Dental Implants Boulder

To stay fit and healthy, maintaining proper oral hygiene should be a main priority. Unfortunately, some people choose to neglect a routine trip to their dentist because of dental anxiety or dental phobia. This compromises both their oral and over-all health. With the help of sedation dentistry, you will be able to receive your dental needs without the trauma.

Sedation is the process that can be used to create a relaxed and calm state with the use of sedatives. It gives those with anxiety disorder or apprehensive individuals the chance to enjoy a relaxing experience and obtain necessary dental treatment. Sedative drugs like anti-anxiety medication and nitrous oxide help by inducing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for the patient with a dental phobia.

In the past, intravenous, or IV sedation, was commonly used. At present, it is still preferred by some. Sedatives are delivered into the blood vessels by way of injection into the hand or arm of the patient. This is administered by a trained professional and protects the patient from possible discomfort where tedious procedures are involved.

Oral sedation is often the preferred approach that is practiced by most dentists. It is an appealing technique for anxious patients who are in need of oral care. Sedation dentistry creates a comfortable experience that eases the patient’s fears and provides him or her with a successful dental experience. Oral sedation allows the patient to stay conscious throughout the treatment so that he or she can comply with the dentist’s instructions.

It should be noted that a local anesthetic will still be applied to the area to be treated in the cases of surgical procedures. The patient will not feel any discomfort since the sedative will be administered before the treatment begins. Regardless of what type of sedative is used, the patient will be able to go through the dental visit without any apprehension. This may also provide the anxious individual with positive motivation and hopefully help lessen his or her trauma regarding dental treatments.

If you have put off important dental work due to anxiety, please contact our Boulder Colorado office and learn how sedation dentistry can help take the edge off.

There are many habits and factors that lead to the breakdown of our teeth. There are numerous cosmetic dentistry solutions available to restore your smile. Many patients are turning to porcelain veneers as an affordable and convenient way to get the smile of their dreams.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells created from material that is meant to simulate the look and feel of natural tooth enamel. Veneers are bonded to the area and cover the frontal surface of the patient’s teeth. Porcelain veneers improve the aesthetic appearance of the dentition. A cosmetic dentist will usually recommend this sort of treatment to people with discolored teeth, uneven dentition, worn down or chipped enamel, irregularly shaped dentition and those who have unsightly diastemas or gaps between their teeth. 

Before the treatment can begin, your dentist will assess your dentition. Your dental history will be reviewed to determine if you are a good candidate for this restorative treatment. Bite impressions and dental x-rays will also be taken. This will help the dentist figure out how to improve your teeth’s appearance without sacrificing the balance of your bite.

The beauty of custom-made porcelain veneers is that the patient will be able to choose the shape, size and color of the shells. Your cosmetic dentist will also be able to help you select the perfect shape and color to compliment your facial structure. You can bring pictures of the smiles that you covet to help your dentist understand how you would like your future smile to look like.

The treatment consists of two visits. During the first visit, a thin layer will be removed from the tooth’s surface to make room for the porcelain shells. To reduce the possibility of discomfort, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area. Bite impressions will be taken and temporary veneers will be put in place while the permanent veneers are fabricated. You will receive your new custom-made veneers during your final visit and your cosmetic dentist will give detailed instructions about care and maintenance.

If you are considering dental veneers or would like more information, please contact the office of Carolyn Kupka in Boulder at 303-444-2884.

The embarrassment of stained or discolored teeth can keep you from smiling or enjoying yourself. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Don’t let stained teeth keep you from enjoying life. Dr. Carolyn Kupka, your cosmetic dentist serving Boulder, can help restore the natural color of your teeth so you can relax and smile again.

Treatments for Stained Teeth

The best treatment for stained teeth depends upon the type and severity of the discoloration. In general, there are two types of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration affects only the outer layers of the tooth enamel, while intrinsic discoloration affects all layers of the teeth and is more difficult to treat.

Extrinsic discoloration is usually caused by exposure to foods, beverages and other agents that cause staining, including:

• Nicotine
• Fruit juices
• Coffee and tea
• Dark-colored foods
• Natural wear and tear

Intrinsic staining is usually due to exposure to specific drugs or to excessive fluoride, usually while the teeth are developing. Extrinsic staining is generally treated with teeth whitening. More severe staining, particularly intrinsic staining, is more effectively treated with dental veneers.

Teeth Whitening and How it Works

Dr. Kupka can perform teeth whitening in her office. Using BriteSmile teeth whitening, your teeth can be lightened dramatically in a single, hour-long session.

With BriteSmile teeth whitening, a gel is applied to your teeth, then activated with a special light. Your lips, tongue and gums are protected during this procedure to prevent irritation that can result from contact with the whitening gel. The gel is usually removed and reapplied two or three times during each whitening session, allowing it to penetrate the outer layers of the tooth and eliminate the discoloration that results from extrinsic staining.

If you are self-conscious about your stained teeth, teeth whitening or veneers can restore your confidence in your smile. To find out what treatment is the best option for your discolored teeth, please contact the office of Dr. Kupka at 303-444-2884 for a consultation.

Loss of teeth is more than a cosmetic consideration. Although missing teeth can lead to self-consciousness, it can also cause systemic problems with your dental health. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to move out of position, leading to problems such as misalignment or even temporomandibular joint disorder. With dental implants from your Boulder dentist, however, you can restore your smile and keep your other teeth properly situated and healthy.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. They consist of a root portion as well as a portion that replaces the visible part of the tooth. Unlike dentures, they are not removable, and they do not move in the mouth. With proper care, dental implants will last many years, keeping your smile intact and your natural teeth in their proper position.

Dental implants are placed in two stages. First, the root portion of the implant is placed. Made of titanium, the root bonds to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process takes several weeks, after which the visible portion of the implant is added. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Advantages to Dental Implants

Dental implants have grown rapidly in popularity largely because they offer numerous advantages over traditional dentures. These advantages include:

• Implants are permanent
• Implants do not have to be removed for cleaning
• Implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing deterioration
• Implants look just like your natural teeth

Placement of implants is considered a surgical procedure, so any precautions you would take with any surgery should also be taken if you are having implants placed. Be sure to consult with your implant dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. This is particularly important if you have worn dentures in the past, because you might have experienced bone loss in the jaw and might require bone grafts before implants can be placed successfully.

For more information about dental implants, please contact the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka for a consultation.

The temporomandibular joint, also referred to as the TMJ, is the joint where the lower jaw meets the upper jaw at the temporal bone in the skull. This joint often suffers from improper alignment, leading to a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to trace to their source. If you need help diagnosing problems with your TMJ in Boulder, our office can help diagnose and treat your symptoms as well as their cause.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

The most common cause of TMJ is misalignment of the teeth. When the teeth are not properly aligned, the joint can be pushed out of its proper position. TMJ can also occur due to habitual grinding or clenching, although these actions can also be a symptom of TMJ caused by misalignment.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder can include:

• Headaches
• Earache
• Pain in the jaw
• Clicking in the jaw
• Pain in the neck, shoulders or upper back

These symptoms can occur due to other problems, so be sure to consult with your doctor as well as your dentist if you are experiencing any of these possible side effects of TMJ disorder.

Treatment of TMJ Disorder

Treating TMJ disorder can be complex. Advances in technology allow your dentist to determine the optimal alignment of your teeth. 3-D jaw tracking determines where the imbalances exist that must be corrected to alleviate your symptoms. The muscles in the jaw are then relaxed using a TENS machine, which helps the dentist see how your jaw and teeth should be aligned. An orthotic device is custom made for you to wear in order to keep your jaw in the appropriate position.

For long-term correction, your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment or treatments such as inlays, onlays or veneers to fine-tune your bite and the way your upper and lower teeth interact with each other. Optimizing your bite and alignment and ensuring that your teeth stay properly aligned can provide considerable relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

If you are suffering from TMJ disorder, or experiencing any symptoms that might indicate TMJ disorder, please contact our offices for an appointment or a consultation.

Discolored teeth are a common problem for which many people visit the cosmetic dentist. In most cases, discoloration is easily treated with teeth whitening. If you need teeth whitening in Boulder, here are some guidelines to help you decide what approach might be most appropriate to your needs.

Types of Teeth Whitening

In office teeth whitening usually takes about an hour. With both Zoom! teeth whitening and BriteSmile teeth whitening, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth, then activated with a special light. The gel is left on the teeth for about twenty minutes, then removed and reapplied. After the complete treatment, your teeth will be considerably brighter and more attractive. This kind of teeth whitening can lighten your teeth from seven to ten shades after a single treatment. 

For more stubborn staining, your cosmetic dentist might recommend a take-home kit. This kind of tooth whitening kit consists of custom trays and a whitening agent. The whitening agent is placed in the trays, and you will wear the trays for about fifteen minutes, twice a day. After about two weeks of this treatment, you will see significant lightening of the surfaces of your teeth.

Causes of Discolored Teeth

Teeth can become stained due to everyday wear and tear, as well as everyday exposure to certain foods and beverages. The most common causes of tooth discoloration are:

• Nicotine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark colored foods or beverages

All these causes of tooth discoloration can be treated with in office or take home teeth whitening. This kind of discoloration affects the outer surfaces of the teeth, so treatment with a whitening agent allows these outer surfaces to be restored to their original color.

For other forms of staining, such as that caused by exposure to fluoride or certain antibiotics, different types of teeth whitening might be necessary. In extreme cases, the most effective treatment might be porcelain veneers.

To find out the most appropriate treatment for your stained teeth, please contact the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka.

Dentistry focuses on prevention over cure. With that in mind, children are at that stage where they adore sweets but don’t know how to execute the proper brushing techniques. Studies show that most do not know how to floss correctly until the age of 9.

To make certain that their oral health is up to par, parents need to help them maintain dental hygiene. There are also treatments that can be performed to prevent caries from forming in places like the pits and fissures of their teeth. Dr. Carolyn Kupka, your dentist serving Boulder, has a few suggestions on how to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free.

Our enamel is mostly made up of hydroxylapatite. This is a naturally-occurring type of calcium apatite. To strengthen it, a dentist will prescribe topical fluoride to children with newly erupted teeth. Fluoride can be found in our water supply, and since it is not consistent in every state, some areas may have lower levels of this mineral. This can be given in the form of supplements as well.

Cavities are one of the most common childhood diseases. Since younger children have not quite developed sufficient motor skills, a parent or caregiver should assist them. Try the Tell-Show-Do method to help reinforce proper brushing techniques. Schedule regular dental visits and let your dentist teach your child about proper tooth care.

Pit and fissure sealants can also be used to prevent cavities from forming in hard to reach areas. These are used on surfaces that are irregular like the grooves between cusps. A solution is painted on and the area is isolated from saliva. A sealant is applied to an area and a light cure instrument is used to harden the layer. This prevents caries from developing in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

Malocclusion can be hereditary or caused by factors like thumb-sucking. Your dentist can instruct you on how to help your child break the habit. If the problem is addressed earlier, braces may not be required in the future.

Our children deserve to have the best in dental treatment. Protect their teeth by encouraging them to visit their dentist regularly. To schedule your child’s next visit, please call 303-444-2884.

Missing teeth can take a toll on your self-confidence. Aside from aesthetic reasons, the lack of force on the alveolar bone can lead to shrinkage. The loss of bone density will make the area prone to fractures.

More and more patients who are in need of a tooth replacement solution are turning to dental implants in Boulder. The titanium post that is used to anchor the pontic, or artificial tooth, is guaranteed to last a lifetime. It also meshes best with the jawbone, in comparison to other metals. The crown that is attached to it has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.

The procedure can be performed in the dental clinic. To begin, a titanium post is placed into the alveolar bone. A small slit is created to prevent damaging the gingival tissue. The dentist must be able to correctly angle the post in an effort to simulate natural dentition. A local anesthetic is given to ease the discomfort before the treatment commences.

People with missing dentition can be considered for this procedure. Instead of bridgework, this conservative option will not require reduction of adjacent teeth. But who are good candidates for dental implants? Bone density in the edentulous area is an important consideration. In the past, people with insufficient jaw density were told to stick to complete dentures. These days, a bone graft will be needed if you lack sufficient bone due to resorption. These patients who were once considered to be non-candidates can now enjoy the benefits of having an appliance that doesn’t require denture paste.

The patient would have to be in good health. The presence of systemic diseases may affect the healing process. Diabetics who monitor their blood sugar levels and the medication they take may be considered for the procedure. Those who have unstable glucose levels will require the dentist to consult with the patient’s physician to try and stabilize the situation before treatment can begin. Those with other medical conditions may be considered, with the consent and follow-up of their physician.

Dental implants are safe and easy to maintain. As long as the patient interested in the procedure has an acceptable medical history, he or she will be a candidate for dental implants.

To learn more about this procedure and to schedule your consultation, contact the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka today.

Your body and teeth are linked together. If you live an unhealthy lifestyle, it would be unfair to expect your oral cavity to be in the best working condition. There are many factors that can lead to loss and breakdown of your dentition. Your dentist has probably told you that poor nutrition and diseases are the most common factors that can cause oral problems.

Nutrient deficiencies can be reversed. It is important to consider your body’s needs at all times. Our system can be likened to well-oiled machinery. If it is given the proper sustenance and maintained regularly, you can expect maximum performance. Incorporating healthy food into your diet can do wonders.

Just like your body, your teeth and its supporting structures need vitamins, protein, minerals and adequate amounts of fat to function. Invest in multivitamins and take them religiously. Keep in mind that essential vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and K) are required by our system to go about daily activities. Taking them can speed up recovery time, wound healing and stop inflammation in its tracks.

Calcium is your teeth’s best friend. It improves bone density and prevents osteoporosis. It is found in dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese. People who are lactose-intolerant can get their fix by increasing their intake of oysters, broccoli, beans and nuts. Improve your dental health with a dose of calcium.

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is an immunity booster. If taken every day, your body will be more resistant to both cough and colds. Studies show that it can help lower your risk of cancer and oxidative stress. Oranges, red peppers, guava, thyme and parsley are excellent sources of this powerful antioxidant.

Take your daily dose of B vitamins to prevent canker sores and depression. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause brain damage. Keep yourself protected. Load up on chicken, fish, liver, pork, spinach, pasta and even dairy products.

Your body needs a healthy dose of iron to produce red blood cells. A lack of this substance will leave people feeling weak and lethargic. Increase your energy levels with liver, kidney, cinnamon, thyme and curry powder.

Vitamin K helps improve our clotting capability. It is also vital in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Eat more basil, sage, thyme, kale, Brussels sprouts and scallions to keep your memory sharp.

To aid your system in calcium absorption, your body will need vitamin D as well. Catch some rays. Sunshine can boost the levels of this substance in your body. Ingest a reasonable amount of egg yolks, milk and fish to improve calcium absorption. Remember that deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to burning mouth syndrome.

Vitamin E is recognized as an antioxidant. With all the pollution in our environment, it would be wise to incorporate it into your diet. Sunflower seeds, peanut butter, olives and almonds are great sources that are delicious as well.

For more information about the effects nutrient deficiencies can have on your overall dental health in Boudler, please contact the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka at 303-444-2884 to schedule a visit.

Periodontal disease is a problem that can be avoided. It is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene and becomes a chronic bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of teeth due to weakening of the supporting structures. This dental condition can affect not just the gingiva (gums), but also other related areas. If it progresses, it can destroy the cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.

The word periodontal refers to the area surrounding the tooth. Any dentist will tell you that plaque is the primary culprit. This substance is sticky and yellowish white. It builds up in the cervical third of teeth and seeps into the v-shaped crevice found between the tooth and gingival.

Our mouth is no stranger to bacteria. It only becomes a problem when we become lazy with regard to oral hygiene. This condition should not be left untreated if you want to have your teeth around in your old age. The specialists at our Boulder dental group would like to eradicate this problem completely.

Types of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis

This condition is periodontal disease at its mildest form. The patient will exhibit red gums that are swollen. They will bleed even when the mildest contact is applied. This is a reversible condition if you improve your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it will soon evolve into periodontitis. This happens when plaque travels into the sulcus and attacks the structures found below. The wastes that the bacteria eliminate will stimulate an inflammatory response. The gums will begin to separate from the tooth as the structures that support it are infected. The pockets deepen with time, which is a sign that periodontitis has progressed. The symptoms might appear mild, but you can be sure that tooth loss will follow.

Common Causative Factors

• Tobacco is been identified as a major causative agent.
• People genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.
• Hormone fluctuation in women who have hit puberty or menopause and those who are pregnant.
• Individuals who are stressed.
• People taking heart medications, anti-depressants and oral contraceptives are at risk.
• People with diabetes are prone to periodontal disease.

Treatment and Prevention

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist might suggest scaling and root planning. This will require multiple visits. The aim is to remove the debris from the sulcus. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort during the procedure. The roots are then subject to planing procedures. This is done to stimulate gum reattachment. Scaling is done to remove the debris found inside the periodontal pockets. People with aggravated cases will be prescribed a special mouthwash and antibiotics after the procedure.

Keep your oral cavity safe by brushing regularly, flossing at least once daily and changing your toothbrush every three months. Visits to Dr. Carolyn Kupka for routine check-ups and cleaning sessions at least every six months are also recommended.