Steps in Root Canal Treatment

Many patients are intimidated by the term “root canal”. But it remains one of the safest maneuvers in general dentistry—unless you have a dental phobia and require some form of sedation, root canals are routine. If you are designated for root canal therapy by your dentist in Los Angeles, there are clear steps in the procedure you should get familiar with.

First, the dentist will anesthetize the area. This ensures you will fill no pain in the tooth, which is probably dying anyway if endodontic therapy has been recommended. Next, something called a dental dam is placed over your mouth, isolating the affected tooth and ensuring a sterile operating environment.

The dentist now drills a small access hole into the tooth. For front teeth, entry is made from behind the tooth. For back teeth, entry is made through the biting surface.

Using appropriate tools, the doctor removes all the infected pulp from inside the tooth and prepares the pulp chamber for filling. A replacement material called gutta-percha is used to replace the removed pulp.

Finally, a temporary filling will be placed until your restoration session. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the doctor may install a temporary supporting post inside the root canal.

For more about root canal treatment, contact our expert in root canal in Los Angeles.

Is Invisalign Too Expensive?

Orthodontics is something that people save a long time for, whether it is for their child or themselves. But it’s not hard to figure out that orthodontic treatment is worth it. Straight teeth look amazing and can prevent serious dental issues in the future. Many are choosing the popular Invisalign treatment over the more traditional metal-based option. But this begs the question further – is Invisalign expensive?

Potential patients will be happy to learn that the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of the traditional option. Patients opting for Invisalign will also get to forgo the placement process required of metal braces, wherein the brackets are applied to the teeth and the wire is inserted and tightened. Invisalign only requires impressions of the teeth, and an appointment to make sure it fits correctly.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that the length, and therefore the cost, of the treatment is very dependent on the patient. The aligners must be worn between twenty and twenty-two hours a day, and if not worn enough, the process can take longer.

You may be searching for cheap Invisalign offers. Make sure these offers are effective and professionally done, as well. To be sure you are getting the best treatment possible, make an appointment with our Los Angeles orthodontics expert.

What Makes Dentures Effective

Dentures are an appliance used by our Los Angeles dentist to replace missing teeth. Both partial and full dentures are made for patients missing some or all of the teeth in the mouth. This is an alternative to dental implants or dental bridges for those who cannot or do not wish to wait for more a fixed restoration. Others may not have sufficient jaw bone density to support an implant or bridge, and do not qualify for a bone graft procedure.

Dentures primarily use suction to stick to the gums when needed, making it possible to remove them to clean or when sleeping. The reason why dentures are so effective as a replacement for teeth is the level of preparation required to ensure their custom look and functionality. As many as seven appointments are needed before your new dentures are ready to use. During this period, the following occurs:

•    Impressions of your teeth or gums are taken and mold trays are fabricated
•    These molds are further modified to ensure an exact fit
•    Jaw potions are measured and analyzed
•    Tooth shape, size, and color are selected
•    The supporting frame is checked for those patients whose dentures are to be used in conjunction with dental implants or existing teeth
•    Molds and information are sent to labs where the dentures are created
•    A sample is tested and sent back with more information
•    The dentures are delivered and adjusted

Our expert in dentures in Los Angeles will work to make sure your new appliance fits perfectly and works to your liking.

Uses of Multiple Teeth Implants

Losing one tooth is bad enough. But sometimes people are without several teeth in their smile. The best treatment for tooth loss is dental implants. There are two possible ways to use multiple teeth implants if someone has lost several teeth.

Single Implants

The first option is to place a single dental implant in each space where a tooth is missing. The implant is then capped off with a porcelain crown to complete the smile.

Implant Supported Bridge

If the missing teeth are adjacent to each other, a fixed dental bridge can be used. In this case, a single implant is placed in the location of the missing tooth on each end of the gap. A dental bridge can then be attached to these two implants to fill in the smile.

To receive a dental implant, there must be enough bone available to support the implant. If you are lacking sufficient bone due to bone deterioration, it is possible that a bone graft can be performed to build the bone up enough to support an implant. If you are missing numerous teeth and are interested in dental implants, contact our Beverly Hills implant dentist to discuss your options.

Can Damaged Teeth be Repaired?

All sorts of breakage can occur in teeth, from little hairline cracks to major breaks that extend all the way to the root. Teeth also sustain damage from simple attrition or a lifetime of use, which erodes enamel and causes structural weakness. Add gradual discoloring over the years, either gray or yellow shades from drinking coffee and smoking, and your teeth are a handful to take care of.

However, most tooth damage is replaceable. There are several restorative programs your dentist can tell you about. Some are merely cosmetic, acting to camouflage the damage so your smile can continue. Others are orthodontic, and give your mouth a full overhaul. Often, a combination of plans will be used. 

For missing teeth, you may consider dental implants or dental bridges. These two often work in concert. Dental implants are a surgical installation of a new tooth root and prosthetic tooth. Dental bridges merge a prosthetic tooth, called a pontic in this case, with the healthy teeth to either side, called abutments.

Cavities may be filled with tooth-colored fillings or sealants, and severely decayed teeth can be restored with root canal therapy. These are some of the ways your smile can be saved from destruction. Contact our restorative dentist in Los Angeles for more.

How Successful is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is becoming an increasingly more popular option for those who desire straighter, more beautiful smiles. Patients appreciate how discreet the process is, with the clear aligners and absence of metal brackets or wires. They also love that they can remove the trays to enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about damaging their orthodontic appliance. But with so many benefits, you may be wondering how effective Invisalign treatment really is.

The truth is that the chances of success with Invisalign are largely dependent on the patient. Invisalign aligners must be worn between twenty and twenty-two hours a day. Those who fail to meet this requirement may not see the best results possible. It is also vital that you do not lose any of the aligners, as the time it takes to replace one can halt and even begin to reverse your treatment.

It is also important to remember that everyone’s case is different. No two patients have identical sets of teeth, so everyone will experience different results, and different levels of success.

For a more specific evaluation of your orthodontic needs, and what you can expect from Invisalign treatment, visit our Los Angeles Invisalign provider. You can also take a look at our Invisalign reviews.

Do Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea?

It can be helpful to think of dentistry like the field of science. There are many different scientists that specialize in different areas of the subject. For example, geologists study rocks and the earth, chemists are experts in chemicals, and astronomers are knowledgeable about space. Similarly, there are experts in different fields of dentistry, such as cosmetic dentists, periodontists, and endodontists. They are also who you would go to if you are suffering from sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (or OSA) is a disorder that is currently prevents healthy sleep for an estimated eighteen million Americans. Patients who attempt to sleep are often woken slightly so they can get air to their system, which is blocked by the muscles in the throat constricting. It often causes snoring and involuntarily holding breath for long periods of time during the night, and listlessness, moodiness, and weight gain during the day.

Although not all local dentists treat sleep apnea, some offer OSA services alongside their dental practices. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, the use of mouth guards or CPAP machines, and surgery. If your general dentist does not treat OSA, one can likely be found in your area by searching ‘expert in sleep apnea in Los Angeles’ online.

When are Night Guards Recommended?

Bruxism is another word for grinding or clenching your teeth. Teeth grinding tends to occur during sleep, and many people do not know they do it until damage has occurred. A night guard can help protect your teeth from the damage of bruxism and protect your long-term dental health.

Your teeth are designed to bite and chew food, but when they grind or clench against each other, the bite forces can cause significant damage. Over time, the teeth can become worn, and the enamel will develop small cracks and chips. If the bruxism is not treated and a night guard is not worn, the damage can worsen. Teeth can break or wear down to the nerve, and the gums can recede. Restorations can become damaged or destroyed, and teeth can be lost. Some patients may suffer from headaches, migraines, neck aches, and other pain conditions.

Although there is no simple cure for bruxism, a properly fitted night guard can help. Night guards cushion your teeth and can ease the grinding to reduce any damage. You will need to wear your night guard every night for protection.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our Agoura Hills dentist.

Is Invisalign the Best Option for Me?

Invisalign is an exciting orthodontic treatment option that can straighten your smile with clear aligners. These aligners apply pressure to specific teeth and are changed regularly, which keeps teeth shifting to their intended places. Over the course of treatment, your teeth will move incrementally until they are in their final positions. Our expert in Invisalign in Los Angeles can help you decide if Invisalign is the best option for you.

Questions to ask when deciding on the best orthodontic treatment include:

·         What problems do I need to correct? Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, spacing, and crowding.

·         Am I committed to treatment? Invisalign requires a high degree of patient compliance. You will need to be in charge of replacing your aligners on schedule and wearing them at least twenty to twenty-two hours a day.

·         What kind of insurance coverage do I have? What is my budget? Dental insurance often covers orthodontic treatment, which means that your treatment with Invisalign may be covered. However, out-of-pocket costs can be higher with Invisalign.

·         Am I the right age for this treatment? Invisalign is most appropriate for teens and adults.

Call us today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our team.

Teeth Whitening and Dental Makeovers

Dental makeovers are a fantastic way to dramatically improve a smile in a relatively short amount of time. While the possibilities are seemingly endless, a common staple in any dental makeover is teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening can be accomplished in a number of ways. Dental makeovers often make use of porcelain crowns and veneers to create a mouth of pearly whites. But traditional teeth whitening treatments can be just as effective at brightening a smile. Treatment plans vary, so the approach taken will depend on your specific case. But here is a look at some of the considerations.

If your treatment plan dictates that you have porcelain crowns or veneers on at least some of your visible teeth and you will also have some visible natural teeth, you should have your natural teeth whitened to your desired shade first. This will allow your crowns or veneers to be matched to your whiter teeth.

Existing crowns, veneers and dental fillings do not respond to whitening treatments. Therefore, if you have any of these in your visible smile, they will need to be replaced in order to be matched to your whiter teeth.

To learn how teeth whitening can be incorporated into your dental makeover, contact our expert in teeth whitening in Beverly Hills today.

When is an Emergency Dental Surgery Recommended?

Most dental issues occur over time, and are only spotted during routine dental visits. Some issues, however, occur suddenly and with much pain. Sporting accidents, poorly treated restorations, and misuse can all be situations in which teeth become damaged. If you are experiencing severe pain in a tooth or multiple teeth, it is considered a dental emergency, and surgery may be required.

Some reasons you may require an expert in emergency dental surgery include:

• A broken tooth. This includes crown displacement. Cleaning out your mouth with warm water may alleviate pain until you can be seen by a professional.

•  A knocked out tooth. Sometimes teeth that have been knocked out can be saved. To better your chances of keeping your natural tooth in your mouth, carefully wash it, and lightly place it back in the socket. If this is not possible, putting it in a glass of milk can preserve it until you get to a Los Angeles emergency dentistry expert.

• Bitten lip or tongue. Everyone knows how painful this can be. If you have done serious damage to your lip or tongue, apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. If you are bleeding, you may require stitches.

• Broken jaw. To reduce swelling, apply a cold cloth to the area. Find out if you should visit your emergency dentist or a hospital.

• Toothache. This common dental issue is due to infection. Visit a dental emergency professional to prevent further infection. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth out with water, and lightly floss to remove any food debris.

For more information, contact us.