Category Archives: Family Dentistry

This post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise examines the complexity of human saliva. Saliva has a way of making some people squeamish, but it is important to your dental health.

Saliva is, in fact, a finely balanced body fluid that helps to maintain dental health, and also aids in digestion. So, without further ado, here are its main components.

1. Water. No surprise here! You saliva consists mostly of water.

2. Enzymes. Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.

3. Immunoproteins. These are effective cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.

4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This is a serious condition, because it causes the gums and tongue to get swollen, and can even accelerate tooth decay. If you’re coping with dry mouth, don’t wait until your next appointment, let us know right away.

Your body makes up to four pints of saliva every single day. Sound like a lot? It’s perfectly normal, and just what you need for ideal dental health. Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Make an appointment with us today!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

So you’ve lost some teeth, and hesitate to smile because of the gaps. If only you could go back in time and regain that full-toothed smile you once had. Guess what? With dental implants from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, you can!

For most patients, a dental implant is an ideal replacement for a missing tooth. The implant itself is a titanium post that is surgically implanted in your jaw. An artificial (restoration) goes on top of that.

The feel and function of dental implants is so genuine that many recipients forget that they’re even there. Since the implant is anchored to the jawbone, it is solidly in place. And because they fill the space where the tooth root once was, they protect healthy bone and prevent bone recession.

For those patients missing most or all of their teeth, dental implants can be used to anchor dentures in place. They are much firmer in the jaw, and most patients say they’re a lot more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides dental implants, and much more. We offer general and family dentistry, and a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

One of the most important aspects of good dental health is daily brushing with an effective toothpaste. In this post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll discuss toothpaste – and maybe tell you more about it than you ever thought you would know.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The idea, presumably, was to make it more abrasive. No minty fresh breath in those days! The taste, most likely, was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like Ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Modern toothpastes began in the 1800s. The earliest toothpastes weren’t much like what we know today: most were powders, and some had soap and chalk in them. A description of toothpaste from the 1860s mentions charcoal.

Toothpaste first appeared in a tube in the 1980s. By 1914, fluoride was added. These pastes were much like what we know today.

This ends our brief history of toothpaste. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we want to help our patients have excellent dental health and bright smiles. We provide general and family dentistry, professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Dental crowns have been around for thousands of years and are still used to restore smiles today. Ancient dentists used ivory, bone, and seashells to make crowns for teeth. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, our procedures and materials have kept up with the times.

A dental crown procedure consists of numerous steps:

Tooth Preparation
We anesthetize the tooth to be crowned and then prepare it. All decay is removed and what remains is shaped. Sometimes, the tooth is too small; in that case, we build up the core of the tooth with filling material to create a heavy-duty base for the crown.

Creating a Good Impression
A putty-like substance is used to create an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. An impression will also be made of the teeth that oppose the crown. This ensures a proper bite.

The Temporary Crown
As the permanent crown is made in a lab, a temporary crown is used to protect the tooth and make sure it doesn’t move in the mouth. Patients need to be careful with their temporary crown. It is not as strong as the permanent crown and is attached only with temporary cement. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods. The tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold.

Choosing a Color
We’ll use a shade guide to settle upon a shade for the crown. Most people don’t have teeth the exact same color. You will need to ascertain the best shade to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

Your Crown Is Put In Place
When the new crown is ready, we place it in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments for fit. This process shouldn’t be rushed. Sometimes less than a millimeter of drilling can make the difference between an ill-fitting crown one that is just right.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise has long experience with dental crowns. We also provide popular cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, and much more.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

There are two words that can strike fear into the most courageous of souls: root canal. But at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, root canals are performed with the patient’s comfort uppermost in mind.

A root canal is a procedure that treats the inside of a tooth. It becomes necessary when a cavity infects the tooth’s interior, which can cause increased sensitivity and a whole lot of pain.

The technical word for a root canal is endodontic therapy. In short, it works like this: after an access hole is drilled in the surface of the infected tooth, the damaged interior, or pulp, is removed. The remaining tooth is thoroughly cleaned, filled, and sealed. A crown is placed over the whole thing to protect it, and provide a natural-looking appearance.

Sound brutal? Root canals have the reputation of being one of being one of the more unpleasant procedures that dental patients undergo. But with modern dentistry, it’s a lot like having a cavity filled. For those patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry, to make you feel much more at ease.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides root canal therapy, along with family and cosmetic dentistry. If you’ve got a persistent toothache, don’t take a chance. Call us today 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

Water flossing has been around for a long time. Some dentists strongly recommend them for optimal oral health, while others say brushing and string floss is enough. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll use this space to weigh the pros and cons.

The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960’s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. It is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though the term is generically and there are similar products from other manufacturers. (Note: Blaisdell Family Dentistry does not necessarily endorse any specific brand.)

A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out bits of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water drain out as you guide the stream of shooting water around the gumline and gaps between teeth.

There have been over 65 studies that have substantiated the safety and efficacy of water flossing. They can reduce periodontal infection, remove plaque, and get deeper into soft tissue pockets than string floss can.

Where water flossers really excel is in cleaning around braces. They’re extremely efficient, and nothing could be easier.

The friendly team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise is here to help you with your oral health. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, and indeed in the rest of the United States.

Results vary, but most of our patients get significant lightening that lasts up to a year. They also say that a whiter smile elevates their self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, describe two different things. Surface cracks and stains ensue on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic— like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce—have even stronger staining power.

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can whiten teeth with continued, regular use. What they cannot do is match professional whitening treatment.

The term “bleaching” means a teeth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we provide Zoom! take-home whitening kits. We make custom-fitted trays that hold the special whitening gel that results in a dazzling smile. Call the friendly team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry to set up a consultation! We provide additional cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as teeth straightening with clear braces.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

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