Evolution isn’t always tidy and linear. For example, we have smaller jaws than our ancestors thousands of years ago, but most of our bodies haven’t adapted by generating fewer teeth. Two-thirds of us produce the same amount of teeth as early humans. These late-developing extra molars are called wisdom teeth and they pose unique oral…
Today, we’re reviewing the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. A water irrigation tool oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out fragments of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it…
Implants require a strong jawbone to hold them in place; Therefore, patients who do not have enough bone will have to graft to the bone before implanting it, which allows for a three-fold recovery. Although different combinations of methods are sometimes possible (such as combining the implant and abutment positioning), we will focus on the typical two-phase recovery process: After the implant post is placed, there is a 3–6-month recovery and healing…
Sometimes Lafayette residents research their mechanic or hairdresser more thoroughly than their dental professional. Shouldn’t your oral health be far more important? At Boulder County Smiles, we love to answer questions about all facets of dentistry. What Training and Experience Do You Have? You may have questions about a dentist’s training and experience. Dr. West has…
65 percent of men and women who detect wisdom teeth notice them in their late teens or early twenties. At Boulder County Smiles, we help our teen patients with their wisdom teeth issues. Why are wisdom teeth often extracted? There are several reasons… 1. Wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth and nerves. 2. Most jaws…
It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Lafayette. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding. Here are three essential things to know about children’s dental health. 1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay….
Hello friends! Welcome to our blog. This site is for our fantastic patients and anyone looking for exceptional orthodontic care in Lafayette. When a new patient comes in for an orthodontic consultation, we do a thorough exam and evaluation. At the same time, we encourage prospective patients to thoroughly evaluate Boulder County Smiles. We Evaluate…
Sedation during dental treatment helps you feel relaxed, comfortable, and relaxed during the dental procedure. It’s a moderate level of sedation, so you’re still technically awake but it feels a bit uninteresting. It is sometimes called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” because it creates a state of short-term amnesia (forgetting) where you feel a sense of insensitivity of pain without loss of consciousness. Who needs sedation dentistry? People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children….
1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw. 2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least…
If you are researching orthodontics, you have probably heard about clear aligners. They offer several advantages over traditional metal braces. The most popular benefit is the fact that they are nearly invisible. Millions of people have corrected their teeth with aligners in the past twenty years since they were invented. We’re here to help with…
