general 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

 

C-PAP Is Not The Only Sleep Apnea Treatment in Boulder

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Categories: general dentistry, Sleep apnea

oral appliance for sleep apnea Lafayette

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea? If so, it’s important to see a Boulder health care professional right away. Left untreated, sleep apnea can become life-threatening.

Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:

  • Loud snoring
  • Awakening suddenly
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Frequently being tired during the day
  • Waking with a dry mouth
  • Headaches, especially right after waking
  • Difficulty concentrating

Recurring lapses in breathing during sleep cuts off oxygen to the brain. When the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.

CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the best-known treatment for sleep apnea. But it isn’t the only one.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT), conducted by a dentist, can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:

  • As a first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OSA
  • As a first-line treatment for individuals with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
  • As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)

A custom-fitted oral appliance allows patients to breath normally during the night. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be made by a physician. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.

The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:

  • More convenient
  • More comfortable
  • Portable
  • Quiet
  • Requires no electricity
  • Easy to clean
  • May allow wearer to talk and eat during use

If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, OAT can restore your health. The team at Gordon West DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry encourages you to see your doctor soon, before your health is compromised.

If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call the office of Gordon West DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry for an appointment or consultation. We also provide cosmetic and 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

 

Dental Implants in Lafayette CO

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, general dentistry, Laser Dentistry

dental implant cost Boulder County

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, CO we believe every patient deserves a dazzling smile, whether it takes teeth whitening, dental crowns, or dental implants.

This blog post focuses on dental implants.

What is a dental implant?

Simply stated, a dental implant is a permanent post placed into the jawbone, with an attached abutment and artificial tooth. A dental implant can also support a dental bridge or denture.

Who can benefit from dental implants?

Ideal candidates for an implant include patients with missing teeth, dentures, or bridges who have healthy oral tissue, sufficient bone structure, and proper health for bone healing. For most of our patients who seek tooth restoration, a dental implant is a good option.

What preparation is needed?

An initial visit with Boulder County Smiles is the first step. For this evaluation, be sure to bring pertinent medical information, your current medication list, and any questions you have about the process.

Dental implants take multiple visits and the procedure is different for each patient, so be sure you understand all the specifics. If we determine that you don’t have enough bone structure at the implant site, bone grafting may be necessary.

How do I ensure successful healing?

After the dental post has been placed in your jaw, avoid drugs or medications not approved by your dental caregiver. Eat soft foods for a while to give your mouth time to heal. Keep the mouth cleaned properly around site. Follow the directions given at each visit. Stay healthy by eating a nutritious diet and getting proper rest. Do not smoke.

In routine cases, the treatment time varies from about six weeks to about six months, from the time of implant placement to when the crown is placed.

How do I care for dental implants?

Caring for implants is not much different than caring for original teeth. Take care not to chew hard things, such as ice, and seek treatment for teeth grinding if it is a problem for you.  Keep the implant and surrounding gum tissue clean, just as you would with your original teeth.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we look forward to seeing you. In addition to dental implants, our services include  general and family dentistry, and state-of-the-art laser technology.

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’s Your Dental Plan?

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Categories: general dentistry

Louisville after hours dental

Planning for Success

To achieve the utmost in oral health and a stunning smile, you need a strategy. If you’re in Lafayette, Colorado looking for a smile makeover and need porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants or any number of dental restoration procedures done, your strategy should be: “Contact my professional neighborhood dental practice.” Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry is at your service.

We’ve been serving the Lafayette area since 1998. Our valued patients will tell you they can’t get over the way Gordon West and staff corrected and transformed their most vital feature into a remarkable smile. We would love the chance to thrill you, as well.

An Investment In Your Health

If you’re worried about how expensive the work you need could be, don’t worry, you might be pleasantly surprised about the bottom line. Especially, if like many of our nearby Boulder patients with dental coverage, your insurance picks up a significant portion. But even without insurance, the procedures can be affordable. We have competitive pricing and work to keep the costs reasonable when it comes to dental crowns, teeth whitening and sedation dentistry. Let us transform your smile into one that will light up the world.

Here’s the strategy you need: Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry!

During your consultation, we will discuss all of the procedures we offer – from braces to crowns to veneers to bridges. Knowledge is power.

Center for Advanced Dental Care

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

Get On Top Of Your To-Do List by Calling Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: general dentistry

porcelain veneers price Boulder

Is it time to get your life back in order, Lafayette? Call it Spring Cleaning. Call it a Hard Reset.  I like to call the small and simple tasks cling-ons. These are things like refill a prescription, change your furnace filter, get your oil changed, replace the lightbulb or make a dental appointment.

If you’ve been pushing dental work onto the back burner, maybe it’s time to just get it out of the way and move on to your other tasks. Call 720-862-3630 to set up a consultation. Once and for all determine your dental needs and create a straightforward, awesome, all-encompassing plan.

Here at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry we see patients for many smile improvements including the following:

dental crowns
teeth whitening
sedation dentistry
Invisalign clear braces
prepless veneers

Dr. Gordon West strives to provide extraordinary service to our amazing patients in Lafayette, Colorado. At your consultation feel free to ask about veneers, implants, invisible braces, bridges and all things dental. We answer cosmetic dentistry questions all day long and Dr. West knows how to clearly explain the pros and cons related to various treatment plans.

Since 1998, Lafayette patients have enjoyed having Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry nearby, ready to provide cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and dental implants.

Move through your to-do list today – change your oil, check. Replace that lightbulb, check. Make a dental appointment, check. It feels great.

Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General 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