303-296-1402
1391 Speer Blvd., Suite 540How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
Our dentist in Denver, Colorado, and our team recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss between them at least once a day in order to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
How often should I see my dentist, and why do I need routine dental checkups?
We recommend six-month checkups to a dental office for a cleaning and exam. These checkups are important because they give us the opportunity to regularly examine your mouth for dental problems. When we catch these problems early on, then they are easier to treat. Additionally, dental cleanings are important because we will scale your teeth to remove tartar, a hardened plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
Are silver amalgam fillings safe?
Silver, or amalgam, fillings do contain a small amount of mercury, which some patients fear will cause harm to their health. However, several studies show that the mercury in these fillings is so insignificant that it should not cause health problems. If you prefer, there are dental fillings available that do not contain mercury, such as tooth-colored composite fillings.
Do cosmetic procedures damage the health of my smile?
Cosmetic procedures generally do not cause any serious harm to your oral health. Teeth whitening, at the most, may cause temporary sensitivity. Dental veneers do require the removal of small amounts of enamel tissue, which is why they are permanent.
What harm can gum disease cause to my oral and overall health?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) begins by causing swelling and infection in the gum tissue, which can cause your gums to look red, feel tender and bleed easily. As the disease progresses, it can destroy your gums and the surrounding bone tissue, which results in tooth loss. Gum disease can also have a harmful effect on the rest of the body by increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetic complications, stroke, respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s and pregnancy complications.
Why is it important to prevent tooth loss?
Some patients may think that tooth loss is not a big deal since there are dental restorations available that can replace missing teeth; however, nothing could be further from the truth. Your natural teeth do the best job at helping you to chew food, speak and keep your remaining teeth from shifting in your mouth. Additionally, the tooth roots support the jaw bone and prevent it from shrinking, which restorations like dentures and bridges cannot do. Bridges also require the teeth neighboring a gap to have parts of them removed, which weakens these teeth. It is always better to prevent tooth loss by keeping your smile healthy.
What can I expect for my first appointment at your dental office?
During your first dental appointment at our office, we will begin by gathering your medical and contact information. We will then take X-rays and examine your mouth to see if there are any dental problems present. After cleaning your mouth, we will discuss treatment solutions if you have any dental diseases.
Why is Dr. Thomas Ouellette not in network with my insurance company?
Being in network means we have to do the procedure at a contracted rate, which would mean shorter procedure times. It also cuts down on the doctor/patient time relationship and the ability to give the quality of care Dr. Ouellette necessitates. Patient treatment is dictated by the insurance, which is why we are only in network with Delta Dental as a Premier provider. However, we will file insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients.
Do you have parking?
Yes, we have validated parking for all of our patients. We are also located near an RTD station for patients who prefer to take public transportation.
For more information about oral health care, please contact us at 303-296-1402 or take a look at the following sites: