Dr. Sam S. Kawakami DDS
Dentist
14062 Denver West Parkway #120 Lakewood Colorado, 80401About
Sam S. Kawakami, DDS, works at Denver West Dental Group in Denver, Colorado. He specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, and has been serving the Golden/Lakewood area for the past 18 years.
Dr. Sam S. Kawakami DDS's Videos
Education and Training
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Provider Details
Dr. Sam S. Kawakami DDS's Expert Contributions
Can a black tooth be saved?
Black tooth usually indicates that the tooth has no viable nerve and may need a root canal and crown to restore it. Only an X-ray of the tooth can verify if the tooth can be saved. READ MORE
What age should a child start having dental cleanings?
I usually recommend around age 3. At that age most if not all baby teeth are present. This is also a good age for children to be curious and cooperative for a good experience. READ MORE
Can you get a cavity under a crown?
Yes as the decay can start at the interface of the crown and tooth structure and migrate under the crown READ MORE
Is it time for new dentures?
Only you and your dentist together can make this decision if new dentures are needed. READ MORE
Is it hard to chew because of TMJ?
That sounds like a reasonable assumption. My advice is to see your dentist to learn what options you have. READ MORE
What causes dental caries?
I have heard this question many times. Sugar is only one factor and the bacterial film around the tooth is the other. Most young adults are now susceptible to cavities between the teeth because that bacterial film has been neglected for so long. Flossing is not a high priority for young adults but should be if you want to minimize these cavities. READ MORE
Do wisdom teeth always hurt when they come in?
Not always but not that uncommon as well. Recommend you see a dentist. READ MORE
How do you heal tooth nerve damage naturally?
If the damage is irreversible then it can only be treated with a root canal. Only your dentist can determine this. READ MORE
How do I get rid of toothache fast?
If you have a hole in the tooth you can rub oil of clove on the area for temporary relief. Your best bet is to get into your dentist as soon as possible and if there is some swelling an antibiotic may be helpful. READ MORE
Can toothache cause an earache?
It is very possible and you should see your dentist soon. READ MORE
Do I need a root canal if there's no pain?
Yes it is possible that the infection may be dormant but can cause an emergency later at a inconvenient time. READ MORE
How long does a dry socket last with medication?
That varies from person to person. It depends on your health(a cold) to smoking habits, etc. Usually it can take a week or so for it to begin healing. READ MORE
What are the signs of early stage gum disease?
Yes, usually bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. Most likely this condition can be reversed with daily flossing, but I recommend that you see a dentist to evaluate this. READ MORE
Do toothaches always mean an infection?
No, not always. Glad you're going to get it checked out. READ MORE
How do I know if I have an infection in my gums or teeth?
The only way is to see your dentist and have a complete exam. READ MORE
Is a dry socket an infection?
A dry socket is not always due to an infection. It is the premature loss of the blood clot after an extraction leaving the socket dry and exposed (this usually is painful). If there is an odor from the socket, I will usually get the patient on an antibiotic and pack the socket with a medicated dressing (this acts like an artificial blood clot until you can heal and make your own). READ MORE
Do dental sealants need to be reapplied?
Sometimes they need to be reapplied but not frequently. Even if we can't see the sealant they will leave behind microscopic tags making the enamel more resistant to decay. READ MORE
Why is my tooth discolored after treatment?
Almost always a tooth turns darker after root canal treatment due to the inner blood supply being removed. READ MORE
Which is better, root canal or implant?
If there is enough tooth structure to restore with a crown then I believe saving a tooth with a root canal/crown is usually a better option. READ MORE
Why do dentists use X-rays?
An X-ray can show how bad a fracture is and if it can be reasonably restored or extracted. Yes, I would recommend an X-ray as it can show us things we can't see visually. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Society Memberships
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, National Leadership Award, National Congressional Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
- Hard Work, Emphasizing with Patients
Hobbies / Sports
- Golf
Favorite professional publications
- Dental Economics
Dr. Sam S. Kawakami DDS's Practice location
Lakewood, Colorado 80401Get Direction
Dr. Sam S. Kawakami DDS's reviews
Write ReviewRecommended Articles
![]()
Are Dentures the Solution to Your Dental Problems?What are dentures?A denture is a device prepared by laboratory technicians in order to replace missing teeth. Dentures are a good option for patients without any teeth, or for patients with some missing teeth who want to have a beautiful smile again. Dentures are not only meant for cosmetic...
![]()
How Can I Reduce the Pain of Sensitive Teeth?If you can’t enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold juice without getting that stinging pain in your teeth, those are symptoms of sensitive teeth. Moreover, eating, brushing and flossing may also lead to the sharp pain. Sensitivity to the cold and heat may be caused by a number of reasons...
![]()
When Should I Replace My Toothbrush?A toothbrush is not as clean as we think, and harbors more than 100 million bacteria, according to researchers at the University of Manchester in England. This includes E. coli bacteria, which cause diarrhea, and staphylococci bacteria, which cause skin infections. “This condition is the same as...
- What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy that is getting a lot of attention these days as more and more people become health conscious. This Ayurvedic remedy is known as a detoxification procedure that keeps your teeth and mouth healthy. Although there are not that many formal scientific studies...
![]()
Snoring Problem? This Dentist May Have the SolutionDentists can actually be extremely useful to determine why patients are snoring. Many would normally ignore snoring, as it has often been pushed aside as a "joke". But, in reality, it should be a cause of concern.A worrying fact about snoring is that people take it as something normal until it is...
![]()
Sleep Apnea CPAP Machines: Full Face Masks, BiPAP, and ResMed S10What is sleep apnea?Sleep apnea is a serious form of sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is often interrupted while sleeping. The brain and other parts of the body do not get enough of oxygen when sleep apnea remains untreated. There are two main types of sleep apnea:...
Nearby Providers
![]()
Dr. Saul Escala DDS677 S Federal Blvd Denver CO 80219![]()
Dr. Roger Druckman D.D.S.90 Madison St Denver CO 80206![]()
Evin Worthington1565 Raleigh St Denver CO 80204![]()
Dr. Bahar Esmaili DDS1200 28th St Boulder CO 80303![]()
Dr. Daniel E. Esposito MD, DMD6179 S Balsam Way Littleton Colorado 80123![]()
Dr. Lori M. Trembath DDS9981 N Washington St Denver CO 80229
Nearest Hospitals
ORTHOCOLORADO HOSPITAL AT ST ANTHONY MED CAMPUSl
11650 W 2ND PLACE LAKEWOOD CO 80228CENTURA HEALTH-ST ANTHONY HOSPITALl
11600 WEST 2ND PLACE LAKEWOOD CO 80228LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTERl
8300 W 38TH AVE WHEAT RIDGE CO 80033