The Importance of Wisdom Teeth Extraction Site Preservation

Before removing a troublesome tooth, you have to figure out how you will care for the space left behind. Consult with Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental if you are considering wisdom teeth extraction site preservation in Parker, CO. Preserve those gaps so you can keep your mouth healthy long-term.

Why Is Extraction Site Preservation Important?

Wisdom teeth are not supposed to cause discomfort. If they grow properly, they can even help you chew food thoroughly.

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth may also become impacted as they emerge. If that happens, they will become a constant source of pain. The pain they cause may become so overwhelming that you may have a hard time eating anything.

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is one way to eliminate that pain. However, that brings up another issue.

That gap can be problematic because it can weaken your jaw bone. Fail to do something about that and your teeth may start to move around improperly. Soon enough, even your ability to chew through food may be compromised.

Taking action too slowly can also lead to complications down the line. Even if you want to eventually get dental implants, your jaw bone may not be strong enough to support them.

Sign up for wisdom teeth extraction site preservation in Parker, CO if you want to avoid those potential issues. Entrust the health of your teeth to Dr. Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental. She will ensure that the procedure is done properly so you don’t run into any additional issues down the line.

What Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Site Preservation Entail?

Extraction site preservation helps maintain dental health, but what exactly does it involve?

In some cases, the procedure may involve the usage of some filler. The filler is used to plug the gap in your mouth. Doing that should prevent the degeneration of your jawbone along with other possible issues.

Site preservation may also be done through bone grafting. The aforementioned procedure involves using transplanted bone to heal or preserve your jawbone. Synthetic material may also be used for bone grafting procedures.

Your dentist will decide what kind of bone grafting procedure will work best. Work with them to preserve your teeth.

Dial 720-459-8420 if you wish to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction site preservation in Parker, CO. Book an appointment with Dr. Kattauras of Ardas Family Dental so you can save yourself from some potentially serious teeth-related problems.

Why Choosing Mini Implants Could Be the Right Decision for You

Missing teeth can impact your quality of life and your self-confidence. Get in touch with Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental if you wish to get mini implants in Parker, CO. Those implants could provide the solution to a problem you have been dealing with for a long time.

What Are Mini Implants?

According to the CDC, 26 percent of adults aged 65 or older have only 8 or fewer teeth. Furthermore, around 17 percent of adults in that same age range have lost all of their teeth.

Those statistics reinforce the fact that many people out there could benefit from receiving dental implants. Unfortunately, not everyone can sign up for those implants even if they wanted to.

Remember that dental implants require ample support from surrounding bone so they can situate properly inside the mouth. That’s not an issue if you only lost your teeth recently. However, getting the dental implants to take is not as easy if you have been dealing with tooth loss for a long time.

Simply put, your mouth may no longer be able to properly support the implants at that point.

Still, all is not lost. Mini implants serve as a terrific alternative if you are no longer eligible for their larger counterparts.

Those smaller dental implants will continue to work as intended even if your jawbone is not as strong as it once was. Aesthetically speaking, they can also work as suitable substitutes for your natural teeth even if they are slightly on the smaller side.

How Should You Care for Mini Implants?

You can approach Dr. Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental if you are interested in getting mini implants in Parker, CO. Once the procedure is completed, you’ll be able to eat normally and smile confidently again.

The only thing you have to worry about is maintenance, but that is fairly easy to manage. Simply treat your implants the same you would your natural teeth.

Start by following a regular brushing routine. Brushing your implants twice a day should suffice. You should also take the time to floss at least once per day.

If any unusual issues arise, you can also discuss them with your dentist.

Call 720-459-8420 if you want to learn more about getting mini implants in Parker, CO. Schedule a visit with Dr. Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental so you can evaluate your options and decide if those implants are for you.

Bonding in Parker, CO

As a general dental practice, we at Ardas Family Dental in Parker provide restorations to people of all ages with a wide range of needs. If a patient is missing a tooth or needs one extracted, we can provide replacements that are not only durable, but which preserve the mouth’s aesthetic by matching the other teeth’s color. But most restorations don’t require as much intervention as replacing an entire crown or tooth root. Among the most common kinds of restorations is bonding, which can be done in a single visit for patients suffering from minor chips and imperfections.

Dental bonding is done when a small amount of the tooth’s enamel has been chipped, or when a tooth has a small crack or stain or its surface area needs to be increased. It may be provided as an alternative to veneers if a patient wants their teeth to look longer or close small gaps between them. After the teeth have been cleaned, we will apply an etching acid to the ones undergoing bonding to increase their surface area. The bonding material is applied as a soft resin and shaped with tools called burnishers. It is then hardened with a blue light and polished.

The process of applying bonding to a single tooth usually takes an hour or less. It may not even require anesthetic, if the patient doesn’t have an exposed nerve or decay. Bonding is also sometimes done in conjunction with periodontal treatment if a patient’s gums have receded to expose their sensitive tooth roots. However, once the bonding is solidified, a patient may take care of it through regular brushing and flossing and expect it to last for as long as ten years.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Acid Reflux in Parker, CO

If your teeth are sensitive, it means something is wrong with them and you should get them examined. Ardas Family Dental in Parker provides treatments for a wide range of dental problems, and we believe everybody is entitled to comfortable, functional teeth. There are several potential contributors to tooth sensitivity, including bacterial infection and nighttime jaw clenching. But if you’re older or a smoker, one source of toothaches to consider is acid reflux.

The powerful acid in our stomach is sealed off from the esophagus by a sphincter. Normally, this sphincter only opens to admit food into the stomach, but there are times when it can get stuck open or open in response to swallowing or upheaval in the stomach. When that happens, acidic gas bubbles up, causing chemical damage to the esophagus and the painful sensation we call heartburn. Although enamel is much harder than esophageal lining, if acid is frequently entering the back of the mouth, it can slowly dissolve enamel, starting with the upper back teeth. This would ultimately leave teeth with less shielding for their nerves.

Acid reflux is more likely to occur in people who smoke, consume alcohol, or who eat foods such as red meat, onions and garlic, chocolate, or citrus fruits, particularly in large quantities before bed. Preventing acid reflux would usually require a change in lifestyle, although a gastrologist may be able to provide medication. A dentist may be able to recognize acid reflux by the distinctive pattern of wear it leaves. If acid reflux is suspected, patients may benefit from the application of sealants and fluoride treatments for more shielding, and from chewing artificial gum to stimulate the production of more saliva, diluting the acid.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Root Canal Therapy at Ardas Family Dental

 

We are experienced providers of tooth restorations at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, but we still work hard to save natural teeth. Although implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns all benefit a patient whose teeth need to be removed, sometimes an injured tooth can be rescued with root canal therapy. This is especially the case with children, whose baby teeth aren’t suited for permanent tooth prosthetics, so to get patients more comfortable with root canals, we wanted to explain more about them.

Our teeth contain chambers of pulp connected to the rest of the circulatory system by blood vessels routed through the tooth roots. If a tooth cracks or suffers severe decay, bacteria can enter the pulp chamber and cause an infection. This would be painful and cause bad breath, but it could get worse if the bacteria spreads further into the bloodstream or builds up at the base of the tooth roots. For this reason, a dentist would remove the infected pulp by performing root canal therapy.

Patients are always numbed during root canals. We also offer sedative options for those who are nervous. During the procedure, the dentist drills a hole into the tooth that the pulp can be removed through. The chamber and incision are then sealed. Sometimes, the damaged crown also needs to be replaced. In a baby tooth, this can be done with a metal cap that can be shaped in the office. For adult teeth, a replacement crown would mean a return appointment, but the finished crown would be permanent and colored like a natural tooth. If the infection recurs, we could consider options such as extraction, in which case an adult tooth might be replaced with an implant and the gap from a baby tooth might be held open with a retainer. But most root canals are successful and leave the patient much more comfortable with their teeth and in better health.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Bridges at Ardas Family Dental

 

Even if you have a lot of damaged teeth, it’s not too late to get them repaired. We frequently perform dental restorations at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, and we offer solutions for patients in a wide variety of circumstances. For many, a classic dental bridge may be the best way to restore multiple teeth, and if they already have a bridge, we’ll be happy to perform maintenance on it.

Dental crowns are the part of the tooth that is visible. To place an artificial crown, a dentist would smooth down the natural tooth into a cylindrical abutment, and then cement the artificial crown on top of it. A bridge is several artificial crowns that have been fused together so they can replace teeth in a row, with the crowns at the end of the bridge being placed over reshaped teeth and the middle crown being suspended between them. Typically, placement would be a multi-appointment process, with the natural teeth being reshaped and an impression taken at the first appointment, and the finished bridge being placed during the second. A patient would wear a temporary bridge during the weeks in between appointments.

Bridges are used when several teeth in a row are broken, decayed, or already absent. Most dentists would not remove a healthy tooth to make room for a bridge, and would instead commission a partial denture with a hole to slide over the healthy tooth. But a partial denture needs to be able to clasp onto mostly-intact teeth on either side of it, so a bridge might be preferable if that’s not an option. Patients with bridges need to learn to floss under the suspended crown using a floss threader, but when cared for properly, dental bridges can last for ten years without needing to be removed.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Dry Socket Prevention in Parker, CO

Tooth extractions aren’t something we recommend lightly at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, but there are a lot of situations in which they are likely to be appropriate. Wisdom teeth, in particular, often need to be removed in order to prevent them from causing malocclusions and soreness or becoming traps for oral bacteria. We have a lot of experience extracting wisdom teeth in pediatric patients and their outcomes are overwhelmingly good, but there are a few things patients need to keep in mind in order to avoid developing a dry socket while they recover.

During a simple extraction, the tooth is wiggled and raised out of its socket. This doesn’t leave any incisions, but the jaw bone at the base of the socket is briefly exposed to air. Usually, a bit of blood will form a scab, sealing the socket off and protecting it from dryness and airborne pathogens. However, there are certain medications that interfere with blood clotting, which is why we ask that patients disclose them to us prior to procedures.

Following the extraction, the patient should avoid eating or drinking anything that could cause the scab to dissolve or be torn loose prematurely. For this reason, they should avoid sucking through straws, and we especially advise adults getting tooth extractions against smoking during this period. Sipping soup could also create a vacuum that might remove the scab. If the socket does dry out, the patient will likely experience a great deal of pain and need to undergo antibacterial treatment. If a patient notices that the scab has broken off before their scheduled follow-up, they should request an emergency appointment. However, following the post-surgical guidelines will usually allow them to make a full and quick recovery.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Understanding Peri-Implantitis in Parker, CO

 

Implants are one of the most reliable means of replacing missing or failing teeth. Not only are they sturdy prosthetics that can last for as long as a decade, they also stimulate the production of new jaw bone tissue, which will stabilize the other teeth and prevent changes in the patient’s face. But implants do need to be cared for, and when they aren’t, they may fail. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, we dearly hope that all our implant patients will be successful, so we thought we would remind them of how to avoid falling prey to peri-implantitis.

An implant is a metal post that is inserted into the jawbone. The implant supports an abutment, which a prosthetic tooth crown is cemented to. Osseointegration is the process by which jaw bone tissue grows around the implant. When it goes right, which is nearly always, it results in the implant being immovable. However, if osseointegration is failing, the gum pocket around the implant and its crown may become inflamed. This may be due to excess cement from under the crown irritating the gum, but if inflammation develops long after the implant was placed, it is more likely due to infectious disease.

Gum disease is caused by bacteria under the gum line secreting acid. Implant posts are not immune from acid, and like natural tooth roots, they can be eroded. If an implant becomes mobile, it will have to be removed. However, there is usually a period in between when peri-implantitis, as we call this pattern of inflammation, develops, and when an implant has lost too much integrated bone tissue to remain stable. We urge anyone experiencing peri-implantitis to schedule a deep cleaning with us as soon as possible. For all other patients, we encourage brushing and flossing twice a day as well as twice-annual teeth cleanings in order to minimize the risk of gum disease.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Cleaning Dentures in Parker, CO

At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, we believe that everyone is entitled to a smile they feel proud of. People who wear dentures are no exception. But although modern dentures are made to fit well and be indistinguishable from natural teeth, many people still hold an outdated perception of them. It’s true that dentures need to be cleaned daily and that this is an adjustment for people who are new to them, which is why we wanted to provide this reminder on denture hygiene.

Dentures, like natural teeth, will fill up with debris whenever their wearer eats. However, some debris will end up in places that can’t be reached with a toothbrush without removing the denture, such as on top of the upper palette. Although patients are typically told to brush their dentures once a day, it may be a good idea to remove them and rinse them off after every meal. When a denture is being brushed, the patient should gently scrub the entire thing, and not just the bits that resemble teeth. Patients should also use a separate toothbrush to clean the inside of their mouths before bed and before putting their dentures back in each morning.

There are a variety of specialty products made for denture cleaning. Many of them are approved by the American Dental Association, although lots of people get good results from simply soaking their dentures overnight in soap and water. However, patients should not use the same products on dentures that they use on natural teeth, since plastic isn’t as hard as natural enamel and can easily be scratched. Patients should also avoid applying denture cleaning solutions while their dentures are still in their mouths. Dentures should be kept submerged in liquid whenever they’re not being worn, but patients should be careful to avoid exposing them to excessive heat, and never run them through the dishwasher or leave them in a case in the sun.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Getting Inlays and Onlays at Ardas Family Dental

If you’ve suffered a broken or severely decayed tooth, we have solutions at Ardas Family Dental in Parker. Our dental office is equipped to provide restorations ranging from simple fillings to implants and full-mouth dentures. But if you’ve incurred significant damage to the crown of a tooth, you may need something in between a mere filling and a full replacement. Partial crowns come in the forms of inlays and onlays, and although we hope our patients never require them, we want them to feel comfortable with the concepts should the need arise.

Our molars and premolars have to be able to withstand a lot of force. For the most part, they can, with their wide areas distributing the force of a bite, and their raised bits, called cusps, providing traction for grinding up food. But grinding teeth can split, particularly if a patient clenches their jaw in their sleep. Food debris can also get caught in between the cusps, allowing decay-causing bacteria to multiply there until a hole develops on the tooth’s surface. If we have to drill away a decayed indentation, we may use a partial crown called an inlay to replace the missing enamel. If we also have to replace a broken cusp, we would call the partial crown an onlay.

The placement of an inlay or onlay isn’t too different from the placement of a full crown. After removing damaged enamel, we would make an impression of a patient’s mouth and provide them with a temporary crown. Once we receive the custom-milled partial crown from a dental laboratory, the patient would return to have it cemented in. Partial crowns for permanent teeth are made to blend in with the natural enamel surrounding them and they’re meant to last. If a patient brushes their teeth twice a day and wears a night guard to protect their teeth from nighttime jaw clenching, a partial crown could last for ten years.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

 

Wisdom teeth can be a pain in the neck or more specifically the mouth. These teeth appear later in life, emerging in the upper and lower back areas of the mouth in the 17-25 age years. After wisdom teeth grow in completely, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to prevent infection. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura provides safe and effective wisdom tooth extractions. But first, the question remains, why do we have wisdom teeth anyway?

History of Wisdom Teeth

Since they are the last to appear in the human mouth, wisdom teeth garnered the title “wisdom” presumably because they make you wiser. Wisdom teeth were once very useful in human history, aiding our ancestors to chew and tear tough roots, meats, nuts, and plants. But because most of the human diet today is soft and cooked foods, the need for wisdom teeth is virtually none, with anthropologists suggesting their DNA may soon completely disappear from genetics.

Wisdom Teeth Today: Extractions and Removal

Since wisdom teeth aren’t needed anymore today, they are more likely to do harm than good to your mouth. When a wisdom tooth can’t break through the gums or is stuck under the gums, this means it’s impacted. A wisdom tooth that grows at the wrong angle due to lack of room in the mouth also is impacted. Partially impacted wisdom teeth, which only slightly emerge from the gums are also a cause for concern. 

Your Parker, CO dentist recommends an extraction when your wisdom tooth is impacted and if you experience the following symptoms:

-Pain

-Infection

-Ulcers near the tooth

-Tooth decay

-Damage to nearby teeth

-Gum disease

-Trouble opening jaw

-Bleeding gums

-Sudden bad breath

Sometimes wisdom teeth, even if not impacted, don’t need to be removed because they cause no oral health issues. Here are examples of when you don’t need an extraction:

-Your wisdom teeth are healthy and fully grown in

-Your wisdom teeth are positioned correctly

-Your wisdom teeth are easily reached for proper dental hygiene

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Thumbsucking and Oral Health

 

Does your child suck their thumb? Thumbsucking is a normal reflex that many young children practice for comfort and relaxation. But prolonged thumbsucking can affect your child’s oral health, resulting in issues like misaligned teeth.  At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura is passionate about your child’s oral health, from thumbsucking to cavities. Call our office today if you have any questions.

Thumbsucking and Your Child’s Teeth

Passive thumbsucking which is simply holding the thumb in the mouth doesn’t damage the teeth. But thumbsucking with a lot of motion or active thumbsucking causes misaligned teeth, damage to the roof of the mouth, and changes to the shape of the jawbone such as overbite issues. 

Thumbsucking becomes an issue when your child’s first tooth appears. Your Parker, CO dentist sees patients of all ages, so contact Ardas Family Dental to address thumbsucking right away.

How to Stop Your Child’s Thumbsucking

Typically, children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of two to four. If thumbsucking continues past these ages, there are several ways to help wean your child off this habit:

-Include praise or positive reinforcement when your child doesn’t suck their thumb

-Focus on alleviating anxiety. Since thumbsucking is a source of comfort when children are anxious, try to eliminate that anxiety.

-Involve your child in the process. If you have an older child who is still thumbsucking include them in the process to stop this habit, by setting gentle reminders and goals to accomplish.

If your child’s thumbsucking habit is still a concern, contact our office in Parker, CO today. Your dentist can prescribe medication or devices to hinder your child from sucking their thumb. 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Fruit Juice and Tooth Decay

 

Fruit juice seems like the perfect healthy drink for your kids, right? This all-natural beverage may seem like the best choice for your kids to enjoy as opposed to soda or caffeinated drinks. But, fruit drinks are also a major culprit for tooth decay and cavities. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura offers expert advice on the causes and prevention of tooth decay, including advice on fruit juice.

The Dangers of Sugar

You’ve probably heard the dangers of sugar a thousand times. Sugar negatively impacts your body and your teeth are no different. After you eat junk food or sip on unhealthy drinks, harmful bacteria in your mouth like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus feed on the sugars leftover in your saliva. These bacteria create a plaque on the surface of your teeth. They also trigger destructive acids which cause enamel erosion and tooth decay.

But, Why Fruit Juice?

Okay you know sugar is bad, but why is fruit juice dangerous for oral health. When it comes to fruit juice or any similar food, keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s completely healthy. Whether it’s sugar from candy or natural sugars derived from fruit, sugar is still sugar and harms your child’s teeth. Fruit juice isn’t all that healthy as well, with too much extra sugar and calories even if it’s naturally derived from just fruit. Bacteria also feed off natural sugars in your child’s mouth, leading the way for weak enamel and decay.

Treatment

Prevention is the best medicine. So the next time you pair your child’s afternoon snack with some beverage, choose water instead of juice. Of course, you don’t have to completely halt the juice intake but limit the amount of fruit juice your child consumes daily.

If your child is already experiencing dental problems from sugar, contact our Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO today. Dr. Kattaura offers a variety of treatment options and technologies including sealants, crowns, and electric handpieces to protect and repair your child’s teeth. 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Wisdom Teeth: Complications and Warning Signs

Wisdom teeth that do not have enough space to develop correctly can cause numerous problems in the mouth. Complications include the trapping of food which makes an environment for cavities and disease to form, the crowding or damaging of neighboring teeth, and irreversible root damage. It is recommended that you see Dr. Kattaura at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, Colorado, for regular checkups, so that any issues involving the development of your wisdom teeth will be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Kattaura is also committed to preserving overall oral health in her patients.

 

You may need to get your wisdom teeth removed if you show signs of:

 

-Pain/aching/tenderness

-Infection

-Cysts

-Tumors

-Damage to surrounding teeth

-Gum disease

-Tooth decay

 

Before making any decisions to extract wisdom teeth, Dr. Kattaura will first examine your mouth and take an X-ray. Under the care of Dr. Kattaura and her expert team, you and your family will rest easy knowing that you are in safe hands throughout your visit. We understand that wisdom teeth extractions sound scary, but it’s best to have them removed to avoid headaches and constant pain in the back of the mouth. Keep in mind, when your wisdom teeth come in as much as they can, you should have them removed as soon as possible. The younger you are, the easier the procedure will be since the wisdom teeth roots aren’t fully developed by that time. This will also help with a quicker recovery time.

Does your mouth ache but you’re unsure if it’s your wisdom teeth causing the discomfort? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Ardas Family Dental is located at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, in Parker, CO 80134. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit ardasfamilydental.com or call the office at 720-459-8420.

 

Everything You Need to Know About Canker Sores

Canker sores are irritating wounds in your mouth that make chewing, talking, and even moving your jaw incredibly painful. But you don’t have to suffer forever. Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO is specialized in all things relating to the mouth, including pesky canker sores. Here’s everything you need to know about canker sores.

 

What Do Canker Sores Look Like?

Canker sores or mouth ulcers emerge as small shallow open wounds in the mouth. Usually appearing under the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks, canker sores are red with a thin grey, yellow or white film. 

 

There are three types of canker sores: minor, major, and herpetiform sores. Minor canker sores are the most common type of mouth ulcer. Major and herpetiform sores are rarer, both with longer healing periods Major canker sores may scar as they heal. 

 

Causes

We don’t know exactly what causes canker sores, but your Parker, CO dentist rounded up some potential triggers:

 

Stress
Physical trauma like rough brushing, biting, or metal braces scratching around the gum line

Poor dental hygiene

Acidic and spicy foods
Nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12
Sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly used in toothpaste

Treatment

Canker sores aren’t serious and certainly not contagious. Usually, these ulcers heal within 7-10 days, but if you get persistent canker sores or experience extreme pain, contact Ardas Family Dental for an appointment today.

 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

 

 

 

How to Clean Your Retainer

Retainers are essential for maintaining your teeth’s position after braces are removed. These dental appliances are worn lifelong to prevent the natural shifting of teeth. But irregularly sterilizing your retainer can wreak havoc to your oral health. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura provides professional care for braces aftercare, including retainers. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your retainer clean for an amazing smile.

 

There are three types of retainers on-the-market: Hawley wire, clear and permanent bonded retainers. Each retainer varies in terms of hygiene care.

 

Hawley Wire Retainers:

 

Hawley wire retainers are the standard retainers at Ardas Family Dental. Made of hard acrylic or plastic with a metal wire, these retainers are removable and durable. This is why Hawley retainers are the easiest to clean.

 

The best way to wash your Hawley retainer is under lukewarm water and mild soap. If you notice plaque or debris on the surface of your retainer, don’t be afraid to scrub very gently with a toothbrush or cotton swab.

 

Clear Retainers:

Invisalign and Essix retainers both fall into this category. While clear retainers are also removable, the interior surfaces of the appliance are harder to disinfect. 

 

Like Hawley retainers, sanitize clear retainers soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

 

Permanent Bonded Retainers:

These retainers are the hardest to clean because they’re permanently fixed to your teeth. Usually bonded to the back of the molars, these teeth are difficult to floss between the permanent retainer. Dr. Kattuara of Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO recommends a floss threader to weave between your retainer.

 

Additional Tips:

Retainers need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

 

If you want a deeper clean for your retainer or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to our Parker, CO office for special cleaning.

 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

 

Oral Health and Heart Disease

In a 2018 study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), poor oral health was shown to be linked to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. At Ardas Family Dental located in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura is passionate about oral health, which she believes fosters long-term wellness and prevents illnesses like heart disease. 

The Heart and Your Oral Health: How Are They Connected?

Many studies prove the link between heart health and dental habits. One study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology revealed that people who have gum disease or periodontal disease have higher risks of developing heart disease. But gum disease isn’t the only condition that can lead to heart disease. Poor brushing habits can also lead to heart conditions, according to findings presented at the AHA’s 2018 Scientific Session. 

Researchers have two theories of how oral health and the heart are connected. One way the two are connected is through the body’s bloodstream. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can spread through your bloodstream to the heart, elevating C reactive proteins that are associated with heart attacks. Another theory is heart disease is your brain and body’s response to inflammation and plaque buildup in the gums and teeth. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Your Parker, CO recommends healthy habits to prevent heart disease. These include:

-Eating a healthy diet chock full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse out plaque.

-Regular visits to the dentist. At Ardas Family Dental, we stay alert for heart disease indicators and provide thorough dental cleanings to reduce your mouth’s dangerous bacteria.

-Proper brushing and flossing. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

-Avoid smoking and tobacco use. These substances are not just bad for your oral and heart health, but your entire body, so it’s best to stay away.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Oral Health and Heart Disease

In a 2018 study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), poor oral health was shown to be linked to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. At Ardas Family Dental located in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura is passionate about oral health, which she believes fosters long-term wellness and prevents illnesses like heart disease. 

The Heart and Your Oral Health: How Are They Connected?

Many studies prove the link between heart health and dental habits. One study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology revealed that people who have gum disease or periodontal disease have higher risks of developing heart disease. But gum disease isn’t the only condition that can lead to heart disease. Poor brushing habits can also lead to heart conditions, according to findings presented at the AHA’s 2018 Scientific Session. 

Researchers have two theories of how oral health and the heart are connected. One way the two are connected is through the body’s bloodstream. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can spread through your bloodstream to the heart, elevating C reactive proteins that are associated with heart attacks. Another theory is heart disease is your brain and body’s response to inflammation and plaque buildup in the gums and teeth. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Your Parker, CO recommends healthy habits to prevent heart disease. These include:

-Eating a healthy diet chock full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse out plaque.

-Regular visits to the dentist. At Ardas Family Dental, we stay alert for heart disease indicators and provide thorough dental cleanings to reduce your mouth’s dangerous bacteria.

-Proper brushing and flossing. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

-Avoid smoking and tobacco use. These substances are not just bad for your oral and heart health, but your entire body, so it’s best to stay away.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Dentures vs. Implants

Dentures or implants? If you’re confused about which option is the best for you, Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental can help. Located in Parker, CO, our clinic uses many forms of technology like dentures and implants to transform your smile. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and are designed to be placed above your gums. There are three types of dentures:

-Conventional dentures:

This type of denture is placed into your mouth only after all of your teeth are removed and the gum tissue is healed completely.  Typically, the healing process will take several months, so you won’t have teeth for that whole period.

-Immediate dentures:

Unlike conventional dentures, you don’t have to spend time without teeth if you choose immediate dentures. Your Parker, CO dentist will fit dentures in your mouth before your teeth are taken out. After the teeth are removed, the dentures are placed immediately in the mouth. Once the jawbone is healed, Dr. Kattaura will tighten your dentures to refit your mouth.

-Partial dentures:

If you’re only missing some of your teeth, you may be a candidate for partial dentures. Using precision attachments, partial dentures are connected to the natural teeth that already remain in your mouth and do not need to be removed. 

What Are Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution to replace crooked or missing teeth. Instead of altering any teeth, implants replicate the root of the natural tooth and bond to your jawbone. Unlike dentures, implants feel like natural teeth and are meant to be cared for like natural teeth. After anesthesia, Dr. Kattaura will place a titanium screw into your jaw bone. With an abutment and crown placed on the implant, the new tooth will appear just like a natural tooth and remain permanent. 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.