The Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner is a state-of-the-art instrument for removing tartar from both above and below the gum line. Instead of cleaning your teeth with the bulky and sharp metal hand tools, the Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner has a blunt tip and uses oscillating sound waves to gently vibrate the tartar away from your teeth. The Cavitron unit is so gentle that it can even be used to administer deep cleaning and gum therapy, many times without the need for anesthetic. And because it vibrates at the speed of sound, you will hardly feel the procedure at all. We are dedicated to providing our patients with state of the art high tech equipment.

The intra-oral camera is an excellent instrument for examining cavities, broken teeth, evaluating old fillings and especially cracks in teeth.
Our patients are now able to see exactly what we see. Dr Dolby can take a picture with the intra-camera, and then we can review the image with our patients together on a high-resolution monitor.

Patient’s can now see the extent of their oral condition, with better understanding before treatment begins. Even better, we can printout the images of your teeth and send them home with you, so you can discuss your treatment with your spouse or other family members.

For more information on the Intra-oral Camera, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dolby. Please send us an email at info@cottonwoodcreek-dental.com or call us at 208-323-8545 and our amazing team will take care of all your needs.

High Tech Lasers for treating Periodontal Disease

Research suggests that the use of high tech lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of curing Periodontal Disease. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery. 

A study in the Journal of Periodontology confirms findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart, and cause harm. 

The study is in line with recent findings by the University of Buffalo where researchers suggest periodontal disease may cause oral bacterial components to enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make C-reactive proteins, which are a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease. 

“We found the mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions,” said Dr. E.H. Rompen, director of the study. “This could be the missing link explaining the abnormally high blood levels of some inflammatory markers or endotoxemia observed in patients with periodontal disease.” 

Researchers studied 67 patients of whom 42 were diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis and the remaining 25 patients were healthy individuals who had never received periodontal treatment. Blood samples were taken before and after patient’s lightly chewed chewing gum 50 times on each side of their jaw. Researchers found the number of patients with endotoxemia rose from six percent before chewing to 24 percent after chewing. Additionally, those with severe periodontal disease had approximately four times more harmful bacterial products in their blood than those with moderate or no periodontal disease. 

“While this clinical study supports earlier findings, there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, and difficult-to-control diabetes,” “This data clearly stresses the importance of regular dental checkups to ensure a healthy, diseased-free mouth.” 

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. 

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures. 

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

As a professional in the field of dentistry, sometimes a diagnosis can be difficult due to looking for things that we cannot see. This is why we perform x-rays at our offices. In fact, x-rays are the only way we are able to detect cavities that start in-between your teeth. X-rays are an extremely safe and valuable tool in seeing the unseen.

We utilize only High Tech Digital X-Ray’s in our office, that not only produce about
90% less radiation than conventional x-rays, they allow us to detect cavities at their
earliest stage. Better yet, images can be enlarged 300x for an even more accurate
diagnosis. With the immediate on-screen image, our patients are better able to
understand their treatment needs and are more informed about their options for
care.

For more information on digital x-rays, or to schedule an appointment with Dr.
Dolby. Please send us an email at info@cottonwoodcreek-dental.com or call us at
208-323-8545 and our amazing team will take care of all your needs.

The DIAGNOdent laser caries detection aid removes the doubt from treatment
decisions regarding hidden cavities, or questionable stained grooves. The
DIAGNOdent’s ability to see into deep grooves of a tooth allowing Dr Dolby to
treat sub-surface cavities at the earliest inception.

How this benefits our patients:

  • Allows us to find cavities at the earliest stage possible, with a precise and
    reliable measurement.
  • Ability to detect suspicious areas needing further examination.
  • Extremely accurate diagnostic aid, with over 90% accuracy.
  • Early detection of pathological changes that would go undiagnosed by
    conventional examination methods.
  • Simple, fast and painless.
  • No x-ray exposure.
  • Over 90% accurate

For more information on the DIAGNOdent, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dolby. Please send us an email at info@cottonwoodcreek-dental.com or call us at 208-323-8545 and our amazing team will take care of all your needs.

“Cosmetic Dentistry” has become today’s catch phrase for a Whiter and Brighter Smile. Thanks to reality shows like Extreme Makeover, the general public now knows the possibilities when it comes to improving your smile. Before I decided to make improvements with my own smile, I did what most people will do and that is asked my friends. I found the problem with this approach is that your friends will rarely tell you the truth regarding physical appearance because they are in greater fear of what you may say about their own imperfections! All my friends said my smile “looked fine”, but when giving a talk to a grade school on oral health, a five-year-old asked me why my teeth were so crooked. Finally, I got an honest answer and that week I started my smile makeover.

Everyone has a different motivation that causes them to consider Cosmetic Dentistry. For some making improvements with their smile fulfills a life long dream, while others are so subconscious they are not willing to continue covering their mouth anymore to avoid showing their teeth.

When I first started practicing cosmetic dentistry over 14 years ago we did not have much to offer patients in the way of showing them how they would look when their treatment was completed.

Thank goodness today that has all changed for the better. Today, patients considering Cosmetic Dentistry first start with an interview to discover their desires and goals for their new smile. They are shown before and after photographs of cases that I have completed over the years and we can usually find a case similar to theirs so they can see the amazing results. But no matter how many before and after pictures a person sees they frequently ask the question; “but Doctor Dolby, what will this look like on me?”

To address this concern, study models are taken and a mock-up of the final treatment can be presented to the patient. This is a great opportunity for the patient to see their new smile on the study model before any treatment is started. This gives the doctor and patient the chance to fine tune the study model to exactly the smile they want.

In order to ensure a successful outcome for the patient, we have taken this one step further. We use the study model mock-up to create the patients temporaries to wear while the permanent veneers are being made. By taking time to make amazing temporaries we take all the guess work out of the case because the patient can actually “test drive” their new smile. We can easily make changes to the temporaries until they are exactly what we want the final result to represent. We simply relay this information to the Cosmetic Dental Laboratory Technician creating the final veneers for us and wahla, an amazing new smile!

So today there is no need to ask yourself the question “what will this look like on me”, because you will have the opportunity to see just how amazing your new smile will be before any treatment has begun. With the modern advancements in Cosmetic Dentistry no one should have to live with a smile they are not absolutely pleased with. So step up today to an Outstanding Smile!

Numbers from a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey show that whitening treatments have increased more than 300% since 1996. With so many individuals brightening their smile, the AACD has a few easy maintenance tips for consumers to consider after whitening.

“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” said local AACD member cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Dolby. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”

More White Smile Diet Foods and Tips:

  • Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.
  • Lemons will lighten and brighten too (just as they naturally “bleach” your hair, they can do the same for your teeth)!
  • Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
  • Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.

  • Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse. 

  • Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove topical stains.
  • The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ.

About the AACD

Comprised of over 8,000 cosmetic dental professional in 70 countries around the globe, the AACD is the world’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry (comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function). The AACD fulfills its mission by offers superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

What makes someone attractive?

Since the beginning of time people have battled the effects of aging in order to look and feel younger and more confident with their appearance. History has repeatedly shown us that people will journey to the far ends of the earth to discover ways to improve and restore their youthful appearance.

Maintaining that ageless beauty, until lately, was reserved for the rich and famous. Today, the largest segment of our population, the Baby Boomers, has brought the fountain of youth, through appearance enhancing therapies, to the forefront of our society. More than ever before, these youth re-energizing therapies are becoming common place and accepted within our society.

According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nine out of ten adults consider an attractive smile to be an important social asset. Eight out of ten believe an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex and three fourths of those surveyed suspect that an unattractive smile can negatively impact their career opportunities. Nearly half said they would like to make some improvement with their own smile.

 

What can a great smile do for me?

So why does our smile seem to have such a profound impact on our social and personal lives? Our smile is the first thing people notice about us and in our society it says so much about who we are and where we are from. Believe it or not, our smile is a representation of how healthy and successful we appear.

Our smile is an important factor when it comes to the most common form of communication we utilize today– nonverbal. Whether we are happy, sad, depressed or excited our smile will determine how profound that feeling is for us. Try being sad with a big giant grin on your face—it’s impossible. We express so much of ourselves to others through our smile.

How can I improve my smile?

Today dentists specially trained in Cosmetic Dentistry have many options available when it comes to improving a person’s smile. “Most people think that in order to improve their smile it will be difficult, painful and costly” reports Dr. Jim Makowski, clinical instructor St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver, Colorado. The advancements in tooth-colored bonded dentistry have provided trained dentists with materials and techniques that can return that youthful appearance and feeling many people are searching for. In fact, many of the advanced cosmetic dental procedures that can have a dramatic effect on your smile can be accomplished in one appointment with some procedures requiring no numbing whatsoever.

We all want to feel great about how we look. When we are feeling selfconfident we are able to give all of the beauty that lies inside of us. Our smile is such an important step to unleashing that inner beauty and showing the world who we really are. It’s just too easy today with the advancements in Cosmetic Dentistry for anyone to remain unhappy with their smile. Start SMILING today!

Vote for Cottonwood Creek Dental as Boise's Best Dentist 2019

We are so excited to announce that we are in the running for the title of Boise’s Best Dentist 2019!

Thank you to everyone that nominated us. In order for us to take the title, we would be over the top honored if you would take a moment and vote for us. Just click on the link below and on the left column select “Best Dentist”, then of course Vote for “Cottonwood Creek Dental.”

The entire team at Cottonwood Creek Dental thanks you in advance for your continued support.

All our best, Dr. Mike Dolby & Team

Cottonwood Creek Dental celebrates their 10 year A+ rating from the BBB of Idaho.

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