Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We like to see children for their first visit around the age of 4. At this age, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth, and we can check to see how things are developing and perform services like exams and cleanings. 

If this is your child’s first visit with us, we’ll take all the time needed for them to get comfortable with us. The goal of this visit is for us to meet them and let them see that going to the dentist is fun. We’ll give them a ride in the chair, count their teeth, and show them how to brush. Using digital x-rays (no film), we’ll take pictures of their mouth to get a baseline for future treatment.

We understand how important it is that we gradually get your child used being around us in the office environment. Dr. Hatchett and our professional team take all the time necessary to treat your children with the special attention they need to help them feel safe and secure.

As parents, we know that you probably have concerns about your child’s first trip to the dentist. Please do not hesitate to contact our Denver dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a visit so you can get to know Dr. Hatchett and our caring team.

Routine dental services obviously play an important role in helping you to achieve great oral health. But routine cleanings at our Denver dental office are most effective when you’re diligent about your own daily oral hygiene.

Some of the most serious oral health problems – like periodontal disease – can quickly take their toll when you’re not diligent about brushing and flossing. Cavities, gum disease, and staining are just some of the problems that can all be the result of poor oral hygiene. If you want to prevent these and keep your dental costs under control, there are really simple, basic steps you can take:

• Brush at least two times per day and floss daily. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful plaque and bacteria on your teeth and in your mouth. 
• Choose a good toothbrush and replace it every two to three months. Changing your toothbrush keeps the bristles on your toothbrush firm and more effective at eliminating plaque. For the best results, invest in an electric toothbrush.
• Avoid using toothpicks or other harmful objects. If used to clean your teeth, these types of instruments can inflame, irritate, or cut your gums, which may lead to infection or gum disease.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. If you use tobacco, you should have your teeth cleaned every three months to reduce the appearance of stains.

If you’d like more assistance with the proper ways to brush your teeth, please call us to arrange your next dental cleaning.

A crown is a covering for the outside surface of the tooth and is used when a broken or weak tooth needs more support than a simple filling can provide. Our crowns are made of porcelain, gold, stainless steel, or porcelain fused to metal.

When finished, the crown covers the part of the tooth that is above the gum line. Dr. Hatchett will prepare the tooth by removing some material so that the new crown will fit flush with your gum.

Crowns usually take two appointments to complete. At the first appointment, we’ll prepare your tooth by reshaping it to prepare the tooth for the new crown. Then we’ll take an impression of the prepared tooth. The impression is used to make a model of the tooth, which the lab then uses to create the final crown.

Since it usually takes the lab about two weeks to prepare the final crown, we’ll place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to cover and protect it. When you come for your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown, adjust the new crown for a perfect fit, then cement it into place.

If you think you may need a new crown, please give us a call. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation so we can discuss all your options.

Dental implants are very popular, but they’re not new. Implants have actually been around for about 25 years, and in that time, the process and materials have been refined, resulting in a success rate today of 95–98%.

An implant is composed of a small screw-like titanium post that is placed in your jawbone bone of our a top local oral surgeon or endodontist. Both types of specialists have all the necessary training and education to perform your procedure effectively and efficiently. Dental implants are constructed in such a way that, over time, they bond with surrounding bone, preventing deterioration of the jawbone and providing support for your natural teeth.

In the majority of cases, we restore the implant with one of our beautiful customized porcelain crowns. However, another advantages of implants is that they can be used to very effectively stabilize dentures and even bridges. Which type of restoration Dr. Hatchett chooses depends on the current state of your oral health, individual preferences, and budgetary considerations. 

Using dental implants, we can:

• Replace one or more missing teeth
• Provide support for a dental restoration like a bridge or crown
• Anchor a full set of dentures or overdentures

While the success rate of dental implants are impressive, they are not the best choice for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about implants and whether or not you’re a good candidate, please contact our Denver dental office to arrange a convenient consultation.

Replacing a tooth for cosmetic reasons has obvious advantages. You’ll be able to smile again with confidence and feel good about the way you look. But the reasons for replacing a tooth aren’t just aesthetic.

All your teeth are designed to work together to help you speak and chew properly. When just one tooth is missing, the remaining teeth have to work harder and absorb more stress than they were ever meant to. Speaking becomes more difficult and a missing tooth can even give your face a sunken appearance, making you look older than you are.

Another problem with tooth loss is that without a root to stimulate the growth of the bone in your jaw, the bone can begin to deteriorate over time. Finally, a missing tooth creates alignment problems as surrounding teeth gradually drift into the empty space.

With all of this in mind, it’s a good idea to consider dental implants to replace a missing tooth, wherever it is in your mouth. Dental implants take the place of the missing root and resolve all the above problems. When the process is finished, you’ll be left with a beautiful, functional, and permanent tooth replacement.

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, please call Darryl Hatchett, DDS, Family Dentistry.

We know that fear of dental pain is a huge problem for many people. It may be so severe that you tend to avoid visits to the dentist altogether. We understand your feelings, but the team at Darryl Hatchett, DDS, Family Dentistry would like to show you that dentistry is nothing to be afraid of, especially when you’re being cared for by professionals who are always focused on you and your complete comfort.

One of the ways we help you overcome your fear is by taking the time to get to know you. When you’re comfortable with the people who are treating you, you’re more likely to relax. Over time, we’ll work to develop the kind of relationship with you that builds trust and makes your dental care free of stress.

Dr. Hatchett has been treating patients for over 15 years and stays current with all the latest techniques for making your treatment as comfortable as possible. Our team will support and encourage you throughout the process because we know you’ll feel more at ease when you know we’re looking out for your best interest.

If you’d like to see for yourself how comfortable high quality dentistry can be, please contact our Denver dental office to arrange your next appointment.

We are not currently contracted with any insurance companies, but we will file all claims for your convenience. Please contact our office for more information.