It’s not always clear what dentist or doctor to choose. Many patients make decisions based on an ad they see, a recommendation from a friend, or even the nearest location. At Anderson Family Dental, we truly believe we are the best dentists Colorado Springs has to offer, but we also know that patients should make that decision based on dental care needs, dental benefits, convenience, reliability, and service. If you’re in need of a new dentist especially if you’re new to the Colorado Springs area, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. The Anderson family has been serving the dental needs of generations of Colorado Springs patients since 1975, and we know you’ll be hooked the moment you walk through the door. Call to schedule an appointment today.
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How to Choose the Best Dentist Colorado Springs has to Offer
August 13, 2015
Trick or Treat! Time for Your Child and Anderson Family Dental to Meet!
October 20, 2014
Halloween is just around the corner. The kids are thinking about costumes, trick or treating, and of course, candy and other sweet treats. As their parents, you need to think about how to keep their teeth strong and healthy this Halloween and throughout the season. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, children’s dentistry is practiced with equal amounts of competence, care and comfort. And just the right amount of fun is thrown in for good measure.
Children’s Dentistry at Anderson Family Dental
The dentists at Anderson Family Dental, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson, recommend children begin to see the dentist regularly around the age of three or sooner if you think they’re ready. By the time your children are three years old, most if not all of their baby teeth will have erupted. And yes, it’s important to clean that first little white tooth after feeding. Just wipe with a washcloth or gauze soaked in warm water. As more teeth erupt, you can use a soft child-sized toothbrush and small amount of toothpaste.
When you begin to bring your children to Anderson Family Dental, we’ll first make them feel comfortable in the dentist’s office, thereby setting the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable dental care. We’ll also show you and your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth. Once baby teeth have been replaced by adult teeth, we’ll apply dental sealants. A thin layer of sealant is applied to the teeth and allowed to harden. Sealants help to protect the teeth against bacteria that cause decay. Likewise, we can use fluoride treatments for added protection.
Make an Appoint Today for Your Child’s Dental Check-up
Is it time for your children to visit the dentist? Then call Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, today. And know that when you do, you’ll be helping your children begin a lifetime of good oral health care. Drs. Erick T. Anderson and Richard L. Anderson also serve child and adult patients in Falcon, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Stratmoor and the surrounding communities.
Custom Athletic Mouthguards Protect Your Smile this Sports Season
September 11, 2014
As adults and children from across the country gear up to play their favorite sports, it’s important to remember a vital piece of protective equipment: an athletic mouthguard. Proven to help prevent a variety of severe orofacial injuries across a broad spectrum of activities, custom athletic mouthguards are just as important as the helmets and pads you wear while you play. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson offer families from throughout the area an extensive selection of preventive dentistry solutions, including custom athletic mouthguards.
Why Choose Custom Athletic Mouthguards?
While it is true that you can find athletic mouthguards on the shelves at your local pharmacy or sporting goods store, these generic oral appliances simply cannot defend against injury as effectively as a customized mouthguard from your dentist. Because a custom athletic mouthguard is precisely modeled to fit your unique dentition, it is substantially more comfortable and will not shift in the mouth during rigorous gameplay.
According to the ADA, custom athletic mouthguards are strongly recommended for use in the following sports and recreational activities, among others:
- Baseball, basketball, softball, and racquetball
- Soccer, football, squash, and field hockey
- Weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling
- Surfing, water polo, and skateboarding
- Equestrian events
- Ice hockey and inline skating
- Extreme sports
With a custom sports mouthguard from Anderson Family Dental, you can protect your smile from potentially serious injuries, including knocked out teeth, partially dislodged teeth, soft tissue injuries, broken jaws, and even concussions.
Protect Precious Smiles with an Athletic Mouthguard
Are your children planning on participating in football, baseball, softball, karate, or any other contact sport this season? Make sure that their pearly whites are adequately protected with custom athletic mouthguards from Anderson Family Dental. Our doctors and team genuinely look forward to helping you keep your family’s smiles safe and healthy this busy sports season and all year round. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your free consultation. Our family-friendly dental practice proudly serves patients from communities in Fort Carson, Stratmoor, Falcon, Black Forest, and more.
Common Dental Myths & Facts from Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO
August 20, 2014
Separating dental facts from fiction is an important part of maintaining your oral health. When it comes to dental hygiene, how do you know if what you hear or read is true? At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson emphasize the importance of providing our patients with accurate information regarding all aspects of their care; today, we’d like to talk about some common dental myths.
Debunking Oral Health Myths
There’s an abundance of information available to consumers spread across thousands of web pages online. The real trick is learning how to differentiate myth from truth. How many of the following dental myths have you heard?
Myth: You shouldn’t go to the dentist when you are pregnant.
Truth: While it is true that pregnant women should avoid oral surgery and exposure to x-rays, visiting the dentist and making sure that your gums are healthy while you’re pregnant is actually integral to the health of your baby. During your appointment, be sure to bring up any bleeding or swelling you may have noticed so that we can address the problem before it has a chance to worsen.
Myth: You should brush your teeth after every meal.
Truth: Brushing right after you eat can actually harm your teeth. The acids in the foods and beverages we consume temporarily soften tooth enamel, and brushing while they are in this state can contribute to undue erosion. Instead, wait at least an hour after you eat to brush to prevent this kind of damage.
Myth: My teeth look and feel just fine, so I don’t need to visit the dentist.
Truth: Even if your teeth appear healthy, routine exams and cleanings are vital to continued oral health. It is during our regular checkups that we examine all teeth and soft tissues for signs of damage that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Myth: Diet soda won’t hurt my smile like regular sodas will.
Truth: Though diet sodas do lack the sugar known to contribute to decay, they still contain large amounts of citric acid; this acid softens enamel and makes it more susceptible to erosion and cavities. Limit the amount of carbonated soft drinks and citrus juices you drink every day to reduce your risk of enamel damage.
Being an Informed Patient
Knowing the difference between oral health myths and the truth can help you avoid disease, decay, and other common dental problems now and in the future. If you’d like to learn more about ways to achieve and maintain optimal oral health, contact our office today. Conveniently located in Colorado Springs, CO, our practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout nearby communities in Fort Carson, Black Forest, Falcon, Stratmoor, and beyond.
Periodontal Therapy: Protecting Your Health from Gum Disease at Anderson Family Dental
August 4, 2014
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America, affecting nearly half of all adults in the country. Understanding how gum disease affects your smile and the rest of your body is an important part of treating it; at Anderson Family Dental, we help educate our patients about periodontal disease and its treatment in order to promote more effective, long-lasting results. From our office in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson provide patients suffering from advanced gum disease a treatment that has been proven extremely effective: periodontal therapy.
How Does Periodontal Therapy Work?
Plaque is the sticky, colorless substance that accumulates on our teeth throughout the day. As plaque collects along the gum line, the bacteria it contains causes inflammation of the gingival tissue. Over time, deep pockets form between the gum tissue and the teeth, providing bacteria an ideal place to hide and continue causing inflammation. As the body’s immune system fights to eliminate the infection, the connective tissues within the gums deteriorate, as does the bone within the jaw. Eventually, teeth become loose and may even fall out.
With periodontal therapy, the doctors at Anderson Family Dental remove the infected tissue and any bacteria present, halting the progress of the infection. In cases in which the gum tissue has receded significantly, gum grafts may be necessary in order to restore the appearance and function of the gum line. We are always happy to discuss the status of your condition and your proposed treatment plan with you, ensuring that you feel comfortable and fully informed along every step of the way. We are your trusted partners in your journey toward a healthier smile and improved well-being overall.
Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation Today
Have you experienced any of the common symptoms associated with periodontal disease? It’s not too late to seek treatment and drastically reduce your chances of developing the complications listed above. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your appointment with Drs. Erick T. Anderson and Richard L. Anderson. We genuinely look forward to helping you treat your periodontal conditions so that you can enjoy the full benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile. Our warm, welcoming practice proudly serves families from throughout Colorado Springs, Stratmoor, Falcon, Black Forest, Fort Carson, and beyond.
Enjoy Life Without Jaw and Facial Pain: TMD Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO
July 25, 2014
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a condition that affects the hinge joints that connect your jaw to your skull. The structures of the muscles, bone, ligaments, and nerves in this area are incredibly delicate and complex, making them susceptible to damage and discomfort. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson have studied TMJ disorder and its treatment extensively, providing patients with the solutions they need to find lasting relief from their symptoms.
The Importance of Treating TMD
The TMJ allows the jaw to open, close, and move side to side for speaking, eating, yawning, and more. When a patient is affected by TMJ disorder, even these seemingly simple actions become difficult. Painful inflammation in the jaw and near the ear can place an inordinate amount of pressure on nerves, sending aching sensations throughout the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. Other symptoms of TMD include:
- Tenderness or pain in the muscles of the face
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- An odd popping or clicking noise when the jaw is opened or closed
- Limited range of jaw movement
- A feeling that the jaw is locked in place (open or closed)
- General tired feeling in facial and neck muscles
- A sudden sensation of discomfort or pain when chewing
TMD treatment at Anderson Family Dental will be personalized to suit your unique needs, and may include the use of a custom nightguard, orthodontic treatment, and stress management. Our team is here to ensure your complete oral health and overall wellness, and we aren’t satisfied until you feel your absolute best.
Say Goodbye to Chronic TMJ Pain
If you suspect that you may be suffering from TMD and you’re ready to experience life without daily discomfort, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our experienced, caring doctors and staff. We can’t wait to show you what a difference our customized TMD treatment can make in your life. Our conveniently located office in Colorado Springs, CO also serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Stratmoor, Falcon, Black Forest, Fort Carson, and more.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea? OSA Information from Anderson Family Dental
July 9, 2014
Is your sleep often interrupted due to snoring or odd breathing sounds from your partner? Perhaps you suffer from excessive snoring yourself in addition to feelings of exhaustion during the day. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson offer a variety of general and family dental solutions to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. One of these services is the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Though clinical testing is required in order to definitively diagnose a condition like sleep apnea, there are some warning signs that you can keep in mind and share with your doctor if certain symptoms arise. Common symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea include the following:
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Worsened depression or irritability
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Feeling unreasonably drowsy when driving or at work
- Loud snoring, often interrupted by gasps or choking sounds
- Waking suddenly from a deep sleep with a feeling of breathlessness
- Night sweats
- Difficulty concentrating on even simple tasks
- Headaches throughout the day, particularly in the morning
A test that measures your breathing, blood oxygen level, and other factors while you sleep can aid in diagnosing sleep apnea. If it turns out that OSA is the reason for your troubles, our doctors can help. With the use of a customized oral appliance – often called a nightguard or a snore guard – you may be able to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea in a way that is easy and comfortable. You simply wear the appliance while you sleep, and it effectively keeps your tongue and jaw in their proper positions throughout the night. This keeps the airway open and unobstructed, and typically helps prevent snoring as well.
Schedule Your Visit Today
If you suffer from sleep apnea or excessive snoring, now is the time to take a step toward a healthier life and more restful sleep. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your consultation with Drs. Anderson and Anderson. We look forward to serving you! We also welcome patients from the nearby areas of Black Forest, Fort Carson, Falcon, Stratmoor, and beyond.
Finally Find Relief from Recurring Tooth Pain: Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO
June 20, 2014
Though the term “root canal” often conjures up a variety of negative thoughts and emotions in many, the truth is that this elemental restorative dentistry service is among the most effective at actually relieving pain, not causing it. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Richard L. Anderson offer a variety of general and restorative dental treatments to help keep our patients’ smiles healthy and bright, including root canal therapy when necessary.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
During root canal therapy, the infected portion of the tooth will be removed and all bacteria will be eliminated from the resultant cavity. The area will be filled with a biocompatible material and sealed off with a protective, durable, and aesthetically pleasing crown. We’ll always make sure that you are completely comfortable throughout the duration of your procedure, taking your individual needs into consideration every step of the way.
Though a thorough examination and consultation with our doctors are necessary in order to definitively determine the need for a root canal treatment, there are some things that you can keep an eye out for at home between visits to our practice. Some examples of symptoms that may indicate the need for treatment include:
- A tooth that persistently hurts, even after brushing and flossing carefully
- Change in tooth color, usually to a pale gray shade
- Pain and sensitivity to cold and heat
- Inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding a particular tooth
- Pain when chewing, or when the tooth in question is touched
Family Dentistry You Can Trust
At Anderson Family Dental, we believe that each and every patient deserves to enjoy optimal oral health as well as the beautiful smiles that come with it. If you suspect that you or someone in your family is in need of root canal treatment, please contact our office today to schedule your appointment with our caring team and experienced doctors. We look forward to treating you to the best, most compassionate dental care in Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding areas. We also serve patients from throughout communities in Fort Carson, Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, and beyond.
CEREC One-Visit Crowns for a Beautiful, Strong Smile on Your Schedule
June 10, 2014
Crowns are a common restorative option in modern dentistry, offering fundamental support and protection for teeth that have been compromised by decay or damage. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson understand that your time is a valuable commodity, so we offer a variety of restorative dentistry services that fit your lifestyle, including CEREC one-visit crowns.
Benefits of CEREC One-Day Restorations
Prior to the advent of CEREC one-visit crowns, a patient in need of a dental restoration would need to make multiple appointments with his or her dentist before the final restoration was actually placed. Messy impression materials were used to take molds of the patient’s dentition and then sent to a separate lab in order to fabricate the crown. In the meantime, the patient would have to leave wearing a temporary crown and return when the final piece had been completed.
Today, however, the advanced technology of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) makes it possible to capture digital impressions, fabricate a customized dental crown, and place the restoration all in a single visit. Patients are free to leave our office with their complete crown intact, looking and feeling better than ever before.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Whether you are planning to receive treatment that involves a ceramic restoration or you currently have a dental crown and need a replacement, we are here to help. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment with our team. We can’t wait to see your smile, and to help you rejuvenate and restore it with our wide range of dental services. Our practice happily welcomes patients from throughout the nearby areas as well, including Falcon, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Stratmoor, and beyond.
Tooth-Colored Fillings at Anderson Family Dental for a Healthy & Beautiful Smile
May 6, 2014
Dental fillings are the most commonly performed restorative dentistry services, providing stability to a tooth’s structure when it has been compromised by decay. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson offer a wide variety of restorative dentistry procedures, including tooth-colored fillings for a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Historically, dental caries – more commonly known simply as cavities – have been treated using a filling material comprised of a metal amalgam. This amalgam contained mercury, silver, and other metals to form a solid barrier against bacterial invasion and further infection. Today, however, the majority of dentists and patients agree that composite resin is the preferred material for dental fillings.
Composite resin fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are customized to blend in flawlessly with the rest of your smile. Rather than hide your smile from the world because you are self-conscious about your dark metal fillings, you can feel free to show off your pearly whites anytime and anywhere you like. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, tooth-colored fillings offer functional advantages over amalgams as well. Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored composites do not react to changes in temperature, so there’s none of the sensitivity that patients often cite when drinking hot or cold liquids. Enjoy a smile that is always comfortable and always great-looking with tooth-colored fillings from Anderson Family Dental.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Whether you are looking to replace your old amalgam fillings with more modern tooth-colored composites or you are in need of a new restoration for a current cavity, our team is here to help you. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment with our experienced, knowledgeable doctors. We look forward to helping you achieve your most beautiful smile as well as optimal oral health for years to come. Our conveniently located dental practice happily welcomes patients from throughout Colorado Springs, as well as nearby communities in Stratmoor, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Falcon, and more.