Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental crowns represent a significant investment in your oral health, and proper maintenance is essential to maximize their longevity and functionality. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson recommends the following evidence-based protocol for optimal crown care:

Daily Maintenance

Maintain thorough oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the crown-gum margin where bacteria tend to accumulate.

You can implement daily flossing, using a gentle sawing motion rather than forceful upward pressure to prevent crown dislodgement.

Consider incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacterial colonization around the crown.

Dietary Considerations

Exercise caution with particularly hard foods (such as ice or hard candies) and avoid using the crowned tooth to open packages or bite into non-food items.

Minimize consumption of chewy foods that could potentially compromise crown integrity or retention.

Professional Care

Adhere to your recommended schedule of biannual professional cleanings and examinations at Mountain Vista Dental.

Report any changes in your bite alignment, sensitivity, or crown appearance promptly for evaluation.

Warning Signs

Persistent pain or sensitivity around the crown may indicate infection or fit issues requiring immediate assessment.

Visible fractures, chips, or mobility of the crown require a prompt professional intervention.

With proper care and regular professional monitoring, your dental crown should provide reliable function for 5 to 15 years. For additional information or concerns regarding your dental restorations, please contact our Colorado Springs dental office at your earliest convenience.

Dental bonding represents a conservative and economically advantageous aesthetic solution for minor dental imperfections. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson frequently recommends this procedure to address discoloration, minor fractures, and spacing between teeth.

The durability of dental bonding depends on multiple factors. While typical longevity ranges from 4 to 8 years, meticulous home care and appropriate functional habits can significantly extend this timeframe. The composite resin material used in bonding procedures, although highly advanced, lacks the inherent durability of porcelain restorations, such as veneers or crowns.

Several variables influence bonding longevity. Front teeth typically maintain bonding integrity longer than molar teeth due to reduced biting forces. Additionally, patients exhibiting habits such as clenching and grinding (bruxism) or those who regularly consume staining agents (coffee, tea, tobacco) may experience accelerated deterioration of bonded surfaces.

What You Can Do to Protect Dental Bonding

To maximize the lifespan of your dental bonding, implement a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen including twice-daily brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste and regular professional teeth cleanings at our Colorado Springs dental office. Avoid using your bonded teeth as tools, and consider wearing a protective night guard if you grind your teeth at night.  

Dr. Carlson recommends biannual evaluations to assess bonding integrity. Minor surface repairs can often be performed during routine appointments, potentially extending the functional lifespan of your restoration without necessitating complete replacement.

Learn More about Dental Bonding

While dental bonding may require more frequent renewal than alternative restorative options, many patients appreciate the conservative nature of the treatment, preserving maximum natural tooth structure while delivering excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Contact Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886 for more information on dental bonding in Colorado Springs.

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems worldwide, but the good news is that it's almost entirely preventable. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson helps patients understand how to maintain their teeth's health for a lifetime.

Understanding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food, creating acid that weakens your teeth. To prevent this, we need to fight back on several fronts.

Good daily care at home is your first line of defense. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean along the gumline where bacteria like to hide. Don't forget to floss daily – many cavities start between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. 

What you eat and drink matters too. Try to limit sugary and starchy snacks throughout the day. When bacteria have less sugar to feed on, they produce less tooth-damaging acid. Drinking water instead of soda and choosing healthy snacks, such as cheese, can actually help protect your teeth.

Regular visits to our Colorado Springs dental office are also essential. Dr. Carlson and our team provide professional teeth cleanings, apply protective fluoride treatments, and can seal the grooves in back teeth where cavities often start. We'll also assess your individual risk factors and create a personalized prevention plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Contact Our Colorado Springs Dental Office

Some patients need extra protection due to dry mouth, certain medications, or other health conditions. Dr. Carlson may recommend special mouth rinses, prescription fluoride, or more frequent checkups.

With the right combination of home care and professional treatment, you can keep your teeth cavity-free for years to come.

If it's time to schedule your next professional teeth cleaning and exam, contact Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886.

Many people worry about pain when considering dental implants. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson uses modern techniques and effective pain management to keep you comfortable throughout the entire process.

What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure

• During the Procedure — We work with a trusted local specialist for dental implant placement. The surgical procedure is done with a strong local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during the surgery. 
• After the Surgery — You can expect some mild to moderate discomfort for about 3-7 days after your implant is placed. Dr. Carlson uses gentle, minimally invasive techniques that reduce swelling and pain. You'll receive pain medication chosen explicitly for your needs and medical history to keep you comfortable while you heal.
• The Healing Period — While your implant bonds with your jawbone over the next 3-6 months, you typically won't feel any discomfort. This healing process happens naturally and painlessly. When it's time to attach the restoration, a few months later, you might feel minor discomfort, but it's brief and manageable.
• What Patients Say — Our Colorado Springs patients consistently tell us they were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the implant process was. Many say it was much easier than they expected.

Take the First Step Towards Your New Smile

Dr. Carlson will discuss your specific concerns about comfort during your consultation and explain exactly what to expect at each step. With proper care and modern techniques, dental implants can be placed with minimal discomfort while giving you excellent results that last for years. 

To learn more about dental implants in Colorado Springs, contact our team at (719) 598-8886.

If you're missing all or most of your teeth, implant-supported dentures could be a game-changer for you. Dr. Carlson often recommends this modern solution because it offers so many advantages over traditional dentures.

The Benefits of Implant Dentures

• How They're Different — Unlike regular dentures that sit on your gums and can slip around, implant-supported dentures are anchored directly to dental implants in your jawbone. Think of it like having secure posts that hold your dentures firmly in place.
• The Benefits You'll Notice — Your dentures will stay put when you eat, talk, or laugh—no more worrying about them slipping or falling out at embarrassing moments. You can say goodbye to messy denture adhesives and feel confident in social situations again.
• Eat What You Love — With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy foods that were off-limits with regular dentures. You'll be able to bite into an apple, chew steak, or eat corn on the cob—things that are nearly impossible with traditional dentures. This means you can maintain a healthier, more varied diet.
• Preserve Your Facial Structure — One of the biggest advantages is that the implants help preserve your jawbone. Regular dentures can cause your jawbone to shrink over time, changing your facial appearance. Implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, keeping your face looking fuller and more youthful.
• Feel More Like Yourself — Many of our Colorado Springs patients tell us they feel like themselves again after getting implant-supported dentures. You'll taste food better, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence.

Ready to Learn More about Implant-Supported Dentures in Colorado Springs?

While implant-supported dentures cost more upfront than regular dentures, they last longer and need fewer repairs, often making them a better value over time.

Dr. Carlson will evaluate whether you're a good candidate and create a treatment plan that's right for your specific needs. Contact our team at (719) 598-8886 to book an evaluation with Dr. Carlson.

Dr. Carlson recommends bringing your child in for their first dental visit around age two. This timing works well because most toddlers have gotten their baby teeth by then, and they're usually better able to communicate and cooperate during the appointment.

What to Expect at the First  Dental Visit

Your child's first appointment is all about making them feel comfortable and safe. Dr. Carlson will gently examine their teeth and gums, check how their teeth are coming in, and look for any potential concerns. We'll also talk with you about the best ways to care for your child's teeth at home, including brushing techniques and healthy eating habits.

Our team knows how to work with young children and uses special approaches to help them feel at ease. We want this first experience to be positive so your child looks forward to future visits.

When Earlier Visits Are Needed

While age two is typical, you should bring your child in sooner if you notice:

• Dark spots or holes in their teeth
• Teeth that seem to be coming in crooked or in unusual places
• An injury to their mouth or teeth
• Any concerns about how their teeth look or work
• Medical conditions that might affect their oral health

Why Early Visits Matter

Starting dental visits early helps us identify and address minor problems before they become more significant. It also helps your child get comfortable with dental care and learn good habits that will keep their teeth healthy as they grow. 

At our Colorado Springs dental office, we're experienced in working with children and making their dental visits fun and stress-free. The goal is to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and positive experiences at the dentist.

Contact Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886 if it's time to schedule your child's first dental visit. 

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to treating periodontal disease, tailoring treatment to each patient's specific condition and severity level.

Understanding Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)

For gingivitis, treatment typically begins with a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. Our hygienists will also provide personalized oral hygiene instruction to help you maintain healthy gums at home through proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Treating Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

When periodontal disease has progressed to more advanced stages, we offer scaling and root planing, often called "deep cleaning." This non-surgical procedure involves carefully removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to promote healing and prevent future bacterial accumulation.

For severe cases, Dr. Carlson may recommend additional treatments such as antibiotic therapy to control bacterial infection or referral to a periodontal specialist for surgical intervention when necessary.

Throughout your treatment, we emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance. Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings, typically every three to four months, help prevent disease recurrence and maintain your oral health gains.

Contact Mountain Vista Dental

Colorado Springs residents trust our expertise in identifying early warning signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession. Early intervention is crucial for preventing tooth loss and maintaining overall health, as research has linked periodontal disease to various systemic conditions. 

Our goal is to restore your gum health and provide you with the tools needed for long-term success. Contact our Colorado Springs dental office at (719) 598-8886 for more information on how we can help with gum disease. 

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson wants patients to understand that sleep apnea affects much more than just your sleep quality—it can impact your entire health.

What Happens During Sleep Apnea

When you suffer from sleep apnea, your airway is blocked during sleep. This causes you to stop breathing for short periods. Your body wakes you up just enough to restart breathing, but this happens over and over throughout the night. You might not even remember waking up, but your body never gets the restful sleep it needs.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart

Sleep apnea puts severe stress on your heart and blood vessels. The repeated drops in oxygen levels can lead to high blood pressure that's hard to control with medication. It also increases your risk of heart disease, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and stroke. Studies show that severe sleep apnea can triple your risk of having a stroke.

Impact on Your Blood Sugar and Weight

Sleep apnea makes it harder for your body to control blood sugar, increasing your risk of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, sleep apnea can make it much harder to manage. The condition also affects hormones that control hunger, making weight management more difficult.

Effects on Your Daily Life

Poor sleep from sleep apnea leaves you feeling tired during the day, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, or think clearly. This can affect your work performance and increase your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.

How We Can Help

Dr. Carlson works with sleep specialists to provide oral appliances that can effectively treat sleep apnea. These custom-made devices help keep your airway open while you sleep, allowing you to breathe normally and get the restorative sleep your body needs.

Don't ignore the signs of sleep apnea—promptly addressing it can significantly improve your overall health and quality of life. Contact Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886 to book an evaluation with Dr. Carlson to learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Colorado Springs.

Yes! When done under professional supervision, teeth whitening is very safe with minimal side effects. Mountain Vista Dental offers proven whitening options, including custom take-home trays and professional-grade whitening strips.

How Teeth Whitening in Colorado Springs Works

Professional whitening uses safe bleaching ingredients (mainly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that have been thoroughly tested for safety. These ingredients work by breaking down stains in your teeth without damaging the tooth structure itself. They can remove both surface stains, such as those from coffee and wine, as well as deeper stains that develop over time.

Teeth Whitening Options at Mountain Vista Dental

We offer custom whitening trays made specifically for your teeth. Dr. Carlson takes impressions of your teeth to create trays that fit perfectly, which means the whitening gel stays where it should and doesn't irritate your gums. This personalized approach allows us to adjust the strength of the whitening gel according to your specific needs and sensitivity level.

If you prefer, we also have professional whitening strips that are much more effective than store-bought versions. They stick better to your teeth and contain the right amount of whitening ingredient for safe, effective results.

What to Expect

Before starting any whitening treatment, Dr. Carlson will examine your teeth to make sure whitening is right for you. Some individuals with particularly sensitive teeth, cavities, or specific dental work may need to address these issues first.

The most common side effects are temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, which typically subside within one to two days after treatment. If you experience sensitivity, Dr. Carlson can recommend special toothpaste or adjust your treatment to keep you comfortable.

Why Choose Professional Whitening

Having your whitening supervised by your dentist ensures you receive safe and effective results. We'll customize your treatment plan and monitor your progress to help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you desire while maintaining the health of your teeth. 

Call your team at Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886 for more information about professional teeth whitening. 

TMJ disorders affect your jaw joint and the muscles that help you chew. Dr. Carlson wants patients to understand that leaving TMJ problems untreated can lead to severe, long-lasting damage.

What Can Happen to Your Jaw Joint

Over time, untreated TMJ problems can cause permanent damage to your jaw joint. The small disc inside your joint may slip out of place and stay there, making it hard for your jaw to move smoothly. The bone surfaces can also wear down or develop rough, bony growths that make movement painful and difficult.

The Effects on Your Muscles

Your jaw muscles may become chronically tight and develop painful knots, known as trigger points. This ongoing muscle tension can alter your natural jaw movement, creating new problems and exacerbating existing ones.

Damage to Your Teeth

TMJ disorders often cause people to clench or grind their teeth, especially at night. This can significantly wear down your teeth, altering your bite and changing your facial appearance. Once teeth are worn down, they're much more complicated and more expensive to restore. 

Problems Beyond Your Jaw

Because your jaw joint is closely connected to your head and neck, TMJ problems often cause headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension. You might also notice changes in your posture as your body tries to compensate for the jaw dysfunction.

How It Affects Daily Life

As TMJ problems worsen, you may find it harder to open your mouth wide, chew certain foods, or speak clearly. This can impact what you eat, how you communicate, and your overall quality of life.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Dr. Carlson uses thorough examinations and imaging to identify TMJ problems early, before permanent damage occurs. The sooner we address these issues, the better chance we have of preventing irreversible damage and chronic pain that becomes much harder to treat.

Don't wait if you're experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth—early intervention can save you from years of discomfort and expensive treatments later. Contact our team at (719) 598-8886 for more information on how we help with TMJ discomfort.