FROM THE DESK OF

CHARLES S. BAROTZ, D.D.S.

Saving Your Teeth
Having practiced dentistry for over 44 years, my goal is and has always been to help people save their teeth if possible. To do exactly that, I have always stayed ahead of the curve with new technologies. I was one of the first dentists in the world to do porcelain veneers which allow teeth to be beautified without cutting off as much of the tooth as would be needed to do a full crown. I was also the first dentist in Colorado to do bonded bridges and one of the first dentists to be placing individual implants which is also a very conservative way of replacing teeth without having to cut down healthy teeth. LANAP is another procedure I was the first in Denver to be certified in which helps people with gum disease keep teeth once thought to be hopeless avoiding the painful cut and stitch gum surgery.

There are, however, certain misconceptions I wish to clear up about saving your teeth. Saving your teeth is a process as opposed to an end result. Many people think that once they have made the significant investment to restore their mouth that they are cured. This is simply not the case! Once your mouth is fully restored to a healthy situation it is your responsibility to keep your mouth in that state. The most important thing that must be accomplished is daily home care as we prescribe in the office. It breaks my heart when an individual who may have invested thousands of dollars to restore their mouth or treat their gum disease then reverts to the same negligent habits that got them into trouble in the first place. This is the definition of insanity (doing the same thing and expecting different results). I have many patients who spent thousands of dollars to restore their teeth and ignore taking care of them. When I see them next, they have rotted their teeth once again. It is also important to have periodic continuing care visits so that if problems do occur, they are caught early and they are minor rather than extremely costly to repair. This is why these visits are required in order for me to be able to warranty your treatments for five years. It also allows us to determine if you are indeed prone to cavities or have a natural proclivity to gum disease. In some cases, it is necessary to come more frequently than expected. When this is recommended, we are not trying to sell you more cleanings and exams, but we are rather wanting to save you money by heading off future problems. Please know that we at Barotz Dental are committed to getting you healthy and giving you all the necessary information and necessary maintenance programs to keep you that way. I have had patients with me throughout my entire career who after their initial investment, need little more than routine cleanings and exams because they follow our recommended protocols. I implore you to be that person! Charles S. Barotz, D.D.S
 

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

Nearly half of adults aged 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Yes—periodontal disease, or gum infection, is contagious.

The bacteria responsible for gum infections such as gingivitis and more advanced periodontal diseases can be transmitted through saliva, making it possible for the infection to spread from person to person.

Everyday actions can result in the transfer of these harmful bacteria, including:

• Kissing

• Sharing utensils while eating

• Drinking from the same straw

• Using the same toothbrush

When saliva is exchanged, so are the bacteria that cause gum disease. While you can’t avoid all forms of contact, it’s crucial to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself and others.

If you or someone you know has gum disease, watch for these signs:

• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash

• Red, swollen, or tender gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing

• Pain while chewing

• Loose or sensitive teeth, which could eventually lead to tooth loss

• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, the doctors at Barotz Dental can help with minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments that can provide a lifetime of excellent oral health.

Call our office today for a free screening appointment.
 

Robin Barotz’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

CRUST
1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
Combine and press on bottom and up 1-inch sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes and cool

FILLING
3 - 8oz packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
16 oz can pumpkin
2 eggs
5 ounce can evaporated milk
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 ¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Beat cream cheese and both sugars. Add pumpkin, eggs, milk and mix. Add cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg – beat well. Spread over cooled crust and bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.

TOPPING
1 - 16-ounce carton sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract Spread over warm cake and bake for an additional 5 minutes at 350 degrees.

Reminder - PARKING!

Questions? Please call (303) 595-4994 and VALET Press Option 1.

Complimentary Valet Parking!

Please pull into the underground parking garage in Republic Plaza and the Valet Team will park your car.
( Please be aware of the height restrictions for your vehicle. Contact our office for alternate parking.)
Take the elevator directly to our office lobby on the 2nd floor.
303 16th Street Mall Denver, CO 80202 The parking garage is located on the left side of Court Street just past the 16th Street Mall.

We look forward to seeing you very soon!
 

Get to know Amanda

You may have already met Amanda in our reception area! A southern girl at heart, Amanda was born in League City, Texas, but grew up in a small town in Wyoming with only 2,400 people. In her free time, she enjoys creative hobbies such as writing, painting, crafting, crocheting, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

With a background in both medical patient care and banking, Amanda combines her compassion for helping others. She feels that her life’s purpose is to care for her patients, and she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to do so at Barotz Dental.

Be sure to say hello and enjoy her kind heart and beautiful smile the next time you visit!
 

Revolutionizing Smiles: How 3D Printing Is Enhancing Your Dental Care

3D printing is transforming modern dentistry by enhancing patient care in multiple ways. One of the most significant benefits is the increased precision it provides. Unlike traditional methods, 3D printing allows for the custom design and fabrication of dental restorations, such as dentures, with extreme accuracy.

These restorations are tailored to each patient’s unique dental structure, ensuring a better fit, improved comfort, and greater longevity.

Speed is another important advantage. With 3D printing, many dental appliances can be produced in just a few hours. This significantly reduces treatment time, allowing patients to complete their dental work more quickly and efficiently. Faster turnaround times mean quicker relief from dental issues.

At Barotz Dental, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to improve patient care. By integrating 3D printing into our practice, we offer faster and more precise solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality dental care, helping you achieve healthier, more confident smiles in less time.
 

IMPORTANT Note About Hygiene Appointments!

We have reserved time especially for you, and we respectfully ask that you keep your appointments as scheduled and confirmed. Please know that failure to give us 48 hours’ notice to reschedule will result in a CANCELLATION CHARGE without exception. So that we can continue to provide you with the excellent service and dental care you have come to expect, we strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule AND commit to keeping this VERY important appointment!

Let’s Get to the ‘Tooth’ of the Matter!

There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings in the world of dentistry

Myth: Brushing harder cleans teeth better.
Truth: Brushing too hard can damage enamel and gums. Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
Myth: White teeth are always healthy teeth.
Truth: While white teeth may look attractive, you can still have cavities or gum disease.
Myth: Sugar is the only cause of cavities.
Truth: While sugar contributes to cavities, other factors like poor oral hygiene, acidic foods, and dry mouth can also increase the risk.
Myth: If your gums bleed, you shouldn’t brush them.
Truth: Bleeding gums often indicate gum disease, which is a sign that you need to brush and floss more, not less.
Myth: You only need to see a dentist when you have a problem.
Truth: Regular dental checkups are important for preventive care and early detection of issues before they become serious, painful or costly.
Myth: Mouthwash can replace brushing and flossing.
Truth: Mouthwash is a supplementary oral hygiene product that can help freshen breath and reduce plaque, but it doesn’t remove food particles or plaque like brushing and flossing.