Zahn Aesthetix Dental Clinic - General Treatments

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Restore gum & tooth structure,
Restore your health.

Strong teeth are vital to good health. But over time, the function, integrity, and form of a tooth’s structure can decay. Dental fillings repair cavities, cracked or broken teeth, and teeth worn down by misuse.

Whether you have a nail-biting habit that wears down your teeth, a painful cavity behind one of your canines, or a chipped tooth from an accident, we’re here to help. Plus, we offer a 5-year warranty on our dental fillings.

Book online now or call us at (303) 220-7662.

Is Fluoride Treatment a necessary procedure?

WHAT IS FLUORIDE?

Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth).

We have to keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities.
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IS FLUORIDE SAFE?

Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens. Then it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.

Some brands of fluoride varnish make teeth look yellow. Other brands make teeth look dull. However, the color of your child's teeth will return to normal after the fluoride varnish is brushed off.
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HOW MUCH FLUORIDE DO I NEED?

Optimal fluoride intake comes from food, water, and supplements. But the following recommended daily amounts of fluoride is:

Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg)
4 to 6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
7 to 10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg

What are the benefits of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and food.

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WHO SHOULD GET SEALANTS?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.

In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child's baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it's important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost too early.

HOW LONG DO SEALANTS LAST?

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups.

When do I need to do an Oral Prophylaxis?

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth, usually every 6 months or as advised.
Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis occur when bacteria from plaque colonize on the gingival (gum) tissue – either above or below the gum line. These bacteria colonies cause serious inflammation and irritation which in turn produce a chronic inflammatory response in the body. As a result, the body begins to systematically destroy gum and bone tissue, making the teeth shift, become unstable, or completely fall out. The pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper and house more bacteria which may travel via the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROPHYLAXIS?

Aesthetics – It’s hard to feel confident about a smile marred by yellowing, stained teeth. Prophylaxis can rid the teeth of unsightly stains and return the smile to its former glory.
Tartar removal – Tartar (calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can cause serious periodontal problems if left untreated. Even using the best brushing and flossing homecare techniques, it can be impossible to remove debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist using specialized dental equipment is needed in order to spot and treat problems such as tartar and plaque buildup.
Fresher breath – Periodontal disease is often signified by persistent bad breath (halitosis). Bad breath is generally caused by a combination of rotting food particles below the gum line, possible gangrene stemming from gum infection, and periodontal problems. The removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria noticeably improves breath and alleviates irritation.
Identification of health issues – Many health problems first present themselves to the dentist. Since prophylaxis involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity, the dentist is able to screen for oral cancer, evaluate the risk of periodontitis and often spot signs of medical problems like diabetes and kidney problems. Recommendations can also be provided for altering the home care regimen.

Is a Dental Filling the procedure I need?

A filling is used to treat a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. To repair a cavity, we remove the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a filling material. If you have a small to moderate sized cavity, then a Dental Filling may be what you need.

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WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. More severe decay can cause a large hole or even destruction of the entire tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently—for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches—the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.

Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.

Why is a Periodontal Treatment important?

Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums. It starts as inflammation, also known as Gingivitis, and gets worse over time. This is caused by bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate on your teeth and gums. This accumulation of bacteria on your teeth is called Plaque. One of the first signs of gingivitis is that your gums will bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. As periodontitis progresses, your bones and teeth can be damaged. However, if periodontitis is treated early and proper oral hygiene is maintained, the damage can be stopped.

Additionally, certain factors put you at a higher risk of periodontitis, including:

smoking, which is one of the biggest risk factors for periodontitis
type 2 diabetes
obesity
hormonal changes in women (such as when menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause occurs), which can make the gums more sensitive
conditions that impact your immune system, like HIV or leukemia
medications that reduce the flow of saliva in your mouth
genetics
poor nutrition, including a deficiency in vitamin C

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What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

The symptoms depend on the stage of disease, but generally include:

gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or floss
bad breath
changes in the position of your teeth or loose teeth
receding gums
red, tender, or swollen gums
buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth
pain when chewing
tooth loss
foul taste in your mouth
inflammatory response throughout your body

Symptoms in the early stages of periodontitis are often not very noticeable. But we will likely be the first to point them out.

Is it already time for me to get an Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which your tooth is completely removed from its socket. Sometimes, people refer to this as “pulling" a tooth.
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When is tooth extraction recommended?

We prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes, other restorative methods — such as dental fillings or dental crowns — aren’t enough. If your tooth has been badly damaged past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. We may recommend tooth extraction if you have:

Severe tooth decay (cavities).
A fractured tooth.
An impacted tooth.
Crowded teeth.
Severe gum disease.
Dental injuries.

What are the advantages of pulling a tooth?

Tooth extraction offers a number of benefits. Most importantly, it reduces harmful bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums. Left untreated, a decayed or damaged tooth can wreak havoc on your smile, causing a domino effect of problems. Removing your affected tooth gives you the best chance for optimal oral health. Additionally, a tooth extraction can help ease dental pain almost immediately — especially if your tooth was severely broken or infected.

What are the risks or complications of tooth extraction?

Like any surgical procedure, tooth extraction carries a small risk of complications. These may include:

Post-surgical infection.
Dry socket.
Nerve injury.
Perforation of maxillary sinus.
Delayed healing.

Tooth extraction aftercare

After your extraction, we will give you a detailed list of post-surgical instructions. Here are some general guidelines for a speedy recovery:

Keep the extraction site clean. Gently rinse the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day. Avoid brushing directly over your extraction site for at least 7-10 days. Brush and floss all other areas normally.
Take all medications as directed. We may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. It’s important to take all of these medications exactly as directed. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least two days. An elevated heart rate can cause increased post-operative bleeding and discomfort. Skip the gym for the first 48 to 72 hours. Feel free to ask us, when it’s safe to resume normal routines.

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