Dry Mouth?

Mental health and your dental health

Are you one of the many Americans taking an antidepressant? Experts believe that certain antidepressants — such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft—may increase the risk of tooth decay. Many of these medications are known to cause dry mouth, which creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and sets the stage for bad breath.

 

Dr. Ken Versman and Dr. Doug Heller of Periodontal Associates in Denver - Aurora, CO suggest frequently sipping water to prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. While you may think the answer to fresher breath is using a mouthwash, you may actually want to avoid certain over-the-counter mouthwashes. Many of the mouthwashes on the market today contain a high alcohol content and may further contribute to mouth dryness or Xerostomia.

Xerostomia is the academic term for what you and I call dry mouth. It is, quite simply, the feeling you have when there is little to no saliva in your mouth. You can probably recall times in your life when you were particularly anxious, dehydrated or otherwise exhausted and had that awful dry feeling, as if your mouth was full of sand.

Dry mouth can in some cases be a result of certain medications, health conditions or from aging. Several prescription drugs are available to treat or prevent Xerostomia if it is a persistent problem. Continuously having dry mouth may actually threaten your overall dental hygiene. Saliva is important to the health of your teeth. The absence of saliva can cause a dramatic increase in cavities. Quick and easy remedies may include sipping water or sugarless fluids. Chewing on gum can also aid in increasing the saliva in your mouth and help to relieve that dry mouth feeling.

If you have frequent dry mouth or Xerostomia, contact us today so that we can help you find the best solution to your dry mouth. (303)755-4500

Our dental office is located in Aurora, CO near I-225 and Parker Rd. We're a short drive from Denver, Cherry Hills, Greenwood Village, Denver Tech Center (DTC), Centennial, Lone Tree, Englewood, Parker, Inverness, Castle Pines, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch.

Dental Implants or Dentures?

At Periodontal Associates in Denver - Aurora, CO, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller and our hygiene team are often questioned about the option of dentures and dental implants. We offer this fact finding as the first step to exploring the option of dental implants. We welcome your call to our office at 303-755-4500 for more information and a free, no-cost, no-obligation dental implant consultation.


Replacing a Missing Tooth

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or one needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would have the enamel removed and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.

Dental Implants are the modern alternative. Instead of shaving down two perfectly good teeth, a dental post (Dental Implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root with very little discomfort. This post becomes fixed in your jaw (like a natural tooth root). A crown is then placed onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Quite simply, Dental Implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Replacing Several Missing Teeth

Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full set of dentures.
One of the drawbacks of dentures is that dentures need to be taken out, soaked and cleaned nightly. During the day, dentures can also look unnatural and rub which can cause pain and discomfort. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods such as steak and corn on the cob. Often times, many people will remove their dentures before eating a meal so that they can "taste" the full flavor of the food.

Dental Implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures.

Dentures can be well retained with as few as 2 implants. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. With Dental Implants, these restorations are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like natural teeth.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have noticed a person who looked prematurely old because of wearing floating dentures and having their jawbone "shrink". Dental Implants help preserve your jawbone and your appearance.

The Success Rate of Dental Implants

After their healing period, the success rate of Dental Implants is close to 96%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the success rate rises closer to 98%!

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Placing a Dental Implant is usually like getting a cavity filled or even easier. It is done under local anesthesia (novocaine) and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure. Read a few of the comments that we have received from our patients:

The implant was painless and an easy experience.  --Walter

I had a great experience. I felt comfortable having the surgery done and the staff was incredible. Dr. Heller really made the process easy and I am very happy with the results.  --Sergiane Hendrix

It was the easiest experience I've had....and I had 7 children! --Millie

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental Implants become fixed to the jawbone. Dental Implants have successfully been in patients' mouths for over 30 years without needing replacement. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, Dental Implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 8-10 years.

What is the cost of Dental Implants? Is it expensive?

It is difficult to define the value of dental implants. Dental implants are NOT expensive, when one factors in the life long use and the benefits that come from having secure, functional, attractive teeth and a winning smile. A winning smile surely adds great value to your professional image not to mention your social life! For some who prioritize dental health, the concept of eating well until death is a very significant motivation for implant treatment. We offer many payment options and for those who qualify, an interest free payment plan.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental Implant treatment begins with a FREE evaluation by Dr. Versman or Dr. Heller of Periodontal Associates in the Denver - Aurora, Colorado area. They will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure and discuss your options.

Call us today for your free evaluation at 303-755-4500. Our office is conveniently located near I-225 and Parker Road at 2900 South Peoria Street in the Aspens Dental Park, Building D in Aurora, CO. We serve Aurora and the surrounding cities of Denver, Centennial, Parker, Lone Tree, Bennett, Strasburg, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood and Lakewood, CO.