Continuing Education
Guatemala Trip
Tooth-Colored Fillings
We are a mercury-free practice; however, many people have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in weakened tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are beautiful (or unnoticeable) and strong, thanks to new technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver Fillings
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of silver fillings can wear down, become weak, or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50-percent mercury. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth, creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost.
Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, which can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
Replacing Silver fillings with a Tooth-Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
At your first appointment, we will:
- Remove the old filling and any excess decay
- Make an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab
- Place a temporary onlay on the tooth
At the Lab
A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
At your second appointment, we will:
- Remove the temporary
- Prepare your tooth with conditioning gel
- Bond the tooth in place with bonding cement and a high-intensity light
- Polished the tooth
Your teeth are restored to look and feel natural, and they will be stronger protected.
Bite disorders
Dr. Workman has been trained in basic TMJ disorders. If you are suffering from TMJ pain, headaches, sore facial muscles, or clicking or popping in your joints, Dr. Workman may suggest a comprehensive TMJ examination.
Peridontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth caused by bacteria. If left untreated, gum disease will gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Various disease entities require different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth from gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by proper daily tooth brushing and flossing.
Periodontal disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gum line, and it constantly forms on teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Periodontal Disease
The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums and may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed. Prolonged irritation can cause the gums separate from teeth, which creates pockets (spaces) where the bacteria can spread rapidly. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to stroke, heart attack, and complications for diabetics and pregnant women.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best ways to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, some people still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent progression.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
Everyone loves a bright smile...
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they've been dreaming of with our simple bleaching procedure.
It's safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at your appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth, or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.
In only a day or two, your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We will provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, almost invisible splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles, working stains right out of your enamel in a very short time and without altering tooth structure or existing dental work. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We'll want to take "after" photos at your next appointment.
Dental bleaching can correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, brilliant smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be a better choice, but because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.
Key Benefits
- Corrects brown, yellow, or mottled tooth staining
- Works on people of all ages
- Is a near-permanent solution for a dull smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile to life
How is it done?
An impression is taken to make a specialized mouthguard, or stent, to hold the bleaching agent against the teeth. The system should be used for three to four hours a night, for a week or two. Significant whitening will occur by the end of your treatment. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology whitens yellowing, aging, or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.
Considerations
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.
In-Office Whitening...
We offer whitening in our office for fast, effective treatment or take-home kits for whitening at home. Our in-office whitening system uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth in a little over an hour while you relax at our office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. Whether you decide to only do the in-office bleaching, or follow it up with nighttime tray bleaching, a whiter smile is a phone call away.
Who can benefit from tooth whitening?
Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Upon an oral exam, Dr. Workman can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.
Is tooth whitening becoming more popular?
Absolutely! A bright, beautiful smile can make a big difference.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. Tooth bleaching is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
Bonding
Bonding can restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned, and it is an alternative to veneers.
How does it work?
The tooth is prepared by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by Dr. Workman. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to create a natural appearance.
Considerations
The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit and can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth. However, since the plastic resin is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a foundation so that your restoration will look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Regain the ability to eat virtually anything, smile with confidence, and take comfort that your dental restorations will appear natural. Implants are tiny titanium posts placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation on which we place your restoration. In addition, implants restore underlying structures that make the face full and youthful, and they prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.
If, like many patients, you feel implant dentistry is the right choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history assessment. During these consultation visits, Dr. Workman or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon suggested by our practice will talk with you to answer questions and explain the procedure. Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, and these will protrude through the gums to provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, Dr. Workman will begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken, then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then attached to the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
Bridges
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper oral function. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
One option is…
A bridge - a device used to replace missing teeth. It attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions, from eating to speaking; with missing teeth, it's difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your cheeks to cave and your face to look older because there is no underlying structure to maintain facial shape.
Optimal dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders because teeth contribute to clear speech.
How is a bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Workman will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance, because the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Before Bridge
After Bridge
Meet our Staff
Brittany Bachaar, Dental Assistant
Brittany Bachar is a native to Colorado . She graduated from the Warren Tech Dental Assisting program in 2003 and then continued her education at the CU Dental School to receive her Expanded Duty Dental Assisting qualification. She truly enjoys being part of the dental community and takes pride in being part of each patients care. She believes that education and prevention are keys to dental health and enjoys helping patients of all ages succeed in this endeavor.
Brittany and her husband, Jason, enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They also enjoy relaxing with music, movies, video games, and reading. In the future, they hope to explore Europe and Australia for the love of adventure, history, and culture .
From the Smile Gallery
"At 35 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to do everything that I could to clean toxins from my body. After doing the research, I knew the old amalgam fillings had to go! Dr. Workman spent a lot of time discussing options and going over the procedures to ensure that all the old material would be safely removed and replaced with safer gold and porcelain alternatives. It took a couple of appointments but it was so much easier than I had anticipated. I have never had a dentist that was so concerned with my comfort all through the process."
Shauna S.
Sun Valley, ID
Inlays and Onlays
When over half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which matches the natural color of teeth.
How are they applied?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments. During the first visit, the old filling or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. Dr. Workman will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Workman will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, bonded directly onto the tooth with special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, when the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a good alternative.
Before Porcelain Inlays
After Porcelain Inlays
Crowns
Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to create undetectable dentistry. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth.
If a tooth is beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns to enhance your smile. This extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems can permanently replace missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite.
Treatment provides long-lasting correction of major dental problems, lasting up to 30 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.
How long does it take?
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.
On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you'll have a new beautiful tooth.
Key Benefits
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes smile and functional chewing problems
What are the capabilities of crowns?
Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused by accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. We can generally correct major problems with crowns or bridgework. The material we use is either high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold or metal. A higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat serious problems. For lost or broken teeth, crowns and/or bridges offer a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from fillings in back teeth; this is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows full dental function to return. In front teeth, older fillings can weaken the teeth and cause appearance problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.
Our goal is to create undetectable dentistry. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth. This is a picture of a crown we placed for one of our patients. They are very natural looking!
Before Crowns
After Crowns
Meet our Staff
Shannon Bradley, RDH
Shannon Bradley is the dental hygienist at Dr. Workman’s office. She graduated from the University of Minnesota’s 4-year Dental Hygiene Program in 2005. She has been in the dental field for more than 8 years and feels that she chose the perfect career to keep her excited about work and her future. Shannon is dedicated to partner with the team and the patients at Dr. Workman’s office to help patients have healthy smiles. She enjoys sharing her learning and helping people make educated decisions about their dental care so that they can have optimal oral health.
Shannon enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding and many other outdoor activities as well as playing with her kitty cat, Nala.
From the Smile Gallery
"It is with great pleasure that I can recommend Dr. Workman. I have never met a dentist...or any doctor for that matter...with such a great level of understanding and concern for a patients comfort. He is ever willing to explain procedures, suggest alternatives, and offer choices. In short; he goes above and beyond expectations."
Georgia G.
Broomfield, CO
Veneers
Many people ask me about the veneer procedure.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that we bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an excellent choice for improving your smile. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to have unsightly gaps between your teeth, or teeth that are stained, misshapen, or crooked. Veneers placed on top of your teeth can correct these common esthetic problems simply and quickly to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Workman will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
The Procedure
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Workman will review with you what you can expect and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The second appointment will take two to three hours. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local anesthesia.
Then a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly, a temporary veneer can be placed at this time. The veneer should be ready in approximately one to two weeks.
Bonding
At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Workman will first place the veneers on your teeth with water or glycerin to check their fit and color. At this point, the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneers, and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to two hours.
Care and Follow Up
- Brush and floss daily
- Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks
Maintenance
Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good homecare regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists, please call the office.
If you are a known clencher, please be sure to let us know. Dr. Workman may recommend a soft nightguard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper homecare and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
From the Smile Gallery
"...Dr. Workman treated my case with the utmost importance, care, concern, and encouragement to ensure that I got the best possible cosmetic result. His attention to detail and perfectionism throughout a long process with numerous procedures ultimately gave me a smile I just cannot seem to wipe off my face! I would highly recommend Dr. Workman and his staff for their professionalism and constant, continuous care. They have won over this grateful smile for life!"
Brianna S.
Arvada, CO
Meet our Staff
Karen Zamboni, EDDA, Patients Account Coordinator Karen is a Colorado native and has been in dentistry for 19 years. She grew up in the Westminster area and now lives in Thornton. She has worked both as a dental assistant and in the front office. She has three kids that keep her and her husband very busy! She enjoys spending time in the mountains, scrap booking, cooking and traveling. She recently joined the team here at Dr. Workman’s office. “The patients at this office have been wonderful to work with, the office is beautiful and the team here is truly exceptional!”
She looks forward to many years here with her new dental family!
