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Diagnosis of Cavities or Decay

There are many different methods used to diagnose cavities our Denver Dentists use in the practice of dentistry. G.V. Black the “Father of Modern Dentistry” was the first to describe the detection of dental cavities in the oral examination. around 1800..  His method consisted of cleaning and drying of the tooth and the use of the dental explorer that is still in use over 200 years later. Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general and cosmetic dentistry to their patients in the Denver, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Parker, Centennial, Greenwood Village, and Highlands Ranch areas of the Denver Metro area.

to view our dental practice video click the following link Denver Dentist

History of dental x-rays

After Roentgen’s discovery of the x-ray… William J. Morton a  New York physician described that x-rays could be used to identify decay and in 1925 the bite-wing x-ray became the standard of identifying decay or cavities between teeth. Today digital radiography reduces the exposure to our patients by several times of the old traditional dental x-rays.

Modern methods of cavity or decay detection

The use of old school and new school techniques are still in use today.  Today the Diagnodent uses laser fluorescence absorption by bacterial by products in porous carious surfaces to identify cavities.  The Diagnodent can quantify the readings from 0 – 99.  Teeth that have initial lesions can be monitored and if stable in reading lower than “around”30 may be treated with fluoride.  If the cavity begins to increase in its number it may signal the need for a dental filling.

Call today for an appointment

Please feel free to call our Denver dentist today for an appointment at (303) 694-9740.

Thanks to

Thanks to Scott and Matt of US Web Central for their help with our Blogs.  They can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver SEO

Dental Veneers post orthodontics Highlands Ranch and Denver Dentist

Denver dentist Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide cosmetic dental services to patient in the Denver Metro area. The case described in an “in progress” case in which two stages need to be accomplished.  The first stage was orthodontics to get the teeth in an area in which dental veneers or dental bonding can be accomplished. Stage one has been accomplished… we are waiting for stage two!

Please note… not bonding or veneers have been placed.  What would you do to finish this case?

Cosmetic dentistry Denver and Highlands Ranch

The options for this dental patient initially  included but was not limited to:

• No treatment
• Teeth whitening only (Luma) or whitening trays
• Frenum tissue release (tissue between the front two teeth)
• Orthodontics with our without whitening
• Orthodontics with whitening and bonded fillings
• Orthodontic and dental veneers

Cosmetic dentistry best or most predictable plan

Our Highlands Ranch dentist recommended frenum release (surgery) orthodontics, whitening and dental veneers for the most predictable outcome.  The recommendation for the dental veneers may or may not be in the patients budget at this time. Working with patients financial limitations is our goal. We may do something temporary and later finish the case with dental veneers at a later date. Certainly our goal is to provide our patient with information in which to make an informed decision.

Call our Highlands Ranch dentist today

Please feel free to call our Highlands Ranch dentist today for an appointment at (303) 694-9740. We have additional dental care information located on a companion website.  This dental care information can be accessed by clicking on the following link Highlands Ranch dentist dental care library.

Thanks to

Scott and Matt at US Web Central. They can be accessed by clicking on the following link Denve SEO

Repairing a cavity with MI Paste Dentist Highlands Ranch

Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp (Highlands Ranch Dentists)have been using MI paste for the treatment of very early carious lesions (tooth cavity). If a beginning cavity is detected early the area “may” be treated successfully with MI Paste and in a certain number of cases we have seen radiographic evidence of tooth repair.  Our Highlands Ranch and Denver Dentist also serve patients in the Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Ken Caryl, Parker, Centennial, and Greenwood Village Colorado.

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

How MI paste works Dentist Denver

The theory on how MI paste works is calcium and fluoride in specific concentrations can, in certain (but not all) cases re-mineralize the tooth structure destroyed by bacteria that causes dental decay. Our Highlands Ranch dentists want to emphasis that the decay has to be “very”small. Traditional treatment of decay with a dental filling is common for the “routine “small and larger areas of decay. The area re-mineralized may or may not be susceptible to the carious process at a later date.  Home care consisting of brushing and flossing as well as diet control is an integral part of decreasing dental cavities.

Dental care library Highlands Ranch and Denver Dentist

Please feel free to visit our dental care libraryfor other information on dental care. included is topic about

• Bacteria that causes teeth decay (cavities)
• Dental decay high risk
• Plaque Calculus
• Decay prevention in children

To access our dental care library for information on other topics please click on the following link Highlands Ranch and dentist Denver

Call our Highlands Ranch and Denver dentist today

Please feel free to contact our Highlands Ranch and Denver dentist today and schedule an appointment today.  They can be reached at (303)694-9740.

Thanks to

Scott Carvin  of US web Central.  He can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver SEO

to view our Denver and Highlands Ranch dental practice video please click the following link Dentist Denver

Artistic dental veneers

In order to determine how your dental veneers should be fabricated our Denver Dentists first examine what proportions your teeth currently have.  In general with some variation the with of the Central incisors should be 0.80 of the length. That would mean that the central incisors should not appear as a box shape with equal lengths and width.  If the length of the central incisors is 10 “units” the width would be 8 “units”.

The use of Golden Proportions for dental veneers

The application of the Golden Proportion in smile analysis first involves taking a digital photograph of  your smile.  Our Denver Dentist then measures the “apparent length” of the teeth measures on the photograph.  These numbers are different from measurement made on the actual teeth of models of your teeth.  This is why the term “apparent” length and width of the teeth has been coined.  The Golden Proportion has been described by the  following ratio 1.6/1.0/0.6 What this mean is… if the lateral incisors width is 1.0 the central incisors width would be 1.6 on the photograph.  The canine would be narrower and appear to be 0.6 of the width of the lateral incisor. Sound complicated… really not but it is hard to describe.

Evaluate your smile… what do your want to change?

The most common finding our dentist observe is square central incisors and lateral incisors that appear too narrow. It should be noted  that there are an infinite number of combinations that can be made and each patient is different.

Complimentary “initial” dental consultation

Please feel free to schedule a no charge initial consultation to discuss your goals with the Dr.s DeLapp.  They can be reached at (303) 694-9740.

Please look at our Dental care library

More information can be seen on our companion web site  by clicking on the following link Denver Dental library

Thanks

A special thanks to Scott Carvin of US Web Central for his support of our Blogs and website.  He can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver SEO

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

Denver dentist

Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general dental services to their patients from Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Parker, Ken Caryl, Greenwood Village, and Centennial Colorado.  These Denver Dentists provide a wide variety of treatment including cosmetic dentistry, Dental Veneers, Invisalign, Dental implants as well as general dental services.  Please feel free to contact their office at (303) 694-9740.

Additional dental information Highlands Ranch Colorado

Additional information can be found by visiting our companion web site by clicking on the following link Highlands Ranch dentist.  This is a dental care library with a variety of topics discussed.

Denver dentist hours of operation

Our Denver dentists hours are from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesdays.  On Wednesday and Thursday our evening hour go till 5:00 p.m. On Friday’s both doctors teach at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine on the new Fitzsimmon’s Campus at I-225 and Colfax.

Special Thanks

Thanks to Scott Carvin of US Web Central for his help with our blogs and companion web site.  His Denver web design company can be found by clicking on the following link Denver SEO company

Highlands Ranch dentistry Diagnodent Cavity detector

The Diagnodent is a laser cavity detector that can identify cavities that a dental explorer cannot.  Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp Highlands Ranch dentists use the diagnodent for cavity detection.  The advantage of this cavity (decay) detector was reinforced today when our dentist treated a 16 year old with a suspicious area on a back tooth. Dr’s DeLapp treat dental patients from the Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Douglas County, Ken Caryl, Greenwood Village, Centennial and the greater Denver area.  For an appointment please call (303) 694-9740.

to view our You-Tube dental practice video click here

Highlands Ranch dentist dental practice video

Typically, dentists use a dental explorer to determine the softness of the tooth structure. If the explorer sticks much of the time dentists determine the area to be carious (cavity) and a dental filling is placed.  In this particular case, the area was barely sticky with the dental explorer and our dentist questioned on whether to restore the tooth or not.

Demonstration of the Diagnodent You-Tube video

Highlands Ranch dentist diagnodent

The diagnodent laser cavity detector indicated a value of 60 on a scale or 0-99 with 99 indicating severe decay and 0 nothing. A value of over 20-30 may indicate are area of concern a possible decay.

In this particular case, a value of 60 indicated a concern.  There was a very small… barely detectable area with a dental explorer.  When the area was open up with the dental drill the area of decay was substantial.  The area of decay had “cavitated” with a small opening on the occlusal surface and a large area of decay in the dentin of the tooth.  Without the aid of the diagnodent treatment on this tooth may have been delayed resulting in a larger area of decay.

Highlands Ranch dentists at Cottonwood Dental Group use the diagnodent  to determine if an area has substantial decay.  The dental explorer was invented in the “dark ages” and the Diagnodent was invented in the 21st Century.  Our Highlands Ranch dentists take advantage of this modern technology. Our office strives to be on the cutting edge of technology and our Denver Web design company UsWebCentral has helped us integrate technology into our everyday practice.

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

Denver SEO Company

Dentist Highlands Ranch offers free whitening with purchase of new patient exam, x-rays and dental prophy

Our dentist in Highlands Ranch offers free teeth whiteningfor new patients scheduling a new patient exam, x-rays and dental cleaning.  This offer is good through January 2009.  We hope this gives you a reason to schedule your needed dental appointment.  Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general dental care for patients living in Denver, Parker, Douglas County, Ken Caryl Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Pines and Greenwood Village Colorado. If you would like to send them an e-mail with a question please click the following link Dentist Highlands Ranch.

Dentist Highlands Ranch new patient experience

The philosophy of want based dentistry dominates our practice.  Our goal is to direct your care in a direction you wish to take. One of the many options you have is to do no treatment.  As an example many patients have crowding of their teeth especially on the lower anterior teeth.  The reason to correct is esthetics’s as well as functionally. Straight teeth are easier to brush, floss and easier to maintain. Patients may elect to undergo Invisalign orthodontics or not… the choice is yours.

Our new patient examination

Our new patient examination first revolves around what you perceive your dental needs or desires are. Secondly, we evaluate your dental health using the following elements.

• Extra oral examination
• Oral cancer examination
• Intra oral examination
• Periodontal examination
• Occlusal examination
• Extra oral digital photography
• Intra oral digital photography
• Diagnodent dental caries (cavity) examination
• Digital full mouth radiographs (x-rays)
• Digital Panoramic radiographs
• Dental Impression (as needed)

Denver SEO company helped put this blog together

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Some years ago there was debate on whether digital dental x-rays  were the standard of care when compared to traditional dental x-ray films.  The predominant question was did digital dental x-rays provide the same diagnostic quality as film x-rays? Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide Highlands Ranch Dentistry to their patients including digital radiography.  Their practice also serves patients living in Greenwood Village, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Douglas County, Ken Caryl, Denver and Parker Colorado.  Please fee free to schedule and appointment today at (303) 694-9740 or send the doctors and e-mail by clicking on the following link Highlands Ranch Dentistry.

Dexis Digital dental x-rays …Highlands Ranch Dentistry

Advantages of Dental Digital Radiograph’s  include the following but not limited to: Our Highlands Ranch dental group uses DEXIS dental electronic imaging system.

• Compatible with traditional x-ray equipment
• Much less radiation is needed to expose the image
• Can diagnose the smallest inter-proximal lesions.
• Ability to enlarge the image to the size of the monitor
• Enhance the image through various proprietary functions 
• Measure the length of teeth (e.g. root canals)
• Add  or subtract contrast of an image
• Colorize the image looking for differences in tissue densities.
• Copies of the image can be sent electronically or printed our on the computer

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Eruption sequence in children teeth eruptying behind each other Denver Dentist

Our Highlands Ranch Dentists, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp  get contacted by  concerned parents that their child  has rows of teeth (or shark teeth). While it is a new experience for many parents most of the time it is the natural process of their child loosing their primary dentition (baby teeth). Our dental office serves patients in the Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Ken Caryl, Parker, Denver, Greenwood Village areas.

to view our dental practice video please click the following link Denver dentist

How teeth first erupt in children is different for every child.  If you have questions you should feel free to contact our office for a dental consultation.  Our Highlands Ranch Dentists, also serve patients living and working in Parker, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Douglas County, Ken Caryl, and Denver Colorado.  Feel free to visit our other dental blog by clicking on the following link Highlands Ranch Dentist

In the case presented above … the lower central incisors begin to erupt to the tongue side inside of the baby teeth.  These teeth do so  because, in part, it is the path of least resistance. Normally the permanent tooth applies pressure to the  baby tooth and the baby tooth’s root melts away.  In this case the teeth erupted where there was least resistance

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Modern health care has been spectacular in the last 100 years.  Modern antibiotics (penicillin) was not available until around WW II. This fact sometimes lulls us into a false sense of security that what ever happens we are just a “pill” away from a cure.  In addition, most of the time, we believe that pain or discomfort is an absolute sign that some pathology or disease is going on.  This is true for the vast majority of life’s illnesses except for the “silent illnesses”.  Dental disease, like certain types cancers have minor or no symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.  In the dental field when the patient complains of pain… in many instances… we may be looking at a root canal or extracting the tooth.  Our Highlands Ranch dentists, Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general dentistry to their patients living in the southeast corridor of the Denver Metro area.  Dental patients come from Ken Caryl, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Douglas County, Parker, Greenwood Village, and Denver Colorado.

to view our dental practice video click the following link Denver dentist

Our Highlands Ranch and Denver dentists have seen over the last week several patients who have delayed dental treatment.  The reason given include:

• Severe dental anxiety
• Financial problems
• Time issues… their life is just too busy
• It does not bother me… it does not hurt
• Other

Currently, our Highlands Ranch dentists are treating a dental phobic whose dental treatment went from a couple thousand dollars to 11 thousand dollars.  Delaying treatment was not in the patient’s best interest.  What can we do?

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