What is the Purpose of Regular Dental X-Rays?

At your next dental appointment, your dentist might ask to take some x-rays. This is a very common practice, and will help give your dentist a better idea of what is going on in the parts of the teeth they cannot see with the naked eye. X-rays are also called radiographs, and they use low levels of radiation to take pictures of the interiors of your teeth and gums.

X-rays are usually performed yearly, and as it is advised that patients attended dental visits every six months, it is likely that you will have an x-ray taken every other time you go in. You might need to have one more often if your dentist is tracking a previous treatment. Other factors that could increase the frequency in which you require x-rays are your age, current oral health, past symptoms of oral disease, and a history of tooth or gum decay. New patients must take x-rays if there is a lack of access to recent ones taken by a previous dentist, so your current dentist can properly treat your teeth.

There are several different types of dental x-rays:
•    Bitewing: requires you to bite down on a thin piece of paper, which allows your dentist to see if the crowns match up, and for interdental cavities.

•    Occlusal: done with your jaw closed in order to see how the upper and lower teeth line up.

•    Palatal: This technique captures all of your teeth in one shot.

•    Panoramic: Employs a machine that rotates around your head. Used for checking wisdom teeth, planning for dental devices to be implanted, and investigating jaw problems.

•    Periapical: Takes an image of two teeth, from their roots to their crowns.

Contact our West Hollywood dentist for more information.

Cost of Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Still, some are concerned about the cost of dental implants. It is true that dental implants have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacement options, but most patients find that the benefits over other treatments make the investment well worth the cost.

Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. They are stronger and more durable than any of the alternative treatments, often lasting a lifetime. In addition, they can be brushed and flossed just like a natural tooth. Furthermore, unlike dentures, there is no need to worry about an implant shifting or falling out while eating, talking or laughing.

The dental implant cost in Beverly Hills can vary based on several factors. First, the cost largely depends on the type of implant you need. Single dental implants cost more than the narrower mini implants. In addition, costs will vary depending on which dentist you choose. More experienced dentists often charge more for the same procedure. Finally, if you need additional services such as sedation during the procedure, it will cost more.

Despite the higher initial cost of dental implants, it is hard to put a price tag on the confidence you will gain as a result of having a perfect smile. If you would like to find out how much an implant will cost in your specific case, contact our Beverly Hills tooth implant dentist to schedule a consultation.

Different Steps of Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the most common oral health issue, and many people are not even aware that they have it. Though it typically begins in its mildest form, called gingivitis, advanced gum disease that is left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for the long-term health of your smile. There are three steps to the periodontal treatment process.

Step 1: Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is usually diagnosed during a routine dental exam. A small ruler is used to measure the pockets between the teeth and gums. A healthy pocket measures 3 mm or less and does not bleed. Inflammation, bleeding, and deep pockets are signs of gum disease.

Step 2: Treatment
If gum disease is found, the severity of the disease will dictate the best treatment. Some of the treatments our dentists in West Hollywood may recommend include:
•    Deep cleaning to thoroughly clean the teeth above and below the gumline
•    Medications, which can be used alone or in combination with other treatments
•    Surgery to restore the gums and bone that have been damaged.

Step 3: Maintenance
Once your gums are healthy again, maintenance becomes very important to prevent reoccurrence of the disease. Your oral hygiene should include:
•    Brushing your teeth twice each day
•    Flossing once a day to clean the areas where a toothbrush cannot reach
•    Rinsing daily with an anti-bacterial mouth rinse
•    Getting a professional dental cleaning at least every 6 months

Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Are Invisalign Patients Happy with the Treatment?

If you are researching Invisalign reviews for information while considering the treatment, your main question is likely whether current and previous patients are happy with their results. It is important to know that everyone’s orthodontic health is different, and thus every Invisalign experience will be different, too. Some treatments last a long time, while others only require a short period of time to get their teeth in the right places, and there are many other varying factors to consider. That being said, many patients are happy with their experience using Invisalign.
Patients are commonly pleased with:

•    The discretion the clear trays offer
•    The fact that you can remove the trays when you eat, drink, and clean your teeth
•    The momentum. You can tell your treatment is progressing, as you receive a new tray every two weeks
•    The results. The overwhelmingly majority of patients receive results akin to those from traditional braces.

Straightening your teeth and fixing your bite can lead to overall happiness in your everyday life. You will experience a heightened sense of confidence from such a perfect smile, as well as the avoidance of dental health issues that your crooked teeth may have caused. For more information about the successes of Invisalign, visit your dentist in Los Angeles.

How are Inlays and Onlays Used?

Inlays and onlays are tools that a dentist can use to restore a tooth that has suffered decay. They are similar to each other, in that they are both made outside of the mouth and then cemented into place. The primary difference between them is in their size.

Inlays are, essentially, dental fillings. Unlike fillings that are made of a soft amalgam or composite resin substance that is placed into a cleaned out cavity and then hardened, inlays, typically made of porcelain, are formed and hardened outside of the mouth using a mold of the tooth and then cemented into the cavity space. Inlays are preferable for large cavities or for teeth that are otherwise unsound, because, as a filling is hardened, it expands slightly, and any expansion inside the tooth can cause an already weakened tooth to break. An inlay avoids this issue since it is hardened before being placed in the tooth.

Onlays are similar to inlays, except that they are larger and are used to restore teeth with more substantial decay. They cover the top and one or more sides of the tooth. A crown is actually a type of onlay that covers the entire tooth.

For more information about how inlays and onlays are used, contact our West Hollywood cosmetic dentist to schedule a consultation.

Do All Dentists Place Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers have become very popular as a means of improving the appearance of a smile. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is placed on the front surface of the teeth to hide minor imperfections, such as chips, gaps or discoloration. Though it may sound like a simple procedure that can be performed by any dentist, it is not at all simple, and treatment should be undertaken with care.

Placing porcelain veneers is one of the most technically challenging procedures a dentist can perform. There are many aesthetic and functional considerations involved in achieving the correct result. Placement of veneers usually involves numerous teeth, and it takes a great deal of skill to get the bite and color right. In addition to aesthetic issues, ill-placed veneers can cause problems with eating or even speech. To place quality porcelain veneers that look, feel and function properly, a dentist needs to be very experienced in the procedure.

You should never put your appearance in the hands of an inexperienced dentist. If you are looking for a dentist to place porcelain veneers, accept only the best care for your smile, which can be found from our highly experienced porcelain veneers dentist.

Do I Need a Smile Makeover?

Full mouth reconstruction refers to a process in which all of a patient’s dental problems are repaired. Patients must be looking to correct problems effecting most to all of their teeth. The process normally involves several surgeries and procedures that take place over the course of several months. These issues can be both cosmetic and health related in nature, such as discoloration and fractures, respectively.

Full Mouth Reconstruction can fix:

·         Decay

·         Missing teeth

·         Staining

·         Cracks and chips

·         TMJ (or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) and Bruxism

·         Misalignments, gaps, and crooked teeth

·         Toothache

·         Periodontal treatment

If you are suffering from the following issues to most or all of your teeth, Full Mouth Reconstruction could be right for you.

Treatments and procedures included in Full Mouth Reconstruction:

·         Crowns

·         Inlays and onlays

·         Fillings and bridges

·         Implants

·         Various oral surgeries

·         Whitening and bonding

·         Veneers

·         Invisalign, braces, and other orthodontic treatments

·         Root canal therapy

·         Scaling and root planning

·         And others

Crown lengthening, certain oral surgeries, and certain periodontal treatments are not considered by some to be part of Full Mouth Reconstruction treatment.

Many cosmetic dentists are familiar with many or all of these treatments, and can offer further information about the process of each. They can also refer you to an expert in smile makeover in North Hollywood.

Can Porcelain Veneers Get Stained?

Veneers are thin, translucent shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Porcelain is a hard material, and Veneers are made to protect your teeth from damage such as chips, fractures, decay, and stains. But… are your Veneers stain proof themselves?

Think of your Veneers just like a water resistant watch. It will probably be okay if it gets wet when you wash your hands, but you wouldn’t necessarily want to leave it on while swimming for a few hours. It’s water resistant – not water proof. Veneers are similar – they are stain resistant, but can still show signs of the foods and liquids you consume over time.

Here is a list of foods it is recommended you avoid to keep your Veneers looking brand new, and your dentists in Orange County happy:

•    Hard foods, like ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and candy apples
•    Sticky foods, like gummies bears or gum
•    Small hard foods, like nuts, seeds, and chips
•    Dark liquids, such as tea, coffee, dark sodas, and red wine
•    Tobacco products

As previously stated, enjoying most of these foods will not necessarily stain your Veneers right away, but indulging in them regularly can make an effect. It is advised to rise out your mouth with water after eating or drinking any of these items listed, as that will help keep the materials from sticking.

For more items to avoid, or further advice to keep your new smile looking new, talk to our dental Veneers dentist in Orange County.