Lakewood Complete Dentistry Blog

If you think back to the past year, could you have tightened up your oral hygiene routine? Although it might not have been too bad, there might be some habits you want to build and others you want to break. With 2026 right around the corner, there is no time like the present to make resolutions to better your dental health. Here are five simple ones you can consider to ensure a problem-free smile.

The holiday season includes a few of the biggest travel days of the year since so many people go to visit family and old friends, but it can be hard to keep your teeth clean and healthy when you’re on a trip. The fare offered at fast food restaurants and gas stations is usually high in sugars, starches, and acids that can be quite harsh on your enamel and leave you more vulnerable to nasty oral infections. Here are a few tips to help you keep your smile in great shape when traveling over the holidays.

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the things that bring comfort, joy, and ease to our lives. If you have dental implants, you already know they deserve a place on your gratitude list. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants offer unmatched stability, natural appearance, and long-lasting benefits. They don’t just fill gaps in your smile—they help restore your confidence, support your health, and give you the freedom to live life without limitations.

If you’ve ever experienced a flare-up of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull and plays a vital role in everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even ear discomfort. While there are many ways to ease your symptoms, it’s equally important to know what not to do during a flare-up to avoid making the condition worse.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.