How Much Does Getting a Root Canal Cost?

We are very aware that root canals are not fun – from the initial tooth infection to the recovery time. One factor that can certainly contribute to the lack of enthusiasm patients experience is the cost of the cost of root canal in Los Angeles. The following is information regarding this factor in treating an infected tooth.

There are several factors that affect the pricing of root canal treatments. These factors include:

•             Location (Where in the country, city vs. country, etc.)

•             Which tooth (molar, incisor, bicuspid)

•             Your insurance coverage

•             Number of follow up appointments needed

•             And more

The type of tooth needing treatment is not a factor due to the level of access. A molar does not cost more than an incisor because it is harder to reach. Rather, it has to do with the size of the tooth. The front teeth are smaller and have only one canal to clean out, whereas the back teeth have as many as three.

A root canal can cost as much as $1,100 for a front tooth, $1,800 for a bicuspid, and $2,000 for a molar. Again, these numbers can also be affected by the other factors listed above.

If you have concerns regarding the cost of a root canal treatment for an infected tooth, contact our endodontist for more information.

What Types of Dental Problems Can be Fixed with Lumineers?

Lumineers are a highly specialized dental veneer. Using laminates that are color coordinated to your teeth, Lumineers can bring your smile increased health and whiteness in just two short sessions.

Although many patients with imperfect teeth qualify for Lumineers, your candidacy is especially good if your smile is already adequate, and you have an eye toward perfection. Obviously this is easier if you start with teeth that possess decent size and health. One disqualifier can be overly large teeth, which can harm the symmetry of the laminates.

Lumineers provide excellent coverage for teeth that may be lapsing years after advanced dental work. If you have a high degree of staining, either because you smoke or just from aging, Lumineers can disguise those stains. Even teeth that are crooked or oddly spaced benefit from the camouflage of Lumineers.

This diverse product is only recommended for reasonably healthy patients who do not have underlying orthodontic work, such as malocclusion or bruxism. These are issues better suited to orthodontics, and Lumineers is a cosmetic product, meant to make you feel and look good on a much shorter timeline.

If you are not sure Lumineers can fix your slight dental problems, we invite you to take a look at Lumineers before and after pictures. And feel free to contact our group with further questions about your candidacy.

Can I Afford Getting Veneers?

The cost of dental veneers does not have to stand between you and the smile of your dreams. There is no standard veneers cost. Several things can affect your final total, including the number of teeth you are having treated, the type of veneers you choose, and your dental health needs.

Insurance does not typically cover the cost of veneers because they are considered cosmetic in nature and not strictly necessary for dental health, but other payment options are available. Some options can include:

1. Dental plans
Unlike insurance, dental plans are membership programs that offer discounted services, which allow you to save on the procedures or treatments you need.

2. Financing
Financing plans are available through several credit programs. They feature low or flexible interest rates and allow you to pay a lower monthly payment, which is easier to fit into your budget, rather than a single large payment upfront.

3. Special offers
Periodically, special offers are available that include free consultations or other lower cost deals that make your chosen treatment more affordable.

The veneers cost per tooth is ultimately an investment in your smile. With a brighter, more attractive smile, you can enjoy renewed confidence and feel more prepared to handle anything that comes your way. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our Los Angeles porcelain veneers dentist.

Do Sleep Apnea Machines Really Work?

Sleep apnea comes with a plethora of symptoms attached. Weight gain, depression, fatigue, and listlessness are all symptoms common during the day, and loud snoring, holding the breath, and frequently waking up are ways the disorder shows itself at night. Fortunately, the many symptoms are matched by the many different types of treatment offered by our sleep apnea dentist.

Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and stress reduction, and oral appliances are usually the first methods of treatment. These tactics can eliminate the cause of sleep apnea by providing more room in the air passageway for oxygen to come through. If these methods do not work, however, a CPAP machine is typically the next step.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a machine that is connected to a partial face mask through wires. It provides a constant flow of air through the nose, meaning the body does not have to wake itself up in order to get enough oxygen to the brain properly.

Experts note that patients who use CPAP machines receive higher quality sleep, see a decrease in blood pressure both during the day and night, and are at less of a risk of heart failure. Visit our expert in sleep apnea machines in Thousand Oaks if you believe this machine can help you

When are Full Mouth Implants a Better Option Compared to Dentures?

Teeth can become loose and fall out due to physical accident, deep decay, severe gum disease, or irreparable breaks. Statistics from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons show that almost seventy percent of Americans between the ages of thirty-five and forty-four are currently missing at least one tooth. A shocking thirty-five million Americans are missing all of their teeth!

Fortunately, there are a few great ways to replace missing teeth that allow patients to resume eating and smiling comfortably, while restoring their oral and dental health. Full mouth dental implants and dentures are two of these ways. Our expert will talk with you about which option they believe will benefit you best.

Dentures are a common choice for older patients, who may not have the oral health or jaw bone density required for implants. However, if not applied properly, dentures can be uncomfortable and slip while talking and eating. This is why dental implants are a better option for those who qualify for the restoration.

Dental implants are considered the best for restoring oral health, as it reverses the effects of missing teeth, such as jaw bone loss and altered facial structure.  They can last as long as twenty years without needing to be replaced. Patients find them to be more comfortable and stable than some alternatives.

Different Options for Treating Tooth Decay

Tooth decay varies in terms of severity and location, so several options are available to treat the issue. The right option to resolve cavities can depend on the findings of an exam and the goals of the patient. Below, you can read about different tooth decay treatments from our Los Angeles endodontics expert.

Fillings

Made of mercury amalgam or tooth-colored composite material, fillings are used for relatively minor cavities. While tooth-colored fillings are especially preferable for front teeth, they can also be used in rear teeth for patients who prefer to avoid mercury.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays, which are made outside of the mouth before being placed, are available in metal and tooth-colored versions. They are used to repair cavities within and on the edges of the chewing surfaces of molars, respectively.

Treatments for Severe Tooth Decay

Crowns can be used to protect badly damaged teeth after treatment involving fillings. Root canal is often effective for treating infected teeth, but extraction and replacement may be recommended for teeth that cannot be saved.

When more than one treatment may be available to address a cavity, our dentist will explain all of the options. You can schedule a consultation with our expert in tooth decay treatment in Los Angeles to find out more about these procedures.

When Should Dental Sealants be Used?

Dental sealants are a type of preventive treatment that can be placed directly on the surfaces of the molars to protect them when you chew. Sealants play an important role in preventing tooth decay. While fluoride hardens teeth and dental hygiene keeps bacteria under control, sealants add an extra layer of protection by keeping bacteria and debris out of the fissures and folds of the molars.

Molars are more vulnerable to decay because of their natural structure. The folds and fissures on these teeth can be quite deep and difficult to keep clean. Food, plaque, and bacteria can penetrate into these grooves, and the bristles of your toothbrush might not be small enough to clean them away.

Our dentist can help you decide when sealants should be used. Children are typically given dental sealants as soon as their permanent molars erupt. This typically occurs between five and fourteen years of age. Along with the molars, premolars and other teeth with pits and grooves can be sealed. Adults and teens can also benefit from sealants.

Sealants do not replace good dental habits, but they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against cavities. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with Santa Clara pediatric dentists.

Is Invisalign Effective for Teens?

The experts behind Invisalign have worked to make the treatment accessible and convenient for as many patients as possible. This is why it is able to address a wide variety of orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps, and crowding. Invisalign also offers different types of treatment for a wide range of patients. Invisalign Teen is one of these treatment options.

Invisalign Teen is specifically for younger patients requiring orthodontic treatment. It works much like Invisalign Full, which involves a mouth guard-like appliance that fits around the teeth and applies consistent pressure in order to move them into the correct places.

The Teen option offers patients several additional benefits. Teens, who are always on the move and have a tendency to be forgetful, can receive up to six replacement aligners. The aligners themselves come with expanders, as the teenage mouth is still growing, and any appliances must be able to expand with the oral structure. Finally, the aligners also come with blue indicator marks, which disappear with use. This allows the patients, the patient’s parents, and our Los Angeles Invisalign doctor to see if they are being worn enough. These features together make Invisalign Teen an effective treatment.

Schedule a consultation appointment with our expert in Invisalign Teen in Los Angeles today.

Importance of Preventing Dental Problems

Not long ago dental issues were treated as they came about. This, however, was not the best tactic, as many dental problems can become very painful and serious. Experts have recently realized the importance of preventing issues before they escalate. The following are some examples of dental problems that can become seriously problematic are not treated right away.

Decay and loss of dental enamel can be reversed with perfected hygiene practices. If not treated, the decay can deepen and reach the inner pulp of a tooth, causing an infection. This requires a root canal therapy to correct, but only attentive brushing and flossing to prevent.

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can cause many problems with the teeth and jaw. An off-set jaw can be the cause of TMJ, a complicated disorder in the jaw joints, and bruxism, habitual clenching or grinding the teeth. This can be prevented by orthodontics at the ideal age – during the early teenage years.

Our preventive dentist in Los Angeles recommends all of our patients brush and floss the teeth as often as instructed to prevent many dental issues. Dental bonding and different types of veneers can cover the teeth and protect them from damage.

Tooth Pain Causes and Treatments

Tooth pain is common, and while it can be easy to dismiss as sensitivity, it can also indicate that something more serious is wrong. Common causes of painful teeth include:

1. Tooth decay and cavities
Your tooth might respond to temperature changes, sugar, or sour substances with a sharp pain. The decayed area will need to be removed and the empty space filled.

2. Fractured teeth
The extent of the fracture will determine the best treatment. Minor fractures can be bonded, while more severe fractures may need to be treated with root canal treatments and dental crowns.

3. Infections
An infected tooth will likely need a root canal treatment and dental crown.

4. Worn fillings
Worn fillings will likely need to be replaced with new fillings, inlays, or onlays.

5. Exposed roots
An exposed root can become quite sensitive or painful. Dental bonding can cover the root, or a gum graft can be performed to protect it.

6. Gum disease
Gum disease can lead to tooth pain. Properly treating the infection can give you the relief you need.

Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Huntington Beach.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Should Know

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, but an estimated four out of five sufferers don’t know they have it. Recognizing its symptoms can be the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis and the treatment you need. Our Agoura Hills dentist works with patients to help them get the answers they need.

Some symptoms of sleep apnea that should not be ignored include:

1. Loud or chronic snoring

Snoring is perhaps the best-known symptom of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes partially obstructed, which causes the soft tissues to vibrate as the air passes over them.

2. Pauses in breathing

If the airway becomes completely obstructed, your breathing will stop for a few seconds. This causes your blood oxygen levels to drop and your brain to rouse just enough to reopen the airways. You might not remember waking up, but your quality of sleep will be greatly negatively affected, especially since apnea events can occur dozens of times an hour and hundreds of times a night.

3. Feeling tired

You are not getting enough sleep, which can cause you to feel excessively sleepy in the daytime. You might also be waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat, or suffer from frequent headaches, especially in the morning.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our sleep apnea dentist.