This new material called Lava Ultimate is what I would refer to as a hybrid product. It is touted as nanotechnology in that it has nano ceramic particles embedded in a highly cured resin matrix. My initial experience with this material has left me very impressed. It mills beautifully and polishes to a high luster with little effort. It certainly has some very unique properties that lend it to some nice applications in restorative dentistry. If you would like to learn more about this dental material or have questions about any dental material please feel free to schedule a complimentary consult with us at our Colorado Springs dental office, The Studio for Exceptional Dentistry.

Dr Andrew Hall

Just this past fall, even famous wrestler and reality television star Hulk Hogan made a trip to the cosmetic dentist to undergo a procedure, but unfortunately the news was not about a before and after photo of successful dental implants, but about a complication he had during surgery.

Reportedly, Hogan underwent a sinus graft procedure in which a donor bone was installed inside of his mouth because without it, he did not have enough bone to support the dental implant.  When the surgeon began the implant surgery, his stitches tore and he developed a stubborn infection that did not clear with antibiotics.  Eventually, Hogan had a CAT scan that revealed a metal tack was left in his jaw – the real culprit for the constant infection.  It was not reported if Hogan went forward with the rest of his dental implant surgery, but he did state that he was in a lot of pain and quite upset about the negligence on behalf of his doctor.

Hogan’s story might inflict some fear into people who are thinking of having dental implants; however, what happened to Hogan is not typical.  If you are having reservations about dental implants, do not be swayed by Hogan’s horror story, but be assured that when performed by a credible dentist, dental implants are a perfectly safe and reliable way to restore your smile.

Dr. Andrew Hall is an implant dentist in Colorado Springs with a long list of credentials who has improved the lives of his patients through successful dental implant surgery.  If dental implants are something you desire, call his Colorado Springs dental office today or schedule an appointment online for a free consolation.  Dr. Hall and his highly capable staff will get you the help you need to restore your smile.

So what does this mean for the woman who has built an empire on fatty foods fried in butter and grease?  Well, it means that she will have to do what every type 2 diabetic does and keep her blood glucose levels under control. In order to achieve this, Ms. Dean will now have to change her diet, increase her exercise, and most likely take prescription medications that help with her type 2 diabetes.

Since type 2 diabetics with poorly controlled blood glucose levels are more susceptible to develop periodontal disease, it is also very important that Ms. Dean takes good care of her teeth.  Again, by keeping her blood glucose levels under control, brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and visiting her dentist every six months.

Unfortunately, if a type 2 diabetic develops periodontal disease, this becomes a two-edged sword because the periodontal disease may in fact affect their ability to control blood glucose levels, which then excels the progression of diabetes.

Additionally, if tooth loss occurs in a type 2 diabetic with poorly controlled blood glucose levels, replacing those teeth with dental implants is not advisable because of higher risks and complications including impaired healing and bone loss.

However, the good news is that research studies have shown that diabetics with controlled blood glucose levels are in fact able to successfully have dental implants procedures conducted by an implant dentist like Dr. Andrew Hall at his Colorado Springs dental office .  After one year, the patients in the study did not show any signs of bleeding or other problems.

Therefore, if you are a type 2 diabetic with controlled glucose levels and are interested in dental implants, call and make an appointment for a free consultation with Colorado Springs implant dentist Dr. Andrew Hall.  He and his trained staff can help you achieve the smile you desire.

The fact of the matter is that the health of your teeth and how well they appear are completely unrelated, and to some extent this can create a false sense of security that your teeth are in really good shape, when they are not. Neglecting to see the dentist for regular dental care based on appearances only can lead you down the dark road to gum disease and other oral health issues including cavities and abscessed teeth.

Additionally, even if your teeth are cavity-free, Periodontal disease (gum disease) could possibly be lurking above your pearly whites and destroying your gums, which could eventually lead to tooth loss. So it is very important to have a dentist check for gum disease even if your teeth and look good and feel all right on the surface.

Another reason to have teeth your gums checked on a regular basis, is that recent studies have indicated that there is growing evidence of a link between gum disease and your overall health.  According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, the inflammation in your mouth is directly correlated to the inflammation in your body, and treating gum disease can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation and also reduce the need for insulin if you are a diabetic.  So your gum’s health is even more important than you may have once thought!

In order to help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day to remove tartar build up.  Additionally, have your teeth checked and professionally cleaned twice per year by your dentist because only your dentist can reduce the hard plaque on your teeth that causes inflammation in your gums, which could lead to gum disease.

So with the New Year upon us, it’s a great time to get back on track with your oral health by scheduling an exam and teeth cleaning today with Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist, Dr. Andrew Hall.   His office offers the highest quality of general dental care from cleanings to dentures.  Once your teeth and gums are healthy, Dr. Hall can also help you get the smile you always wanted through cosmetic dentistry including professional teeth bleaching products.  That way you are guaranteed to get you the results you were looking for from the very start!

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you not only brush twice per day with ADA-acceptable fluoride toothpaste, but that you also floss your teeth daily.

Yet dentists still hear many various excuses from their patients as to why they continue to avoid this ever-so-important step in oral hygiene. What a lot of these patients do not understand is that the benefits of flossing go way beyond just oral health issues such as the reduction of plaque, tartar, and bad breath.  Studies have shown that flossing on a daily basis might actually save your life!

When you floss, your gums are less likely to become inflamed, and inflamed gums indicate a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth.  The bacteria in the mouth can find its way into your bloodstream, attach to your arteries, and therefore create inflammation that leads to plaque buildup and the narrowing of arteries.  This in turn makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body, and can eventual lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack and stroke, that may shorten or even end your life.

As you can see, the mouth is not independent from the rest of the body, and when it comes to cardiovascular disease – the number one killer of Americans, skipping a daily flossing of your teeth is overall just a bad decision to make for not only your oral health, but your cardiovascular health as well.

If you think that your gums are at risk, the following are some warning signs that will need to be checked out by a dentist: bleeding, bad breath, abscesses, receding gums, pockets and loose or separating teeth.   If you experience any of these signs, do not hesitate and make an appointment today for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrew Hall, an implant dentist in Colorado Springs.

According to an article from Science Daily, an increasing number of men are going under the knife in an effort to look just as good as they feel.  Contrary to what you might first believe, these men are not celebrities, but come from all walks of life, could be considered your “average Joe,” and are typically considered a “man’s man.”

In 2010, the number one invasive surgery men opted for was a nose reshaping, followed by eyelid surgery, liposuction, male breast reduction, and lastly, hair transplantation. However, going under the knife was not the only way men chose to improve their physical appearance last year.  An increasing number of men also opted for minimal-invasive procedures.  Their first choice was having Botulinum Toxin Type A injections, also known under the trademark of Botox®, along with laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and soft tissue fillers rounding out the top five.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Beyond the typical appearance improving procedures mentioned above, is the ever growing desire in men to undergo cosmetic dentistry.  Having perfect teeth can really improve the youthful look that men are in search of, and because of this, more men are starting to visit a cosmetic dentist as a place to start their male makeovers.  Teeth whitening and even the replacement of teeth are some of the most desirable procedures for men because when a man’s teeth are in good condition, it not only increases his confidence and attractiveness, but it also makes him look younger.

Not everyone is born with a perfect smile, not even celebrities for that matter!  Even some top celebrities including Tom Cruise, Michael Douglas, Ben Affleck, and Nicholas Cage are reported to have undergone teeth makeovers, but you don’t have to be a celebrity to reap the benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry.  Implant dentist, Dr. Andrew Hall, offers the following cosmetic dentistry options at his Colorado Springs office: teeth whitened, porcelain veneers, white fillings, dental crowns, dental inlays and onlays, Invisalign, dental implants, and various other procedures to meet your specific cosmetic dentistry needs.

If cosmetic dentistry is on your radar, call today to make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Hall at his Colorado Springs dental office.

In fact, in today’s world, the science of dentistry has advanced so far that we can now have our actual teeth replaced right in the dentist’s chair through the modern technology of implant dentistry. So just exactly how did the dental implant come into existence?

The history of the dental implant takes us back to 600 AD where archeologists have found quite possibly the very first recorded use of an implant within the Mayan civilization.  In 1931, the excavation of a Mayan burial site led to the discovery of a female skull with three tooth-like shells in her jaw.  After several decades passed, it was discovered within the dental academic world that the shell teeth were not just used a as burial ritual, as formerly believed by the archeological world, but were in fact placed in the woman’s mouth while she was still alive.

The beginning of modern day dental implants; however, did not begin until the 1950s when researchers at Cambridge University embedded a titanium chamber into the ears of a rabbit for the sole purpose to study blood flow in vitro.  This research eventually led to the discovery that the titanium became permanent within the soft tissue of rabbits ears because the bones in that area actually adhered to the titanium implant.  This knowledge launched further studies on both animals and humans to conclude the unique properties of titanium and bone, and most importantly its potential involvement in the future of dental implants.  Osseointegration, or the scientific term given for the adherence of titanium to bone, was thus discovered.

From the first discovery of Osseointegration in the 1950s, researchers continued to work on and perfect implantology, the study of dental implants. However, it wasn’t until 1982 at a Toronto Conference in Clinical Dentistry when the actual guidelines, safety, and standardization were set for the use of the dental implant.  Yet from there on, dental implants became more and more common practice among the dental community and with all of the successful results, the science of dental implants continued, furthered, perfected and eventually advanced to the place it is today.

In today’s society, dental implants are not only used in place of dentures and bridges, but are also used to replace a single missing tooth.  They are quicker, easier, and less painful than ever before.   For more information about the benefits of dental implants, schedule an appointment today for a free consultation with Colorado Springs implant dentist, Dr. Andrew Hall.

When “simple sugars” or “simple carbohydrates” found in candy and sweets are consumed, certain types of bacteria in our mouths go on a feeding frenzy. The stain of bacteria that responds to the sugar and is responsible for cavities is called streptococcus mutans.   According to an article published in the New York Times, it only takes about 20 seconds for sugars to be broken down in the mouth.  So the sugar in that candy bar you just consumed is actively being broken down by these streptococcus mutans, and the dangerous relationship starts its course.  Plaque, which is a term for the colonies of these types of bacteria, build up just hours after you have finished eating. They work quickly to convert the sugar into a harmful acid that eats away at the enamel on your teeth creating holes commonly know as cavities or tooth decay.

What about Diet Soda?

If you are under the impression that switching from regular soda to diet soda will help reduce enamel acid erosion, think again.  Researchers have shown that the carbonic acid found in diet soda causes the same types of enamel damage that you see from other sugary soda drinks and sweet snacks.  Based on research conducted by the Minnesota Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and the University of Cincinnati Biology Department, the pH level in a regular can of Coke was 2.63, which is highly acidic.  The pH level in a can of Diet Coke was almost as bad at 3.39!  Our mouths are slightly more acidic than neutral.  So for those who are not familiar with the pH scale, pH is measured in liquids by using water as the neutral pH, which reads at a level of 7.00.  From there, the lower pH numbers are more acidic, and higher pH numbers are more alkaline (non-acidic). So as you can see, regular soda is more acidic than diet soda, but diet soda is still not as neutral as water.

So how do you stop acid from harming your teeth? Well, other than cutting out all simple sugars and carbonated beverages from your diet, the combined forces of brushing and flossing are still the best methods for removing harmful bacteria and acid over your teeth. We all have our guilty snack pleasures, but consistently brushing and flossing goes a long way towards curbing the likelihood of cavities.

It is also very important that you schedule a visit with a Colorado Springs dentist because only a dentist can diagnose any enamel damage created by acid.  Dr. Andrew Hall, an implant dentist in Colorado Springs offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures including Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Clear Braces and more. Visit us for a complimentary consultation today.

The Benefits Of Xylitol For Your Teeth

When your teeth come into contact with regular sugar it provides fuel for the bacteria in your mouth to multiply and create acids that destroy enamel, forcing a visit to a cosmetic dentist. Since xylitol does not break down in the same way as sugar, the bacteria in your mouth do not recognize it as “food” and therefore the pH balance inside your mouth remains neutral. Thus preventing an acidic breeding ground inside your mouth.

Xylitol not only reduces the growth of bacteria by neutralizing the pH in your mouth, but it also helps prevent tooth decay because that very same bacteria need the acid in order to attach to your teeth and form harmful plaque that can lead to tooth decay.

Lastly, xylitol has been shown to even repair damaged tooth enamel by providing the mouth with alkaline saliva. The following scientific explanation of how this works was provided on www.xylitol.org:

“After taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids and ammonia in saliva and plaque may rise, and plaque pH rises as well. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to move into those parts of enamel that are weak. Therefore, soft, calcium-deficient enamel sites begin to harden again.”

In conclusion, because xylitol neutralizes acid in the mouth, it therefore prevents bacterial growth and attachment, and helps to repairs tooth enamel. So the next time you reach for sugar, remember that nature has given us a better alternative called xylitol. Your teeth will thank you.

When it comes to dental work and celebrities, usually we read and hear about how certain celebrities have million dollar smiles that the rest of the world oogle and fawn over. However, celebrities are just like the rest of us and at some point, they too experience a very unfortunate situation. Take Steven Tyler for example, Aerosmith front man and American Idol judge. While showering in preparation for a show in Paraguay, Tyler unexpectedly fell in the shower due to dizziness which resulted in bumps, bruises, and two broken front teeth. With two broken front teeth, it was obvious that the band’s concert would need to be cancelled and/or postponed.

But, thanks to some of today’s most advanced dental technologies, Tyler was able to be fitted with dental implants in order to protect and restore the damaged teeth. With very little down time, the band was able to resume normal concert dates, playing the originally scheduled show the following Wednesday night.

If you have a broken tooth or teeth, your best bet is to seek help from a local implant dentist immediately. Remember, you don’t have to be a rock star to get an implant. No matter if you’re Steven Tyler or Joe Schmoe, anyone can be properly fitted with a dental implant in order to restore a broken tooth.  A broken tooth not only jeopardizes the health of the effected tooth, it also puts your overall smile at risk.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall in order to have your emergency dental work completed using the latest equipment and training techniques for successfully and flawlessly placing a dental implant.