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How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea? OSA Information from Anderson Family Dental

July 9, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep Apnea SnoringIs your sleep often interrupted due to snoring or odd breathing sounds from your partner? Perhaps you suffer from excessive snoring yourself in addition to feelings of exhaustion during the day. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson offer a variety of general and family dental solutions to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. One of these services is the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Though clinical testing is required in order to definitively diagnose a condition like sleep apnea, there are some warning signs that you can keep in mind and share with your doctor if certain symptoms arise. Common symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea include the following:

  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
  • Worsened depression or irritability
  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Feeling unreasonably drowsy when driving or at work
  • Loud snoring, often interrupted by gasps or choking sounds
  • Waking suddenly from a deep sleep with a feeling of breathlessness
  • Night sweats
  • Difficulty concentrating on even simple tasks
  • Headaches throughout the day, particularly in the morning

A test that measures your breathing, blood oxygen level, and other factors while you sleep can aid in diagnosing sleep apnea. If it turns out that OSA is the reason for your troubles, our doctors can help. With the use of a customized oral appliance – often called a nightguard or a snore guard – you may be able to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea in a way that is easy and comfortable. You simply wear the appliance while you sleep, and it effectively keeps your tongue and jaw in their proper positions throughout the night. This keeps the airway open and unobstructed, and typically helps prevent snoring as well.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you suffer from sleep apnea or excessive snoring, now is the time to take a step toward a healthier life and more restful sleep. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your consultation with Drs. Anderson and Anderson. We look forward to serving you! We also welcome patients from the nearby areas of Black Forest, Fort Carson, Falcon, Stratmoor, and beyond.

Finally Find Relief from Recurring Tooth Pain: Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO

June 20, 2014

shutterstock_84577195Though the term “root canal” often conjures up a variety of negative thoughts and emotions in many, the truth is that this elemental restorative dentistry service is among the most effective at actually relieving pain, not causing it. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Richard L. Anderson offer a variety of general and restorative dental treatments to help keep our patients’ smiles healthy and bright, including root canal therapy when necessary.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

During root canal therapy, the infected portion of the tooth will be removed and all bacteria will be eliminated from the resultant cavity. The area will be filled with a biocompatible material and sealed off with a protective, durable, and aesthetically pleasing crown. We’ll always make sure that you are completely comfortable throughout the duration of your procedure, taking your individual needs into consideration every step of the way.

Though a thorough examination and consultation with our doctors are necessary in order to definitively determine the need for a root canal treatment, there are some things that you can keep an eye out for at home between visits to our practice. Some examples of symptoms that may indicate the need for treatment include:

  • A tooth that persistently hurts, even after brushing and flossing carefully
  • Change in tooth color, usually to a pale gray shade
  • Pain and sensitivity to cold and heat
  • Inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding a particular tooth
  • Pain when chewing, or when the tooth in question is touched

Family Dentistry You Can Trust

At Anderson Family Dental, we believe that each and every patient deserves to enjoy optimal oral health as well as the beautiful smiles that come with it. If you suspect that you or someone in your family is in need of root canal treatment, please contact our office today to schedule your appointment with our caring team and experienced doctors. We look forward to treating you to the best, most compassionate dental care in Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding areas. We also serve patients from throughout communities in Fort Carson, Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, and beyond.

CEREC One-Visit Crowns for a Beautiful, Strong Smile on Your Schedule

June 10, 2014

Shutterstock Senior Couple Hug SmileCrowns are a common restorative option in modern dentistry, offering fundamental support and protection for teeth that have been compromised by decay or damage. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson understand that your time is a valuable commodity, so we offer a variety of restorative dentistry services that fit your lifestyle, including CEREC one-visit crowns.

Benefits of CEREC One-Day Restorations

Prior to the advent of CEREC one-visit crowns, a patient in need of a dental restoration would need to make multiple appointments with his or her dentist before the final restoration was actually placed. Messy impression materials were used to take molds of the patient’s dentition and then sent to a separate lab in order to fabricate the crown. In the meantime, the patient would have to leave wearing a temporary crown and return when the final piece had been completed.

Today, however, the advanced technology of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) makes it possible to capture digital impressions, fabricate a customized dental crown, and place the restoration all in a single visit. Patients are free to leave our office with their complete crown intact, looking and feeling better than ever before.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are planning to receive treatment that involves a ceramic restoration or you currently have a dental crown and need a replacement, we are here to help. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment with our team. We can’t wait to see your smile, and to help you rejuvenate and restore it with our wide range of dental services. Our practice happily welcomes patients from throughout the nearby areas as well, including Falcon, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Stratmoor, and beyond.

Enjoy a Brighter, Whiter Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening in Colorado Springs, CO

May 22, 2014

Shutterstock Pretty Woman SmileDo you ever look in the mirror and wish that your smile were just a little brighter? Are your teeth flawed by deep, set-in stains that simply won’t go away, even with whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter whitening products? At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, our team wants to help. Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Richard L. Anderson understand how important your smile is to you, so we offer a comprehensive array of cosmetic dentistry services to help you shine your brightest. One of our most popular cosmetic services is professional teeth whitening.

Not All Teeth Whitening Solutions are Equal

While many over-the-counter teeth whitening products may claim to whiten your smile as effectively as treatment from your dentist, the truth is that no store-bought product is capable of providing the same results as professional-grade whitening systems. At Anderson Family Dental, we believe that every one of our patients deserves to experience the full benefits of a radiant, confident smile; that is why we offer the revolutionary Zoom! Whitening system.

The Zoom! Whitening in-office treatment features a patented whitening formula that is capable of brightening your smile by numerous shades, all in about an hour! You may come in with yellow, lackluster teeth, but you’ll leave our office feeling like a brand new person, showing off a smile that you can truly feel confident about. If you’d rather whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, ask our doctors about our take-home whitening treatments, completely customized to fit your unique dentition.

Reserve Your Teeth Whitening Visit Today

Whether your teeth suffer from severe staining that makes you feel insecure about your smile or you have a special occasion around the corner and want to look your best, we are here to help! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment for advanced teeth whitening services at Anderson Family Dental. We can’t wait to show you what a dramatic difference our cosmetic dentistry treatments can make in your smile as well as in your daily life. Our family-friendly office warmly welcomes patients from throughout Colorado Springs, CO, as well as Fort Carson, Falcon, Stratmoor, Black Forest, and beyond.

Tooth-Colored Fillings at Anderson Family Dental for a Healthy & Beautiful Smile

May 6, 2014

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)Dental fillings are the most commonly performed restorative dentistry services, providing stability to a tooth’s structure when it has been compromised by decay. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson offer a wide variety of restorative dentistry procedures, including tooth-colored fillings for a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Historically, dental caries – more commonly known simply as cavities – have been treated using a filling material comprised of a metal amalgam. This amalgam contained mercury, silver, and other metals to form a solid barrier against bacterial invasion and further infection. Today, however, the majority of dentists and patients agree that composite resin is the preferred material for dental fillings.

Composite resin fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are customized to blend in flawlessly with the rest of your smile. Rather than hide your smile from the world because you are self-conscious about your dark metal fillings, you can feel free to show off your pearly whites anytime and anywhere you like. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, tooth-colored fillings offer functional advantages over amalgams as well. Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored composites do not react to changes in temperature, so there’s none of the sensitivity that patients often cite when drinking hot or cold liquids. Enjoy a smile that is always comfortable and always great-looking with tooth-colored fillings from Anderson Family Dental.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you are looking to replace your old amalgam fillings with more modern tooth-colored composites or you are in need of a new restoration for a current cavity, our team is here to help you. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment with our experienced, knowledgeable doctors. We look forward to helping you achieve your most beautiful smile as well as optimal oral health for years to come. Our conveniently located dental practice happily welcomes patients from throughout Colorado Springs, as well as nearby communities in Stratmoor, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Falcon, and more.

Sedation Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO Puts You at Ease in the Dental Chair

April 22, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep SedationFor many people, even the mere thought of visiting the dentist – whether it is for a routine exam and cleaning or a more complex treatment – evokes a feeling of dread or fear. This apprehension is typically rooted in some unpleasant childhood memory or even the result of a bad dental experience as an adult. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson help our patients relax and find peace of mind with modern sedation dentistry.

Oral Conscious Sedation: Proven Safe and Effective

When you experience fear or anxious feelings at the dentist’s office, it can make your treatment considerably more difficult. Your muscles are tense and your breathing may become irregular. With oral conscious sedation, you feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable throughout the duration of your treatment. Though you won’t be asleep, you may find that you remember very little to none of your time in our chair following your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation has been tested for safety and efficacy, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are perfectly safe while under the medicine’s effects. You will simply feel drowsy and content while still able to respond to our doctors’ commands and questions. Finally, a solution to the common problem of dental anxiety!

Find Peace and Comfort with Sedation Dentistry

If you’ve avoided seeking vital dental treatment because of fear or anxiety associated with the dentist, let the team at Anderson Family Dental show you how oral conscious sedation can help you. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your appointment. We’ll always listen to your thoughts and concerns, answering any questions you may have regarding your treatment and your sedation. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about! Our family-friendly practice serves patients from throughout Colorado Springs, Falcon, Black Forest, Stratmoor, and beyond.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening at Anderson Family Dental

April 8, 2014

shutterstock_126406406Each year, oral cancer is responsible for more than 8,000 deaths in America – that’s approximately one person per hour, every hour of the day. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing this serious condition, as well as methods of early detection and treatment. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, our doctors and team strongly emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal oral health through routine check-ups. It is during these regular office visits that we perform oral cancer screening to provide our patients with a distinct advantage when it comes to cancers of the mouth and pharynx.

Who is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

There are a variety of risk factors associated with oral cancer, including genetics, lifestyle, oral health, and general physical wellness. Individuals who smoke and/or drink alcohol, for example, are at a much higher risk of developing this potentially fatal disease. If someone in your immediate family has ever been diagnosed with oral cancer, your chances are higher as well. Additional factors include maintenance of oral health and hygiene, advanced age, certain viruses, and smokeless tobacco.

Though a substantial amount of emphasis is placed on high-risk behaviors – including smoking and drinking alcohol – many individuals who develop oral cancer are men and women who have never engaged in these behaviors at all. This is why it is so important to undergo regular screenings at your Colorado Springs, CO dental office. Our doctors and staff can answer any questions and address any concerns you may have regarding oral cancer and other conditions that affect the mouth.

Reserve Your Appointment Today

Whether you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or you’re simply due for your next dental check-up, Drs. Richard L. Anderson and Erick T. Anderson are here to help. Contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today to schedule your appointment, or if you have any questions about how oral cancer detection works. Our conveniently located practice also happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, and the entire Pike’s Peak region.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO

March 26, 2014

shutterstock_60528217While many people know that sleep apnea causes loud, disruptive snoring, the underlying causes and potential complications of this disorder are not always so obvious. Treating this common condition with comprehensive sleep apnea therapy at Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO can help you avoid serious health complications and improve overall quality of life.

How Can Sleep Apnea Put Me at Risk?

When a patient has obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissues that comprise the top of the mouth and the throat collapse during sleep, constricting air flow. The noise we know as snoring is caused by vibrations as the patient struggles to breathe while unconscious. The deepest levels of sleep are interrupted, often leaving the individual affected by the disorder feeling exhausted during the day. Other side effects include inability to focus on daily tasks, general irritability, and chronic morning headaches.

Aside from these daily nuisances, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of lesser known health problems. Some of the complications associated with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea include the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Cardiovascular stress
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Higher risk of stroke and heart attack
  • Impotence
  • Respiratory failure
  • Complications with certain medications
  • Frequent nighttime urination

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be controlled with help from your local Colorado Springs, CO dentists. A custom-fitted oral appliance, worn only while you sleep, helps keep your jaw in its proper position and facilitates air flow. Most patients report an improvement after just one night of using their nightguard.

Better Sleep, Healthier Life

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea and you’re interested in learning how a customized snoreguard can help, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today. We also happily welcome families from nearby communities in Falcon, Black Forest, Fort Carson, Stratmoor, and the surrounding areas. Our skilled, compassionate team looks forward to helping you get the restful sleep you deserve with sleep apnea therapy.

Protect Yourself from Future Health Problems with Periodontal Therapy Today

March 20, 2014

Shutterstock Perio HealthWhile it is relatively common knowledge that periodontal disease can cause pain, bleeding and even tooth loss, the majority of Americans are unaware of its more dangerous health implications. At Anderson Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Richard L. Anderson and Dr. Erick T. Anderson offer comprehensive preventive dentistry and periodontal therapy to keep their patients safe from these lesser known health risks.

Treat Gum Disease Now for a Healthier Future

Gum disease affects far more than your mouth, though this isn’t exactly a well-known fact. When the bacteria that cause periodontal disease travel through the bloodstream, the results can be fatal. Medical science is still working toward new discoveries regarding the mouth-body connection, but already we are aware of numerous diseases related to gum disease. The following are the most common:

  • Cancer of the blood and pancreas
  • Respiratory disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Higher risk of dementia
  • Increased chance of coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Gastrointestinal problems

Take Action Against Gum Disease

If you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from periodontal disease, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today and schedule your appointment. Early detection and timely gum disease treatment can help you avoid these and other potentially life-threatening illnesses. Drs. Erick and Richard Anderson also welcome patients from nearby communities in Stratmoor, Black Forest, Falcon, Fort Carson and the surrounding areas.

Reclaim Your Smile and Your Confidence with Dental Implants in Colorado Springs, CO

March 5, 2014

Shutterstock Dental ImplantYour smile is typically the first feature that people notice when they see you. If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s likely that you often hide your smile from others. This can lead to embarrassment in social situations and may even impact your professional life. Fortunately, Dr. Erick T. Anderson and Dr. Richard L. Anderson can provide patients in and around Colorado Springs, CO with a restorative solution in the form of dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

At your consultation at Anderson Family Dental, we’ll assess the health of your gums and the density of the bone in your jaw. If we find that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, our team will walk you through the steps of the entire process in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand. To replace your missing tooth, your doctor will implant a small post made of titanium into the gum and jaw bone where your natural tooth once stood. This post will serve as your new tooth’s secure root. A porcelain crown that has been customized to match your existing teeth will then be affixed to the implanted post. The result is a completely natural-looking new tooth that completes your smile and restores your bite.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

If you’ve been living with missing teeth and you’re ready to take the first step toward a happier, healthier smile, contact our office in Colorado Springs, CO today. Drs. Richard and Erick Anderson also serve families in the surrounding communities of Stratmoor, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Falcon and beyond. We look forward to giving you something wonderful to smile about!

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