Dental FAQs in Littleton

What's the best way to whiten my teeth?

Stores sell many whitening products, but none of them are as strong as procedures done in our office. If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with us for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains.

Does Columbine Creek Dentistry offer take-home teeth whitening?

At Columbine Creek Dentistry, we offer both at-home and in-house whitening to brighten your smile. Our home whitening treatments can brighten your smile in less than two weeks with daily applications. For almost immediate results, we offer in-office bleaching. In one visit, we can lighten your teeth several shades for a white smile the same day.

Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?

Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment since it only enhances the appearance of the teeth and does not fix any medical or health-related issues. Therefore, most dental insurance policies do not cover professional teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, such as tooth shaping, filing, gum contouring, or veneers. However, to ensure that our Columbine Creek Dentistry patients get the dental care they need or want when they have limited insurance coverage or no coverage at all, we have other financial payment options. For our patients without dental insurance, we have an affordable Dental Savers Plan to cover exams and cleanings while discounting many other needed treatments.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The benefits of Invisalign clear aligners are numerous, and it’s no mystery why they are so popular. Invisalign effectively improves one’s smile without the inconvenience and appearance of traditional metal braces. They are less noticeable, removable, easier to clean, and take less time to produce a beautiful smile compared to traditional braces. Follow-up progress visits are also less frequent than they are for traditional braces, which adds to the convenience factor.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Columbine Creek Dentistry offers the Invisalign system as an orthodontic treatment that can straighten your smile without metal braces. Good candidates for Invisalign are those who need mild to moderate correction of crooked or gapped teeth but want a treatment that will produce a beautiful smile in less time, with less noticeable and more convenient results than traditional braces. Mild cases of overbites, underbites, and crossbites can also be effectively improved with Invisalign clear aligners.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are much more comfortable. However, it is not uncommon for Invisalign to cause some discomfort when they are first fitted and when new trays are started, which typically occurs about every two weeks. Most of our patients report that the discomfort is minor and will often subside after a few days.

What is considered a dental emergency?

There are many different types of dental emergencies. Trauma can cause painful damage to a tooth or teeth that needs immediate care. Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls can often cause a broken or cracked tooth that requires emergency repair. Other urgent dental issues can be due to infection or decay, causing a severe toothache that is too painful. Other dental emergencies include lost fillings, broken crowns, implant problems, and lost teeth. Whatever the issue, we want you to know you can count on Columbine Creek Dentistry when you need to see a dentist right away.

Does Columbine Creek Dentistry have emergency appointments available?

Yes. We keep room in our schedule to handle dental emergencies for our patients. We offer same-day appointments and extended hours to handle urgent dental needs at our office in Littleton.

What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?

Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure for 2 minutes, two times a day.

Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.

Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don’t clean as well. (They’re also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)

Most toothpastes will clear away bacterial growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth.

What dental insurance does Columbine Creek Dentistry take?

At Columbine Creek Dentistry, we accept most major dental plans, and we will help you through the claims process. We can explain your benefits and what your plan covers to help make it simple, easy, and affordable to get the oral health care you need for your family. Utilizing the preventative care benefits available through almost all insurance plans can be the best way to reduce your dental costs and prevent larger oral health issues.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants work by surgically anchoring replacement teeth into the jawbone so that they provide a stable and permanent solution to missing teeth. Replacement teeth look and function just like natural teeth even though they are artificial, fooling even the most scrupulous judge of appearances. The ‘root’ of the new tooth is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. Once the surgical site heals, a dental crown is adhered to the post to create a new tooth that can last for decades.

How long does a dental implant process take?

The entire dental implant process can take months from start to finish. First, Dr. Haydon will need to evaluate the health and strength of the bone in the area where the missing tooth is.

Often, when teeth are absent for too long, the blood and nutrient supply decreases, weakening the bone in the empty space where the tooth used to be. In these cases, a bone graft is required. This means that a tiny piece of healthy, strong bone from one area of the body is removed and placed in the jaw where the implant will go.

Time is then devoted to waiting for the bone graft to heal and stimulate new bone growth in your jaw. Once the jawbone is strong and ready to receive a dental implant, the placement procedure is scheduled. The actual procedure time may take just 1-2 hours.

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

At Columbine Creek Dentistry, we aim to make your dental visits and procedures as comfortable as possible. During dental implant surgery, the nerves are numbed with medication so no pain is felt during the procedure. To help relieve general anxiety, we have other options such as oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide. At your initial consultation, we will discuss any and all options to help make your dental implant procedure go as smoothly as possible.

What is the recovery process for dental implants?

Recovery time from dental implant placement can vary depending on a variety of factors including:

• The number of implants placed
• Overall oral health and strength of the jawbone
• Smoking history
• Age
• Other medical conditions such as diabetes

For single implant placement procedures with no bone grafting, swelling and discomfort are likely to be minimal and short-lived, likely just a few days. Most do well on a soft to liquid diet to minimize irritation and discomfort. After around a week to 10 days, you should be able to resume your regular diet or progress as tolerated. Our team at Columbine Creek Dentistry will walk you through it all.

How do I care for my new dental implant?

Caring for your new dental implant is a breeze. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, and caring for them is very similar. Dental implants are designed to last, but they will shine if they are brushed and flossed daily, ideally twice a day. A soft nylon toothbrush will also be gentle on the implant and be less abrasive than stiffer brushes that can damage the enamel of the artificial tooth.

In addition to avoiding hard, stiff bristles, proper care of dental implants includes:

• Using less abrasive toothpastes and mouthwashes such as those made for sensitive teeth
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as ice, caramel, hard candies, and apples.
• Avoid or at least minimize tobacco and alcohol use. Both contribute to poor healing, decreased bone density, and overall poor oral hygiene.