What is tooth wear?
“Tooth wear” refers to a loss of tooth structure that can make your teeth appear shorter or less even than they used to be. Wear starts with
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Here’s a quick quiz: What recent activity did domestic guru Martha Stewart share via social media for the first time? Need a hint? Was she following the lead of other
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Welcome to the Blog of Michael W Shields DDS
Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the Colorado Springs, CO area, we’re excited you are here. With
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Take a few minutes to watch our educational videos and learn more about different dental treatments and procedures. Video topics include general & cosmetic dentistry, Implants, oral health and hygiene, orthodontics and preventative dentistry. ...
A dental veneer is a thin, durable porcelain shell that is custom-fabricated to cover the front of a tooth. Veneers can restore the appearance of teeth with chips, cracks, and stains, can close small gaps between the teeth, and can reshape misshapen or slightly misaligned teeth.
Veneers are a popular ...
Using lasers, dentists can detect tooth decay that is not yet visible and would otherwise be undiagnosed using traditional methods.
Laser cavity detection is based on the fact that healthy tooth structure reflects light, or “fluoresces,” differently than does decayed tooth structure. Teeth with decay ...
Lasers direct a controlled force of energy that can remove or alter bone and tissue. By applying varying wavelengths of energy, dental lasers are used to detect and treat a myriad of oral health issues, including detecting oral cancer and treating small cavities.
There are two different types of dental ...
A tooth that has been structurally damaged by decay or trauma sometimes needs to be crowned or “capped” so that it can look good and function properly again. A crown is a durable covering that is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth from the gum line up.
Getting a crown used to mean multiple ...
X-rays are one of the most important parts of a dental exam, and can help medical professionals detect problems long before they are visible to the naked eye, including early tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, and abnormal growths.
Benefits of Digital X-rays
Easy to obtain
Digital X-rays are obtained ...
Slightly bigger than a pen, an intraoral camera is an innovative tool that can take up-close pictures of teeth, gums, and other hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Intraoral cameras can help dentists detect dental issues like tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancers.
Benefits of using an intraoral ...
The single-tooth anesthesia wand provides increased comfort and decreased anxiety when it comes to dental procedures requiring anesthetization. The wand looks like a small pen with an extremely small needle at the tip. The anesthesia wand works by numbing the individual tooth your dentist needs to work ...
Cone beam CT imaging provides dentists with a three-dimensional view of mouth, jaw, teeth, and nasal cavity. These images contain invaluable clinical information and help reduce the need for invasive procedures, shorten treatment time, and make treatment plans more effective and efficient.
With 3D scans, ...
Air abrasion is a drill-less technique that involves an instrument used to blast away small areas of early onset tooth decay, as well as help dentists perform other dental procedures. It is recommended for children or other patients who are fearful of traditional drilling. Air abrasion can only be used ...
"My family has experienced some less-than-ideal dentistry in the past, and we are so glad we found Dr. Shields! He has a great 'bedside manner' & the most up-to date methods. Two thumbs up!"
Lisa
"Dr. Shields & his staff are focused on quality, personal dental care & go out of their way to accommodate the needs of their patients, whether routine care or emergencies. They also do first rate dental work. I highly recommend them."
Bruce
"I trust no one more than I trust no one more than Dr. Mike for my oral care. I have been to many dentists, etc. and Dr. Shields is a first amongst equals.Dr. Mike for my oral care. I have been to many dentists, etc. and Dr. Shields is a first amongst equals."
Jack D.
"Dr. Shields takes great care with his patients. I’ve only been going to him for a year and have already appreciated his skill and professionalism, along with his gentle manner. I look forward to many years of great dental care."
Beth
"Can’t wait to see if Tamie Notices any difference after my whitening! Great job to Dr. Shields and his staff."