Preventive Dental Care

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
Gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss. It can sometimes go completely unnoticed until the infection is at a severe stage. Specific signs are bleeding gums from brushing and flossing or loose teeth. It is important that you come in for treatment at the very first sign of an infection. Nonsurgical treatment can be very successful at reversing this problem in the earlier stages. If you wait until the problem is chronic, surgery may be your only option.

Gum Disease Can Mean More Than Losing Your Teeth
A link between gum disease and serious health conditions has been identified. Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are afflictions that can arise or worsen in the presence of gum infection. The bacteria in the gums travel throughout the body in the bloodstream, affecting major organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infections may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

Dentists now consider gum disease as a more serious matter than tooth loss. Of even more concern, the American Dental Association has estimated that nearly 80% of Americans have gum (periodontal) disease at some stage. This is an epidemic percentage! It is important to have regular check-ups to identify such a problem at its earliest stage to maintain overall good health.

Taking Care of the Problem
Is gum surgery the only way to treat periodontal disease? Surgery is almost always successful to reverse the problem, but if treatment is given in the early stages of the infection, nonsurgical methods work very well. With better daily hygiene, the condition is stopped, letting the gums return to a healthy state. Both approaches are generally provided for by most dental plans.

What Can Happen if You Lose a Tooth
Losing just one tooth can cause a variety of other problems. Your chewing isn't as effective as it should be. You won't absorb as many nutrients from your food. With more teeth missing, you may start eating softer, higher-calorie foods, which can add unwanted weight. Your face eventually takes on a hollow look, as the lack of teeth causes bone loss in the jaw. Your speech may sometimes be embarrassing as you slur certain words.

Dental implants are the best solution to regain a full smile and return your confidence. They function just like real teeth and look very natural as they come up through the gums. No one will be able to tell they are not your own teeth – not even a dentist!

Defeating Gum Disease the Easy Way
Dr. Hekkert uses a very effective and painless approach in defeating gum disease. It's an antibiotic called ARESTIN™ that works directly at the site of the infection. It is a powder applied into the spaces between gums and teeth. It contains invisible microspheres that are time-released to be most effective in halting the condition.


New Laser Treatment for Good Health
We are excited to make known that our hygienist now uses a laser for bacterial reduction therapy. What does this mean for you? This dental laser kills the bacteria that infect the gums. It prevents other contamination within your mouth and keeps the infection from traveling throughout your bloodstream.

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com