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Anderson Family Dental Blog

Tooth-Colored Fillings at Anderson Family Dental for a Healthy & Beautiful Smile

May 6, 2014

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)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.

Sedation Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO Puts You at Ease in the Dental Chair

April 22, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep SedationFor many people, even the mere thought of visiting the dentist – whether it is for a routine exam and cleaning or a more complex treatment – evokes a feeling of dread or fear. This apprehension is typically rooted in some unpleasant childhood memory or even the result of a bad dental experience as an adult. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson help our patients relax and find peace of mind with modern sedation dentistry.

Oral Conscious Sedation: Proven Safe and Effective

When you experience fear or anxious feelings at the dentist’s office, it can make your treatment considerably more difficult. Your muscles are tense and your breathing may become irregular. With oral conscious sedation, you feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable throughout the duration of your treatment. Though you won’t be asleep, you may find that you remember very little to none of your time in our chair following your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation has been tested for safety and efficacy, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are perfectly safe while under the medicine’s effects. You will simply feel drowsy and content while still able to respond to our doctors’ commands and questions. Finally, a solution to the common problem of dental anxiety!

Find Peace and Comfort with Sedation Dentistry

If you’ve avoided seeking vital dental treatment because of fear or anxiety associated with the dentist, let the team at Anderson Family Dental show you how oral conscious sedation can help you. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your appointment. We’ll always listen to your thoughts and concerns, answering any questions you may have regarding your treatment and your sedation. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about! Our family-friendly practice serves patients from throughout Colorado Springs, Falcon, Black Forest, Stratmoor, and beyond.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening at Anderson Family Dental

April 8, 2014

shutterstock_126406406Each year, oral cancer is responsible for more than 8,000 deaths in America – that’s approximately one person per hour, every hour of the day. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing this serious condition, as well as methods of early detection and treatment. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, our doctors and team strongly emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal oral health through routine check-ups. It is during these regular office visits that we perform oral cancer screening to provide our patients with a distinct advantage when it comes to cancers of the mouth and pharynx.

Who is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

There are a variety of risk factors associated with oral cancer, including genetics, lifestyle, oral health, and general physical wellness. Individuals who smoke and/or drink alcohol, for example, are at a much higher risk of developing this potentially fatal disease. If someone in your immediate family has ever been diagnosed with oral cancer, your chances are higher as well. Additional factors include maintenance of oral health and hygiene, advanced age, certain viruses, and smokeless tobacco.

Though a substantial amount of emphasis is placed on high-risk behaviors – including smoking and drinking alcohol – many individuals who develop oral cancer are men and women who have never engaged in these behaviors at all. This is why it is so important to undergo regular screenings at your Colorado Springs, CO dental office. Our doctors and staff can answer any questions and address any concerns you may have regarding oral cancer and other conditions that affect the mouth.

Reserve Your Appointment Today

Whether you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or you’re simply due for your next dental check-up, Drs. Richard L. Anderson and Erick T. Anderson are here to help. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your appointment, or if you have any questions about how oral cancer detection works. Our conveniently located practice also happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, and the entire Pike’s Peak region.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO

March 26, 2014

shutterstock_60528217While many people know that sleep apnea causes loud, disruptive snoring, the underlying causes and potential complications of this disorder are not always so obvious. Treating this common condition with comprehensive sleep apnea therapy at Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO can help you avoid serious health complications and improve overall quality of life.

How Can Sleep Apnea Put Me at Risk?

When a patient has obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissues that comprise the top of the mouth and the throat collapse during sleep, constricting air flow. The noise we know as snoring is caused by vibrations as the patient struggles to breathe while unconscious. The deepest levels of sleep are interrupted, often leaving the individual affected by the disorder feeling exhausted during the day. Other side effects include inability to focus on daily tasks, general irritability, and chronic morning headaches.

Aside from these daily nuisances, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of lesser known health problems. Some of the complications associated with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea include the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Cardiovascular stress
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Higher risk of stroke and heart attack
  • Impotence
  • Respiratory failure
  • Complications with certain medications
  • Frequent nighttime urination

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be controlled with help from your local Colorado Springs, CO dentists. A custom-fitted oral appliance, worn only while you sleep, helps keep your jaw in its proper position and facilitates air flow. Most patients report an improvement after just one night of using their nightguard.

Better Sleep, Healthier Life

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea and you’re interested in learning how a customized snoreguard can help, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today. We also happily welcome families from nearby communities in Falcon, Black Forest, Fort Carson, Stratmoor, and the surrounding areas. Our skilled, compassionate team looks forward to helping you get the restful sleep you deserve with sleep apnea therapy.

Protect Yourself from Future Health Problems with Periodontal Therapy Today

March 20, 2014

Shutterstock Perio HealthWhile it is relatively common knowledge that periodontal disease can cause pain, bleeding and even tooth loss, the majority of Americans are unaware of its more dangerous health implications. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Richard L. Anderson and Dr. Erick T. Anderson offer comprehensive preventive dentistry and periodontal therapy to keep their patients safe from these lesser known health risks.

Treat Gum Disease Now for a Healthier Future

Gum disease affects far more than your mouth, though this isn’t exactly a well-known fact. When the bacteria that cause periodontal disease travel through the bloodstream, the results can be fatal. Medical science is still working toward new discoveries regarding the mouth-body connection, but already we are aware of numerous diseases related to gum disease. The following are the most common:

  • Cancer of the blood and pancreas
  • Respiratory disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Higher risk of dementia
  • Increased chance of coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Gastrointestinal problems

Take Action Against Gum Disease

If you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from periodontal disease, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment. Early detection and timely gum disease treatment can help you avoid these and other potentially life-threatening illnesses. Drs. Erick and Richard Anderson also welcome patients from nearby communities in Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, Fort Carson and the surrounding areas.

Reclaim Your Smile and Your Confidence with Dental Implants in Colorado Springs, CO

March 5, 2014

Shutterstock Dental ImplantYour smile is typically the first feature that people notice when they see you. If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s likely that you often hide your smile from others. This can lead to embarrassment in social situations and may even impact your professional life. Fortunately, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson can provide patients in and around Colorado Springs, CO with a restorative solution in the form of dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

At your consultation at Anderson Family Dental, we’ll assess the health of your gums and the density of the bone in your jaw. If we find that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, our team will walk you through the steps of the entire process in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand. To replace your missing tooth, your doctor will implant a small post made of titanium into the gum and jaw bone where your natural tooth once stood. This post will serve as your new tooth’s secure root. A porcelain crown that has been customized to match your existing teeth will then be affixed to the implanted post. The result is a completely natural-looking new tooth that completes your smile and restores your bite.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

If you’ve been living with missing teeth and you’re ready to take the first step toward a happier, healthier smile, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today. Drs. Richard and Erick Anderson also serve families in the surrounding communities of Stratmoor, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Falcon and beyond. We look forward to giving you something wonderful to smile about!

March is National Nutrition Month®: Keep Your Smile Healthy with Anderson Family Dental

February 27, 2014

Shutterstock Family HealthEvery year in March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics observes National Nutrition Month®, encouraging people of all ages from around the world to improve their diet and overall health. At Anderson Family Dental, your local Colorado Springs, CO dentists want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of proper nutrition, and how it affects your smile and oral health in general.

How Diet Affects Your Smile

The two most common oral health issues we face today are gum disease and tooth decay. Fortunately, these can be relatively easy to prevent with proper oral hygiene practices, regular visits to your dentist, and a balanced diet of quality foods. Some of the ways you can stick to this healthy routine while still enjoying the tasty snacks and foods you love include:

  • Mix it up. If your favorite afternoon snack is a bag of pretzels, chips, cookies or crackers, add a side of fresh fruit or cheese to balance out the acids and fermentable carbohydrates in your mouth. This can keep soft, sticky particles of food from clinging to your teeth, reducing your risk of developing cavities.
  • Hydrate often! Keeping your mouth moist ensures that your saliva can do its job: protecting the hard and soft tissues (and it helps prevent bad breath as well).
  • Don’t deny yourself. Many people looking to lose weight or simply cut back on certain foods take the idea of “dieting” to mean absolute restriction. If you eliminate entire food groups, though, you can put yourself at risk of malnutrition. Poor general health will inevitably become apparent in the state of your smile.

Feed Your Smile Right!

How will you celebrate National Nutrition Month® this year? Eating healthful, delicious foods that you truly enjoy enriches your life and bolsters your oral health, keeping you and your family smiling all year round. Contact us at our conveniently located Colorado Springs, CO practice to find out more about how your diet affects dental wellbeing. We also happily serve patients from throughout surrounding communities in Black Forest, Falcon, Stratmoor, Fort Carson and beyond. We look forward to seeing your beautiful smile!

Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers at Anderson Family Dental

February 20, 2014

Shutterstock Healthy GumsYour smile is one of the first features that people notice when they meet you. If you tend to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile because you’re embarrassed about the condition of your teeth, you’re not alone. In fact, many American men and women report some degree of self-confidence and dissatisfaction with the appearance of their teeth. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Drs. Richard L. and Erick T. Anderson help patients just like you reclaim their smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry services, including custom-fit porcelain veneers.

How Porcelain Veneers Can Help You

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored sheaths of smooth dental porcelain that are meticulously crafted to precisely fit over your natural teeth. They look and feel natural, resist stains, and correct a wide variety of common cosmetic problems. The application process is so simple that it typically only takes two visits to Anderson Family Dental – one appointment to consult with your dentists and take an impression of your teeth, and one visit to have the veneers affixed. The result is a beautifully uniform new smile that you’ll be happy to show off to the world around you.

Cosmetic dental flaws that are frequently corrected with the application of porcelain veneers are:

  • Chips and cracks in enamel
  • Deep, set-in stains that are resistant to professional-grade whitening
  • Misaligned teeth in the smile zone
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Teeth that are misshapen, too large or too small

Get the Brilliant Smile You Deserve

Have you been wishing there was a way to correct the imperfections in your smile, but you don’t want to undergo invasive cosmetic procedures? Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to find out how simple it can be to completely revitalize your smile with porcelain veneers! We also happily welcome patients from Falcon, Black Forest, Stratmoor, Fort Carson and the surrounding areas.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Celebrate with Anderson Family Dental

February 10, 2014

Shutterstock Child at DentistEvery year in February, the American Dental Association (ADA) observes National Children’s Dental Health Month, teaming up with oral healthcare professionals across America to emphasize the importance of children’s dentistry. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Drs. Richard L. and Erick T. Anderson provide children of all ages with the comprehensive, preventive dental care they need to enjoy a lifetime of bright smiles and exceptional oral health.

The Importance of Early Dental Care

When you begin practicing proper oral hygiene with your child when they’re young, you’re paving the way for a future of happy, healthy smiles. In addition to daily tooth brushing at home, it’s important to make sure your tiny tots see us at Anderson Family Dental for regular checkups and cleanings. We may suggest fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and sealants to help prevent decay caused by foods and drinks. From the moment your child steps through our doors, we will do everything we can to ensure a calm, pleasant experience. After all, we’re all about patient comfort here, no matter how old you are!

While experts recommend that your children make their first trip to the dentist at around the age of three, please feel free to bring your little ones in even earlier if they are comfortable doing so. We’ll even see them as soon as their first baby tooth erupts, assessing their oral development from an early age for the best start possible.

Keep Your Kid’s Smile Healthy!

Whether this will be your child’s first visit to the dentist or you need to schedule their next dental checkup, we want to help! Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and ask about how our wide range of children’s dentistry services can help keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy and strong. We also proudly serve families from throughout the surrounding areas of Stratmoor, Black Forest, Fort Carson, Falcon and beyond.

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