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Fracture in a tooth

Fracture in teeth is a common finding on many patients. Fractures can come in several forms. In many cases (but not all) a horizontal fracture is easier to deal with. Some notable exceptions of course is fractures at the gum line leaving no tooth structure above the gums.  Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp want to address these types of issue “sooner”  than later.  “If” you wait… the fracture may determine the outcome and the outcome may be favorable or not. Our office serves the Highlands Ranch area as well as Denver, Lone Tree, Castle Pines,Parker, Ken Caryl, Greenwood Village and well as Parker Colorado.

Vertical Fractures on Teeth can be catastrophic

Vertical fractures on teethcan cause substantial problems.  If the vertical fracture is  very superficial  then “possibly” a dental restoration “may” be appropriate.  Larger but still superficial vertical fracture “most likely” be treated effectively with a dental crown.

Significant fractures may need to be extracted Dentistry in Highlands Ranch

Cracked tooth syndrome has many different causes and many different solutions. One element is isolating the diagnosis to a fracture tooth because many fractures are microscopic. If the fracture goes down the root surface it is generally thought that this is doom’s the tooth to extraction.

Highlands Ranch dentist case example of superficial fracture on a tooth

The following case has been presented.  As you can see there is no mistaking the fracture and the only question is… how far into the tooth it goes.  The first treatment will be to place a dental filling in it (hopefully).  When the fracture is open up it may be limited or extend to the pulp or down the root surface.  The treatment risks to the patient ranges form minimal (filling) to significant (extraction)

Please call today and make an appointment

Please feel to call our Highlands Ranch dentist and make an appointment at (303) 694-9740.

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

Crown lengthening

A recent article in the ADA News discusses the thinking process dentist should go through when determining whether to do crown lengthening. Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and H. Candace DeLapp look for cases where crown lengthening would be appropriate. In a review of the lecture and article of  Dr. Suzuki an Associate Dean at Temple University School of Dentistry stressed the importance of a review of the patients medical history and what is seen clinically.

to view our dental practice video click the following link

Dentistry in Highlands Ranch

Medical history of our Highlands Ranch Dental Patients

A review of your pertinent medical history is important before any crown lengthening is undertaken.  The procedure is a gum surgery in which more of the tooth root is exposed by removing a “little” of the bone around it. Medical history elements to consider include but are not limited to:

• History of smoking
• Drug or alcohol use
• Blood pressure
• Liver health
• Lung health
• Diabetes
• arthritis
• Other

(more…)

Denver Delta Dental Insurance Premiere Provider

Delta Dental Insurance is one of the many different insurance companies employers in the area subscribe to. Dental insurance by its very nature is not meant to cover all necessary treatment but only a portion. In the “traditional” plans there is usually some type of co:pay (0-50%) and yearly maximum.  Either way our Denver Dentists feels you should take advantage of these discounts to make  dentistry more affordable for you.  Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general and cosmetic dental services for their patients in the Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pine, Castle Rock, Parker, Centennial and Denver areas.

Our office is a Delta Dental “Premiere Provider” only

Our office participates in the Premiere program provided by Delta Dental of Colorado. Delta has many other plans available for purchase by your employeer. Some plans still allow you to choose a dentist of your choice.  Delta’s EPO plan will provide no reimbursement what-so-ever unless you see a very limited number of dentist.

Yearly maximums

Denver Delta Dental and many other insurance carriers usually have a yearly maximum of benefit.  Typically this runs between $1000-$1500.00 although we have seen “rarely” more or less.  The key may be how the insurance company defines the amount and when the year ends and begins.

• Calender year… January to January (the simplest)
• Fiscal year… June to June as an example

Waiting period for dental insurance coverage

There may be a waiting period before your benefits become active.  This could be as short as… no waiting period up to a year.  In addition other waiting period may apply for major dental procedures like dental crowns.  As an example your insurance plan may cover a dental cleaning but  you may have to wait a year to have a dental crown covered.

Dental Insurance Co:pay

Most dental plans have some type of co:pay for certain procedures typically this ranges from 20–50% of an “arbitrary” fee the insurance company designates.  This may or may not correspond to what the dentist charges.  As an example if your insurance may set the fee for a dental crown at $1000.00 but your dentist charges $1200 then your 50% reimbursement would be $500 instead of $600. Your out of pocket expense would be $700.  It is just dependent upon how the “contract” is written. Other companies and contracts may pay a simple 50%. Our office just  does not know how the contract is written on the amounts they choose to cover.

Yearly deductible

In addition insurance company may have a yearly deductible for dental procedures.  It may apply to any dental treatment or… just to major dental procedures.  It all depends upon how the contract is written.  From the above example if you subtract a $50.00 yearly deductible from the above… the dental insurance company would pay only $450 and you would pay $750.  Bottom line is it can get complicated quickly.

All dental plans are different

All dental insurance plans are different. Even within one carrier the percentages covered can vary. Remember it is what is written in the contract. Many if not most dental insurance plans cover the following (remember NOT all)

• !00% of exams… x-rays … or cleanings
• 20% of dental fillings
• 50% of major dental work… dental crowns e.g.

The good news

The percentages may not work out exactly but in the end…. it is a sale on dentistry.  It could be 100% of the fee or 30% either way it is a benefit to you.

Call today and schedule an appointment at (303) 694-9740

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

Is Patient Satisfaction  OK?

When you hear that any service you receive is satisfactory it may  or may not be a ringing endorsement for your business or service. Our Denver Dentist feels that patient satisfaction is the beginning level of service our dental practice wishes to provide to our patients.Customer or patient “loyalty” is the goal of our dental office.

How is patient loyalty obtained?

Gaining patient loyalty is a privilege our Denver dentist works on every day.  It starts with our low volume patient contact.  The doctors James DeLapp and H. Candace DeLapp(and their hygienists) are only scheduled one patient at a time.We don’t want to have a “waiting room” we want to have a “”reception room”.  Our goal is to see you “on time every time”. Being considerate of your time is just the first step of many we take to try to make your dental appointment memorable ( in a good way!)

Using the finest dental laboratories

Our Denver dentists get offers from Chinese dental labs for dental crowns that are produced by employees who make 60 cents an hour. Volume and price are the key to these foreign labs. Did you notice how we did not mention quality?

We choose to use Las Vegas Esthetic which is a leader is esthetics and quality among dental laboratories. Cost from this high quality esthetic dental laboratory can run 5 to 10 times the cost of foreign fabricated dental labs.  We feel the key in producing patient loyalty  is not to look only at the cost but quality of the final product.  This is another consideration we factor in how we try to exceed patient satisfaction and obtain your loyalty. We strive to provide the highest quality dental care in a customized setting.

Feel free to contact us for an appointment

Please feel free to contact us for an appointment at (303) 694-9740 for an appointment today.

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

Color in Dentistry Dentist Highlands Ranch

There are so many different elements to consider when discussing color in dentistry that a simple Blog article cannot do it justice.  While white seems to be white it is not that simple. There are many different elements that are considered when looking at color including:

• Value
• Chroma
• Hue
• Translucency
• Type of porcelain material
• underlying tooth structure
• lighting conditions
• Other….?

Type of Porcelain material Dentist Highlands Ranch

Our Highlands Ranch dentist feels that type of material used can significantly affect the perception of color on dental work.  The most extreme difference is seen between Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM) and dental veneers. How they are made and how light reflects off the surface of the porcelain is different. More subtle differences are on occasion even seen between all-ceramic dental bridge and a dental veneer.

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

All ceramic bridges and porcelain dental veneers

Our Highlands Ranch dentist has seen very slight differences between all ceramic crowns and bridges and dental veneers. The good news is they are substantially better than that seen with PFM’s. The most difficulty is seen when dental restorations are sequenced over time as opposed to doing all at once.  Doing all at once reduces the risk of small color disharmony (not eliminate it).

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

For additional information

If you would like additional information of a variety of dental subjects please feel free to visit our companion dental website. This dental care library can be accessed by clinking on the following link Dentist Highlands Ranch

Thanks to

Matt and Scott of US Web Central for their help in our Dental Blog.  They can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver 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

Dentist Highlands Ranch Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Evaluation

Our Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp feel the very first step in improving your smile is to completely evaluate your current smile before any treatment.

The canted or tipped smile Dentist Highlands Ranch

The canted or tipped smile is difficult to diagnose and can be challenging to treat.  Recognizing the canted smile is the first and most important element. A recent patient had crowns and veneers placed a couple of years ago but her smile tilted. Examination of old photographs revealed that her smile had been canted a lifetime.  The previous dentist had just replicated the cant.

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

Dentist Highlands Ranch

Correction of tilted teeth Dentist Highlands Ranch

Our Highlands Ranch dentist can correct or “mitigate” the cant or tilt of the smile in “most cases“. This involves complex evaluation of extra oral dental photographs and mounted models showing the cant. A horizontal stick bite is most effective in identifying this to the patient, dentist, and dental laboratory technician. A diagnostic wax-up can be fabricated and in the provisional stage (where you are wearing your temporaries) it can be verified.

To view more information on cosmetic dentistry or other dental information please consult our dental care library by clicking on the following link Dentist Highlands Ranch

Please feel free to call our Highlands Ranch dentist and schedule an appointment today at (303) 694-9740

Thanks to Scott Carvin of US Web Central for his assistance in our webs.  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

Denver Implant Dentist (303) 694-9740

There are rare instances there the cemented dental crown over a dental implant becomes loose. Finding and completely “loosening” the screw is the “trick”.  This describe one technique that proved to be successful. Our Denver Implant dentist describes a successful case.

A “Triad” surgical stint was fabricated over the dental implant model to guide in the location of the dental implant screw.  This stint guided  the access  to the dental implant screw. The dental implant crown was removed and the dental implant tightened.  “Re-tightening” this screw works very frequently but on occasion.. a new dental implant screw is needed.  The following photographs show the technique.  Any question please feel free to contact our office.

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

Triad stint for removalView on retrival

Implant view

Special thanks to Scot Carving of US Web Central for his help in our web site and blogs.  He can be reached by clicking on the following link Denver Web Design

Closing spaces can be accomplished a variety of ways. Certainly traditional orthdontics or “possibly” Invisalign is one of several ways to accomplish this task.  Our Highlands Ranch dentist is reviewing a case in which dental bridges was used to accomplish this task. Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide general dental services for their patients living in Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Parker, Ken Caryl, Greenwood Village, and Denver.

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

Dentist Denver

The following is before and after photographs of a patient who never developed lateral incisors.  There was a gap between the front teeth and the canine teeth were in the place where the lateral incisors should be.  The canine teeth are typically pointed while lateral incisors are flat on the incisal edge. Typical orthodontics would not address this shape.  Another option might have been orthodontics to move the canines back and dental implants in place of the lateral incisors.  In addition the patient had two baby teeth retained behind the canine teeth

If you have any questions or would like to visit with us please feel free to call our Highlands Ranch dental office at (303) 694-9740. To send us an e-mail please click the following link Denver Dentist

For more information on a variety of dental topics please feel free to visit our dental information library by clicking on the following link Highlands Ranch dentist