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Periodontal Therapy: Protecting Your Health from Gum Disease at Anderson Family Dental

August 4, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, gum disease therapy, gum disease treatment, periodontal treatment, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 4:02 pm

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.

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Enjoy Life Without Jaw and Facial Pain: TMD Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO

July 25, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, stratmoor, TMD treatment, TMJ disorder — e_anderson @ 2:29 pm

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.

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How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea? OSA Information from Anderson Family Dental

July 9, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, sleep apnea, sleep apnea therapy, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 2:00 pm

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.

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Finally Find Relief from Recurring Tooth Pain: Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO

June 20, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, root canal therapy, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 9:45 pm

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.

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

May 6, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, composite resin fillings, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, stratmoor, tooth-colored fillings — e_anderson @ 6:25 pm

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.

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

April 22, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, oral sedation, sedation dentistry, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 9:50 pm

For 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.

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The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening at Anderson Family Dental

April 8, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, Colorado springs dentist, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, oral cancer, oral cancer screening, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 9:51 pm

Each 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.

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Understanding Sleep Apnea and Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO

March 26, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, colorado springs, dr. erick t. anderson, dr. richard l. anderson, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, sleep apnea, sleep apnea therapy, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 6:49 pm

While 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.

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

February 27, 2014

Every 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!

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

February 10, 2014

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: anderson family dental, black forest, Children's Dentistry, colorado springs, falcon, fort carson, general dentistry, stratmoor — e_anderson @ 2:04 pm

Every 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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