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Dr. Keith Edward Clear, DDS, MS

Prosthodontist

Dr. Keith Edward Clear DDS, MS is a top Prosthodontist in Aurora, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Keith Edward Clear DDS, MS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Keith Edward Clear DDS, MS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Keith Edward Clear DDS, MS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Aurora, CO, Dr. Keith Edward Clear DDS, MS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Keith Edward Clear, DDS, MS
  • Parker, CO
  • Accepting new patients

Why do my teeth feel sensitive after a crown?

Crowns are usually only provided when a tooth has significant damage enough to require the crown. The sensitivity that your tooth is experiencing could be from the tooth damage READ MORE
Crowns are usually only provided when a tooth has significant damage enough to require the crown. The sensitivity that your tooth is experiencing could be from the tooth damage prior to the crown. The sensitivity that your tooth has could also be due to the many steps required in making a crown for a tooth (getting numb, shaping the tooth, temporary glue and temporary crown, removing temporarily, cleaning the tooth, pH of the dental "glue," making sure the "bite" is correct, etc.). Some sensitivity is to be expected, however, it should fade away, often fairly quickly. Sometimes the nerve inside of the tooth will continue to break down even after excellent dental treatment. Another procedure known as a root canal might be necessary if the nerve complex does not heal or recover. You should let your dentist know what is going on and stay in communication. The majority of dental treatment requires ongoing evaluation and monitoring of the feedback.

What could be the cause of my crown tooth pain?

The bite could be high. The tooth could be cracked. The nerve in the tooth could be dying/dead.

How many times can a crown be replaced?

As long as the tooth that the crown fits onto is solid and healthy, the answer is "many times."

Could I get a single dental implant?

Yes. The medications you are taking should not affect the bone's ability to heal to a dental implant. You need to have enough bone to support the implant. A "cone beam" (3D type READ MORE
Yes. The medications you are taking should not affect the bone's ability to heal to a dental implant. You need to have enough bone to support the implant. A "cone beam" (3D type X-ray) scan would help determine if there is adequate bone available. Healing time varies according to type and health of the bone.

What's the difference between composite veneers and porcelain?

The difference is the material. Porcelain is a glass like material. Composite is a resin material similar to plastic. Think about heating spaghetti sauce in a plastic bowl vs. READ MORE
The difference is the material. Porcelain is a glass like material. Composite is a resin material similar to plastic. Think about heating spaghetti sauce in a plastic bowl vs. a glass bowl. The porcelain is shinier, more resistant to stain, and stronger overall, but also costs more. Both can be made in a laboratory, but composite can be applied directly to the teeth, and sculpted by the dentist during a single visit. Porcelain veneers, generally take at least two visits. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

How long does it take for a dental implant to osseointegrate to the bone?

The answer is, it varies. Traditionally, the lower jaw, where the bone is more dense, is 3-4 months. In the upper jaw, it is 5-8 months. Health factors like smoking or diabetes READ MORE
The answer is, it varies. Traditionally, the lower jaw, where the bone is more dense, is 3-4 months. In the upper jaw, it is 5-8 months. Health factors like smoking or diabetes can slow down the healing process.

Can you talk after dental implants?

Of course (if you could talk before).

Is it normal for your mouth to smell after a dental implant?

Most dental related odors are caused by bacteria. The bacteria tends to collect in any nooks or crannies of the mouth. Be thorough and consistent with your oral hygiene and the READ MORE
Most dental related odors are caused by bacteria. The bacteria tends to collect in any nooks or crannies of the mouth. Be thorough and consistent with your oral hygiene and the odor, most often, will go away. If it continues to persist let your doctor know.

What should you not do before getting crowns?

A crown is made for a tooth when it is weak for some reason. The weakness is often from large, previous dental treatment or may also be as the result of root canal treatment. In READ MORE
A crown is made for a tooth when it is weak for some reason. The weakness is often from large, previous dental treatment or may also be as the result of root canal treatment. In any case be gentle with the tooth until the crown can be finalized.

Should I be able to floss under my implant?

It would very much depend upon the type of restoration that was attached to your dental implant. If it was a single tooth with a crown, you would be able to floss on either side READ MORE
It would very much depend upon the type of restoration that was attached to your dental implant. If it was a single tooth with a crown, you would be able to floss on either side of it but not directly under it since that is where it is attached.

What are my options for having a missing tooth replaced?

There are generally four options for a missing tooth. 1. leave the empty space as is; 2. place a dental implant, implant abutment and a crown; 3. Shape teeth on either side of READ MORE
There are generally four options for a missing tooth. 1. leave the empty space as is; 2. place a dental implant, implant abutment and a crown; 3. Shape teeth on either side of the missing tooth and place a three-unit bridge; 4. a removable partial denture. It would be up to you to define what you mean by a reasonable fee.

Is there any medication to prevent tooth decay?

Normal bacteria that live in the mouth produce acid that can cause cavities. Being thorough and consistent with oral hygiene will remove both the bacteria and the acid and will READ MORE
Normal bacteria that live in the mouth produce acid that can cause cavities. Being thorough and consistent with oral hygiene will remove both the bacteria and the acid and will minimize the chances that a cavity will occur. Minerals in a toothpaste, especially fluoride, allow the tooth to repair if the damage is minimal. There is no medication that can prevent cavities if oral hygiene is insufficient.

What is the life of a tooth implant?

Sadly, there is no way to guarantee the lifespan of a dental implant. It is a man-made replacement designed to do the best possible to replace what was developed naturally by the READ MORE
Sadly, there is no way to guarantee the lifespan of a dental implant. It is a man-made replacement designed to do the best possible to replace what was developed naturally by the human body. Keeping the bone, gum tissue and blood vessels healthy around the dental implant will give the best long term prognosis.

What is the way to prevent fungal infections of the mouth?

Being thorough and consistent with your oral hygiene goes the furthest in preventing dental problems including excess fungal formation. Many patients on recurring doses of antibiotics READ MORE
Being thorough and consistent with your oral hygiene goes the furthest in preventing dental problems including excess fungal formation. Many patients on recurring doses of antibiotics will see an increase in fungal infection. Talk with your physician to make sure to have any possible alternatives to long-term antibiotics. Eating a healthy diet and providing needed nutrients also keeps body and its tissues more healthy.

Can teeth be straightened after implants?

The natural teeth can be moved (braces, Invisalign-type, retainers) at nearly any age as long as the bone and gum tissues are healthy. Implants, however, are "locked" into the READ MORE
The natural teeth can be moved (braces, Invisalign-type, retainers) at nearly any age as long as the bone and gum tissues are healthy. Implants, however, are "locked" into the bone once they heal and cannot be moved. The replacement tooth or teeth that connect onto the implant(s) can be remade if needed to appear "straighter" but their original location of the connection will remain in the same position.

Are electric toothbrushes better to clean dental crowns?

Electric toothbrushes are designed to provide brushing motions to make cleaning teeth at home more thorough and efficient. Many have built-in timers to assist in brushing and some READ MORE
Electric toothbrushes are designed to provide brushing motions to make cleaning teeth at home more thorough and efficient. Many have built-in timers to assist in brushing and some find the larger handle (that accommodates the battery and controls) easier to manage and hold. Excellent results can also be accomplished with a regular, inexpensive manual toothbrush. All toothbrush methods will only clean those surfaces that they are able to touch and scrub, so the user needs to get the bristles to touch every surface possible and get it clean. Crowns are similar to teeth and are cleaned using the same exact methods as regular, non-restored teeth.

I knocked out my two front teeth. What's the procedure for implants?

Usually a 3-D scan of the bone where the teeth are missing, would be the first step. Some damage may be present in the remaining bone since the teeth were "lost" via a traumatic READ MORE
Usually a 3-D scan of the bone where the teeth are missing, would be the first step. Some damage may be present in the remaining bone since the teeth were "lost" via a traumatic event. The scan would be studied to determine the best placement of implants. A model of your mouth would be done to design the future teeth. You would likely wear a "retainer-like" tooth replacement until the procedures are complete.
The implants would be placed into the bone and allowed to heal adequately, as determined by the surgeon putting the implants into the bone. Then, replacement teeth will be made and connected onto the implants.

The crown over my molar cracked. What should I do?

Your best bet is to see a dentist ASAP. The crack may allow an infection to take place. Also, the broken parts may move and create pain. There is no good way to stabilize a cracked READ MORE
Your best bet is to see a dentist ASAP. The crack may allow an infection to take place. Also, the broken parts may move and create pain. There is no good way to stabilize a cracked tooth outside of a dental office. The tooth may not be repairable. Get it checked!

Do I need a prosthodontic follow up after getting my dentures?

Follow up is generally for maintenance, checking fit and checking tissues for health/ cancer, etc.