Dentist Blog

With Poudre School District's first day of school landing on August 19, the back-to-school countdown is officially on for Fort Collins families. Between school shopping, ride arrangements, schedule confirmations, and sports practices, it's easy for a dental checkup to slip through the cracks. Of course, postponing back-to-school errands only delays future issues, like a toothache in the middle of a …

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time is a big milestone, and it's normal to have questions. When should you go? What will happen? Will your child be scared? This guide answers all of that, so you can walk into your child's first visit feeling prepared instead of worried.

What Age Should Your Child See a Dentist …

Even though I didn’t grow up in Fort Collins, I’m proud to call this beautiful city my home. There’s so much to see and do! Whether it’s taking in a concert at Mishawaka Amphitheatre, attending an Italian cooking class at Farm Fusion, or strolling through the latest exhibits at the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, there’s never a dull moment.

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Wanting to get out to Colorado State Parks? We know hiking, mountain biking at Horsetooth Reservoir, and climbing season are in full swing. Before you head out, here are some friendly tips to help protect your dental care during outdoor activities.

Whether you are enjoying one of Lory State Park’s 28 miles of hiking, biking, or rock climbing, we want …

You’ve worked hard to earn your degree from Colorado State University; between all the late-night study sessions, trips to the library, tests, projects, club meetings, and activities, it felt like there was barely time for anything else, especially regular dental visits.

Now that you’re graduating from this prestigious research university, you’ll be moving forward toward a new career or further …

Most people associate routine dental visits with checking for cavities and plaque. While this is a foundational part of preventive dentistry, comprehensive Fort Collins dentistry also includes screening for serious health concerns that can originate in the mouth, throat, jawline, and neck. 

During these routine exams, Dr. Ryan Rush looks for far more than decay. One of the most valuable …

If you have plans for spring break this year or just want to refresh your smile, you may be considering teeth whitening. Before you invest your hard-earned money in an over-the-counter kit, you should know that professional whitening offers a safer, more predictable approach.

Why Store-Bought Whitening Kits Fall Short

Over-the-counter whitening products use generic concentrations deemed to be safe …

You follow good oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent cavities. What if you knew that taking care of your gums might also protect your heart and brain?

The relationship between oral health and heart health is more significant than many people realize. The link was first identified in the 1990s in the context of …

It’s January in Fort Collins, and everywhere you look, people are talking about “New Year, New You” goals. Gym memberships spike, farmers markets buzz with colorful produce, and kombucha bottles seem to be everywhere. Many of our patients also come at this time of year with a common question: “Why do my teeth feel sensitive, or look more yellow?”

Often, …

These days, many Coloradans are struggling to access dental care due to a combination of cost, fear of judgment, and insurance gaps. In Colorado overall, cost remains the top barrier, with many people skipping needed care because they simply can’t afford it. We have seen the effects of this phenomenon locally as well, with many patients noting just how daunting …

Dental benefits typically expire at the end of the calendar year, meaning any unused benefits will not roll over and are lost forever. Fortunately, it’s not too late to take advantage of your remaining coverage.

Most dental insurance plans cover two checkups and teeth cleanings per year.

Additionally, some plans cover restorative dentistry and specific tooth replacement options, including pretreatments, …

There is nothing convenient about a dental emergency! A broken tooth or dental pain is never fun to deal with. These issues can keep you awake at night or force you to cancel plans. However, the good news is that having a trusted emergency dentist in Fort Collins means you can rest easy if a tooth emergency arises.

At Ryan …

You have missing teeth, which prompts you to cover your mouth when you smile and hope no one notices. Perhaps tooth loss has begun to impact your speech and ability to chew food. We think you deserve a smile do-over!

Modern tooth replacement options can achieve the following:

• Boost your self-confidence
• Contribute to better oral health
• Improve your speech
• Restore …

Updated in May 2026

Active lifestyles can still be mindful of oral health. It just takes a little mindfulness and a few simple steps.

With sunshine, scenic trails, and crisp mountain air, Horsetooth Reservoir is a favorite summer escape for Fort Collins locals. Whether you’re gearing up for a casual yet energizing morning hike or a full day of outdoor …

Snoring is more than just an annoyance. It is, of course, a pretty major annoyance, but it’s also much more.

Chronic snoring can disrupt sleep, not just for the snorer, but also signal certain underlying health issues and even strain relationships. At Ryan Rush, DDS, PLLC, here in Fort Collins, the QuietNite® Fractional Handpiece is transforming snoring treatment, offering a …

At Ryan Rush, DDS, we always aim to provide you with a positive experience. So, we are thrilled to tell you about Deka CO2 laser dentistry, which is changing the way we perform certain procedures and making treatment more comfortable and efficient for our patients. 

Here are some of how your Fort Collins dentist is using the Deka CO2 Laser.

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With the new year comes several resolutions, many of which center around health. If you're focusing on health for 2025, have you considered your dental health? Did you know it's closely related to your overall health and well-being? 

It's true! Consider your mouth the gateway to your body and the telltale reporter of your overall health. Because gum disease and …

‘Tis the season!!

The holidays are a time of delightful abundance — friends, family, food, drinks… sweets. As we enter the heart of the festive season, it’s important to remember the importance of remaining mindful of your oral health, even as you occasionally indulge!

Indulge Mindfully

Though delicious, the sugars in Christmas cookies, candy canes, peppermint bark, hot chocolate, and …

Updated in August 2025

Winter in Colorado Can Be Tough on Your Smile

Did you know Colorado is one of the driest states in the U.S.? Low humidity, chilly winds, and freezing temperatures all combine to make winters especially tough on your oral health. Many people focus on keeping their skin moisturized, but your lips and gums are just as …

Updated in August 2025

Patients often ask us, "How long does professional teeth whitening last?" After all, when investing in your smile, you want to know what to expect and how to maintain your results. 

Understanding the longevity of professional teeth whitening is not straightforward. It can range from a few months to several years, influenced by factors such as …

Updated in June of 2026

If you live in Fort Collins and have been putting off a dental visit, you are not alone. Dr. Rush and his team at 383 W Drake Road see patients every week who are coming back to the dentist after a long gap, some after just a couple of years, others after more than a …

Updated in October of 2025

Regular dental visits are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral health. Still, many people wonder, “How often should I visit the dentist?” The answer depends on your health, habits, and personal needs—but one thing’s certain: consistency is key.

At Ryan Rush DDS in Fort Collins, our team helps …

When you visit our dental office every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, we examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease. If you have a cavity, we use tooth-colored composite resin to repair it and maintain a natural appearance.

So, what can you expect when you visit us for a tooth-colored filling? …

Are you missing a tooth or several teeth and wondering about your options? Dental implants might be the perfect solution to restore your smile and confidence. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of dental implants and innovative techniques to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing dental implants is an investment in your oral health and overall quality …

Wisdom teeth removal is a standard dental procedure many individuals undergo, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to emerge in the mouth, often causing problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, impaction, and infection. 

If you're scheduled for wisdom teeth removal or considering this procedure, one of the most common questions …

Living in Colorado definitely has its perks! Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities in the high country, while residents of Ft. Collins appreciate the small-town atmosphere. 

However, with the perks also come some downsides to living at a higher elevation, and sometimes your oral health may be affected. Today, we'll provide some tips on how to maintain dental wellness in Ft. …

Many oral health issues can threaten your teeth and even your overall wellness. Fortunately, most of these complications are preventable with regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings with your Fort Collins general dentist.

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your dentist every six months for preventive exams and cleanings. This schedule is for patients who do not …

Welcome to Fort Collins, CO! Fort Collins is a warm and welcoming college town, home to Colorado State University (CSU).

If you're new to the area, you may need help finding new healthcare providers, including a general dentist. Here are some helpful tips for finding an excellent "dentist near me" in the Fort Collins area.

• Ask friends and neighbors for …

In the world of selfies and social media, cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever. A beautiful smile can make you look better, but it can also raise your self-confidence and help you achieve more in your relationships and career. So, if you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Fort Collins, how do you know what to look for? Keep …

Updated April 29, 2026

Tooth extraction ranks among the most common dental procedures. Yet, for most patients, it often comes with a wave of anxiety. One of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Ryan Rush hears from patients considering tooth extraction in Fort Collins, CO, is, “How long does it take to pull a tooth?”

We’re here to offer you …

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth, bite, chew, and speak. TMJ disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the proper functioning of this joint. While TMJ itself is not life-threatening, it can lead to significant discomfort and impact your daily life.

What …

Invisalign is a clear aligner system designed to straighten teeth. Traditional braces are brackets and wires fitted to the teeth that serve the same purpose.

We can evaluate your issues and help you choose the best traditional braces or Invisalign in Fort Collins if you're considering orthodontics.

Your Orthodontic Options

Traditional Braces

We fit your teeth with brackets and thread …

If you crack, chip, or break your tooth, it can be extremely upsetting, and you may even experience pain as a result of it. When you have suffered an injury to your mouth or one of your teeth, it’s best to contact your dentist in Fort Collins, CO, to schedule an appointment, but in the meantime, what can you do …

Updated in February of 2026

Summertime is a wonderful time of the year. Many families go on vacation, and kids and adults alike enjoy the longer daylight hours, as well as swimming, barbeques, and time with friends and family. With all this excitement, you may find that you aren’t being quite as diligent as you should be with your oral …

Brushing your teeth before bed is a fundamental practice in maintaining optimal oral health. Neglecting this nightly routine can lead to various issues that compromise the health and aesthetics of your smile, bite, and systemic health.

The Importance of Brushing Your Teeth Before Bed

Skipping nighttime brushing allows food particles and bacteria to linger between your teeth and along your …

Updated in October of 2025

When it comes to taking care of your teeth, you know it’s essential to brush and floss them, but have you ever thought about why? You likely know that brushing your teeth keeps them clean and removes food particles from your mouth, but why is flossing an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine?

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Updated in September of 2025

If you want your teeth to look their best while still being healthy, you have many dental options to help you achieve your oral health goals. You may have heard of dental veneers and crowns, but you aren’t sure what the similarities and differences are between the two.

Both dental veneers and dental crowns fall …

At Ryan Rush, DDS, we often get questions about dental cleanings and teeth whitening. Patients ask us if they are the same thing, and they wonder if it’s ok to skip dental cleanings if they are whitening their teeth or if dental cleanings will make their teeth whiter and brighter. Unfortunately, dental cleanings and teeth whitening are two completely different …

If you need a root canal treatment for your front teeth in Fort Collins, CO, we can provide a safe and aesthetic treatment that won't detract from your smile.

Front teeth may have fewer canals than back teeth, but treating the infection is still crucial. Without root canal therapy, you risk losing the tooth and spreading infection. Additionally, lack of …

Tooth-colored fillings in Fort Collins can repair your teeth and restore your smile. Dr. Ryan Rush's mastery of cosmetic and restorative dentistry can give you a healthy, comfortable, and beautiful smile. 

Here are five benefits of tooth-colored fillings.

1. Quick Treatment

Tooth-colored fillings make treating tooth decay easier than ever. It's quick, painless, and takes less than an hour to …

Dental implants in Fort Collins have several benefits. Not only do they provide a permanent solution to tooth loss, but they also improve your appearance by supporting your facial muscles and preventing premature aging. Dr. Rush Ryan is a skilled dentist in Fort Collins that provides realistic, custom-made dental implants. 

Here are four reasons you may need dental implants to …

Cosmetic dentists can treat various issues with your teeth, including stains, damaged teeth, and misalignments. Anyone unhappy with their smile’s imperfections may consider visiting a cosmetic dentist to learn how it can help them. 

With cosmetic dentistry, you can upgrade the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite to attain a healthier, more attractive grin. 

Here are four reasons why …

Everyone has aches and pains at one point or another. But how do you know when you have a toothache or need emergency dental care? At Ryan Rush DDS PLLC, we consider a dental emergency to be any oral health concern that involves pain, bleeding, swelling, or if a tooth is at risk for loss or infection.

Here are five …

The past several years have made quite a dent in the average dental checkups we in Fort Collins should be enjoying. But unfortunately, one statistic shows that nearly four in ten Americans haven't been to the dentist in a year or longer. Though this may not seem too major, your dentist knows otherwise.

Regular dental visits are vital in keeping …

There are definite, tell-tale signs that the end is near, the end of the year, that is. Thanksgiving is a memory preserved by copious leftovers still in the fridge, and holiday decorations have been in the store for a month. But one thing you might not associate with the upcoming new year is your insurance benefit expiration.

So if you …

If you have a broken tooth, contact your dentist in Fort Collins, CO, as soon as possible! We can often restore your tooth using restorations like dental crowns and bonding. 

Teeth are strong, but they endure a lot of chewing over the years, and misaligned teeth, injury, or untreated cavities can mean cracks or breakage.

Your dentist in Fort Collins, …

The blood vessels and tissues in your tooth roots run through canals and provide moisture and nutrition to your tooth. Like all tissue, root canals can become infected. Sometimes this is due to deep decay, but trauma, systemic disease, strong pressure, and damage can all lead to root infection.

If you need root canal treatment, your Fort Collins, CO emergency …

You may have heard of dental crowns but aren't entirely sure what they are or what purpose they serve. A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth, all the way down to the gum line. In other words, it "caps" the tooth. The dental crowns we recommend at our Fort Collins dental office are …

Updated in November of 2025

If you need to replace one or two missing teeth, you have more options than you might expect. Dental bridges, implants, and partial dentures each support your smile in different ways, and the right choice depends on your oral health, your goals, and what feels realistic for you.

Dental implants are popular, but they are …

Updated in May 2026

Have you ever had a dental emergency? At some point, most of us will, so it's good to be prepared. When you understand what is considered a dental emergency, you can get prompt treatment and relief from your emergency dentist in Fort Collins.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

You might feel that anything amiss with your …

Modern cosmetic dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, can transform your smile. But many options are about more than aesthetics. Specific treatments promote better oral health.

In our dental office, we offer many options at various price points to meet the needs and goals of our patients.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options with Your Family Dentist

We are a family dentist, offering everything …

If you have a toothache in Fort Collins or the surrounding communities, we want to hear from you as soon as possible. Of course, this isn’t the only type of dental emergency, but it is one of the most stressful.

Toothaches and swelling can rob you of sleep and make daily tasks challenging. Additionally, toothaches often indicate infection. Without prompt …

One of the best ways to protect your oral health is to visit your Fort Collins dentist every six months for your routine teeth cleaning and checkup. You might wonder why you need to visit the dentist every six months if you're not having any problems or your teeth aren't bothering you. Well, here are four additional reasons to schedule …

In today's complex and busy world, you must take a primary role in protecting your health and well-being. Your dental health is no exception, and that's why it's critical to add a trustworthy general dentist to your health care team.

Having a general dentist in Fort Collins that you can rely on means that they will know and understand your …

Updated in October of 2025

Patients living with missing or compromised teeth face daily challenges that most of us take for granted. For example, eating and chewing can be difficult and even painful for patients with compromised teeth. They may also feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of their smiles, which makes it uncomfortable to interact with other people.

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In today's fast-paced and connected world, having a beautiful smile is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. When you have healthy teeth, you feel confident about smiling and interacting with other people, and you can more easily achieve your goals.

If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, you might find yourself hiding it from other people. …

Finding the right general dentist to work with is essential for protecting your dental health and your overall health and well-being. This is because your oral health is closely related to your general health. Here's what you should know.

The Oral Systemic Connection

Over the years, science has established a clear connection between the bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease …