Bright, white teeth are classic characteristics of a beautiful smile. Over time, teeth can become stained because of genetics, food and drink (especially red wine, coffee, tea and mustard), tobacco use and other factors. If your smile has lost some of its luster over time, teeth whitening treatment at our Lexington  office can help you achieve dazzling white teeth. In our office, we use Zoom!® teeth whitening system, an in-office treatment that can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades - in about an hour!

If the color of your teeth makes you reluctant to smile, we can help you. Everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of!  Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Is Zoom!® Teeth Whitening Right For You?

Zoom!® teeth whitening can benefit just about anyone wishing to brighten his or her smile. This treatment does have varied results, but Dr. Cooper will be able to evaluate your smile and let you know what type of results to expect.

The Zoom!® Teeth Whitening Procedure

Zoom!® teeth whitening takes about an hour to complete. To begin, your teeth will be cleaned so that the whitening gel can thoroughly cover every surface of your teeth. Special guards will be placed in your mouth to protect your gums and mouth tissue, leaving the teeth exposed. Next, the whitening agent, which contains hydrogen peroxide, will be applied to the teeth. A special light is then trained on your teeth, intensifying the effects of the whitening gel. After about 15 minutes, the gel is removed, and new gel is reapplied. This process is repeated three times. During treatment, you can read, listen to music or watch television.

Don't Wait Any Longer to Brighten Your Smile

When you feel confident about the appearance of your smile, it shows. Whether your teeth have darkened over the years, or are naturally dark, we can recommend Zoom!® to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Click here to schedule an appointment today! 

Many more kids are sporting braces these days than when I was growing up. I'm pretty sure that my parents would say the same thing about their childhood.

Braces are a great tool for bringing the teeth into ideal alignment. I've seen increased incidence of cavities when teeth aren't ideally aligned, so I encourage braces. But, with during the period of wearing braces comes the hassle of increased chance of decalcification of teeth and subsequent cavities.

It is important to brush and floss at home. I advocate use of an electric brush and air flosser. Both of these make oral care much easier on children. I also believe it's important to get to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

With braces, gums get inflamed and teeth harbor food. If you have concerns about your child's teeth and want to get them in for a dental cleaning, please visit our website listed below or call our office for an appointment.

Saving teeth is what I do. But, there are times when I'm forced to decide the fate of teeth due to cracks. Cracks in teeth can present gradually or all at once. For example, if a person bites into their steak for dinner and crunches down hard on a bone it is possible a tooth will form a crack.

Gradual formation of a crack can occur in teeth of a grinder or just someone who is rough on their teeth. As for treatment of a crack it depends on the severity of the crack. If the crack extends minimally into the tooth or down the side of the tooth I might be able to place a filling or crown the tooth to help hold it together. If the crack extends too far down the tooth's side or too far into the tooth, I would find it unrestorable and get it out.

That leads into replacement of the tooth which is beyond the scope of this post, but the point I make is that the ability to restore a cracked tooth depends upon the extent of the crack. If you are concerned about your teeth and oral health, please call our office at (859) 309-6052.

If you have been keeping your ear to the ground lately you likely have read about Colgate toothpaste and the ingredient Triclosan. Triclosan is used in Colgate toothpaste to combat gum disease.

The Daily Mail came out with an article August 11, 2014 informing people of a Freedom of Information Request that was filed, and finally approved, to find out the truth behind Triclosan and cancer. View the article HERE.

Fox News posted this article on August 21, 2014 to try and downplay the divulged information (Click here for Article), which defends Colgate's position but trying to calm the "storm" with repeatedly emphasizing safety of Triclosan.

In the end, the FDA and ADA are still on board with Triclosan (as of today's post). It's important to read the articles for yourself and know the potential any chemical may impose on your body. Each institution that writes an article on Triclosan or other topic will try and skew you to believe one way or another.

Again, read these linked articles and do more research to find truth for yourself and your family. At some point I will likely write an article on another topic of growing interest -- Fluoride in our water systems.

-Dr. Cooper

859-266-2570

Cooper Family Dentistry

Cooper Family Dentistry is a dental office located in the Lansdowne Shopping Center on Tates Creek Rd. in Lexington, KY dedicated to helping you and your family achieve the best oral care.

Lately I've seen a number of patients that seem to have tooth pain related to their bite being "off". The history of a patient's tooth pain is just as important as the objective testing I do such as taking an x-ray and tapping on the tooth.

The story I usually get is one that includes a history of a filling done within the last 6 months. I typically test the tooth with cold air, pressure, and checking the bite. I've found that a tooth that is heavy in occlusion(the bite is high) will lead to a pain in that very tooth or the one opposing it.

If you have issues with your bite or merely have questions about your dental health in general or want a cleaning, please give our office a call or follow the link below to our website to schedule an appointment.

I've pointed out the importance of flossing in recent blog posts. Flossing keeps cavities from forming between teeth as we as keeps bone loss and gum inflammation (gingivitis) from occurring.

Some individuals need extra help flossing from lack of ability to clean adequately. Some people love flossing aides such as Reach's Flosser or Plackers that are very portable.

Electric flossers are used primarily at home in front of your sink. They use a stream of water to flush debris from between teeth much like a water gun could. Being either a/c powered or battery powered gives the user the ability to push a button making flossing much easier.

Waterpik is a classic example. Typically, Waterpiks come with a high pressure and a low pressure tip for the user's preference. Waterpiks work well under dental bridges or around teeth that have significant bone loss.

If you have any more questions about a Waterpik or about improving your oral health and scheduling a regular checkup, please give us a call at (859) 309-6052.

Is your tongue or your child's tongue attached to the floor of their mouth?

Ankyloglossia is a term that explains that a tongue is tongue-tied. This extra tissue that holds the tongue down tends to affect speech quite a bit.

Sometimes this extra tissue is found connecting the upper lip to the gums above the front 2 teeth. This causes a separation of the front 2 teeth called a diastema. A simple procedure called a frenectomy, or frenulectomy, can be done that cuts the extra tissue so that it is not a problem in the future.

Typically it is something insurance pays for as well. The frenectomy can be done with either a scalpel or a laser. At my office we have used a laser for this procedure. There's less pain and healing is easier with a laser.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental health and need more information, please call us or visit our website at the link below.

Dental insurance can be both helpful and frustrating to deal with. Like all insurance, dental coverage assists patients in getting work done with less expense to themselves.

It can be frustrating because it differs from medical insurance in the way insurance providers limit reimbursement. Dental insurance has deductibles to be met, co-pays, and fee schedules just like traditional medical insurance.

There are many different insurance companies out there each with a variety of plan options. Most dental insurance plans I have seen cover dental cleanings and xrays during a visit.

If you have any questions about dental insurance and whether you're covered please visit our website below or call us for more information so we can help you care for your dental health.

-Dr. Cooper

859-309-6052

TMJ pain is horrible for those who have it because it keeps you from enjoying eating and functioning as normal. the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that connects your lower jaw with your skull.

You can experience pain in your TMJ if you have hyper-extended it or overused it. I have had patients tell me they wake up with pain or tenderness around their jaw joint or muscles in the area. I have had gum chewers tell me symptoms that have i can link directly to overuse of their jaw.

TMJ can be a complicated issue with some if not total resolve. Treatment in extreme cases may require surgery, but most of the time biteguard therapy and perhaps some muscle relaxers will do the trick.

If you feel you might have TMJ pain please check out our website for further information or give us a call.

-Dr. Cooper

859-309-6052

I see a lot of patients during a work week. One item i see articles about is making sure clinicians perform a soft tissue check on patients during an oral exam. This part of the oral exam is a way to stay on top of oral cancer. It doesn't prevent oral cancer, but helps identify it hopefully before it becomes a larger issue.

According to the National Institute of Health the incidence of cancer is 10.5 people per 100,000. While that sounds low, if you are one of the few that develop oral cancer I'm sure you would want to know about it in its infancy.

The best way to find it early is to have regular checkups at your dentist and make sure your dentist is checking out your gums, cheeks, floor of mouth, back of throat, and roof of mouth. If you look in the mirror one morning and notice something that wasn't there before it's not a bad idea to get it checked out.

It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oral cancer. If you have any questions about your oral health or about our office please visit our website at the link below or call our office to come in for a visit.

-Dr. Cooper

859-309-6052  

We accept many different insurance plans available to consumers - both employer sponsored plans as well as individual plans.

Sometimes finding a provider that is in-network is the largest stumbling block to seeking care. That's a big reason we are in-network with a long list of insurance companies. This eliminates that stumbling block.

Not all,but some of the insurance plans we accept are:

Delta Dental PPO

Delta Dental Premier

Delta Dental DeltaCare

Humana

Cigna

Aetna

Metlife

Anthem BCBS Traditional, FEP, Blue 100,200,300

Guardian

Assurant

Dentemax

Principal

DentaSelect

Ameritas

United Concordia

United Health Care

Better home care refers to better brushing and more effective flossing. I consistently see individuals who are collecting plaque and calculus behind their lower front teeth. The importance of brushing well is important for long-term tooth and gum health.

Keeping debris off your teeth will help keep cavities from forming. Keeping debris away from your gums will keep inflammation and subsequent gum recession from occurring. It's important to use a good toothbrush and floss.

I typically recommend a soft bristle brush and good sturdy floss. Some people have a hard time getting things cleaned adequately, possibly due to extra space between teeth or decreased dexterity.

For those people I commonly recommend electric brushes or electric flossers. In my up-coming posts I will be talking more about electric brushes and flossers available on the market.

If you have more questions about improving your oral care, please call our office or visit our website by clicking on the hyperlink below.

Crowns and Bridges are restorations done to teeth that need something more than a filling to hold things together. That 'in a nutshell' is the answer.

A crown covers the tooth like a hat around your head holding your hair against your head on the top and sides. A crown costs more than a filling because of the added laboratory costs associated with fabrication. But, hopefully a crown last longer than a typical filling as well.

Typically crowns are reserved for when teeth no longer are going to be a stable platform for daily function with large fillings. Sometimes patients want crowns for aesthetic reasons so that their teeth won't ever discolor.

Bridges, by definition, are 2 or more crowns tied together. The most common bridge is a 3-unit bridge. That type of bridge replaces 1 missing tooth by being attached to the tooth in front and in back of the space.

A bridge accomplishes re-establishment of function in that space, holding the teeth from shifting, and helps with esthetics and phonetics.

If you think you may need a crown or a bridge, or have other concerns about your dental health, please call us or check out our website for more information at the link below.

New patients are a toss-up. Sometimes they are quite regular with getting cleanings. Sometimes they haven't been in years due to a bad experience or maybe getting out of the routine.

It is important to get regular checkups because cavities, gingivitis, and bone loss all develop over time, but sometimes faster than other times.

We see patients either on 3, 4, or 6 month intervals and is dependent on a number of factors. Those factors could be dry mouth (which leads to cavities), gum loss, bone loss, ability to care for their teeth, and other factors.

Whether young or old, rich or poor, lots of teeth or few teeth, it's important to stay regular. If you need a checkup and cleaning give us a call or visit our website for more information.

-Dr. Cooper 

859-266-2570

Sometimes I have patients who are concerned about dry mouth. Dry mouth is a symptom of a lack from saliva production. It is most commonly associated with taking some medications.

After talking to your physician, you might be able to switch to another medication if you think the current medication you are taking is causing your dry mouth.

Lack of salivary flow also can be generally associated with aging. Regardless of the cause of dry mouth it can be devastating to the teeth because it allows for rampant cavity production. The best defense against that is good oral care at home and a regular visit with your dentist.

If you need a regular checkup, give us a call or check out our website for more information.

-Dr. Cooper

859-266-2570

I have many patients who grind their teeth, so i get asked routinely about options to fix this problem. For some, it's as easy as making a biteguard that one sleeps in to prevent further trouble from occurring. For others it might involve muscle relaxers, or finding the root cause of their worries.

Sometimes it can be a tooth or sinus issue. I typically ask a series of questions when patients come in and work with them to find the appropriate solution. Broken teeth are often a sign that you may grind your teeth.

If you grind or clench your teeth, or just need a regular checkup, give us a call or visit our website for more information.

-Dr. Cooper

859-266-2570

Lexington Dentist Wants You to Avoid These Snacks

Everyone is guilty of snacking once in a while. When you’re not hungry enough for a full meal, grabbing a small bag of chips can satisfy you until its dinner time. But snacking can damage your teeth. Here, your Lexington Dentist, Dr. Cooper, wants to tell you about snacks to avoid, even though you may think you’re snacking right!

Hard and Soft Candies
The hard candies can contain large amounts of sugar, which, when you’re sucking the flavor out of it, goes directly to your teeth. Also, if you’re not careful, you can bite down on the candy and chip or break a tooth! On the opposite end, soft candies can damage your teeth because small pieces can get stuck on and in between the spaces. If these pieces linger on your mouth for too long, they can cause damage because they’re directly stuck to the surface.

Crackers
These can satisfy your hunger for a short amount of time for the carbohydrates, but when you’re chewing them, they can also get stuck because they’re mushy after being chewed. Many crackers are also covered in salt, which can quickly give you dry mouth. As long as you don’t eat a lot of crackers at once, and are able to floss and brush after consumption, you can easily enjoy a small amount.

Dried Fruits
While they may be easier to snack on because they’ll last longer, they’re dried out with processed sugars, and there’s a lot of it! You’re much better off eating real fruit. The dried fruit can dry out your mouth, get stuck in your teeth, and are overall hurting your teeth faster.

If you have any other questions about snacks to avoid, and want advice for better snacks to have, don’t hesitate to contact your Lexington Dentist, Dr. Cooper, at this number (859) 309-6052 or click here to make an appointment!

Dentist in Lexington KY is Here to Help Your Brush Decision

There are not many people who go in deep thought when they choose a toothbrush. Even though there’s a wall of different brands, sizes, types, manual or electric, they don’t find it too important because they simply think, “it’s just a toothbrush.” But there’s more to this decision than only the basics, and Dr. Cooper, your dentist in Lexington KY, is here to break down how to pick the best toothbrush for you.

If you’re thinking about just the basics and aren’t worried about finding the perfect toothbrush, here are some general tips to look for when you’re picking your dental tool.

1. Think about the size of the head of the brush. Your mouth can only open so wide, so when you choose a toothbrush, find one with a smaller head. You want to reach your teeth in the way back and especially the back of your tongue, since that’s where a lot of food bacteria linger, which can also cause bad breath.

2. While this may be difficult to do before you buy a brush, examine the bristles of the brush as much as you can. Some toothbrushes allow you to touch the bristles before you buy them, and it’s important that the bristles are soft and gentle so you’re taking care of your teeth. Rough bristles and rough brushing do a lot more harm than you think! You’re damaging the protective minerals that are covering your teeth.

3. If you’re overthinking about the way you brush when your manual one, switch to electric! An electric brush can do half of the work for you. You may not be brushing the right way, and the movement that the bristles do will benefit the way you clean your teeth.

4. No matter which brush you get, it’s very important to switch out your brush after at least three months. While it may not be noticeable, there’s wear and tear to your bristles that’s not doing its best work.

If you’re still wondering what kind of brush to get, then don’t fray—ask your dentist! Every toothbrush is different, as is everyone’s teeth, so it’s okay to have questions for your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is the best one for you. Requesting an appointment or calling this number (859) 309-6052 to see Dr. Cooper, your dentist in Lexington KY, will help further your decision to find the best brush today!

Lexington Dentist Wants to Save Your Mouth from Tobacco

One of the worst and most popular oral habits that people indulge in is smoking cigarettes. For decades, patients of all ages have learned the serious consequences of what can happen to a person’s physical and oral health over time if they continue to smoke cigarettes. While it’s a difficult habit to break for many people, it’s important to know how fast these oral issues can occur before they begin affecting the rest of your body. Your Lexington dentist is here to explain all of the health problems that a person can go through if they continue to smoke.

Bad Breath and Yellow Teeth
This is only the beginning of the negative effects of smoking cigarettes. The tobacco lingers in your mouth, especially on your tongue, and the smell can take a long time to go away, no matter if you brush your teeth. The same goes for the discoloration of your teeth—it will take much longer to whiten teeth because of the smoke as opposed to regular teeth whitening. Plus, many people find both yellow teeth and bad breath unattractive, and if it’s linked with smoking, then you may have a difficult time dating.

Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss
When you smoke cigarettes, you’re allowing your gums to be affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen to the bloodstream, so your gums aren’t able to heal themselves. This tobacco is also breaking down the minerals that are protecting your teeth, so when those are gone, you’ll begin to get cavities. If cavities aren’t properly taken care of, then it’ll lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss. When it comes to your gums, since they’re not able to receive oxygen, then the damage from your cavities (that can turn into plaque, and eventually tartar) will travel to your gums and also contribute to tooth loss.

Oral/Mouth Cancer
Along with lung and throat cancer, oral cancer is one of the most common diseases that can occur when people smoke cigarettes. It appears in different forms and can affect not only your mouth, but on your tongue and lips. Ulcers will show up in your mouth that you may not think are serious, but need to be seriously checked out by your dentist.

If you’re serious about quitting smoking and want to protect your teeth, call your Lexington dentist (859) 309-6052 or request an appointment today.

Lexington KY Teeth Whitening Provides Options to Improve Your Smile

Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular DIY cosmetic dentistry procedures in the last several years, but it’s not always guaranteed that each customer will get the results that they wanted from the over-the-counter kits. Cooper Family Dental, your Lexington KY teeth whitening location has different options for patients to choose from so they’re able to have the smile they’ve always wanted.

There are many reasons that people choose to whiten their teeth. Tooth discoloration is due to our enamel wearing down over the years, causing the dentin (a yellow color substance that makes up the core of everyone’s teeth) to show. Further discoloration is due to many harmful foods, drinks, and habits that people indulge in. Smoking cigarettes, drinking sodas, and eating highly acidic meals all contribute to weakening your enamel and letting that yellow color show through.

Our first method includes scheduling an appointment with your dentist to receive an in-office procedure. This produces a notable change in the shade of your teeth within an hour. Applied to your teeth is a high-concentration peroxide gel to begin the whitening, but not before applying a protective special shield for your gums and enamel so they won’t sustain any harm.

Another option is a take-home kit, much like the over-the-counter kinds you find at the store, but these are specifically chosen by your dentist for patients to get the best results. Many of the kits from a supermarket or other cosmetic stores may promise a brighter smile, but don’t always deliver, whether it’s because of their product or the price. The kits from your dentist take longer than an in-office process, and, therefore, should be applied throughout the day or overnight, depending on a patient’s unique situation.

Our final option is becoming more and more popular—Zoom! Whitening. This process uses a zoom advanced power chairside lamp, which accelerates the whitening process. Your gums and lips will be protected before the whitening gel is applied to your teeth. There are three 15-minute sessions while the gel and the chairside lamp work together to improve and brighten your smile while all you have to do is sit back and relax! After you’re finished, your dentist will send you home with a whitening tray, fitted to your mouth, to continue any touch-ups and instructions on how to properly take care of your teeth at home.

If you’re interested in any of these options and want to discuss questions, prices, and appointments, call your Lexington KY teeth whitening location, Cooper Family Dental, at this number (859) 309-6052 or click here to request a consultation today!

Your Lexington Dentist Shows You How To Clean and Store That Toothbrush!

Every patient of your Lexington dentist has (or should have) one of the essential tools in dental prevention at home. More than any of our hand or electric tools we have on our trays or hidden away, your toothbrush is the one that can do some of the most efficient work in prevention and maintenance for your mouth.

By its very nature of battling disease and bacteria, however, our brushes are put into peril every day. Today we will be discussing some essential maintenance and storage tips to take into consideration for your brush, so it stays resilient in your fight against dental detriments daily.

One of the first steps you can take is one that we find most patients participate in any way, sort of subconsciously. Make sure before and after you brush to wash the head of your brush off with hot water while swiping a finger through the bristles. By adding heat, flow and motion together- any lingering bacterial particles can be flushed away before you start your next cleaning.

Following brushing, storage is an essential element to consider. Make sure you store your brush upright in a holder that allows for airflow. Despite impulse, do not cover the head with any little helmets or devices. The brush should not be making contact with any other surfaces or other brushes too. Lastly, wipe away the white residue that forms on the side and the bottom of the holder frequently. This leftover paste and drippings can be a place where bacteria fester.

Lastly- knowing when to say “good-bye” to your brush is a serious consideration to making. Every 3-4 months you should be tossing our your old brush and getting a new one to prevent your regimen from suffering at the hands of worn out bristles that are more susceptible to bacteria.

For more information on the essentials of your regimen, or to schedule an appointment with your Lexington dentist- call our office today at (859) 309-6052.