Welcome!

Is Periodontal Associates the Right Fit for You?

Welcome We extend to you a very warm welcome to Periodontal Associates in Aurora.  If you were referred to us by your dentist, relative or friend, we commend this person for their concern for you and your health.  If you sought us out on your own, then congratulations on taking the first step to a happy and healthier life. Be assured we will do our utmost to live up to this trust and provide you with fine health care on which our reputation is established.

 
You are Worth It!

 In the final analysis, the best reason for taking care of your mouth is-

v  Your Well-Being

v  Your Confidence in Yourself

v  Your Social and Personal Life

v  Your General Health

 

The rewards of investing in better health can be yours! 

Our Philosophy It is Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman's belief that optimal oral health and dental implants enhances self-esteem 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.

 

Our Team We have brought together one of the most experienced, caring and dedicated staffs in Denver to assist you with your individual needs.  We work closely with your general dentist – a key member of our team – to combine our expertise and experience to formulate the best treatment plan for you.  Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, Dr. Beckman and staff keep themselves abreast of the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

 

Your First Visit 

What should you expect during your first visit to Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO?

 

v  We will ask you to share with us your health history

v  Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, or Dr. Beckman will perform a comfortable implant/periodontal and oral cancer exam.

v  Your questions and concerns are our number one priority and we invite you to discuss them with us

v  We have the most modern equipment available in an office designed especially for your comfort

v  We would be proud to take you on a tour of our office

 

Dental Implants

 What are the benefits and joys of dental implants?

 

v  Have solved many problems associates with tooth loss and dentures

v  Preserve jawbone and prevent facial collapse

v  Look, feel and function as natural teeth

v  Are placed in our office using a local anesthetic

v  Can provide a lifetime of comfort and function

v  Allow better chewing and taste of food

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone surrounding your teeth.  As it progresses, it destroys the bone which supports your teeth.  It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.  The disease is painless and often not taken seriously, especially in the early stages when treatment is most effective.  Gum disease is something your general dentist or Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can spot despite it's disguise which is another reason bi-annual exams and cleanings are crucial and a necessary step for good oral health.  With proper care, periodontal disease can be treated – even prevented.

Treatment Your treatment options will depend upon the severity of your condition and Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman will explain them to you thoroughly with every opportunity for your input and questions.  Together we will arrive at a treatment plan which fits your personal needs.  During the course of your therapy we will maintain close communication with your general dentist.

The Benefits of Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal treatment is your first step toward restoring your mouth and teeth to optimal health and keeping your teeth for a lifetime.  Periodontal therapy will also help to improve:

v  Systemic Health               

v  Appearance

v  Chewing

v  Elimination of Bad Odors and Tastes

v  Increased Self-Esteem and Happiness

Fees and Insurance

Our fees are based on the time, skill and judgment necessary to provide optimal care.  You will be given an explanation of costs and time involved for your treatment, and we will assist you with financial arrangement if they are needed.  If you are fortunate to have dental insurance, we will gladly help you in filing dental insurance claims.  Periodontal Associates has an in-house insurance coordinator dedicated to fight for you with your insurance company to get the best coverage possible.  We also accept most major credit cards.  Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have about your benefit plans, services, or our fees.

Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman look forward to working with you and helping you meet your health goals and providing a life-changing smile.  Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to make you feel at home in our office, and do not hesitate to call with any questions!

Sincerely,

Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, Dr. Eric Beckman & Periodontal Associates Staff

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating Disorders and your Teeth

 

It is currently estimated that 10 million Americans are affected today by an eating disorder such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating.  The consequences from such destructive eating habits range wildly and are dangerous to one's health.  One of the first symptoms of pain and discomfort are felt from the damage done to teeth and gums.  A dentist, such as Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman, can be the first to detect these harmful changes and help someone dealing with an eating disorder make the first steps towards improving their health. Periodontal Associates wants to help you identify some leading eating disorders and how such habits can lead to gum disease and/or the need for dental implants.

 

Bulimia involves alternating periods of overeating (or binge eating) followed by purging.  The fluctuation of high calories followed by expulsion is traumatic to the digestive system which includes the mouth.  Purging the high fat and sugar contents of a binge can be done by self-induced vomiting, diuretics, and/or the abuse of laxatives.  The most common solution for most is vomiting, and by doing so, the contents of food along with the acidic stomach juices are then exposed to the sensitive tissues in the gums and teeth.  Studies have found that up to 89% of bulimic patients show signs of tooth erosion, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.  Although Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can do many things to transform a smile, replacing enamel on teeth is not a possibility.

 

Anorexia involves restricting food and caloric intake in order to maintain a thin body image.  This can also include the same habits as bulimia with binge eating and purging; however, persons with anorexia often starve themselves.  In fact, anorexia is the highest psychiatric disorder resulting in death. 

 

The negative side effects caused by both of these eating habits are destructive and obvious on teeth.  With deprivation or purging, the body is robbed of adequate amounts of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients necessary for good health.  The weaker the body, the weaker the immune system and organ function.  Periodontal disease (gum disease) is then harder for the body to fight off.  The acid from the stomach breaks down any healthy gum tissues leading to gum loss, bone loss, and eventually the loss of teeth.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman unfortunately have many patients that needed dental implants as a result of the acidic oral environment and lack of nourishment.  Research studies have  also shown that there is also a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.  With an already suppressed immune system, such conditions can be detrimental.

 

 

Salivary glands can become swollen and xerostomia (or dry mouth) can occur.  Lesions on soft tissues may begin to appear and gums will often begin to bleed.  The teeth may become more translucent as poor diet and a high acidic environment erodes the enamel.  Enamel is irreplaceable and results in sensitivity to hot or cold.  As enamel fades away, the teeth can then become more brittle which can result in future cracks and breaks.  When a tooth becomes so fragile and painful, a visit to Periodontal Associates in Aurora is needed as the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant.  

 

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman, or your dentist, can be the first to spot these dangerous symptoms.  In order to help persons dealing with such eating disorders smile again and keep their teeth strong and beautiful, Periodontal Associates wants to share some thoughts on how to treat the oral health problems resulting in these dietary habits. 

 

- Patients who purge or vomit should never brush their teeth immediately after vomiting.  Instead, rinse with baking soda to contrast again the high acidity from stomach juices

- Patients should be counseled on their daily oral and overall hygiene routine.

- Patients should have an oral exam to assess current damages done and future treatment needs to help fight gum disease, sensitivity, or replace severely diminished teeth with dental implants.

- Patients should be set up on a frequent recall or hygiene schedule at offices such as Periodontal Associates.

 

If you are concerned about a friend or family member or you are seeking more information regarding eating disorders and health concerns, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman urge you to contact the National Eating Disorder Association.  If you have suffered from a disorder in the past, please visit Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO to maintain bi-annual exams and hygiene appointments. To schedule your next cleaning, please call us at (303) 755-4500.

 

 



Sporty Smiles

Shocking Sport Smiles

 

 

Most missing teeth occur from the progression of severe periodontal or gum disease.  However, there are plenty of athletes walking around sporting gapped tooth grins like trophies.  Physical trauma is the likely cause to missing teeth in sport participants as blows to the mouth can kill roots of teeth, crack teeth, or completely remove them.  Let's first take a look at some memorable sport smiles before learning how these blunders can be avoided or fixed by dental implant professionals likes Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman.

 

Bobby Clarke

It is no shock to learn that hockey players are the most victimized with gaping holes in their mouths.  With 6 ounces of frozen rubber flying 100 mph at someone's face, shattering a smile is to be expected.  One of the most recognized grins in hockey would be of Bobby Clarke.  In the 1970's, Bobby was photographed lifting the Stanley Cup for the Flyers.  His image solidified the cool reputation of having a toothless smile. (I am hopeful this moment will happen next year but for our Denver's own, Colorado Avalanche!)

 
 

Another remarkable hockey player to overcome the pain of physical trauma would have to be Duncan Keith.  This defenseman lost SEVEN teeth during the 2010 Western Conference Final.  His winning mentality propelled him to block a shot on goal with his face.  The wildest part was the fact that he then returned to play only minutes after the blow. 

Duncan Keith

The list of toothless grins in hockey is never ending.  The sport is built for oral consequences, but hockey is not the only athletic event to cause dental harm. Sliding, kicking, and head balls are a recipe for disaster in soccer.  Soccer players are not required to wear mouth guards, but unless you want to have a visit with Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman for dental implants, you better opt yes to this smile saving protection.  A cringe worthy moment in soccer occurred with Paulo Jorge.  Playing a heartfelt game against Madrid, he leapt for an interception, but instead of the ball, he was met with the solid force of the opposing player's head.  Paulo had two teeth shot out from his mouth.  Then on the sidelines, the blunt force killed the root of another tooth allowing Paulo to horridly and casually pluck another tooth from his gums.

Paulo Jorge

Gareth Thomas

A sport not well integrated into the American culture, but large in Europe, known as rugby is another full contact sport with little hopes to avoid injuries, including oral injuries. Gareth Thomas is a great example of a smile gone wrong.  He was the captain for Wales, and he has a wicked reputation on the field as his grin is an example of his fearless interaction. Luckily, mouth guards are now required for all rugby games.

Balls and pucks are nothing compared to the furry of fists. Mike Tyson knows this all too well. Boxing brings not only the need for future dental implants but periodontal work as well.  The mouth and gums get so bruised and cut that the gums experience recession and inflammation.  Although this happens to most boxers in the ring, Mike Tyson lost a fight in his Tiger's cage. Kiki Tyson told the Review-Journal that Tyson lost his famous gold tooth "when his tiger, Kenya, head-butted him." Whatever the cause of missing teeth or whoever the culprit for its demise, Periodontal Associates is the place to have it corrected.


Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman are the leading dental implant providers in Denver, CO.  Their office in Aurora is a central location to help out athletes and patients all surrounding the Denver metro area. Although basketball players were not highlighted, they are not spared the need for dental implants caused from hard play.  Nuggets Basketball team members have been given brand new smiles at Periodontal Associates because no one other than Drs. Ken Versman, Doug Heller, and Eric Beckman are trusted to handle such precious idols in Denver.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding sports injuries or how to protect against them just call our Aurora office at (303) 755-4500.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman advise that all participants of sports take proper precaution by using mouth guards, especially if you have no reservations on the field. Also, teeth and gums can only be a strong and healthy as you allow them.  The better the oral hygiene, the stronger the gums and their ability to hang on to your teeth.

If you have already become a victim of missing teeth, Periodontal Associates is here to help.  Our patients come from different age ranges and with different origins of tooth loss.  Dental implants are a permanent and lifelong lasting fix to feeling complete again.  Let us transform your smile so that your reputation is only about your athletics and not your grin.



Alzheimer's & Gum Disease

 Don't Forget to Brush

 

When someone close to you has Alzheimer's disease, the last thing you may be worried about is if they are remembering their oral hygiene.  However, remembering to brush may be MORE important earlier in life before the onset of Alzheimer's.  A new study reveals bacteria linked to gum disease travels to the brain of those with Alzheimer's.  Dental hygiene and periodontal disease may play a role in the development of memory loss illnesses.  (Quick, it is not too late to come see Periodontal Associates in Aurora, CO for your cleaning.  Better late than never to see our gum specialists, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman.)

"The results are very encouraging," said Crean, the dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire in England.   The University was able to financially support the study between dementia and gum disease.  Brain tissues were analyzed from 10 Alzheimer's patients and 10 patients of similar age with no signs of dementia or the disease. Within 10 samples of those with the disease, 4 samples showed signs of the bacterium known as Pophyromonas gingivalis.  However, no signs of gum disease bacteria were present in the non-memory impaired brain tissues.

The findings of this research support the idea that bacteria entering the mouth have access to enter the bloodstream, and once in the bloodstream, bacteria has access to just about any body part, including the brain.  As time progresses, the slow build up on this bacteria and the chemicals it releases may donate to the development of Alzheimer's disease.  Crean insists, "We've shown an association, not causation.  It does nothing more than to prove that these bacteria do get to the brain."  Entrance to the body's main transportation center or blood stream is especially accessible in those with severe periodontal disease with deep pockets and bleeding gums.  Even those with healthy gum tissues allow blood stream access when chewing.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are always stressing this importance to their patience about the mouth and body connection.
 
The association is close enough to keep Periodontal Associates' staff reaching for the floss, and Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman hope it does the same for you, too!  Brushing and flossing can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream; however, the consistent habit of good oral hygiene cleans the teeth and gums to significantly lessen the number of bacteria. "The issue is to reduce the bacterial load that occupies our gum tissues, to reduce the bacterial assault if and when it happens," Crean said.
 
Unsure how to keep bacteria at bay?  A good start is coming to see Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman.  Cleanings and exams are recommended every six months; however, for those patients with periodontal disease, we recommend seeing them every three months to clean out deep pockets and allow for better tissue reattachment.   Periodontal Associates is an office dedicated to not only dental implants but treating and preventing gum disease which ultimately protects patients from disease such as Alzheimer's.
 
Please contact Periodontal Associates at (303) 755-4500 to learn more about the connection between periodontal disease and system diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman are Denver's high quality provider of gum disease treatment and dental implants.  If you or a loved one fear you may be dealing with periodontal disease and unsure who that will affect your future health, we encourage you to call or stop in to our Aurora office today!