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Dental technology has expanded in Boise and across the United States in recent years. There are options now that were undreamed of, just a few decades ago.

One of the most significant advances is dental implants. Implants consist of an artificial tooth attached to a titanium post that is implanted into the patient’s jaw . It’s the post that is the implant, and it replaces the root of a missing tooth.

The idea of dental implants is not all that new. Anthropologists have discovered evidence of implants being performed by ancient Mayans. By modern standards, they were very crude. And we don’t even want to think about how those implants were inserted into the patients’ jaws.

A modern dental implant provides many important advantages over a dental bridge or dentures:

• Longevity – Dental implants are tough and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
• Seamless – Fabricated to have the same shape, size and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic issues, these can frequently be fixed with the implant crown.
• Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
• Convenience – Unlike dentures, no adhesives, rinsing, or removal is necessary.
• Independent – Like the missing tooth, the dental implant is treated individually. No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. This independence allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.

If you are interested in a dental implant, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise to schedule a  consultation. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process can begin. We also provide family and general dentistry, and look forward to meeting you!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Teeth whitening has become one of the easiest ways to upgrade your smile. And with cosmetic dentistry from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, there is little effort and no pain.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help you understand your options for teeth whitening and the results you can expect from the procedures we offer.

Over-the-counter whitening systems can give pretty good results, but many users aren’t satisfied with what they get. The simple truth is that the results you get from professional whitening far surpasses anything that comes from a tube.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help you whiten your teeth effectively and get spectacular results. We provide Zoom! teeth whitening, which can transform your teeth in a single visit to our office.

Zoom! whitening incorporates dental-grade hydrogen peroxide activated LED lamps. The treatments penetrate deep into the enamel of your teeth to bleach away deep stains and other discolorations.

Our friendly staff would love to answer any questions you have about Zoom! teeth whitening. Blaisdell Family Dentistry also offers Boise residents porcelain veneers, and general and family dentistry. Visit our smile gallery to see the possibilities. And then give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Do you get sweaty palms when you go to the dentist? A pounding heart, at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Dental anxiety is brutal – but with sedation dentistry in Boise, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many people who fret about the dentist over issues large and small have chosen sedation dentistry. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are frequently used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s consider the main types of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is commonly called. Nitrous oxide is safe and effective, and has been used in dentistry for many years. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment, and wears off quickly. If you need a little help to get through dental services, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be a good option.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation doesn’t work as rapidly as nitrous oxide, but it helps most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually lead to complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are considered ‘conscious’ sedation.

IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in a state of deep relaxation. Most patients are unaware to what is going on in their mouths. IV sedation is often used for root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile redesigns. Patients will require a ride home afterward.

General Anesthesia
With general anesthesia, we use a licensed anesthesiologist. General anesthesia makes the patient fully asleep. It is used for complex dental treatment, and sometimes for children and adults with extreme dental anxiety.

For more information about sedation dentistry, and procedures like dental implants, call us at Blaisdell Family Dentistry. We also provide general and family dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

New Boise parents may be surprised by the latest in family dentistry and infant oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge.

Brand-new teeth, the American Dental Association reminds us all, are just as vulnerable to cavities as older teeth. ADA guidelines are to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, it becomes more important for them to be brushed at least twice a day.

As your baby grows into toddler-hood, it is vital to select the proper toothbrush. A soft-bristled brush, using a small amount of toothpaste, is best. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are ideal. Some brushes are circle and triangular-shaped, reducing the chance of injury in case of a fall.

If the toothpaste is causing an unpleasant struggle, brush without it. The goal is to remove food bits that will create bacteria, followed by plaque and then cavities.

When two teeth touch, it’s time to begin flossing. It’s important to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills, which most toddlers don’t have yet. Parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively.

Until the child is old enough to properly brush, they should receive adult supervision and guidance. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing procedures will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time-consuming, remember that it’s forming a daily habit that will protect their health.

Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early, but most parents bring their child to the pediatrician early. You can trust your dentist to look out for potential troubles and advise you about how to help your child keep a healthy smile.

Ask about sealants, x-ray safety, and fluoride supplements. A dentist can also advise parents with older children about teeth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.

If you live in the Boise area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry to schedule your child’s dental appointment. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist.

We provide complete dental services, including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

If you are one of the many denture wearers in Boise, you know that dentures are not an ideal solution for missing teeth.

Problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and an inability to taste food due to a covered palate.

To put it plainly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology offers a better tooth restoration solution. If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth.

How about a thick T-bone at your favorite Boise steakhouse? Corn on the cob at the Western Idaho Fair? The pleasure of a crisp apple? Not only will you enjoy your favorite foods again, you’ll avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

Before you pay for another denture reline, ask your Boise dentist about the possibility of dental implants.

Come see us at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise for more information about dentures and dental implants.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

In today’s Blaisdell Family Dentistry post, we share some fun facts about general dentistry. Enjoy!

• Many dental patients are aware that before there was formal dental training and licensing, barbers often performed dental procedures. But did you know that blacksmiths also moonlighted as dentists?¹ How would you like your dental visit to involve tools used to hammer hot metal?
• The Mayans were accomplished cosmetic dentists. One smile style in Mayan culture was bejeweled teeth – a procedure that involved the drilling of holes to embed precious gems. That’s a grill with major bling! ¹
• The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough to fill up two swimming pools.² (Not a very pleasant image, right?)
• Nylon toothbrush bristles weren’t introduced until 1938. Prior to that, pig hair was a common bristle material.³ (“Mom, my toothbrush smells like bacon!”)
• A popular toothache treatment in medieval Germany was to kiss a donkey.³ There is no evidence that it actually worked and it is unknown if the same remedy was used by donkeys.
• Every person’s tongue is unique – just like a fingerprint.⁴
• In medieval Japan, black teeth were considered appealing. Style-conscious women used roots to stain their teeth.³

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, you won’t find pig hair, donkeys, or anvils. You will find unmatched dental care and our friendly team of cosmetic dentistry professionals. Our menu of services includes: porcelain veneers, prepless veneers, and teeth whitening. Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry today at 208-922-6902 to schedule an informative consultation.

¹Gregory Myers,”10 Weird Facts About Teeth,” ListVerse, January 27, 2014, http://listverse.com/2014/01/27/10-weird-facts-about-teeth/, accessed on November 14, 2014
²“Mouth Matters,” Visual.ly, August 28, 2012, http://visual.ly/your-mouth-matters-fun-dental-facts, accessed on November 14, 2014
³“Chew on This, Fun Tooth Facts for a Healthy Mouth,” Delta Dental, http://www.deltadentalnc.org/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/Delta-Dental-Tooth-Tips-BF.pdf, accessed on November 12, 2014
⁴“New oral features can be considered unique as a fingerprint,” DentistryiQ, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/new-oral-features-can-be-considered-unique-as-a-fingerprint.html, accessed on November 14, 2014

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we know that many Boise children are afraid of going to the dentist. I am Dr. Lynn R. Blaisdell and my staff and I at Blaisdell Family Dentistry want to make your child’s first visit to my Boise practice a positive experience. Regular dental check-ups from toddler age are an essential part of dental hygiene.

Idaho parents can follow these guidelines to help prepare their child for a dental visit.

1. Talk about the exam with your child. Answer any questions with uncomplicated answers.
2. Don’t share your bad dental experiences with your child.
3. Don’t imply that the exam will be painful.
4. Help your child understand that this is an important part of staying healthy.
5. Don’t offer a reward for visiting the dentist.

It is important for parents to make sure they aren’t anxious about Boise dental visits because children can sense their stress.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we have been treating children and adults since 1981. Our professional, friendly staff can calm the nerves of a fearful child and help them have a gentle dental experience.

If you or your Boise child has had a bad dental experience or is unable to stay calm while visiting the dentist, ask us about sedation dentistry. We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving excellent dental care.

For simple dental procedures topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing oral sensation. If you require more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are safe solutions.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry also offers complete smile makeovers which may include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, or any other cosmetic dental procedures required. All of these can be done with some type of sedation.

Don’t let your fears or your child’s fears keep your child from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry at 208-922-6902 today!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

If you decide to improve your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will take place. To help slow down that process, Blaisdell Family Dentistry offers helpful recommendations to make your unforgettable smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with anti-cavity rinse. This improves dental hygiene, reduces bacteria, slows the accumulation of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an additional whitening agent which will help extend the results of the whitening process.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to abstain from because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot completely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and thin enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any food items can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth correctly a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, including the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support dental hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions about tooth bleaching or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Brush. Floss. Get regular checkups. It will sound so simple when you have dentures.

How many times have you said, “If only!” “If only I had changed my oil,” “If only I had stayed in college,” ‘If only I had worn sunscreen.”

We hope you don’t ever say, “If only I had taken care of my teeth!” If you have neglected your teeth, we invite you to let us help you get back on track to oral health. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we are enthusiastic about helping patients establish and maintain dental health. We help all of our patients feel relaxed and comfortable in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere.

We have treated countless Boise area patients who avoided the dentist in years past but have recommitted themselves to healthy oral habits. We can promise you that your overall physical health and happiness will increase if you start taking care of your teeth today.

We have an extensive menu of effective treatments for any dental problems you may currently have: cavities, stained teeth, chipped teeth, gum disease, broken crowns, old unsightly fillings, and even missing teeth.

Professional dental treatment is an important investment in your most precious possession – your health. If you are worried about the cost of dental treatment, talk to us about dental financing. If you need extensive dental work, we can develop a treatment plan to get the work done over time and schedule it to fit your budget.

Whatever concerns have kept you from seeing a dentist – fear, finances, or the fact that you are just too busy – we hope you will recommit to your smile. We are here to help.

Call Blaisdell Family Dentistry today at 208-922-6902!

Excellence in Dentistry

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Hearing that you have periodontal disease or gum disease can be upsetting. Here at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, Idaho, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender gums
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Loose adult teeth
Sensitive teeth

Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to prevent gum disease for the future, we have answers.

Steps for Healing or Preventing Gum Disease
Brush at least two times a day – morning and night
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
Avoid between-meal snacking
Avoid tobacco products

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease
Scaling
Root planing
Antibiotics
Surgery

Drs. Blaisdell knows gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and consistent, thorough oral hygiene is important for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Drs. Blaisdell is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Boise patients’ dental needs including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709