Lakewood Complete Dentistry Blog

What Does It Feel Like to Have a TMJ Headache?

August 14, 2025

Man with glasses suffering a headache

Are you suffering from frequent headaches but aren’t sure what’s causing them? In some cases, it could be a symptom of a problem with the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Being able to recognize the cause of your pain is often the first step to finding lasting relief. As such, here’s a closer look at what TMJ headaches feel like as well as how you can address them.

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Periodontal Pockets: What They Are and What to Do About Them

July 29, 2025

Woman with inflammed gums

Have you ever noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or feeling a little more tender than usual? These early warning signs may point to something happening beneath the surface: periodontal pockets. Left untreated, these pockets can trap bacteria, deepen over time, and put your smile at risk.

The good news? With the right care, you can prevent them from worsening—or even reverse the damage.

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Dental Dispersal: Is Gingivitis Contagious?

June 8, 2025

Woman in blue sweater touching red swollen gums with finger

Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their oral health, but your connective tissues are equally significant. After all, without them, there would be nothing to hold your pearly whites in place! Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so you must care for your gums correctly to avoid it.

But if you’re not sure how gum disease develops, you might inadvertently put yourself at risk. For example, did you know that it can sometimes be contagious? Continue reading to learn more about how to prevent spreading periodontal problems!

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Counting the Costs of Scaling and Root Planing

June 2, 2025

Patient sitting at their desk with a calculator and piggy bank

The average cost of a scaling and root planing treatment in Colorado is roughly $240 per quadrant – which is decent considering the national average ranges from $185 to $444. That said, there’s a lot more that goes into the final price of scaling and root planing treatments. The severity of your gum disease will be a big determining factor in how much you can expect to spend, for example, and options like dental insurance and membership plans can help you save money.

Basically, there isn’t a set price for scaling and root planing treatments. But this post can still give you a sense of the costs involved! Keep reading for more information.

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It Runs in the Family: Is Gum Disease Genetic?

May 2, 2025

Woman pointing to red, inflamed gum.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diet are well-known risk factors, many people wonder: Is gum disease genetic? The short answer is yes, genetics can play a role in your risk of developing gum disease. But that’s only part of the story.

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Learn How Much Tooth Enamel Is Removed for Veneers and How to Maintain a Healthy Smile

April 30, 2025

Woman getting veneers

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to achieve a straighter, brighter, and more uniform smile. However, if you’re considering veneers, it’s important to understand the preparation process—including the fact that a small amount of your tooth enamel will need to be removed.

Let’s take a closer look at why this is necessary and how much enamel is typically taken off.

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How to Prepare for Your Dermal Filler Appointment

April 26, 2025

A woman smiling with dermal filler

Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, enhance your lips, or add youthful volume to your cheeks, dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical way to refresh your appearance. But to get the best results—and avoid unwanted side effects—it’s important to prepare your skin and body ahead of time.

Here are some simple dos and don’ts to follow before your filler appointment.

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Should I Enhance My Teeth with Veneers or Cosmetic Dental Bonding?

March 21, 2025

Lady smiles with pretty teeth

Cosmetic dentistry has allowed countless patients to enhance their smiles by concealing defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness with beautifully lifelike restorations. There are a wide variety of aesthetic dental treatments available, and veneers and cosmetic dental bonding are among the most popular. Here’s a brief overview of how these procedures work as well as a few of their pros and cons.

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Why Are My Gums So Red and Sore?

March 13, 2025

Lady has oral pain in dentist's chair

While the teeth are usually the most noticeable part of the smile, the gums serve the crucial role of providing them with the circulation, nutrition, and structural support they need to stay healthy and beautiful. Unfortunately, the gums can be compromised by factors like injury and infection, which can lead to serious long-term consequences like tooth loss and possibly dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia and sepsis. Here’s a quick overview of why your gums may be sore and inflamed and what you can do about it.

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Reversing Time: The Origin & History of BOTOX

February 13, 2025

A woman getting a Botox injection

Since it first earned FDA approval for cosmetic applications 1989, BOTOX®, also known as botulinum toxin, has quickly become the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. In fact, the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons estimates that 7.4 million injections were performed in 2022 alone. But what is it, and where did this injectable treatment come from? Here’s a brief history of BOTOX®, and how your dentist can use it to make you appear more youthful!

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