Metropolitan Dental Care

Cosmetic dentistry provides patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile the opportunity to dramatically transform it. This, in turn, boosts self-confidence. At Metropolitan Dental Care, our dentists offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatment options. Whether you have stubborn dental stains, chipped or damaged teeth, want a straighter smile, or want a complete smile makeover, we can help. Whatever your desires may be, our cosmetic dentistry experts are committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Formerly called caps, dental crowns reinforce all sides of a tooth and cover the biting surface. Crowns are necessary when: A tooth is chipped, cracked, or has tiny cracks called craze lines A cavity is too large for a filling to repair A large filling fails and restoration with a new filling won’t suffice A root canal has been performed A single dental implant has been placed A bridge needs to be secured Cosmetic restoration is required Molars need to be built up to correct malocclusion

Cavities form when bacteria infect and eat tooth structure. When we consume starches, including sugars, and acids our tooth enamel temporarily softens and bacteria invade. First, bacteria eat through tooth enamel, then sensitive dentin, then into the core of a tooth, where the nerve is housed. To keep cavities from growing, early detection and treatment are important. Good oral care with daily flossing and twice-daily brushing will remove most bacterial plaque and food particles from your mouth. While good oral hygiene can deter tooth decay, a thorough examination by your dentist can detect it. The ADA recommends that healthy children and adults visit the dentist every six months for a checkup.

Tooth loss can occur from any number of reasons, such as severe decay or damage, extraction, and even injury. No matter the cause, when a tooth goes missing, it can impact dental function and keep you from smiling confidently. It can also result in damage to remaining teeth, TMJ disorder, and other health concerns. For instance, the gap left behind causes the remaining teeth to shift. The result is crooked and crowded teeth that can affect your bite. Crooked teeth can affect your overall oral health, as they are harder to keep clean. A change in your bite can affect your speech, chewing, and nutrition. Replacing the tooth immediately with a durable restoration can improve your smile and protect your oral health. For patients with tooth loss isolated to one section of the mouth, our Denver dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care provide dental bridges. These custom-made restorative devices are designed to close the gap caused by the loss of one to three adjacent teeth.

More and more patients are choosing cosmetic dentistry to improve the beauty of their smile. In particular, porcelain veneers have become the number one option for patients desiring a dazzling smile. In fact, veneers can replace the need for several cosmetic treatments. For instance, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and the need for dental crowns. Furthermore, many patients can skip orthodontic treatment by covering crooked teeth. If you have one problem tooth or many, veneers provide a dramatic smile transformation. At Metropolitan Dental in Denver, CO, we utilize a dental lab known for high quality veneers. Their customization process produces natural-looking yet stunning results. Our Denver dentists take great joy in seeing patients go from hiding their smiles to flashing their new “Hollywood” pearly whites with confidence and pride. Veneers are durable yet natural-looking covers for teeth. The process involves two visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your teeth. After preparation, he will take digital impressions. Lastly, he will place temporary veneers. At the second visit, your dentist will bond the permanent veneers to the front surface of your teeth. This offers immediate, dramatic results.

When a tooth is severely damaged and unable to be repaired with conservative treatments, your Denver dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. Undergoing a tooth extraction in a timely manner is important to protect your oral health. When decay is left unaddressed, it can spread to surrounding teeth and gums and increase your risk for gum disease and other health issues. Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to create adequate spacing for patients with small mouths experiencing dental misalignment. In addition, most patients benefit from wisdom teeth extractions. The wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually around the age of 17. These teeth can be hard to keep clean and put you at risk for future decay. They can also cause crowding of your other teeth, leading to bite and chewing issues. Crowded, crooked teeth also affect the beauty of your smile. At Metropolitan Dental Care, our dentists use gentle, proven methods to ensure a comfortable extraction, a smooth recovery, and successful results. All patients will receive a local anesthetic to numb the affected area(s). Depending on each individual’s needs and the type of extraction, your dentist may offer other sedation options. When you have fully recovered from your tooth extraction, we can provide you with a tooth replacement to restore your smile. This could include a dental bridge or a dental implant-supported crown or bridge.

If your gums easily bleed when brushing or flossing in addition to dental sensitivity, you may have the early signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). This bacterial infection is a chronic condition that affects the gums. If left unaddressed, it can lead to tooth loss, bone degeneration, and a host of serious health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. By taking care of your oral health, you can help preserve the health of your body. At Metropolitan Dental Care, we encourage patients to visit their downtown Denver dentist and registered dental hygienist at least every six months for a cleaning and examination so plaque buildup can be removed and the early signs of periodontal disease can be caught.

Accumulation of calculus (calcified plaque deposits) occurs when plaque has had the opportunity to mineralize and form a rough, solid deposit. This can happen both above and below the gum line. These deposits are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which directly results in inflammation of the gum tissues. This accumulation can also increase the risk of new caries. Teeth cleaning, professionally referred to as dental prophylaxis, is performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. In addition, a periodontal charting or probing is performed by your hygienist to evaluate the health of your bone and gum tissues. If deposits are discovered below the gum line and are accompanied by bleeding and deeper pockets you may be in need of scaling and root planing (gum therapy). However, if it is determined that standard dental prophylaxis is the most appropriate method of teeth cleaning for you, this is accomplished with both manual and ultrasonic tooth scaling tools. Thorough removal of all debris is achieved and finished with a polish that leaves your teeth feeling clean, fresh and smooth. But that’s not all that’s happening at your appointment. The hygienist is also performing an oral cancer screening to ensure that all surfaces appear free of suspicious lesions. In addition to that, your hygienist is also reviewing any changes in your health history to best discuss the correlations in your oral and overall health.

While nonsurgical techniques, such as scaling and root planing, are effective for treating the early stages of periodontal disease, your Denver dentist may recommend gum surgery for advanced cases. Gum surgery is designed to prevent the infected tissue from spreading and causing further damage. the dangers of advanced periodontal disease Treating advanced periodontal disease is not something that should be avoided. Common side effects of this disorder can include: Severe tooth decay below the gum line Dental pain Tooth loss Gum recession Dental misalignment Bone degeneration The health of your mouth can have a direct impact on your body. As the infection enters your bloodstream, it can also lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Taking action quickly can help keep your mouth and body safe and healthy.

Do you sometimes wake up to tension headaches, a sore or stiff jaw, or teeth sensitivity? Do you often feel tired even after getting a full eight hours of sleep? If these symptoms sound familiar, you could be suffering from bruxism. What is bruxism? It is a clinical term used to describe unknowingly grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Most often, it occurs involuntarily during the night while sleeping. Common causes of bruxism include stress, bite disorders, and sleep apnea. The force applied when you grind your teeth causes irreversible enamel wear. This weakens teeth and makes them susceptible to more serious damage, such as fractures and decay. Jaw clenching can lead to TMJ disorders, which can lead to more problems. Your Denver dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care are experienced and equipped to treat bruxism. If needed, they can fit you with a custom-made dental mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.