities.

Sleep apnea is a condition where you have frequent, recurring delays in breathing while you sleep. These lapses can last for up to 60 seconds and are usually caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and blocks the airway. As you can probably imagine, when the brain is not getting enough oxygen it hinders vital biological processes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Cause: Throat muscles soften and cover the airway. This is the most prevalent type.

Central Sleep Apnea
Cause: The brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles that regulate breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea)
This is a combination of both conditions described previously. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631

Signs of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring
  • Unexpected awakenings where you are choking or feel “out of breath”
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping (as evidenced by another person noticing the behavior)
  • Sore throat or dry mouth after sleeping
  • Fitful sleep
  • Falling asleep while performing normal daily activities
  • Inability to concentrate during the day
  • Depression and irritability
  • Awakening with a headache
  • Extreme fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, we invite you to discuss it with us at Gordon West DDS in Lafayette CO. Sleep apnea is one of our specialties. We also provide general and family dentistry.

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

 

ArticleID 7564

Super Smiles For Life

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

implant dentures Lafayette

Your child should be naturally proud of his or her smile. It expresses joy, laughter, and fun! To make sure your child has a healthy and appealing smile, bring them in for a family dentistry checkup at Gordon West DDS in Lafayette. Start early. Really early.

We recommend a child’s first dental visit when their first tooth erupts. An early check is the first step in preventing problems and setting the stage for lifelong dental health. We will keep the visit short, but carry out a thorough visual examination to make sure there are no concerns.

We will guide you on good dental procedures at home, such as correct brushing and flossing. You will also be guided regarding healthy eating choices and the effects of poor choices. It is especially essential to keep your toddler from eating sticky or hard candies that lodge in molars and spaces between teeth. It is also important to monitor the amount of juice they drink and keep it in a cup instead of a bottle.

Any time sugary foods or drinks are in contact with teeth, the enamel is weakened from the acid those substances contain. Prolonged exposure begins to wear the enamel away, setting the stage for tooth decay. Unlike broken bones that regenerate, once enamel is gone, it’s essentially gone, though fluoride can remineralize weakened enamel to a small degree.

Promoting a healthy, low sugar diet is always optimal for your toddler’s teeth. If your baby or toddler needs a bottle to calm down and go to sleep, make sure that the bottle contains only water.

Other important habits are to brush and floss your teeth in front of your child. (If you have never been regular flossing – it’s time to start!) Let them see that it is a priority and a comfortable habit in your life. Brush their teeth with a soft bristled brush and a small amount of toothpaste. Let them try it, but always go over their teeth afterward, making sure each tooth is brushed. When finished, give them a cup of water to help rinse the toothpaste out.

Before coming in, talk with your child about the upcoming appointment and let them know that their teeth are going to be checked. We will help your child feel proud of their effort and help them have a pleasing visit, the first of many to come.

Remember also to call any time between scheduled visits with any questions or concerns that might arise. We are enthusiastic about your child’s lifelong dental health.

Gordon West DDS in Lafayette CO provides family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us 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

 

The ADA: Promoting Dental Health Since 1859

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, general dentistry

American Dental Association Lafayette

Hello, thank you for visiting the blog of Gordon West DDS, a dentist in Lafayette CO. This post is about the American Dental Association. You have probably seen the ADA logo on toothpaste and floss—but what else do you know about this dental organization?

The ADA’s self-proclaimed objective is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through not-for-profit federal, state, and local associations. It was founded in 1859 and is run by its members, which currently total over 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product per se, but rather is a verification of the assertions made by said product. Companies who want the ADA credential for a product must submit proof of rigorous scientific testing. Once submitted, the ADA re-tests the product to further verify results. There are currently over 300 products with the ADA certification.

The ADA does more than evaluate dental products. Here are some other ways the ADA works to perform its mission:

  • Provides resources to support dentists and their practices
  • Educates the public about oral health
  • Works to maximize access to dental care
  • Offers counsel on important issues that affect the dental industry
  • Collaborates with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives
  • Offers scholarships to dental students

At Gordon West DDS in Lafayette, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry, and offer procedures like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us 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

 

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Family dentistry, general dentistry, sedation dentistry

Prevent Mouth Sores Boulder County

When our patients get mouth sores, we advise them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food – plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. It isn’t as tasty, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.

3. Also, keep it cool. Eat only food that is at room temperature or is served chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can bypass the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. This can be done by adding sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

We hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in Boulder County, consider Gordon West DDS in Lafayette. We provide general and family dentistry, and sedation dentistry for those coping with dental anxiety. Make an appointment with us 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

 

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