By Dr. David Bryant, DDS – Denver, Colorado
I’ll admit it, I’ve been watching those “get ready with me” posts where people share their skin care routines or hair routines. But what about your oral care routine? Patient after patient, year after year, I review home care routines and think we should give a try to taking the same approach for your mouth.
So here’s my challenge: if you’re already sharing your daily routines on social media and you follow my suggestions below, please tag me. I’d love to see how you make it work!
Let’s start honest:
There’s no judgment here. During patient counseling, I always ask what motivates you. Are you a carrot person who responds to rewards (“If I floss every day this month, I’m treating myself to that pedicure”)? Or do you need the reality check (“Do you want to explain to your grandkids why you’re eating soup because you lost your teeth”)?
Either strategy works fine, and some people need both carrots and sticks to stay motivated. What matters for building a lasting routine is understanding what motivates you personally.
For about 80% of my patients, this works beautifully: brush in the morning after your coffee or morning meal, then brush and floss in the evening after your last meal.
The timing matters more than you think. Evening cleaning is crucial because when you sleep, your saliva production slows down. That’s what keeps you from drooling all over your pillow, but it also means any food particles left behind become an all-night buffet for cavity-causing bacteria.
If you want to level up from basic, try flossing and brushing at BOTH sessions. Morning and evening, floss first then brush. Think of flossing as loosening debris, brushing as the final sweep.
Colorado bonus tip: Our dry climate already puts you at higher risk for dry mouth. Most of you carry water bottles everywhere. That’s not just good hydration, it’s oral health maintenance.
Some people can choose to go beyond basic. But for these groups, going beyond basic isn’t optional:
If you have orthodontics (braces or clear aligners): This is “more than basic plus.” Not only do you need water flossing, you need to clean every single time you put food in your mouth before putting trays back on. Even snacks, even that midday coffee. Those plastic trays shrink-wrap food particles against your teeth, creating perfect cavity growing conditions. With braces, those brackets and wires trap everything.
If you’re pregnant: Hormonal changes can cause gingivitis even in previously healthy mouths. Extra cleaning helps you and improves birth outcomes.
If you have any prosthetics: Removable partials, nightguards, anything that goes in and out of your mouth needs special attention. Clean both the appliance and where it sits against your teeth.
If you have food impaction sites: Gaps, spaces, or areas where food gets stuck regularly. These need extra attention beyond basic care.
Ready to go all out? Here’s the premium setup:
The tools: Electric toothbrush, traditional floss, tongue scraper, water flosser
Why each tool matters:
Pro technique: Put a shot of Listerine Total Care (I like the purple flavor) in your water flosser. It feels refreshing and I tell myself it’s helping sterilize the unit, but honestly, by the time it’s diluted in all that water, it’s more wishful thinking than actual antimicrobial action. The real benefit is that fresh feeling.
Use the timers: Electric toothbrushes and water flossers come with built-in timers. Use them. They guide you to spend equal time in each quadrant of your mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left. Let it be a moving meditation, an oral care ritual.
The key with electric toothbrushes is to let the brush do the work. Hold it in place and move from area to area, but don’t scrub. Most models have pressure sensor features that will alert you if you’re pressing too hard.
You should definitely get a water flosser if you have:
Water flosser reality check: Water flossers don’t replace floss. They are not a floss replacement. They are a great tool to use in addition to floss. I heard a quote that puts this in perspective: thinking a water flosser cleans your teeth is like thinking running around in the sprinklers is the same as taking a shower. You will likely rinse the surface debris, but there is a sticky biofilm that causes problems, and only physical flossing removes that.
Maintenance reality: Water flossers get gross if you don’t clean them properly. After use, disassemble, rinse thoroughly, and let dry. In Colorado’s dry climate, they’ll air dry if set upright. In humid climates, you need to actively dry them. And always check your manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance, because different models have different requirements.
I don’t hate those little disposable floss picks, they’re actually very useful. If you’re using them, great. I would never discourage people from using them, but I do encourage you to use real floss when possible. Real floss covers more tooth surface area and is more effective at disrupting plaque.
But here’s the thing: if it’s a choice between waiting to use real floss later or using a floss pick right now because you have it handy, use the pick. Do it. It’s better than nothing. Maybe you use picks for midday touch-ups and real floss for your thorough evening clean. We want to add in real floss frequency, but I’m never going to shame someone who uses the picks.
One size doesn’t fit all. I’ve worked with patients to make flossing happen despite shoulder injuries, hand arthritis, and amputations. We find ways to adapt techniques for their specific situation.
If you’re starting from minimal: Don’t jump to gold standard overnight. Add one habit at a time. Maybe upgrade to an electric toothbrush first, get comfortable, then add evening flossing.
If you’re inconsistent: Focus on consistency before adding complexity. I’d rather see you brush and floss regularly with basic tools than sporadically attempt elaborate routines.
If you’re ready to optimize: Add tools based on your specific needs using the decision tree above. Consider oral care immediately after eating if your lifestyle allows it.
Celebrating progress: If you come to your next cleaning having improved from flossing twice a week to five times a week, I’m celebrating that dramatic improvement, not criticizing the missing two days.
For sensitivity: We might add prescription fluoride toothpaste or custom desensitizing trays at specific times in your routine.
For whitening: Timing coordination with your cleaning routine prevents sensitivity issues.
For dry mouth: Extra hydration, specific rinses, maybe xylitol gum between cleanings.
Consistency beats perfection every time. Your oral health isn’t determined by what we do twice a year at cleanings. It’s what you do every day that matters.
We’re here to coach, guide, and customize a routine that works for YOUR mouth, YOUR lifestyle, YOUR challenges. This is literally what we discuss with every patient, every day. No judgment, just practical guidance.
Ready to optimize your routine or share it on social? Let’s talk about it at your next appointment. And if you post your “get ready with me” oral care routine using these tips, tag me. I love seeing how patients make these recommendations work in real life.
By Dr. David Bryant, DDS – Denver, Colorado
It’s that time of year again. Your HR person sends an email with a printed brochure full of numbers and tells you it’s time to sign up for next year’s dental plan. But here’s what your employer probably doesn’t realize when they picked this plan: what you’re buying isn’t really insurance. It’s more like a Costco membership for your teeth, except Costco actually honors their membership benefits.
After 20+ years in Denver helping patients navigate this maze, I’ve come across so many of the clever ways these companies delay or avoid paying out benefits. Let me break down what you’re actually getting when you sign up for “dental insurance” and why our office spends an average of 20 minutes trying to get the details that these companies gatekeep and don’t publish on their online portals.
It isn’t actually insurance. Your benefit plan is more like a discount membership with a spending cap.
True insurance protects you when something catastrophic happens. What you get with dental “insurance” is more like buying a Costco membership. I like Costco; I love those blueberry muffins. At least their catch is simple, I just have to buy 2 six-packs of muffins to get the bulk discount. But imagine if every time you tried to buy them, they said “Sorry, you haven’t been a member long enough for the bakery section.” That’s dental benefits in a nutshell.
In my practice, I’ve watched these companies evolve from simple reimbursement plans into something that would make Syndrome from The Incredibles proud. “Think of the shareholders, Bob!” seems to be their guiding principle when designing benefit structures.
No. Most dental benefit plans follow a “100-80-50” structure, and cosmetic work is almost never covered.
Here’s the typical breakdown:
Here’s the kicker even these percentages come with catches. In our office, we’ve seen patients shocked to learn their “80% coverage” for fillings doesn’t apply because they haven’t met some obscure waiting period they never knew existed.
Most dental benefit plans cover crowns at 50%, but only if they deem it “medically necessary” by their standards, not your dentist’s.
This is where things get frustrating. I’ve been placing crowns for decades, and I know when a tooth needs one. But dental benefit companies have their own ideas about necessity that often conflict with good dentistry. We spend considerable time sending X-rays, photos, and detailed clinical notes explaining why you need a crown, not because I enjoy paperwork, but because these companies will deny claims first and ask questions later.
Yes, most dental benefit plans cover root canals at 50-80%, but remember you’ll likely need a crown afterward, which has separate coverage.
Root canals are usually covered because even dental benefit companies understand that saving a tooth is cheaper than replacing it. But here’s what they don’t tell you upfront after a root canal, that tooth typically needs a crown for protection. That’s a separate procedure with separate coverage, turning your “covered” root canal into a much larger out-of-pocket expense.
Coverage is expanding, but it’s usually partial. Some dental benefit plans cover the crown but not the implant surgery itself.
This is actually good news compared to five years ago when implants were almost never covered. I’m seeing more plans that will pay for the crown portion of an implant, but they still balk at covering the actual implant placement surgery. It’s like covering the tire but not the wheel technically helpful, but not the complete picture.
Some dental benefit plans include orthodontic benefits, but watch out for age limits. Many cut off at 18 or 19.
This is one of my “favorite” (and yes, I’m doing quotation fingers) dental benefit gotchas. Your HR department tells you about the great orthodontic coverage, but buried in the fine print is an age limit. I’ve had 25-year-olds excited about finally getting their teeth straightened, only to discover they’re “too old” for their benefits.
Yes, most extractions including wisdom teeth are covered. We’ll just need to document and justify the why.
Where it gets tricky is what do we do AFTER the extraction. Will they help pay toward replacing that tooth? This is something we will help you navigate at our office. We want to know options before we remove a tooth.
Nope. Dental benefit companies draw a hard line at anything they consider cosmetic.
This is where dental benefit companies are crystal clear if it’s about making you look better rather than preventing or treating disease, you’re paying out of pocket. Whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding all considered elective. They’re in the business of basic dental health, not smile makeovers.
When we can find a clinical justification for a service, we can always appeal. Form follows function as my professor used to say. But there are definitely procedures that are purely cosmetic.
In-network dentists accept heavily discounted fees from benefit companies. Out-of-network dentists maintain standard pricing.
An “in-network” dentist has accepted a large discount on their fees in exchange for the insurance referring patients. The benefit company gets to tell their members they have “great coverage” because they negotiated these discounts on your behalf.
Why would some dentists choose to stay out-of-network? Because some benefit company reimbursements are so low, and their billing requirements so burdensome, that it’s not economically viable to participate.
Many dental benefit plans make you wait 3-12 months before you can use benefits for major services.
You’re paying premiums immediately, but you can’t access benefits for crowns, implants, or other major work until you’ve paid in for months.
It’s the yearly spending cap typically $1,000-$2,000. After that, you pay 100% out of pocket.
Here’s where dental “insurance” shows its true colors. In health insurance, the annual maximum is often the most YOU’LL pay, with insurance covering everything beyond that. In dental benefits, the annual maximum is the most THEY’LL pay. Big difference.
Once you hit that cap which isn’t hard with major dental work every dollar becomes your responsibility. It’s like having a gift card that runs out, not true insurance protection.
Typically $20-$50 per month from your paycheck, but your employer may be contributing additional amounts.
The monthly premium is just what comes out of your paycheck. Your employer often pays additional amounts to the dental benefit company that you never see.
Dental benefit companies use multiple tactics to limit payouts: missing tooth clauses, replacement clauses, age limits, and frequency limitations.
In 20+ years of practice, I’ve seen these tactics multiply:
Having two dental benefit plans (yours and your spouse’s) can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
When you’re covered under two dental plans, they coordinate benefits so you typically pay less out of pocket. One plan pays primary, the other pays secondary, and between them, you often get better coverage than either plan alone.
We spend 15-20 minutes per patient calling dental benefit companies to verify benefits and avoid surprise denials. We’re insurance-blind when it comes to clinical care and treat all patients the same.
Here’s everything we do to help you figure out the benefit maze:
Before Treatment:
During Treatment:
After Treatment:
Most dental offices will submit claims for you, but we go much further. We work hard for patients to use every benefit they’ve paid for. Why? Because we’ve seen too many patients get blindsided by denials and surprise bills when offices don’t do this legwork.
We give you advice based on your clinical needs, not based on what benefits you may or may not have. The appeal process can take 30-60 days, causing delays. During my years in Denver, I’ve noticed companies seem to deny first and ask questions later, knowing many providers won’t fight back on smaller claims.
UCR stands for “Usual, Customary, and Reasonable” fees, which is the full retail price for dental services in your area.
Think of it like shopping: out-of-network means you pay full retail price. In-network is like having a Costco membership that gets you discounted prices. But just like at Costco, your membership doesn’t make everything free. You still pay your portion, just at the discounted rate.
Benefit companies love to limit how often they’ll pay for services, even when you clinically need them more frequently.
Common examples include cleanings limited to twice per year (some patients with gum disease need them every three months), X-rays limited to once per year, and fluoride treatments often limited by age. These restrictions are based on actuarial tables, not your individual dental health needs.
For patients who want predictable dental care without benefit plan hassles, our membership plan offers 20% discounts plus included preventive care.
Our membership plan costs about the same as typical dental benefit premiums but includes:
No waiting periods, no age limits, no annual maximums, no missing tooth clauses. Just straightforward dental care with predictable pricing.
Dental “insurance” isn’t insurance, it’s a benefits plan with a spending cap and lots of fine print designed to limit payouts. Understanding what you’re actually buying helps you make better decisions about your dental care.
Don’t let your benefit plan dictate your dental health decisions. We’ve seen too many patients delay necessary treatment because they’re waiting for benefits to kick in or avoid recommended care because it’s not “covered.” Good dentistry focuses on preventing problems before they become expensive emergencies.
Whether you’re navigating dental benefit plans or considering our membership plan, our Denver practice is here to help you understand your options and get the dental care you need without surprise bills or bureaucratic runaround.
Ready to understand your dental benefits or learn about our membership plan? Schedule a consultation and we’ll explain your options clearly, no benefit company jargon, no fine print surprises.
Dr. David Bryant practices general dentistry in Denver, Colorado, with over 20 years of experience helping patients navigate dental care and insurance complexities. When he’s not decoding benefit plans for patients, he’s probably explaining why dental “insurance” isn’t really insurance to anyone who will listen.
By Dr. David Bryant, DDS – Denver, Colorado
One of the most common questions I hear in my dental practice is: “What toothbrush should I use?” Your toothbrush is the foundation of good oral hygiene, and choosing the right one can dramatically improve your dental health. As a practicing dentist in Denver, I want to share my professional insights to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
I’m strongly biased toward electric toothbrushes, and here’s why. While manual toothbrushes can work with perfect technique, electric toothbrushes make effective cleaning almost foolproof—you simply hold them in position and let them do the work. Electric toothbrushes include built-in timers for the recommended two-minute brushing time, pressure sensors to prevent damage from scrubbing, and advanced models offer Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps that can even gamify oral care for children.
Manual toothbrushes require more skill and attention to detail, but they’re perfectly adequate when used correctly. The key is maintaining proper technique throughout your entire brushing routine, which many people struggle with during their daily rush.
Always choose soft bristles, whether you’re using manual or electric. Hard bristles damage tooth enamel and irritate gums over time. Your toothbrush serves two purposes: cleaning tooth surfaces and gently massaging your gums to promote healthy blood flow. Think of brushing as a massage for your mouth, not aggressive scrubbing.
This principle applies universally—I’ve never recommended hard bristles to any patient in my practice. Soft bristles are effective at removing plaque while protecting your enamel and gum tissue from unnecessary trauma.
There are two main types of electric toothbrushes: oscillating head brushes (like Oral-B) and ultrasonic brushes (like Philips Sonicare). Oscillating heads spin in circular motions, feeling similar to manual brushing, making them ideal for people transitioning to electric. My top recommendation is the Oral-B IO Series 3, available on Amazon for around $80.
Ultrasonic toothbrushes use high-frequency vibrations that clean beyond where bristles physically touch—a unique advantage for hard-to-reach areas. I recommend the Philips Sonicare 4100 for about $50 on Amazon. Fair warning: ultrasonic brushes feel very different from traditional brushing, almost ticklish at first, but most patients adapt quickly.
Replace toothbrush heads every three months for both manual and electric brushes. If you’re brushing twice daily as recommended, this timeline ensures optimal cleaning effectiveness. I also recommend Burst toothbrush as an alternative—they offer a subscription service that automatically sends replacement heads every few months, which many patients find convenient.
The major brands like Philips Sonicare and Oral-B have proven track records and wide availability at retailers like Costco and Amazon, making replacement parts easy to find long-term.
The correct sequence matters: floss first to loosen debris, wet your toothbrush lightly, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, brush for two minutes using gentle circular motions, spit out excess, but don’t rinse with water afterward. This allows fluoride to continue strengthening your teeth.
For manual brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums, not straight at your teeth. Make small circles around each tooth, spending one minute on top teeth and one minute on bottom teeth. A professional tip: hold your toothbrush vertically when cleaning the backs of your bottom front teeth—this area gives most people trouble.
Brush for exactly two minutes, twice daily—once after breakfast (or upon waking if you don’t eat breakfast) and once after your last meal before bed. Nobody wants food particles sitting on their teeth overnight. Don’t forget to floss daily, as brushing only cleans surfaces your toothbrush can reach, while floss removes debris from between teeth.
I also recommend brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper like the Super Smile Ripple Edge Tongue Cleaner to reduce bacteria that cause bad breath. You can find three-packs on Amazon for around $9-10.
Here’s where I incorporate my mindfulness approach—I think of myself as a bit of a yogi and try to add mindful practices everywhere possible. Let your two minutes of brushing become an oral care meditation. Don’t multitask or scroll your phone while brushing. Be present and focus on each tooth, remembering you want them to serve you your entire life.
When people multitask and let muscle memory take over during mindless brushing, they’re much more likely to scrub aggressively, wearing grooves in teeth or traumatizing gums. Mindful, present-moment brushing naturally leads to proper gentle pressure and thorough attention to each area of your mouth.
Yes, you absolutely can over-brush. Two to three times per day is perfect—more than that can damage your enamel and irritate your gums. The sweet spot is twice daily with thorough, gentle technique rather than frequent aggressive scrubbing.
If you eat lunch or snacks during the day, a third brushing session is fine, but beyond that you’re risking harm. The key is consistency and proper technique, not frequency.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts around six months. Use a soft cloth or baby toothbrush initially. Around age 7, children can start brushing their own teeth, but they’ll need help and shouldn’t be trusted unsupervised until they’re much older.
Disclosing tablets or mouthwashes are incredibly helpful at this stage—they show exactly where plaque remains after brushing, turning oral hygiene into a visual learning experience. For toddlers under 3, use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. After age 3, graduate to a pea-sized amount.
Yes, absolutely. There are numerous signs of dental neglect, and they’re cumulative over time. Plaque buildup, gum inflammation, tartar formation, and overall tooth condition tell the complete story of your oral hygiene habits. We can distinguish between someone who missed a few days versus someone with chronic neglect patterns.
This isn’t about judgment—it’s about providing the best care possible. Please do brush regularly. Your daily habits directly impact your oral health for your entire lifetime.
Here’s something I’m excited to share: our practice has partnered with Colgate to offer a special toothbrush and toothpaste tube recycling program. These dental products can’t go in regular recycling because they’re made from mixed materials, but when collected together, companies like Colgate can separate the nylon bristles from plastic handles for proper recycling.
Bring your old toothbrush heads, manual toothbrushes, and empty toothpaste tubes to our office, and we’ll send them to Colgate’s recycling program. It’s a small step that makes a real environmental impact—and it gives you another reason to replace your toothbrush every three months as recommended.
Both Oral-B and Philips Sonicare offer excellent electric toothbrushes that will significantly improve your oral care routine. Your choice comes down to personal preference: the familiar brushing sensation of oscillating heads versus the comprehensive cleaning power of ultrasonic technology. Either way, you’re taking an important step toward better oral health.
Note: I don’t sell toothbrushes in my practice—patients consistently found better prices online than I could offer, so I focus solely on providing honest recommendations.
Have questions about oral care? Schedule a consultation at our Denver dental practice. I’m always happy to discuss the best dental care routine for your specific needs.
By Dr. David Bryant, DDS – Denver, Colorado
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems I treat in my Denver practice, yet patients often have fundamental questions about what causes them, how to prevent them, and when they need treatment. In almost two decades treating thousands of cavities, I’ve strived to answer the most frequently asked.
Understanding cavities isn’t just academic – early detection and proper treatment can save you significant pain, time, and money. Whether you’re dealing with a suspected cavity or want to prevent future problems, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
Sugar and acid cause cavities. You have bacteria living in your mouth that eat carbohydrates, especially sugar. When they digest that sugar, they create acid as their waste product. When I explain this to kids, I tell them the “sugar bugs are pooping on your teeth, and that poop is dissolving your tooth.” But sugar isn’t the only culprit – direct acid from citrus fruits, sodas, or stomach reflux can also erode enamel.
I can tell you if you have a cavity when we examine your teeth and take X-rays, but sometimes larger cavities become noticeable to patients. Small cavities are sneaky – they often don’t hurt until they’re advanced and have reached the tooth’s nerve. In my experience, people usually first notice cavities through sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, visible dark spots, or rough edges they can feel with their tongue. By the time a cavity causes pain, it has progressed significantly, requiring more extensive treatment than a simple filling.
No, cavities never go away on their own. Once the acid has created actual tooth structure loss, that damage is permanent without professional intervention. The cavity will continue to grow larger over time, especially if you continue eating carbohydrates and sugars that feed the bacteria. This is why I always tell patients that waiting and hoping won’t work with cavities – they only get bigger and more expensive to treat.
Small cavities that are just beginning to demineralize the enamel can be remineralized using newer products that help recruit minerals back into the tooth structure. This process takes about six months and requires no drilling or numbing. I love remineralizing teeth over drilling when possible, but this only works when cavities are small and haven’t broken through the enamel yet. Once a cavity has created an actual hole, you need professional intervention.
Yes, the bacteria that cause cavities can be shared between people. Parents colonize their babies’ mouths, and partners sharing kisses can pass cavity-causing bacteria back and forth. Sharing utensils, drinks, or toothbrushes can also transfer these bacteria. If you’re already kissing regularly, you’ve shared whatever bacteria you’re going to share. The more important factors for cavity development are your individual diet, oral hygiene habits, and genetics.
If you don’t treat a cavity, it will continue growing. Depending on your diet – particularly carbohydrate and sugar intake – that cavity can eventually become painful when it reaches the tooth’s nerve. At that point, you’re looking at root canal treatment or extraction instead of a simple filling. I’ve seen patients wait until they’re in excruciating pain, and by then, what could have been a $300 filling becomes a $1,500 root canal and crown.
If a cavity is big enough, yes, you can see it in a mirror. Look for dark spots, holes, or areas that appear different from the rest of your tooth surface. However, many cavities hide between teeth or in grooves where you can’t see them, which is why we use X-rays during examinations. Don’t assume you’re cavity-free just because you can’t see any problems – some of the most destructive cavities are hidden from view.
Early cavities might appear as white, chalky areas on your enamel – these are the demineralization spots that can be remineralized. As cavities progress, they can turn yellow, brown, or black. Larger cavities create holes or pits in your teeth. The appearance varies depending on the cavity’s location, age, and what’s been causing it.
Most people cannot feel a cavity forming in its early stages. Small cavities don’t cause any sensation until they’ve progressed significantly. By the time you feel sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets, the cavity has reached deeper into the tooth. Some patients report feeling rough edges with their tongue or noticing that food gets stuck in certain spots more often, but many cavities develop without symptoms until they’re advanced.
A dental filling replaces lost tooth structure. At our practice, we use white, bonded filling materials – no silver amalgam fillings. The process involves removing the decay with precision instruments, then bonding tooth-colored material that’s sculpted and shaped to replace what was lost. I like to compare it to going to a nail salon – if nail technicians used tiny precision tools and worked inside your mouth.
Properly done fillings should not hurt. Most fillings are placed while you’re numb, though smaller ones may sometimes be completed without anesthesia. If your filling hurts after the numbness wears off, something needs attention – either the filling requires adjustment or there’s another issue. If you have post-op sensitivity, it is important to return so we can prevent anything from escalating to something more painful. A correctly placed and adjusted filling should feel like nothing at all once you’re healed.
An average filling takes about an hour from start to finish. This includes time for numbing (if needed), removing the decay, placing and shaping the filling material, and making final adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable. Smaller fillings might take 30-45 minutes, while larger, more complex fillings can take up to 90 minutes.
With good oral hygiene and no grinding habits, a well-placed filling should last decades, potentially the rest of your life. However, if you grind your teeth, don’t maintain proper oral care, or develop new cavities around the filling, you may need earlier repairs. I have patients with fillings I placed fifteen years ago that are still functioning perfectly, and others who need attention within a few years due to poor maintenance or destructive habits.
At our practice, we offer two main types of fillings. We use white, bonded composite fillings for most situations – these match your tooth color and bond directly to the tooth structure. For children or elderly patients in hard-to-access areas, we also have fluoride-releasing filling materials that can be placed in those difficult spots. We don’t place silver amalgam fillings, though many are still functioning well in patients’ mouths from previous dental work.
Yes, fillings can fall out, especially if they develop new cavities around them or if you’re a grinder. Age can also cause fillings to loosen over time, particularly if the surrounding tooth structure becomes compromised. Most fillings that fall out do so because of new decay around the edges or because of excessive force from grinding or clenching habits.
If a silver filling is failing or has decay around it, replacing it is safe. However, if the silver filling is in good shape and functioning well, I recommend leaving it alone. There’s no health benefit to replacing well-functioning silver fillings just because they’re silver. The decision should be based on the filling’s condition, not just its material.
Call our office immediately. If it happens after hours or on weekends, you can purchase temporary filling material from any pharmacy. This putty-like material can be mixed and pressed into the hole to protect the tooth until you can see us. Just don’t try to make this temporary solution permanent – I’ve seen some creative “permanent repairs” over the years that created bigger problems.
Without insurance, fillings range from $250 to $500 in the Denver area, depending on the size and how many tooth surfaces are involved. A small filling on one surface costs less than a large filling that covers multiple surfaces of the tooth. Addressing a cavity early is always less expensive than waiting until it becomes a bigger problem requiring more extensive treatment.
Cavities are preventable and treatable, but they require attention – they won’t resolve on their own. Early detection through regular checkups saves you time, money, and discomfort compared to waiting until problems become painful. Whether you need remineralization for early cavities or fillings for more advanced decay, modern dentistry offers excellent options to restore your oral health.
Have questions about a potential cavity or want to prevent future problems? Schedule a consultation at our Denver dental practice. I’m always happy to discuss the best approach for your specific dental health needs.
By Dr. David Bryant, DDS – Denver, Colorado
Prevention and regular checkups are the best way to keep your teeth healthy. Remember, teeth are not tools. But sometimes, chip happens! Whether it’s an unintended somersault over the handles of a scooter, or biting that kernel of popcorn that refused to pop, teeth break when they want to break.
I’ve been fixing broken teeth in Denver for over 15 years, and most patients ask me the same questions when they call with dental damage. So let’s break this down (pun intended) and cover what you need to know.
See your dentist immediately. Don’t wait, don’t see if it gets better, don’t ask your neighbor what they think.
While waiting, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress if there’s swelling.
Pain determines urgency. If your broken tooth hurts – sharp pain, throbbing, sensitivity that makes you wince – it’s an emergency and you need to see your dentist immediately.
No pain? It still needs examination, but can wait until the next business day. Don’t let “no pain” turn into “no action” for weeks.
I don’t know until I examine your tooth. Small breaks are usually fixable, big breaks are probably fixable, huge breaks may need replacement options like implants or bridges.
The size and location of the break determine the best treatment options.
Costs range from $200 to $2,000, depending on treatment needed and break severity. Simple smoothing to bonding to crowns and root canal treatment all vary greatly in cost.
Waiting makes it more expensive – early treatment is the next best thing after prevention.
I need to evaluate how much is broken to determine that. A small painless chip on a front tooth corner might be okay to wait briefly, but bigger breaks should be seen sooner rather than later.
If left untreated, the break could get worse.
No. Crowns aren’t always necessary. It depends on how much tooth you’ve lost and which part broke.
As a general rule: less than a third of your tooth usually means we can do a filling, depending on where that third is. If it’s in an area critical for bite force, you’ll likely need a crown. Consult with a dentist to determine the best approach. Very small breaks sometimes just need filing or smoothing.
Usually, yes. But I need to examine how much tooth remains and how deep the break goes. Earlier treatment means more options.
Don’t assume the worst, even gnarly-looking teeth can often be restored.
Common question. People often describe biting something soft when it breaks, showing underlying weakness that developed over time. While trauma is the top cause, other culprits include cavities, genetic enamel conditions, or forgotten past trauma. Recent incident might just be the final straw.
Call my office. I’ll examine it and discuss options. Even minor-looking chips need professional evaluation.
Don’t self-diagnose. “Just cosmetic” to you might become bigger problems later.
It probably is not serious. It is probably mostly cosmetic, but it should be evaluated because chips can lead to further breaking in fragile or high-pressure spots.
Multiple options exist. Bonding works great for smaller chips. Veneers suit front teeth cosmetic damage. Crowns handle larger chips or structural issues.
I need to evaluate your situation to determine the right solution.
Slight annoyance to mild discomfort, depending on severity. Often anticipation is way worse than the procedure.
Tooth repair can range from $200 to $2,000, depending on location and repair method. Bonding costs less, veneers and crowns cost more.
Sooner treatment keeps costs manageable.
Yes. Untreated chips can snag and break further. Rough edges harbor bacteria which can lead to decay.
I don’t recommend “wait and see,” teeth don’t heal themselves.
All reasonable options. Choice depends on chip location and size. Bonding on a filling is cost-effective for small chips. Veneers perfect for front teeth cosmetics. Crowns provide structural support.
Your lifestyle, budget, and preferences factor into the best long-term choice.
Possibly, if not in a pressure-sensitive spot. But sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek, and continued pressure can worsen the damage.
Stick to softer foods and chew on the other side until I can see you.
If you have to ask, then yes, you should see a dentist. When in doubt, see a dentist. Do not wait, as conditions may worsen over time. Let’s take care of that tooth. Click here to schedule.
Most broken and chipped teeth can be saved with prompt treatment. Don’t wait hoping it’ll be fine; dental problems don’t fix themselves, and neglecting reduces our treatment options.
Existing patients: Text us using your appointment reminder thread for quick response, even after hours.
New patients: Book online or email us – I’ll get you in bright and early. The sooner I can see you, the more options we have.
Chip happens to everyone – don’t let the chip life throws at you ruin your smile. Reach out so we can address your tooth before it becomes a major problem.
Dr. David Bryant has been practicing general dentistry in Denver, Colorado for over 15 years. His practice focuses on preventive care and helping patients understand their dental health through education and honest communication.