The Value of a Smile

At Periodontal Associates in Denver - Aurora, CO, we never underestimate the value of a healthy and beautiful smile. I spoke with one of Dr. Heller's patients today who had previously undergone connective tissue grafting surgery due to gum recession. Jenny, a daughter of an orthodontist, was quick to flash me her lower gums and tell me how happy she was with the results. I immediately thought she was speaking of the health benefits and comfort of no longer being 'long in the tooth'. After all, the lower gum area is seldom seen by anyone, right? Wrong! Jenny was just as pleased with being able to correct the gum issue as she was with being able to look in the mirror and see a beautiful and healthy set of gums. It continually gives Jenny a reason to smile.

The Value of a Smile

 by Francie Baltazar-Schwartz

“The value of a smile is priceless, yet it is the cheapest, easiest, most rewarding and most sincere gift to anyone that crosses your path. A smile makes a person’s day, anybody’s day even a stranger’s day. A smile is infectious. Start infecting people with your smile today. 

A smile is nature’s best antidote for discouragement. It brings rest to the weary, sunshine to those who are sad, and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated.

A smile is so valuable that it can’t be bought, begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will. You have to be willing to give a smile away before it can do anyone else any good.

So if someone is too tired or grumpy to flash you a smile, let him have one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a smile as much as the person who has none to give.” 

 Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller find great satisfaction in keeping our patients at or returning them to the highest level of dental health in which they desire. At Periodontal Associates, it is our belief that better oral health enhances self-esteem, growth, and rewards you with a better quality of life. Our goal is quality--in comfort, service, and dental care. It's a goal to which we are committed and a standard which our patients have come to expect. If you would like to schedule a periodontal exam to assess the health of your teeth and gums, please contact Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO at 303-755-4500. Dr Ken Versman & Dr. Doug Heller proudly serve the greater Denver metro area and are Colorado's Premier Provider of Dental Implants and Periodontics.

Top 10 Strangest Dental Requests in Denver & Aurora CO heard by Drs. Versman & Heller

Here at Periodontal Associates in Denver - Aurora, CO we receive many interesting questions in regards to dental implants, replacing lost or broken teeth and how to keep smiles healthy and bright. Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller have heard many stories including how one patient cleaned his teeth most of his life using burnt tortillas instead of a toothbrush and floss. We, of course, don't recommend using tortillas for home care. Apparently we are not the only dentists hearing interesting dental stories, questions and requests.

According to drbicuspid.com the Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 300 members to find out the strangest dental requests they'd  ever received from patients.  
Here are their responses:

10. "Can you extract my tooth without anesthesia?"
9. "Please wire my mouth shut to aid in my diet."
8. "Can you ID this set of dentures left in the bathroom of the bar I work at?"
7. "I will pay you or your hygienist to floss my teeth at my office every day."
6. "Pull all my teeth and just give me dentures."
5. "I just broke off my engagement. Can you prepare my tooth so that I can keep the diamond in it?"
4. "Will you give me local anesthesia in my lips? I'm going in for permanent "lipstick" tattoos on my lips and would like to avoid the pain."
3. "May I have an emergency cleaning visit? It's my high school reunion and I need a bright, white smile to face my old boyfriend."
2. "Can I keep the teeth you pull out of my mouth? I'd like to make a necklace out of them."

And the No. 1 strangest dental request ever received according to those dentists surveyed?

1. "Can you give my dog braces?"

The survey also included examples of how patients attempt self-treatment. It found that nearly 70% of the dentists surveyed have taken care of a patient who tried to treat their own dental problem before visiting the dentist. The most common home treatment among patients, dentists said, is Super Glue for broken crowns and dentures. Using an emery board to file chipped teeth or overusing topical painkillers, such as teething gels, to deaden pain also were common. Remarkably, several dentists had treated patients who attempted to give themselves a root canal using power tools. OUCH!


If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental hygiene or care, dental implants and replacement procedures for a missing tooth or teeth...or whether we recommend using power tools for a do-it-yourself root canal (No!), please feel free to contact our office by phone at 303-755-4500 or email. Periodontal Associates (Drs. Versman & Heller) are happy to serve the Denver Metro area and are conveniently located in Aurora, CO. We serve the surrounding cities of Denver, Centennial, Parker, Lone Tree, Bennett, Strasburg, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood and Lakewood, CO.