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Gum disease and Tissue Destruction

Denver Dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp council their patients on the silent destruction that happens with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (gum disease)causes the following:

• Frequent loss of gum tissue exposing more of your root surface
• Erosion of the bone holding the tooth in the jaw
• Tooth mobility (teeth wiggle back and forth)
• Loss of tooth
• Bad breath
• General fatigue or not feeling well
• Other….

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Tissue Destructive Enzymes

Tissue destructive enzymes has been the focus of researchers for many years in the development of periodontal disease. Essentially what happens is enzymes degrade the collagen  (fibrous) network in the gum tissue. Dental researchers Fullmer and Gibson (Nature 1966) revealed that collagenase is present in the gum tissue of the patient.  It is this enzyme collagenase that destroys the gum tissue.

Antibiotic use in Periodontal disease

The knowledge on how tissue is destroyed led the Food and Drug Administration to approve the use of a tetracycline class of antibiotic in the treatment of periodontal disease. Doxyxycline is a collagenase-inhibiting antibiotic and  helps preserve the architecture  and form of the gum tissue. This drug combined with brushing, flossing, diet control and quitting smoking are effective in “most” patients with periodontal disease.

Schedule an appointment today

Please feel free to schedule an appointment today at our office at (303) 694-9740.  If your prefer to send us an e-mail please click the following link contact Denver dentist.

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Parkinson’s Disease and Dentistry Dentist Highlands Ranch

Parkinson’s disease is a common disorder that afflicts many individuals world wide. Our Highlands Ranch Dentists have many patients who have some form of this illness.  For many it is a subtle illness and for other it is exceedingly debilitating. Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp also see patients from the Denver area.

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Dentist Highlands Ranch

Motor function and Parkinson’s Disease Dentist Highlands Ranch

The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease makes daily home care difficult for many. Eye-hand coordination and tongue and cheek control are several of the elements that make effective home care difficult.  Poor or compromised motor function affects approximately half of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

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Dentist Highlands Ranch

Our Highlands Ranch dentists, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp have been very strong advocates of fluoride treatment for the past 25 years. Fluoride treatments in children has been the standard of care for children but fluoride treatment of the adult population if “finally” gaining acceptance. Our Highlands Ranch dentists have been providing fluoride treatment for their adult patients free of charge since 1982.Dr’s DeLapp serve patients in the Denver, Lone Tree, Castle Pines. Ken Caryl, Parker, and Greenwood Village areas.

to view our Highlands Ranch dental practice video click the following link

Dentist Highlands Ranch

Root decay in the adult population Dentist Highlands Ranch

Decay in the traditional locations are still possible in the adult population.  However, adults are at risk for decay on the root surfaces of teeth.  Age… prescription medications can contribute to a decrease in saliva.  Decreasing saliva increases your risk of decay. Fluoride treatment can reduce your risk.

For more information of a variety Highlands Ranch dental care subjects please consult our dental care library by clicking on the following link Dentist Highlands Ranch

Please feel free to contact our Highlands Ranch dentist for an appointment today at (303) 694-9740.

Thanks to Scott and Matt of US Web Central an can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver SEO

Soft drinks and dental decay… liquid candy Highlands Ranch Dentist, Denver Dentist

Soft drinks have become a large part of daily life for many of our Highlands Ranch dental patients. While delicious and invigorating, they can have adverse health problems associated with overuse. Large consumption can produce decay on your teeth as well as dental erosion from the acids found in soda.  Denver dentists, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp, are Highlands Ranch dentists who provide general dental services for dental patients from Parker, Douglas County, Ken Caryl Castle Pines and Lone Tree Colorado area. Both Denver dentist recommend limiting the use of sodas.

Cavities are caused by sugar… plain a simple.  The bacteria in plaque use the sugar for metabolism and the by-product is acid.  This acid is what causes the demineralization of the tooth (cavity).  The average can of soda contains from 9-12 teaspoon of sugar.

Erosion caused by soft drinks

Soft drinks that do not contain sugar can, in time, can also affect your dental health.  Most of these diet sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid.  These diet soda when used in sufficient quantity can dissolve the enamel on your tooth and cause your tooth to erode away.

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• Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that holds the teeth in your mouth.  It is the leading cause of tooth loss in the adult population in the United States.  What makes this disease difficult to diagnose and treat is that there are few symptoms of periodontal disease and sometimes it appears to be getting better when in fact it is getting worse. Highland Ranch Dentists, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide periodontal services for their dental patients in Denver, Ken Caryl Douglas County, Lone Tree and Castle Pines Colorado.

Causes of Periodontal disease Highlands Ranch Dentist

The main cause of periodontal disease is the bacteria found in plaque.  Bacteria can migrate under your gum and begin forming toxins that your body tries to reject As your body tries to defend itself from the plaque it has an unintended consequence of destroying the bone around the teeth.  At this point in time, once the bone is lost around the tooth it will not grow back.  Work with lasers may provide a solution to this problem but as of yet, it is still being researched.

When enough bone is lost around your teeth your teeth become mobile and eventually will fall out on their own.  Bone loss greater that 50% is considered advanced periodontal disease.

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The American Dental Association (ADA) Oral Longevity Web Site

Highlands Ranch Dentist, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp are pleased to announce a web site developed by the American Dental Association for seniors.

It is hoped this site is easy to navigate and is responsible for distributing oral health information to the adult maturing population.  This web site is divided into several sections described as:

• The oral longevity landing page with useful information
• A professional section for dentist
• A Resource center for our aging population to “empower seniors to take control of their oral health.”
• Commonly asked senior dental questions and answers (click here)
• Program outlines for presenting the DVD to dental professionals, patients, allied health care providers and care-givers.
• Clinical articles and other dental publications for dentist and patients.

This site can be reached at: www.orallongevity.ada.org

Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp (Highlands Ranch Dentists) also serve dental patients living and working in Denver, Ken Caryl, Castle Pines, Douglas County, Lone Tree and Parker Colorado area.  They can be reached at (303) 694-9740.

Regular denta exams… Highlands Ranch Dentist… Denver Dentist

View our practice video (click here)

Because our Highlands Ranch dentists are committed to your best care, we recommend an examination and dental prophylaxis (cleaning) at least every six months. For many, we recommend seeing you every 3-4 months to promote a healthy mouth. Most dental problems start small, but then go through a rapidly worsening stage i.e. small problems can get worse fast!. Have you ever experienced coming in for an exam after just a year and found something had worsened quickly? Regular dental checkups enable us to catch these small (hopefully) dental  problems before they become significant.

Serious dental conditions begin as small treatable problems. Plaque (a sticky film of food and bacteria form constantly on your teeth) can harden in as little as 24 hours to become calculus (tartar). Even with proper brushing and flossing, most dental patients are unable to remove all the plaque every day. This results in tartar (calculus) buildup.

The bacteria in plaque and tartar (calculus) are the main causes of gingivitis (an inflammation that makes your gums enlarge and bleed and causes bad breath). Gingivitis is reversible, but if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an infection, which causes:

•  Receding gums
•  Bone loss-bone supports your tooth
• Tooth loss. (nothing left to hold your teeth in)
• Periodontal disease requires much  more complex treatment than gingivitis.

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• Highlands Ranch Dentist …Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth.

Patients who wish to improve their smile by replacing missing teeth with dental implants have an option that was not available years ago. Secure dental implants can give you the confidence to smile and chew that removable partial or full dentures fail to do.  Our Highlands Ranch Dentists and staff are here to help you achieve that secure smile with dental implants for dental patients living in the Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Castle Pines area along with dental patients in the Centennial, Englewood and the Greater Denver area.

Advantages of Dental Implants for patients in Highlands Ranch

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www.cottonwooddentalgroup.com/html/contactus.html

There are many advantages of dental implants, which include but are not limited to:

• Dental Implants replace a single missing tooth without drilling or crown and bridge placement on teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
• Two or more dental implants may be placed to give tooth coverage over a broader area where a fixed bridge or removable partial denture exists.
• If your are missing “all” your teeth dental implant options may include:
• Place two implants in the lower jaw for better retention of a lower denture
• Place four to 6 dental implants and a bar placed between them makes a removable denture have greater resistance and retention

Place a “mouth full” of dental implants and non-removable bridges and crowns can be placed over the implants.  This can give the look and feel of a mouth full of teeth!

Contact us (double click on the link below)

www.cottonwooddentalgroup.com/html/contactus.html

Costs of Dental Implants

Costs of Dental Implants for a single tooth can run “around” $4,500.00 per tooth (circa 2007) and in full mouth cases can range from $30,000.00 up to the price (or exceed) the cost of a condominium. Of course this depends on the requirements of the case, some need more implants… some less. A few patients are not candidates for implants while other patients need some type of modification.  The vast majority of patients are in this “routine” situation.

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Why does a “lower denture” fit so poorly?

For Highlands Ranch Dental patients who are missing their upper and lower teeth full dentures may be your answer. Dr. James DeLapp and Dr H. Candace DeLapp are Highlands Ranch Cosmetic Dentists serving the Lone Tree, Centennial, Castle Pines, Englewood and the Greater Denver area. Dentures may be one of several options available. As a general rule, lower dentures are more complex to do that upper full dentures and much more difficult to wear than upper dentures.

Complementary Denture Consultation… take advantage of this!

our dental practice video (click here)

A complementary denture consultation provides the following:

1. It provides a no-cost visit to discuss your case with Highlands Ranch Dentists Dr.’s DeLapp to see if dentures, a new denture or an implant supported denture is for you.

2. Consultation with these Highlands Ranch Dentists allows you to have your questions answered ahead of time and to decide Cottonwood Dental Group is the right fit for you.

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Risks of Osteoporosis in Dentistry

our dental practice video (click here)

Bisphosphonate medications are used to prevent or treat osteoporosis or as part of certain types of cancer treatment.  They are taken either orally or I.V. and it appears that the I.V. route can have significant dental side effects.  In rare cases, it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw.  Osteonecrosis might be simply described as the jawbone eroding away.  Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp are dentists in the Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, and the Greater Denver area who treat a variety of patients with significant medical problems. In addition, please be sure to let our office  know if you have taken these medication before any invasive dental procedure especially having teeth extracted.

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