restorative dentistry Archives - Gordon West DDS

Is Your Smile In A World Of Hurt?

Posted on July 20, 2018July 23, 2018

Do you have acute tooth damage, bone loss, or few or no teeth still intact? Restorative dentistry from Boulder County Smiles can help those whose mouths are in a world of hurt.

First off, we feel for you. We understand how severe dental issues influence you every day of your life.

Whatever the cause of the condition – chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, extreme mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.

Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, beautiful smile or give you the brilliant smile you never had. Patients who undergo full mouth reconstruction regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that influence your life?

Replacing missing teeth and adding bone through grafting restores underlying facial structure, improving or preventing that “sunk-in” look that ensues when teeth are gone and the jawbone recedes.

Full mouth reconstruction (sometimes called full mouth restoration) is a term which refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with multiple damaged or missing teeth. Treatment may include any combination of the following procedures: crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, white filling replacement, tooth implants, porcelain veneers, implant-anchored dentures, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and tooth whitening.

Dental implants are generally the best tooth replacement for those with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to anchor an implant, bone grafting may be performed to augment existing bone.

If you currently have dentures, ask us about implant-anchored full or partial dentures. Significant improvements can be made even if you only get two or three tooth implants.

Crowns (sometimes called caps) are used when there is enough viable tooth structure that the tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured. A crown can repair a bite misalignment and is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we offer a full range of restorative dentistry procedures. Restoring a healthy smile may be the best investment you ever make. 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

7 Ways To Fix A Tooth

Posted on May 27, 2016May 29, 2016

In a perfect world, each of your cherished teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. The truth is, however, that most Colorado men and women will need to restore a tooth at some point.

A tooth can be compromised by cavities, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are 7 different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to fix minor cosmetic problems – small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies moldable tooth-colored composite resin and shapes as desired. The resin is then cured with a special light to harden and adhere tightly to the tooth. Composite bonding is usually the most reasonably-priced option for improving healthy teeth with minor cosmetic issues.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. They are used when the underlying tooth is structurally sound and free of cavities. A beautiful veneer can cover a chip or crack or correct the alignment of a tooth that appears slightly off kilter as compared to surrounding teeth.

Fillings
Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. A minimally invasive filling at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry leaves you with more of nature’s prime dental material — your own enamel and dentin. We can also replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings. This makes your teeth look a lot better every time you open your mouth. Get rid of all that metal!

Inlays and Onlays
A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab, they are ordinarily called indirect fillings. A less invasive inlay or onlay may be used instead of a traditional filling or, in some cases, a crown. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are typically smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crowns
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, durability, and function. A crown is ordinarily needed for a tooth that has had a root canal, a tooth with acute decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge. Attaching a crown to the abutment is the final step of a tooth implant procedure. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Soft Tissue Grafts
Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bone at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to inhibit further damage. Gum surgery is also carried out for cosmetic reasons such reshaping a gumline to eliminate a “gummy” smile.

Dental Implants
What if a tooth has to be extracted because it is beyond saving? For many Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry patients, a dental implant anchored into the bone is the best solution. A tooth implant consist of a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and beautiful crown. A dental implant had many advantages over a dental bridge. They are stronger, provide virtually natural function, restrict bone recession, and do not affect the surrounding teeth. For patients with several missing teeth, tailor-made implant-anchored dentures can be created in any configuration required.

For more details about any of these procedures, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 720-862-3630. Thanks for visiting the Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry blog. We appreciate your interest in our Lafayette dental practice.

“An Air-dried Toothbrush Is A Healthy Toothbrush, Boulder”

Posted on January 10, 2014January 9, 2014

Today in our Lafayette dental blog we will highlight some of the simple things you can do with your toothbrush to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.

One of the most important habits Boulder residents can form is to always allow their toothbrush to completely air dry between uses. The best way to let the toothbrush air dry is by placing it in a toothbrush holder on the counter with the bristles pointing up. This method of storage is much better than sticking it away in a drawer since it’s unlikely to dry there.

Also, when you travel away from the Boulder, Boulder County, or Lafayette, CO area, make sure your toothbrush is dry before you seal it away in a travel container.

A good strategy for Lafayette residents to make sure their toothbrush has ample time to dry is to buy two toothbrushes at your Boulder drugstore. Then alternate between the two so each has time to fully dry out between uses.

And Boulder dental patients should remember to replace their toothbrush (or toothbrushes) every 3-4 months, or after they’ve had a cold!

Hi. I’m Dr. Gordon West, a general and cosmetic dentist in Lafayette, and I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry we offer the following services:

porcelain veneers
dental implants
prepless veneers
dental crowns

We are currently accepting new Boulder patients and the state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment. Our staff here would be happy to answer any questions you have about teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Hate Your Dentures?

Posted on June 8, 2010

Perhaps you have heard or seen the Boulder dental industry’s advertising about dental implants. Most Lafayette dentists claim that dental implant dentures can change your life. Does this sound like hype? Exaggeration?

Let’s look at the facts about dental implant anchored dentures in Boulder:

Chewing: An oral implant denture can restore up to 95 percent of normal chewing function. How important is chewing? Can you chew easily with your current full or partial denture? Can you bite apples? When was the last time you ate a raw carrot?

Fit: Implant anchored dentures stay in place. An implant denture doesn’t slide around in your mouth and cause sores. Louisville implant denture wearers who exercise regularly especially appreciate this benefit.

Appearance: How does your smile look? Can you smile confidently? How many Broomfield denture wearers love their smile? Implant anchored dentures look like natural teeth. They don’t move when you smile, eat, talk, bike, swim, dance, golf, ski; you get the idea.

Bone health: When teeth are extracted, bone recession can occur over time (in fact, this happens in almost every case). Because a titanium implant is an artificial ‘tooth root’ inserted into your jaw bone, your bone has a better chance of staying healthy. If there are no other adverse conditions present, your jaw bone should remain strong and dense, just as if the original tooth root were there.

If you hate your dentures and live in Louisville or Broomfield, why don’t you come in for a consultation about dental implants and mini-implants? We can discuss all the particulars including procedure specifics, healing time and dental implant cost. Then you can decide for yourself if Implant dentures will, as promised, change your life.

Here is our contact information:

Dr. Gordon West DDS
Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201
Lafayette, Colorado 80026
Home

720-862-3630

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile In 80026

Posted on January 27, 2010

I’m Dr. Gordon West, a dental implant dentist in the 80026 area. In a recent post, I explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my Boulder denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.

Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the 80026 postal code area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Broomfield tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also Boulder mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These Lafayette over-denture patients in the 80026 postal code area are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Many Lafayette aesthetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implants option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.

Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 720-862-3630 to schedule a consultation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Boulder

Posted on January 12, 2010

Hello! Welcome to the Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry blog. If this your first visit, we hope you find useful information about our Lafayette cosmetic dentistry practice. If you have read some of our previous articles, we are glad you checked back with us. We post new articles regularly.

My name is Dr. Gordon West, DDS. I have been practicing dentistry in Lafayette since 1998. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry is a full-service dental office located at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette, Colorado. In addition to providing comprehensive examinations and deep cleanings for clients in the Boulder area, we perform all types of tooth restorations.

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to ‘restore’ the tooth to its previous intact condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our Longmont cosmetic dentistry patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the ‘metal’.

Another reason some Broomfield and Louisville clients have had their old fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam fillings, call us at 720-862-3630 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our Lafayette cosmetic dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Lafayette

Posted on November 3, 2009

Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Boulder can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Lafayette dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Lafayette smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Lafayette dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville. Dr. Gordon West has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is 720-862-3630.

Aesthetic Dental Transformations in Lafayette

Posted on September 24, 2009

Many Lafayette professionals, students and retirees are enjoying the lasting benefits of aesthetic dentistry. A beautiful smile not only looks great, it makes you feel great! When you first look in the mirror in the morning while brushing those gleaming babies, you remember; oh yeah, I fixed my teeth and they look fantastic!

When you smile at old friends or make new ones, you are happy to show off your new movie-star grin. When you are in a professional setting speaking with colleagues or clients, you feel poised and super confident.

We have talked about different cosmetic and restorative dental procedures available in Boulder in previous blog articles, but let’s review the most common.

Veneers are glass-like, wafer-thin covers that adhere to teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong and have the translucency of natural teeth. They correct chips, stains and misaligned teeth that do not require orthodontia. There are several companies that fabricate veneers. One of the most well-known brand names is Lumineers.

Crowns correct more extensive tooth problems. They are used in a variety of situations such as the final restoration following a root canal or to restore teeth damaged by decay, injury or periodontal disease.

Dental implants are one of the best fixes for a missing tooth. They are becoming a popular and effective alternative to bridges and partial dentures in Lafayette and surrounding areas, especially among middle-aged professionals and people in the public eye.

Bridges are another strong, natural looking replacement for one or more missing teeth. They have been used with success for many years.

Professional tooth whitening in your dentist’s office is the least invasive and quickest way to brighten your smile several shades. One of the most popular systems is called Zoom!.

If you are interested in any of these safe and effective procedures, schedule a consultation at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry today. Even if you are still a bit hesitant, remember: discussing your options with a cosmetic dentist does not require a commitment of any kind. It is merely a relaxed way to get the most reliable information.

We are waiting for your call. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry can be reached at 720-862-3630.

Creating Memorable Smiles at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

Posted on September 2, 2009

A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever. You can make your smile memorable and beautiful with a smile makeover at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette.

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that specifies dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetics. Cosmetic dentists perform general dental procedures in addition to providing advanced cosmetic dental treatments. Cosmetic dentists have specialized training in the latest cosmetic dental procedures and techniques.

Dr. Gordon West DDS in Lafayette is knowledgeable about the processes used to fabricate crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, braces and dental implants. Advances in ceramic and composite materials have boosted the popularity of cosmetic dentistry but these miracle materials are worthless without a skilled cosmetic dentist to incorporate them into a healthy and beautiful smile.

When designing a dental treatment plan for a patient, the client’s goals and expectations are discussed. The most skillful cosmetic dentists consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth. The cosmetic dental client’s age, health condition and lifestyle also influence the plan.

If you want to learn about the possibilities for your smile, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 720-862-3630. We have created memorable smiles for many of your friends and neighbors in the Lafayette area.

porcelain veneers
prepless veneers
dental implants
https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com

Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age in Lafayette!

Posted on August 15, 2009

As we grow older, we may welcome many changes. However, most Lafayette retirees do not welcome wrinkles, gray hair and dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be attractive and healthy throughout your golden years!

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear such as enamel loss, staining, and chips, it is not too late to restore your youthful smile. And, though tooth loss is fairly common for Colorado residents over sixty, in most cases it is preventable.

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Boulder area, we treat patients of all ages. We specialize in porcelain veneers and dental implants.

If you live in Longmont, Louisville, or Broomfield, call 720-862-3630 to schedule a dental consultation. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. Many procedures can be completed in one visit to our Lafayette dental office.

Give us a call at 720-862-3630 or find us on the Web at: https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com

restorative dentistry