Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. Most people are exposed to the virus, but only a small percentage of people will suffer from the recurrent outbreaks. They are typically found on the outer lips, but can also be found on the non-mobile tissue in the mouth such as the roof of mouth and the gum tissues.  People with outbreaks will usually experience a period of 1-2 days where the site feels “itchy” before the actual outbreak occurs. Once an outbreak occurs the healing time is from 1-2 weeks. Common triggers are: trauma, sunburn, stress, cold weather and illness. Often times antiviral medications such as denavir which is an ointment and prescription medications like valtrex and zovirax will help aid in cold sore outbreaks. Lysine which is an over the counter supplement may also reduce outbreaks in some individuals.

At Boulder Valley Dental we offer laser treatment to aid in cold sore outbreaks. If treated in the “itchy” stage up to the first signs of a breakout with a laser the lesion will usually heal within 24 to 72 hours. The huge benefit of laser treatment is that it will give immediate pain relief and the lesion will typically not form in that area again. We are very excited about this procedure as it has made a difference for many of our patients.

Until recently, our only option for taking a dental x-ray was teh exposure of a small film packet which required developer and fixer chemicals to process for 5-7 minutes.  Now, we at Boulder Valley Dental Center are excited the digital era has brought us a new exciting technology called digital radiography.

Digital radiography in our louisville dental practice has several advantages over traditional x-rays:

* It’s faster!

* We can view images instantly on the computer

* There’s up to 90% less radiation exposure to you as the patient

* Images are stored electronically for instant reference in the future.

* We no longer use chemicals used in the traditional developing process that were potentially harmful to the environment.

How digital radiography works?

With digital radiography, we use a small Dexis sensor connected directly to our computer.  Making the x-ray is faster because the sensor is merely moved from tooth to tooth; there is no need to reload a new film packet for each image.  It is also faster because we no longer need to run the film through a developer, the image appears instantly on the computer monitor.  Because the digital x-ray exposure time is shorter than taking conventional x-rays, the amount of x-ray radiation is reduced by up to 90%.

Digital x-rays allow me to see detail and make adjustments that are tremendous help in dental diagnosis.  We also save images in our computer system for instant retrieval at a later date.

Digital radiography is an advanced technology that speeds up treatment and helps us make the most accurate and efficient diagnosis of your dental condition.

I would personally be happy to answer any questions you may have about this fantastic new integration into our practice.

Make it a great day!

Smiles,

Dr. Tracey Hughes

Colorado Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Tracey Hughes has been providing patients in our practice with moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis) “LANAP treatment.  Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure”.

The procedure is a less invasive, less painful alternative to traditional gum surgery to treat periodontal infections.

If you have been to a dentist and had your “pockets” measured, you know that 1-3mm in the absence of bleeing is considered healthy.  We have patients in our practice that have presented with 7-9m infected pockets.  6 months after Laser treatment, the pockets have healed and reattached to 3-4mm.

LANAP is a patient friendly alternative to traditional gum surgery as LASIK is to eye surgery.  There is minimal to no pain, less swelling, less “down time”, if any. 

If you have been told you need your teeth extracted due to gum disease or you have had gum surgery recommendations, please visit our office for a consultation first.  www.BoulderValleyDental.com 303-666-8820

Call today for information regarding the LANAP procedure and Sedation Dentistry.  Any one of our compassionate team members can answer your questions!

” I couldn’t believe how fast you worked and how beautiful my temporary teeth look.  I’ve had minimal tenderness considering how much drilling was done.  I can’t wait until we’re completely finished.  I’m completely confident that the final results will be beautiful and comfortable.  Many thanks to you and your wonderful staff.” Joy M.

” Heather Sarmiento did a great job.  She initially recommended that I visit.  She really knew a lot about Neuromuscular Dentistry.  She was very knowledgable and extremely professional during my visit.  She is definitley an asset to that office.” Narissa H.

How can we provide quality dental care, utilizing the finest materials and latest technology and still make it affordable to our patients? CareCredit is the answer! Offering 3, 6, and 12 month interest free financing, many of our patients are taking advantage of the flexible payments CareCredit allows. Please click the link below to apply today, or call me, Heather, for more information.

www.CareCredit.com

Staying updated on the latest and most advanced techniques and technology is what we are all about at Boulder Valley Dental Center! 

We incorporate the following advanced technology in our practice:

Millenium’s PerioLase (1064nm Nd:Yag Laser)  LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the first FDA Cleared procedure using a laser to treat moderate to advanced periodontitis)

HOYA ConBios DioDent Micro (980nm Diode Laser) used by our laser certified tissue therapist, Kimberly, to treat early to moderate periodontitis.  This technology is also used to Dr. Hughes for Cosmetic Dentistry Gum Recontouring and doing frenectomies (releasing tongue tie)

Isolite Dryfield Illuminator increases your comfort and safety during restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.  Soft bite block, suction and illumination for more efficient dentistry appointments.

Diagnodent, a laser cavity detection system.

Digital Intraoral Photography using a Cannon 10D Digital Camera for patient viewing

J-5 Myomonitor (low frequency TENS)

Smile Reminder patient e-mail and texting appointment confirmations.

Dentsply Cavitron Jet Plus for comfortable microsonic dental cleanings.

CariFree Caries Maintenance Prevention.  Be cavity free, for life!

AED (automated electronic defibrillator)  is becoming the standard of care in the event of a medical emergencies.  These are seen in airports, shopping malls and other public areas, why not a dental office?  Dr. Hughes is trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and knows how to treat medical emergencies.

Dental Laboratory- Las Vegas Esthetics Master Ceramist providing exceptional porcelain/ceramic dental restorations of natural beauty.  We do not ship your impressions out of the country or to cheap production laboratories.

Up and coming this year in 2009… Digital X-ray system and K-7 Electromyograph (EMG) for diagnosing and treating TMJ dysfunction, headaches and neuromuscular dysfunction.