February Dental Month

Are your Two & Four-legged Kids Brushing?

February is a month filled with many holidays such as President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras, and many others.  However, February is also a great month in dentistry!  February celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month as well as National Pet Dental Health Month.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman do not practice dentistry on pets, but this is still something to celebrate and bring awareness to.  Let us explore how these two topics bring better dental health to the whole family.

During February, The American Dental Association, Denver Dental Association, Periodontal Associates and other dental offices in Denver and nationally rally together during this month to raise awareness among families about the importance good oral health habits in children.

Dental awareness specifically for kids originally began in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941. Then the American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on Feb. 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955, and in 1981 the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

 

Local dental societies take great pride in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month during the month of February.  Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants throughout Colorado volunteer their time and expertise to conduct oral health screenings and provide educational programs in schools and for community organizations.  In fact, Dr. Eric Beckman worked an entire day giving free exams to children and checked not only for cavities, but for early signs of periodontal problems.  Dr. Beckman was a part of Give Kids a Smile.  This is a campaign that has been running for the past 9 years.  This event was held in Denver, CO on February 3^rd this year.  Dentists like Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman, as well as general dentists, come together to provide free dental care for thousands of children every year.  Give Kids a Smile focuses on providing dental education and services to not just families without dental insurance but focuses on low income families.  

Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman hope to raise awareness about the epidemic of untreated dental disease occurring in Aurora, Denver, and across Colorado and across the country.  Low income families and children are more at risk for dental disease as access to dental clinics is limited for families when they are unable to afford proper transportation or a day off of work.  Not only do financially strained families have difficulty seeing a dental professional, but the education about proper home oral care is lacking.  The average person in Colorado only brushes their teeth for thirty seconds which is less than the recommended two minutes twice daily.

Periodontal Associates is a kid friendly periodontal office.  Although we do dental implants on adults, many kids seek out Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman to deal with receding gums, especially when going through orthodontic care.  Chronic gingivitis is common in children. Gingivitis is when gum tissue swells, turns red and bleeds easily. More aggressive periodontitis is seen in teenagers, but nevertheless, gum disease does occur in children. 

 

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman do suggest parents to establish proper oral hygiene habits in their children as early as one year old.  Also, it is important for parents to be a good role model for their children to follow, making brushing and flossing more exciting and not a chore.  Lastly, be sure to schedule regular visits to Periodontal Associates for periodontal exams and cleanings.

February is Children’s Dental Health month and to some families, their pets are their children so it is fitting that February is also Pet Dental Health month.  Dogs and cats can have gum disease?  Yes, many pets suffer from gum disease and tooth decay just like us.  According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 85 percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age four.  Dr. Ken Versman and Dr. Doug Heller both have dogs, and just as they come to Periodontal Associates for their bi-annual cleanings, their pooches also visit their local veterinarian for deep cleanings.  Just like with humans, food particles and bacteria build up in the dogs’ mouths, forming plaque and tartar, which leads to inflamed gums.  With a lack of oral hygiene, periodontal disease can progress into an irreversible condition causing decay, bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth loss.  This is the same for both humans and dogs, but most people do not realize when their pet is dealing with gum disease until a tooth becomes stuck in their favorite squeaky toy.   Unfortunately, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can provide you with dental implants, but your pup would be left with a gummy smile.  The image of a smiling, gummy mouthed dog might be cute, but severe gum disease can lead to infections, sometimes serious enough to cause organ damage or even death.   

Cats also suffer from dental problems.  One significant concern for cats includes tooth resorption. Dental resorption is when the body cells destruct part of a tooth.  It is unknown if this is a result from periodontal disease or an autoimmune disease so it is important to keep your pet on regular oral hygiene maintenance as well as up to date on check-ups.  Whenever these cavity-like defects occur in pets’ teeth, it can become very painful if left untreated.  In most cases, extracting these teeth is best for your furry friend.   However, without proper regular hygiene maintenance dental disease like this and severe periodontal disease can lead to full mouth extractions for your kitty. Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman do not treat cats, but the education they give to their patients is still applicable to their pets, too!

There are many commonalities between oral health for both two-legged and four-legged children.  With each category, good early habits are important in making dental care both fun and tolerable in kids and pets.  Regular cleanings, at home and dental offices, and exams by dentists like Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman or veterinarians are the only ways to prevent gum disease and maintain a beautiful healthy smile.  

Although, Periodontal Associates cannot answer all of your questions regarding your pet’s health, we strongly urge you to call our office at (303) 755-4500  or click here with any questions and to set up your next exam or cleaning.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are specialists in treating gum disease for both you and your child.  To learn more, please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com. 

Political Teeth

Mouth Full of Wood?

Happy President's Day!  President's Day is often a day for people to sleep in late, hang with friends, and enjoy one less day of work.  However, the origin and history of President's day is often forgotten, and Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman want to share with you the true meaning on this holiday as well as some fun dental facts about our beloved presidents.  

The beginning of President's Day started with George Washington's birthday becoming a federal holiday in 1879.  His birthday was celebrated on the actual day of February 22nd; however, on January 1, 1971, the federal holiday changed to the third Monday in February.  This date places it between February 15 and 21 so it never falls on Washington's actual birthday.  The change worked out well though as it was then renamed as "Presidents' Day" to honor the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln. Lincoln's birthday is on February 12th so President's Day is a good middle ground to celebrate the birth of two of the most influential presidents in history.

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman love to look back on history but specifically on dental history.  Not only is George Washington the reason for this extra day off work, but Washington has some interesting dental facts and misconceptions.

Washington's teeth has seemed to be a well discussed and misleading topic.  Many people are aware that Washington wore dentures.  In fact, during Washington's inauguration he only had 1 single real tooth.  George Washington could really have used Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman's help by providing some dental implants, but back then he did not have many options nor knowledge on proper oral hygiene.

It was also believed that Washington's dentures were made out of wood until researchers in Baltimore performed laser scans on a set of the dentures at the National Museum of Dentistry.  What were they made out of then?  The scan revealed gold, ivory, lead, human, and animal teeth as ingredients for these famous chomps.  The dentures also had springs and bolts to assist Washington with opening and closing.  During the times of Washington's life, these dentures were very high tech; however, dental implants have evolved greatly over time and Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman provide the highest quality and lifelong lasting dental implants to their Aurora patients (without wood, lead, or animal teeth).

Washington resorted to the use of dentures for multiple reasons.  At Periodontal Associates, our patients come to Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman for dental implants as the result of physical harm, gum disease, grinding, bone loss, or other factors.  In George Washington's case, he was an avid horseman which involved some physical accidents, and oral hygiene practices were not what they are today causing him to severe gum disease.

Many people, including other presidents, suffered the consequences from improper oral care.  For example, Ulysses S. Grant smoked 20 cigars a day!  Little did he know that this habit would ultimately cause his death due to oral and throat cancer.  Smoking is a habit that Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman strongly suggest their Aurora patients to stray from as  it results in not only cancers but severe gum disease. At Periodontal Associates we know that research has indicated that smoking and tobacco use is one of the most significant factors in the development and progression of gum disease. In addition to smokers experiencing a slower recovery and healing rate, smokers are far more likely to suffer from calculus (tartar) build up on teeth, deep pockets in the gingival tissue and significant bone loss.  If only Ulysses S. Grant was able to come to our office in Aurora, CO, think of the way we could help him! 

But on a lighter note, did you know that Ulysses S. Grant loved to play ding-dong ditch?  He would ring the doorbell at the White House and then run and hide.  I guess no matter our position or age, we are all still kids at heart.


Periodontal Associates honors George Washington and former presidents for their good influences on our country, and it is nostalgic for Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman to look back on not only America's history but the also the history of dental health and technology.  Luckily, Periodontal Associates contains specialists in providers of dental implants and treating gum disease without the uses of wood or ivory.  To learn more about the latest in dental implants and how to prevent periodontitis, please contact us at (303) 755-4500 or visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com. We highly encourage you to call or click here to make an appointment to see Drs. Versman, Heller, or Beckman at our office in Aurora, CO, serving the Denver metro area.   We look forward to helping you have a smile worthy to be placed on the dollar bill!

Replace or Save Tooth?

To Save a Tooth or Replace It:  That is the Question

One of the most difficult decisions Periodontal Associates has to make is when to save a tooth and when to remove and replace it.  This is a difficult decision on many levels.  Numerous factors must be considered including the restorability of the tooth, the patient's susceptibility to disease, gingival and papillary conditions, and esthetics in weighing the benefits vs. risks of retaining a compromised tooth.  The decision may be based on one critical issue or on a collection of factors.  In this blog entry, Drs. Versman, Heller and Beckman will discuss these factors which need to be considered in deciding whether to remove or save a tooth.  As always, Periodontal Associates welcomes your comments and suggestions so feel free to comment here, call our Aurora office at (303) 755-4500, or please stop in!

Our goal at Periodontal Associates is to maintain or reinstate good form and function to the dentition with excellent esthetics and health. Fundamental to developing a dental treatment plan, a prognosis must be assigned to each tooth.  Can it be saved?  Should it be removed and replaced with an implant?

Osseointegration and periodontal regeneration are two significant advances in contemporary dental care and each should be utilized when appropriate. The natural dentition responds very well to definitive periodontal treatment.  And there is significant evidence that efficacious periodontal treatment can change the prognosis of a tooth from hopeless to good.  Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman always try to use periodontal cleanings and treatment first if they believe the tooth is savable. Extracting teeth which had lost supporting periodontium and replacing them dental implants is not always the preferred treatment approach.

Implant replacement is not infallible and does not mean the patient will not experience future complications. While osseointegration has reduced the need to save teeth with a marginal prognosis, there has been a significant rise in the incidence of peri-implant disease and bone loss associated dental implants.

Greenstein et al raise several questions when deciding whether a tooth should be saved or replaced.

These include:
1. Can the tooth be restored effectively?
2 Will endodontic treatment be successful?
3. Is periodontal therapy a reasonable option?
4. What effect will extraction have on the final treatment plan , particularly with respect to esthetics?

Restorative Considerations

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckamn know that an effective restoration can return teeth to normal function and acceptable esthetics. Teeth without extensive caries, a favorable crown/root ratio and adequate tooth structure offer the best prognosis for effective restoration.

Fracture and Faulty Restorations.  If a tooth is fractured, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman man their best judgement to determine restorability.

Restorations must not infringe on the biologic width which can result in chronic gingival inflammation, pain, and clinical attachment loss.

Problematic teeth in the esthetic zone which require a crown lengthening procedure should be evaluated for replacement because these measures may result in an unesthetic appearance due to excessive tooth length.

Essential to cosmetic success, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman perform a complete evaluation of the smile line and other factors.


Caries.  Decay which extends beyond or to the level of the alveolar bone usually represents a restorative challenge for Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman and increased treatment costs for the patient.

If a tooth is restorable, orthodontic extrusion, crown lengthening, or mucogingival surgical procedures may be required to salvage the tooth.  If this is necessary, Periodontal works closely with your general dentist in the Denver area to provide a thorough and individualized treatment plan.

Crown/Root Ratio. Teeth without loss of attachment or destruction of periodontal tissues usually present a favorable crown/root ratio and consequently are good candidates for restoration.

A 1:1 crown to root ratio is the minimum acceptable assuming the periodontium is healthy and the occlusion is controlled.

Remaining Tooth Structure. Teeth with 5mm suprabony structure, 2mm for the biologic width, 2mm for the ferrule and 1mm sulcus depth are candidates for effective restoration.

Often the length of the available tooth structure is insufficient to ensure the preservation of the biologic width and crown lengthening may be required.  Crown lengthening is a routine procedure that periodontists like Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are specialists in.

Depending on if the patient need additional treatment like crown lengthening, this makes the final cost similar change.

The final decision to save the tooth or place an implant is often linked to financial considerations and the concerns for longevity of the results as opposed to the possibility of saving an already compromised tooth. Periodontal Associates prides ourselves in working with our patients to come up with a treatment plan that fits each individual best in terms of finances but most importantly health.

Endodontic Treatment

Survival rates for endodontically treated teeth have been estimated to be as high as 95% when associated with an excellent full coverage restoration -- if the tooth is treated with a well-fitting single-tooth crown with adequate ferrule.

Avila et al suggest the clinician should consider removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant if:

• The tooth has a large apical lesion (greater than 5mm).
• The tooth has had apical surgery.
• The tooth needs a large post and core for support.
• The tooth has inadequate ferrule.
• The tooth has an abnormal root anatomy precluding successful endodontic obturation.
• Th tooth has a root which is short or thin which will cause a post to predispose the tooth to post loosening or root fracture.
• There is a misaligned post that will weaken the root structure.

Periodontal Therapy

In deciding whether to save or replace a periodontally involved tooth, the Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman considers the severity of the periodontal condition and the likelihood of recurrence.  Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO specialized in treating periodontal or gum disease, and Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are the highest qualified doctors to make this decision.

If the periodontal prognosis is poor and/or the possibility of recurrence of the disease is high, such teeth may be candidates for removal and replacement with dental implants.  However, Periodontal Associates can help treat gum disease better with hygienists who are specifically trained to treat patients with severe gum disease.

 

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman suggest regeneration will most likely be successful in teeth with pocket depths greater than 6mm.  pocket depths are determines by measuring the gums to see how large a pocket is or how far under the gums bacteria is spreading.  Those with pockets depths beginning at 5mm is considered to have periodontal disease and is in need of immediate and frequent periodontal treatment. Do you have gum disease? Click here to see all symptoms and warning signs.

In addition, Avila et al suggest regeneration will most likely be successful in the following cases:

• Teeth with mobility greater than normal and up to 1mm in any direction.   In addition to periodontal regeneration, these teeth can also be considered for splinting in case of secondary occlusal trauma.
• Teeth with no recurrent periodontal abscess.
• Teeth with less than 30% alveolar bone loss.
• Teeth with deep, localized narrow intrabony defects.
• Teeth without invasive furcation involvement.
• Teeth without interproximal bone levels equal to or apical to the level of the furcaton.
• Teeth with no root anomalies.
• Teeth which would benefit from root resection as a conservative, therapeutic option.

Aviva et al suggest teeth should be considered for replacement if:

• Pockets are deeper than 8mm.
• Teeth are extensively mobile.
• Teeth have recurrent periodontal abscesses.
• Teeth have root anomalies -- cervical enamel projections, enamel pearls or root grooves.

Esthetic Considerations

If function and cosmetics can not be maintained or improved, this may be an indication for tooth removal.  The decision to retain a tooth or remove and replace it with an implant is dependent on the ability to achieve a functional and cosmetic results for our Aurora patients.

The Effect of Retention or Replacement on the Final Treatment Plan

The strategic value of a particular tooth is an important parameter to be considered when designing a  treatment plan.  The decision to extract or retain teeth affects adjacent teeth, especially is the plan is for the teeth to function as abutments for a fixed or removable partial denture.

It is essential to determine if a compromised tooth can withstand the functional load anticipated in the future.

Other Considerations

Other factors in the decision to retain or remove teeth are:

• Smoking Habits
• Use of IV bisphosphonates and other drugs
• Patients with uncontrolled systemic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes

Conclusion

Tooth extraction and implant placement may not be the best therapeutic approach in all patients.  The decision to save a tooth or extract it and place an implant must include a consideration of a multitude of factors. 

To help decide what is best for you, Periodontal Associates strongly suggests you stop by for a FREE dental implant consultation in their Aurora, CO office.  As you have read, every individual can experience different needs, wants, and concerns when deciding what is right for them.  A consultation with Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, or Dr. Eric Beckman allows one on one time and communication to resolve your questions, and provide you with excellent dental care.

Our office is located in Aurora, but we serve patients from all surrounding Denver metro areas.  Our patients respect Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman so much that some patients travel from Wyoming and Colorado cities hours away. 

Please contact Periodontal Associates at (303) 755-4500 or click here for an appointment.  Our website may also provide you more information to any questions that you have, and we urge you to to browse our website at www.periodontahealth.com. Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are Denver's premiere providers of dental implants and periodontics.  We look forward to meeting you and providing you with a life changing and beautiful smile!

ED and Gum Disease

Erectile Dysfunction and Gum Disease?

Do you have gum disease?

 Yes, you read the title right!  Erectile dysfunction and gum disease are linked!  Erectile dysfunction (ED) can involve the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and most importantly, periodontal disease. Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman always warn their patients about the consequences of gum disease and this warning may send all men running to the bathroom to grab toothbrushes and floss.

According to a new study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, men with erectile dysfunction  are three times more likely to have gum disease than men who do not have ED.  This statistic includes men worldwide, which means the Denver metro area is not exluded.

Turkish researchers studied 80 men with ED as well as 82 men without ED.  To exclude any other risk factors for gum disease all participants were nonsmokers and in the age range of 30 – 40 years old.  Despite the similarities, 53% of males with ED had chronic periodontitis while only 23% of those without the condition had periodontitis.

The researchers concluded, “We think that it will be of benefit to consider periodontal disease as a causative clinical condition of ED in such patients.”

These two conditions seem extremely dissimilar to most; however, Drs.Versman, Heller, and Beckman know there is one main similarity between gum disease and erectile dysfunction. Inflammation is the magic word!  Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue, ligaments, and bone around the teeth. As gum disease progresses bacteria are released in the mouth which is then carried through the blood vessels to the surrounding body.  These bacteria can damage blood vessels and impair blood flow to the penis which causes ED. 

Poor dental hygiene can be a cause for erectile dysfunction.  The numbers speak for this connection as over half over Americans have gum disease and 150 million men worldwide endure from ED.  There is good news as Periodontal Associates in Aurora has two lovely hygienists who specialize in treating patients with gum disease offering more thorough cleanings.  Periodontal Associates’ hygienists are an instrumental part in early detection of oral problems and the prevention of erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Faith Oguz from Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey stated, “Many studies have reported that [chronic periodontitis] may induce systemic vascular diseases, which have been linked with erection problems.”

Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions besides ED such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.

Faithful brushing and flossing can keep inflammation causing bacteria minimized, and regular visits to Periodontal Associates in Aurora allows Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman to detect and treat periodontitis. Dr. KenVersman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman are specialists and are best suited to treat those suffering from periodontal disease.  Unfortunately, according to recent research in the AAP’s journal Periodontology, most men are not taking advantage of dental services and women are twice as likely as men to get regular dental check-ups. We ask our Aurora patients to share this news with your friends and family to help encourage men to take dental health more seriously.

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman do not want to scare or worry our male patients; however, Periodontal Associates wants to be sure to emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene to prevent and treat gum disease as well as other systemic diseases. Our Aurora, CO office offers professional services with primary focus on gum disease. For more information, please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com. Also, feel free to give us a call at (303) 755-4500 or click here to make an appointment. Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman serve all the surrounding Denver, Colorado areas with patients even traveling from out of state to see our specialists. We look forward to visiting with you and coordinating an individual treatment plan to fit your needs and health concerns.

Bad Breath

How to Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing.  The morning, onions, garlic, smoke, and gum disease are all variables that can cause bad breath either momentarily or habitually.  Drs. Versman, Heller & Beckman specialize in treating gum disease which is a huge contributing factor to bad breath, also known as halitosis; however, Periodontal Associates wants to share with you some more common and daily rituals that can help defend against sour oral odors.

An easy edible routine to defend against halitosis can be as simple as eating yogurt daily.  Why yogurt you may ask?  Yogurt contains live active cultures and they defend against foul odor causing compounds like hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs, is a product released by gum disease causing bacteria.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman suggest eating six ounces of yogurt a day to help fight this problem.  

Green tea is also proven to fight against bad breath.  Periodontal Associates offers a beverage bar in our Aurora office containing green tea as one of the options, and there is no mistake in that. This popular Chinese tea contains antioxidants that also help reduce the amount of bacteria. Not only does this super food help with olfactory offenses, but it can also help reduce the risk of tooth decay and some oral cancers.  

To continue with the theme of eating away bad breath, vegetables contain physical properties that help exfoliate teeth.  Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman want to remind you that a toothbrush is more effective than scrubbing with veggies, but vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, and celery naturally remove debris and plaque that can lead to bacteria growth and smelly breath.   

Hydration is a big key in maintaining overall health, but swishing water can dilute the sugar, starch, and acid in the mouth.  This dilution helps reduce plaque, and again, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman love to greet you with cold bottles of water from our beverage station.  

The next important step is flossing.  Periodontal Associates has trained hygienists who specialize in treating gum disease, and one of the most important questions they ask patients is if they are flossing regularly.  Flossing is a frequently forgotten routine, but it is critical to remember as flossing removes bacteria that cause decay.  When bacteria are left to linger in the mouth’s crevices, the gums are more likely to experience periodontal disease and thus, bad breath.  There is no excuse to skip flossing, and if you are in need, stop by our Aurora, CO office to pick some up.  

In between teeth is not the only place that needs a little TLC as the tongue is a central part of maintaining pleasant breath and a clean mouth.  The tongue contains bacteria that can contaminate teeth after brushing and flossing.  Tongues have over 500 different types of bacteria, and bad breath occurs when all of those bad bacteria, food particles, and other things sit on the back of the tongue.

All of the prior suggestions are great ways to help prevent and maintain a healthy mouth.  However, more than 75% of Americans suffer from gum disease, and there is only one way to care for periodontal disease and its consequence of bad breath.  Periodontists like Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman specialize in treating this silent disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone surrounding your teeth.  Some common signs are persistent bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth, pus around the teeth and gums (sign that there is an infection present), red and puffy gums, and tenderness or discomfort caused by plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritating the gums and teeth. 

Do any of these signs of gum disease sound familiar? Please do not hesitate to contact Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO today! We welcome patients from all surrounding Denver metro areas and even some from outside of Colorado.  Our doctors, Dr.Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman, are specially trained and skilled to fight periodontal disease as well as provide dental implants. Please call us at (303) 755-4500 or click here for an appointment.  For more information about Periodontal Associates, please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com.  We look forward to helping you with your questions, treating your gum disease, providing your dental implants, or simply curing your bad breath! 

Faux Braces

Are Braces the Next Big Fashion Trend?

 

Currently in Aurora, CO, teenagers and fashionistas are gawking over skinny jeans, beanies, tall boots, and gold watches.  However, in places like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, an unbelievable new fashion trend has emerged that is leaving Drs. Versman, Heller & Beckman and Periodontal Associates' staff worried. 

 

Asian teens are now buying fake braces as a status symbol sending every teen into a temper tantrum if they do not have them as well.  This is a shock to us here at Periodontal Associates as braces carry a bad stigma in the United States preventing awkward teenagers from opening their mouths in fear that a fellow classmate may see.

These fashion braces are making a killer profit as each set is $100.  Why are they spending the money on such accessories you may ask? Braces are a symbol of wealth as only those with money can afford such dental care on themselves or their children.  $100 may seem like a lot to spend on braces merely used for show, but they give the illusion to strangers that they belong to a higher social class.

Not only are braces considered cool, but these dental manipulators now come in cute and original designs.  Some of the more popular themes include Mickey Mouse or Hello Kitty.

These mock braces are not all fun and games, however.  Most braces are prepped and placed on teeth by an orthodontist, but these fashionable braces are applied by the kids wearing them. Fashionable braces can come loose, crack teeth, irritate the gums and cause mouth sores. Such consequences can lead the teenagers to spend more time and money on fixing their dental blunders.  Many teens had to find periodontists, like Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman, to fix their gums and/or replace broken teeth with dental implants. The faux head gear is also sometimes assembled from unsafe metals like lead as there is no regulation on this product, but even more severe are those fashionable braces can cause death.  Deaths of two teenagers have already been reported.  

The dental field should be left to professionals like our doctors, Ken Versman, Doug Heller & Eric Beckman, and to prevent further damage from the misuse of dental practices, the Thai government has banned the fake braces.  The production, sale, or import of these products can result in fines around $1,300 or even jail time of six months.

As ridiculous or humorous the idea of faux braces may be here in Denver, CO, it is important to not take medical or dental practices lightly.  Dental services, such as orthodontics, dental implants, teeth whitening, or treating gum disease, are something to be left to professionals who are able to skillfully and safely help a patient with their dental needs. 

Periodontal Associates is proud to say we are those professionals.  With our specialist doctors, Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman, as well as our certified hygienists, Periodontal Associates is happy to provide the best dental services to our patients here in Aurora, CO.  Although we do not supply orthodontic care, we have close relationships with many orthodontists in the surrounding Denver area to refer you to.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman do help our patients with other dental needs such as: dental implants, gum disease, bone grafts, gum grafts, extractions, dentures, sinus lifts, and other needs.  Do you have a question about which doctors to see in Aurora for your orthodontic care or about what services Periodontal Associates provide? Please give us a call today at (303) 755-4500 or visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com.  To schedule an appointment, you can call our Aurora office, or you can click here to schedule. We look forward to assisting you and providing you cosmetic dentistry to give you the smile you have always deserved.

Tooth Loss Causes

What Causes Tooth Loss?

Losing teeth is a common phenomenon.  Tooth loss can be natural and necessary, especially if you are among the ages of 6 to 12. However, many teenagers and adults reluctantly experience tooth loss due many different causes.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman want to take some time to discuss these reasons, and whatever your reason for missing one or multiple teeth, Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO can find a dental implant solution that is right for you!

CONGENITAL ABSENCE Missing teeth does not always mean teeth have been removed; instead, some people are born without a particular tooth.  A nonexistent tooth at birth is called congenital absence.  The population frequency of this occurring is over 5 % (missing of wisdom teeth not included).  After wisdom teeth, second premolars and permanent upper second (lateral) incisors are the most commonly missing teeth due to congenital absence, and frequently the missing teeth are the permanent teeth.  This will be seen as the child ages and the baby, or primary, tooth falls out without a successor sprouting behind it.  Without a permanent tooth, the baby tooth can function for longer periods of time, but they primarily fall out due to dental disease or lack of root support.  Without a strong support system underlying the tooth, some function can be lost.  At this point, the baby teeth need to be removed.

Replacing a primary tooth with a dental implant is a specialty performed by our doctors: Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman.  It is important to come to Periodontal Associates for this procedure as the site of a congenitally absent tooth could have a cyst-like structure in the jawbone called a tooth bud.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman specialized periodontists and are able to perform treatments in a soft and gentle manner suitable for kids.

 

TRAUMA For most people, primary and secondary teeth are developed normally.  However, often unfortunate events result in trauma that may take aware those teeth.  Trauma can cause the loss of teeth in many different ways.  Teeth can be ‘knocked out’ immediately due to injury from falling or sports.  In other cases and most frequently seen at our Periodontal Associates office in Aurora, teeth can go through a traumatic incident but not need extraction or fall out until months or even years later.  For example, a blow to the mouth can hit the tooth in such a manner that the root is fractured while the tooth is still implanted in the gum.  When the root of a tooth is fractured, infection can develop.  The body will then begin to break down the root surface.  Without a proper root, again the tooth will eventually fall out or would need extraction and implants.

Another form of trauma consists from mechanical movements while eating or sleeping.  Without knowing it, many may find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth, especially while sleeping. These habits, also called bruxing, can lead to cracking or fracturing teeth sever enough to result in extraction.  This is mostly caused by underlying stress.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman could diagnose this and help find a way to prevent further damage by use of a mouth guard.

 

DENTAL DISEASE Although Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman see many patients for dental implants after trauma, most patients visit Periodontal Associates due to periodontal (gum) disease.  Gum disease is an infection in the gums and the supporting structure responsible for holding a tooth in place. As gum disease progressed, the space between the gums and teeth increase which can lead to the tooth falling out. If the tooth does not fall out, the surrounding gum line can be so damaged that the tooth must be extracted.  Dental decay can lead to the same consequence.  Decay can lead to significant infection on the bone which affects the root of a tooth. Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman are specialist in periodontics and can offer treatment and prevention for gum disease while also providing dental implants if needed.

No matter the cause of missing teeth, Periodontal Associates can provide you with the best individualized treatment to build a beautiful and long lasting smile. Our Aurora, CO office offers one of the most experienced, caring and dedicated staff members to assist you with your individual needs.  We work closely with your dentist – a key member of our team – to combine our expertise and experience to formulate the best treatment plan for you.  Dr. KenVersman, Dr. Doug Heller, Dr. Eric Beckman keep themselves abreast of the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants. Most people, regardless of age, are good candidates for dental implants. So do not hesitate, call our Aurora office today for your FREE DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION at (303) 755-4500.  Also, please visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com to learn more about Periodontal Associates and what we stand for. If you have any questions you can call us or click here for questions and/or appointment.