Category Archives: General Dentistry

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

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

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

Parents want what’s best for their children, but some can’t always provide everything their children need when the family budget is tight. If your child has crooked teeth and you are on the fence about braces, we encourage you to read this post.

1. A beautiful smile with straight teeth boosts your child’s self-esteem.

Young children with crooked teeth may not notice that anything is wrong, but eventually they will realize that their teeth don’t look right. Straight teeth make the whole face more pleasing and attractive. If your child is self-conscious about an unattractive smile, he or she will be reluctant to smile. A serious demeanor could affect the way he or she is treated by peers.

2. Crooked teeth can bite.

If you suspect that your child’s bite is not aligned, we invite you to make an appointment with Blaisdell Family Dentistry. Drs. Lynn R. Blaisdell can evaluate your child’s bite and make recommendations to see a specialist if required.

3. Crooked teeth can affect normal speech development.

4. Correcting a child’s teeth with orthodontia is quicker and easier when the jaw is young and flexible.

5. Crooked teeth can cut down your child’s power to eat a healthy diet.

Misaligned teeth can make chewing and eating difficult. Children need a variety of foods but may miss out on important nutrients if they can’t chew raw vegetables or meat, for example. If your child only eats soft foods, his/her jaw may not develop normal size and strength.

6. Misaligned teeth can damage the gums and underlying bone.

7. If crooked teeth cause malocclusion (bad bite), problems with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) can result.

TMD is a dangerous condition affecting the jaw joint.

8. It’s easier to clean teeth when they are straight and uncrowded.

When uneven teeth begin to crowd together, it becomes difficult to make vital daily cleanings effective. And, when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, problems with plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease generally result.

9. If the child’s crooked teeth are not corrected while they are young, the problems may compound and become worse with age.

Severely crooked teeth typically affect well-being and quality of life. For example, chewing problems can lead to ulcers, and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

10. There are many new types of braces.

Ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual (invisible) braces are some of the new orthodontia options. In some circumstances, invisible braces can be just as effective at adjusting teeth as the traditional type.

To find out if your child needs braces, schedule a consultation at Blaisdell Family Dentistry by calling 208-922-6902.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

You probably believe that the most critical aspect regarding flossing is simply to do it every day. We agree. However, many people find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish or solidify the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire. Let’s explore some of the most common types of dental floss.

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is ordinarily made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less pricey, more common and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, many people find that it pulls in between the teeth easier. This type of floss is often referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses. It is useful to find the size that works best for you. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the form of a wide, flat ribbon. Many Blaisdell Family Dentistry patients find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to speak with your orthodontist about flossing because you don’t want to break this essential habit just because you’re having your teeth corrected!

A good person to give you counsel about flossing is your dental hygienist. Here at Blaisdell Family Dentistry, our skilled hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth brightening and veneers.

Call us today at 208-922-6902 for your appointment! You can also visit us on the web at http://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/about-blaisdell-family-dentistry/.

Source:
“The Different Types of Dental Floss,” Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html, accessed on September 17, 2013

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Have you ever heard of a person being “tongue-tied” or “lip-tied”? As dental professionals, we care about the health of your mouth as a whole, not just your teeth. When a tongue- or lip-tie is present, some problems may arise that we at Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help with!

Why Do Lip- And Tongue-Ties Occur?
A lip- or tongue-tie occurs when a thin tissue in the mouth called a frenum is overgrown. There are two kinds of frena in the mouth, labial (lip), frena, and the lingual (tongue) frenum. The labial frena can be found in the center of the lips, connecting the inside of your upper and lower lips to the gum tissue. You can see the tongue frenum by looking in the mirror and lifting your tongue up to touch the roof of your mouth.
The purpose of the frenum is to limit certain muscle movements to prevent tissue damage. When the frenum tissue is excessive, however, it has the potential to do more harm than good.

What Problems Can Arise As The Result Of A Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie restricts the tongue and prevents it from moving freely. Tongue-ties may be moderate, resulting in only small inconveniences like not being able to lick an ice cream cone. In some cases, however, they cause severe impairments such as:

• Difficulty nursing as an infant and eating later in life
• Speech impediments
• Pain and discomfort
• Periodontal issues, such as receding gums
• Tongue thrust and bite misalignment

A lip-tie refers to a frenum that attaches too far down on the gum. The possible complications of a lip-tie are somewhat similar to those who are tongue-tied. An overgrown labial frenum can:

• Cause pain and discomfort
• Make it difficult for children to keep their teeth clean
• Complicate nursing
• Lead to periodontal issues, such as receding gums
• Result in misaligned teeth and bite (usually gap teeth)

A Frenectomy Helps Alleviate Tongue- and Lip-Ties
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can be performed by dental professionals where excess tissue on the frenum is removed. Before performing a frenectomy, several factors are taken into account, including the possibility that the condition may correct itself over time.
We’re Here To Answer Your Questions
If you’re concerned about a possible lip-tie or tongue-tie in yourself or your child, schedule an appointment at Arbor Lakes Dental today. We’d be more than happy to answer your questions and together, we’ll determine the best way to move forward!
Thank you for trusting us with your oral health concerns!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Improving your oral hygiene doesn’t have to take a lot of time. In fact, you can establish a new habit to benefit your oral health in 10 seconds. I’m Dr. Lynn R. Blaisdell with Blaisdell Family Dentistry, writing to offer my patients 6 uncomplicated ways to add important dental care to each day in 60 seconds or less.

Find a good place for your toothbrush.
Look around. In 10 seconds you can probably find 5 places to set your toothbrush that will allow air drying and can slow the growth of microorganisms that a closed, moist environment would encourage.

Leave the floss on the counter.
If you want to build consistency, you’ll need a plan. Deliberately setting out the floss will give you more commitment to use it. And if you see it you’ll remember that commitment.

Swish.
If you’re in 20 seconds already, might as well grab the fluoride rinse and rinse away food particles after flossing and freshen your breath at the same time. 10 seconds is the minimum but it will do the trick if the alternative was no time spent swishing.

Smile in the mirror.
Check out those chompers. Examine for 10 full seconds. Inspect gums for bleeding or tenderness, missed food particles and staining or other concerns.

Have a water chaser with dark beverages.
Rinse your mouth with a sip of water when drinking cola, tea, or coffee throughout the day. Less than 10 seconds and a habit that will lessen discoloration.

Call Blaisdell Family Dentistry.
10 digits, 10 seconds, a short conversation and you can secure yourself a consultation with me and my friendly staff. Call 208-922-6902 so we can examine your teeth for more than your initial 10 seconds and help you to have the smile you can be proud of.

For families throughout Boise, cosmetic dentistry–teeth whitening, crowns, chipped teeth and even braces–all have their place in improving a smile. Why not let us improve yours?

We can answer questions about the cost of cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or sedation dentistry. Trusted since 1981 to promote healthy smiles and educated hygiene, we will take care of all your needs including: teeth whitening, family dentistry, porcelain veneers, dentures, prepless veneers and everything in between.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709