What is a dental crown?

 

 

 A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

Brushing your teeth

Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:

• Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.
• Many dentists recommend using only plain water for brushing up to the age of 2. This is because young children swallow toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride may lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth. Ask your dentist if toothpaste should be used. Also, check the manufacturer's label; some toothpastes are not recommended in children under age 6. If a toothpaste is to be used, squeeze out about a green pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day – in the morning and just before bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
• Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. The use of floss sticks or picks instead of regular string floss may be easier for both you and your child.
• Ask your dentist about your child's fluoride needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or fluoride treatments may be needed.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants. These are thin, plastic protective barriers that fill in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting them from tooth decay.

What is a night guard?

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What is a Night Guard?

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is an appliance much like a retainer that people put in their mouths to protect their teeth while they are sleeping. This device is commonly used by people who suffer form Bruxism, or excessive nighttime toth grinding or clenching . This grinding and clenching puts pressure on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, severe headaches, ear pain and neck pain as well as causing excessive wear to the teeth.

Thin transparent, and horseshoe-shaped, dental night guards are created from hard but moldable plastics. The night guard fits over either the upper or the lower teeth, creating a cushion between them and absorbing the impact of the grinding or clenching. Night guards can help reduce enamel damage, jaw joint inflammation and irritation to the gums . Overall, most night guard wearers report they have less pain and sleep better.

In order to be truly effective, night guards need to be custom-made for each individual. It typically takes two dental appointments to receive a night guard. During the initial visit, the dentist takes a bite record and makes an impression of the patients teeth. These will be used to create a customized night guard that allows for proper teeth alignment.During the second appointment, the patient gives the night guard a test run and the dentist makes necessary adjustments. Night guards can last up to ten years if they are given proper care.Night guards should always be rinsed just before and just after wearing , and they need to be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive tooth paste or denture cleaner once a day. They should also be soaked in a mild dish washing soap such as 'Dawn" once a week to keep them clean and fresh.

Many people view the night guard as a simple solution for protecting teeth and jaws form the damaging effects of bruxism. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of repairing or capping worn down teeth will be even more expensive than one of the these nighttime dental appliances.

Advancement through Lasers in Dentistry

 


Lasers are a device that uses light energy to aid in dentistry. They are unique because they can treat targeted tissue while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected.
 

Dental uses of laser:

*periodontal therapy
*teething
*irritation from orthodontic wires
*denture sores
*extraction sites
*injury
*canker sores

Call us today to receive a touch of our most current technology.

(310) 322-8984

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

Did you know that your oral health has a direct link to your overall health!

People with diabetes are 2x more likely to develop serious gum disease. Gum disease and other oral health problems are also linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, ulcers, osteoporosis, arthritis, and pre-term births.  

We are here to not only help you achieve oral health but overall health. Please contact us today to begin your journey to health.

(310) 322-1814

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Happy Wednesday! Spring is quickly approaching us! We are now offering a NEW patient special for $129. This includes a comprehensive exam, x-rays, and a regular cleaning! Referrals are always welcomed! Hope to see you soon! Call us for more details. (310) 322-8984

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  The gift of dental implants

Once we lose a tooth, everything starts going downhill. Teeth support each other, so when one is lost, all the other ones start seeking elsewhere for support.

Replacing the missing tooth with an artificial root that anchors into the bone in a very similar way than an implant would, is the ideal solution to an age old problem.

Come see us today for a free consultation and give yourself the gift of excellent oral health.