Sleep Apnea and Risk of Death

Sleep apnea is a condition suffered by millions of American adults that prevents quality sleep due to obstructed air passageways. When we sleep, our muscles relax, including the muscles in our throat, which can block air from entering our system. This can lead to numerous symptoms, including:

•    Excessive snoring
•    Pausing in breathing
•    Waking up multiple times a night
•    Fatigue
•    Listlessness and irritability
•    Sugary and fatty food cravings, leading to weight gain
•    Depression

One of the more serious symptoms of sleep apnea is death. This can occur in a few different ways. For example, falling asleep randomly is a risk of the condition, and patients can lose consciousness while driving and during other dangerous situations. Sleep apnea can also lead to diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications.

There is no one cure for sleep apnea, but there are many treatments available. These include certain lifestyle changes, such as altering the sleeping position and weight loss, as well as wearing mouth guards while sleeping to keep the air passageway open. CPAP machines provide consistent air flow to the system and offer quality sleep for many patients. If you recognize any of the above symptoms in your life, contact our sleep apnea dentist for a consultation today.

Cost of Getting a Dental Makeover

Dental makeovers are a popular option with many patients in dentistry today. If you have several flaws or complications with your smile, you could likely benefit from having many of them fixed at once. Dental makeovers are catered to you and your smile’s needs. They can include:

•             Teeth whitening treatment

•             Orthodontics

•             Crowns

•             Direct and indirect fillings

•             Veneers

•             Tooth replacements, such as dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants

•             Gum grafting or contouring

•             Dental bonding

•             And more

With this many possibilities, it is natural to wonder: “how much does a smile makeover cost?” The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. Because smile makeovers are different for each patient, the cost will vary case by case. The cost of your dental makeover will depend on:

•             The number of issues needing correction

•             The severity of those issues

•             The type of issues (i.e. orthodontic treatment will cost more than dental veneers)

•             Locations (procedures in big cities tend to cost more than those in more rural areas)

•             Experience of dentist (experts who have been practicing for longer tend to charge more)

Visit our site or schedule a consultation appointment to find out what a dental makeover could do for your smile.

Tips for Keeping Dental Veneers Clean

There is little difference between cleaning dental veneers and cleaning your own teeth. However, you do need to take a few things into account in order to protect the special finish on your veneers and keep them looking first-day fresh for years to come. Properly maintained veneers can last many years for a beautiful smile that keeps on giving.

1.    Use the right toothbrush

A super-soft bristled toothbrush is the best choice for veneers. This type of brush is less likely to damage the glazed surface and will not irritate your gums.

2.    Use the right toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes tend to be highly abrasive. Look for a toothpaste that is made specifically for porcelain veneers. These toothpastes are less abrasive than toothpastes that are made for natural teeth, but they still have the right ingredients to fight plaque and tartar.

3.    Use a light hand

Do not press hard when brushing. This can damage your veneers just as much as using a harder bristled brush could, and it can also damage your gums and increase the risk of gum recession, which could expose the tooth above the veneer and create an unsightly line.

4.    Keep appointments

Finally, visit our office frequently. Regular cleanings can help you maintain your veneers and increase their longevity. We will use special tools and materials to clean your veneers without damaging them. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our Beverly Hills porcelain veneers expert.

What is the Success Rate of Veneers?

The success rate of veneers can vary significantly based on individual factors. However, the average lifespan of a veneer can range from fifteen to twenty years, or even longer. One study, which was published in the “International Journal of Prosthodontics,” found that the ten-year success rate was greater than ninety-three percent. Bruxism was most strongly correlated with premature failure.

Other factors that could affect the longevity of your veneers include:

•  Poor dental hygiene
•  Using your teeth as tools
•  Biting or chewing non-food items, such as pencils, packages, or ice
•  Playing contact sports or engaging in other high-risk activities without a mouthguard
•  Heavy alcohol consumption
•  Periodontal disease
•  Tooth decay

To get the most out of your investment, good dental habits are necessary. At least two times a day, brush your teeth using a super-soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Floss or use an interdental cleaner daily. Limit how much acidic and staining substances and alcohol you indulge in so that you don’t stain or damage your teeth or your veneers. Get a dental checkup and professional cleaning about twice a year. Call us today to find out more about porcelain veneers or to schedule your consultation with our porcelain veneers dentist.

Sinus Augmentation and Dental Implants

Dental implants require an adequate amount of healthy bone tissue for support. However, some patients do not have enough healthy bone due to natural defects, an injury, gum disease, tooth loss, or other problems. If you have lost upper teeth and are replacing them with dental implants, our Los Angeles periodontists might recommend sinus augmentation.

A sinus augmentation is needed when the sinus cavity enlarges or the bone tissue in the upper jaw is too thin to support dental implants. This is a common problem for patients who are missing upper molars. During a sinus augmentation, a bone graft is performed to augment the sinus region and improve the quality and quantity of bone in this area. After the graft, you will need time to heal so that your natural bone can incorporate the grafting materials. This can take four to twelve months. The implants can be placed once the graft has fully healed.

Although this can be a lengthy process, it results in a restoration that can protect your long term dental and oral health. It keeps your jawbone strong and dense so that your implants can function just like normal teeth. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in sinus augmentation in Los Angeles.

How is Zoom Whitening Different?

It’s always nice to remember that, if you have stained and less than perfectly white teeth, they can be brightened easily. A quick visit to our West Hollywood cosmetic dentist can rejuvenate the look of your smile for months to come. There are several different types of whitening treatments, one of which is Zoom Whitening.

Different dental whitening treatments use different tools and materials. Zoom whitening employs a gel made partially of hydrogen peroxide, and a special UV light. The light activates the hydrogen peroxide in the gel, which works to oxidize and break down the stains that have settled into the teeth. The eyes, lips, and gums will be covered so no damage is done to other areas, as the material and light can cause torn tissue and a burning sensation.

Zoom whitening is one of the most effective whitening options available. The gel is activated by the light for three fifteen minute sessions. In this short period of time, the teeth can become eight shades brighter, and in some cases, even more. With the proper hygiene care and avoidance of staining substances (such as colas, hard candies, berries, and energy drinks), the effects can last for months.

What to Do with a Chipped Tooth

There are several circumstances that are considered dental emergencies. A chipped tooth is one of them. Our teeth are built to be very strong, but they can still suffer from damage. They are particularly susceptible to damage if they have become weak due to poor dental hygiene or old restorations. It is important to know what to do if one of your teeth becomes chipped.

The first and most important step is to call our expert in treatment of chipped teeth in Houston right away. Before you leave for our office, it will help if you rinse out your mouth with warm water. This will get rid of any debris, including food and small parts of enamel that can further damage the tooth. If there is any bleeding, lightly press a piece of gauze on the area for about ten minutes.

It is also helpful to have a dental emergency kit on hand. These kits usually contain dental cement, which can be used to cover damaged teeth, protecting the nerves to reduce pain, and guarding it from any further damage.

For more information about what to do with a chipped tooth or during any dental emergency, talk to our dentists in Houston.

Typical Cost for Getting a Root Canal

Needing endodontic treatment is unfortunately not very optional. When the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels that reside on the inside of the tooth become infected or damaged, you will likely be in a lot of pain and need treatment as soon as possible. Despite this fact, you may also be concerned about root canal cost in Los Angeles.

There is actually no one right answer to this question. There are several factors that have an effect on the cost. 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 others

The varying costs regarding the location of the affected tooth in the mouth does not, as it may seem, have to do with accessibility, but rather with size. Molar are bigger than cuspids and bicuspids, and therefore can have up to three canals to treat, so their treatment often costs more, as opposed to the small teeth, which only have one canal.

Our endodontists in Los Angeles and staff can work with you and answer any further questions you may have regarding the cost of treatment. Schedule an appointment today.

Keeping Veneers Intact and Stain-Free

Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve the look of your smile. They can cover many flaws and irregularities and leave your teeth looking bright, smooth, and even. Protect your investment by keeping your veneers looking as good as the first day they were applied.

1. Brush twice a day using an ultra-soft toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. This removes plaque and bacteria, which could lead to gum disease and tooth decay, without damaging the porcelain glaze that keeps your veneers looking so good.

2. Avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails, chewing ice, or opening packages using your teeth. Although veneers are extremely strong, they can be chipped, cracked, or broken if you use them for anything other than biting and chewing food. If you notice a crack or chip, let us know as soon as possible so that we can take steps to restore it.

3. Limit your alcohol exposure. Normal alcohol intake should not affect your veneers, but heavy or excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwashes can weaken the bonding material. Use fluoride mouthwash or an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash instead.

Call our offices today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our dentist in San Fernando Valley.

Cosmetic Dentistry and What You Should Know about It

Cosmetic dentistry is the specialty concerned with improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. Several procedures are included within this category, including fast, affordable options and more intensive, costly ones. Here is what you should know about cosmetic dental care.

Stain Solutions Exist

If your teeth are stained, a cosmetic treatment can restore their brilliance. Teeth whitening may be advised for most surface stains, but veneers or crowns may be best for very heavy or internal discoloration.

Unsightly Tooth Shape and Damage Can Be Fixed

When teeth are misshapen, too big, too small, badly spaced, chipped, or cracked, cosmetic dental options can resolve the problem. Bonding is often recommended for smaller, milder damage or for building up teeth. For larger flaws of this type, veneers or crowns may be better choices.

Gums Can Also Be Improved

If the gums extend too far over the teeth, causing a gummy looking smile, gum reshaping can be performed to normalize appearance. For teeth with roots exposed, gum tissue grafting can be done to cover the roots.

Many cosmetic treatments are open to most patients. When multiple issues need to be addressed, a smile makeover consisting of several procedures can be performed. To learn more about our cosmetic dental options, you can schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Houston.

How Often Can You Have Your Teeth Whitened?

Every time you eat or drink, your teeth are exposed to new stain-causing substances. This is especially true if you are ingesting tomato sauce, curries, wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, berries, and other foods with deep, rich colors. The natural or artificial dyes in these foods can get into the enamel and dentin structures of the tooth and oxidize, leaving behind a brown or yellow discoloration. This stain will remain until you whiten your teeth using peroxide, which breaks the stain into smaller particles. Our Agoura Hills cosmetic dentist can help you decide on the best whitening schedule for your needs.

At-home whitening kits are popular, but typically offer only modest results. These kits should not be used for more than two weeks at a time and never more than two times a year. If used too frequently, they can increase the risk of soft tissue irritation and enamel sensitivity.

Professional teeth whitening offers long-lasting and dramatic results. You can expect your teeth to look significantly whiter for at least one year, or longer depending on your dental and dietary habits. You can maintain your results with periodic touch-ups, which can be performed as needed.

Contact our office today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our teeth whitening dentist in Agoura Hills.

Different Types of Braces

Older patients are aware that only a few short years ago, there weren’t many options when it came to which orthodontic appliance they could have. Traditional, metal braces were the only option for every patient. Today, however, many have the luxury of deciding between two or even three options. The following is information about a few popular orthodontic appliances from our Rocklin orthodontists.

Invisalign

Possible the most sought after choice, Invisalign comes with several benefits. The aligners are removable, allowing patients to eat any foods they like during treatment and clean the teeth easily. They are also nearly invisible, meaning they can enjoy discretion throughout the process. Invisalign offers Full, Express, and Teen treatments.

Damon braces

Braces come in several different forms in orthodontics today, one of which is Damon braces. These consist of the same components that in work much the same way as their traditional counterparts. The main difference is that the brackets and wires are made with tooth-colored or see through material, making them not as noticeable.

Incognito braces

Some patients qualify for braces that can be placed on the back surfaces of the teeth. This accomplishes the same tasks that they normally would, but are much less noticeable.