Welcome to SoCal Dental Care.

Routine dental care procedures are common procedures that we carry out to maintain or improve a patient’s oral health. They include:

Tooth Extraction

Most teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, but there are other reasons why tooth removal can be vital in adults. Tooth infection, tooth decay, and crowding can all require a tooth removal. We can also perform tooth extraction in patients requiring braces, where we remove one or two teeth to provide room for other teeth as they shift into place. Additionally, patients undergoing chemotherapy or about to undergo an organ transplant require compromised teeth to be extracted to keep their mouth healthy. Tooth extraction is a quick outpatient procedure performed under intravenous, general, or local anesthesia.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a procedure that dentists perform to remove infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth. After removing the infected tooth portion, the dentist cleans and disinfects, then fills and seals the tooth. A root canal treatment aims to remove bacteria from an infected root canal. This saves the natural tooth and prevents reinfection of the tooth. A root canal treatment is similar to a routine filling, and dentists often complete this procedure in one or two visits. However, the time it takes to complete a root canal treatment depends on your tooth’s condition and your personal circumstances. This procedure is relatively painless and extremely effective.

Emergency Dental Care

A dental emergency requires quick attention in most cases. Some injuries to your gums or teeth can become severe if not addressed, leading to further damage. We understand the urgency and discomfort that dental emergencies can bring. We might require dental emergency care if you have bleeding that does not stop, broken facial bones, or pain that does not get better with medication. This procedure involves immediate relief and professional care to address your dental needs. With our immediate response and specialized emergency services, we tailor our services to alleviate patients’ pain, restore oral health, and prevent further damage.

Dental Cleaning And Examination

Dental cleanings and exams are two vital components of maintaining good oral health. Understanding these procedures can help you proactively approach your oral health and prevent oral issues before they become worse. Regular cleanings can even help prevent cavities and gum disease from getting started. We often clean our patients’ teeth and gum line with special scaling tools to scrape off sticky plaque and tartar deposits.

We also closely examine patients’ teeth, tongue, gums, throat, jaws, and neck for any signs of issues like oral cancers, tooth decay, or gum disease. X-rays examine the inner sides of patients’ teeth or below the gum line.

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is stress, anxiety, or fear related to a dental setting. A patient can suffer dental anxiety because of needles, drills, or the dental setting. Patients with dental anxiety can experience sweating, withdrawal, visible distress, or low blood pressure during treatment. We manage dental anxiety through conscious sedation, general anaesthesia, or anxiety-relieving medication like temazepam.

Dental cosmetic services promote a patient’s smile by focusing on gums and the size, shape, color, and alignment of the teeth. Common cosmetic procedures that we offer include:

Smile Makeover

This is a procedure tailored to improve the appearance of the smile using one or several cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as:

• Teeth whitening
• Tooth implants
• Composite bonding, and
• Dental veneers

Some of the components we consider include teeth, hair color, skin tone, facial appearance, gum tissue, and lips. We perform smile makeovers for various reasons, and our procedures are customized to the patient’s unique considerations.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells that are used to cover the front surface of the teeth. They are made of durable and high-quality materials like porcelain or composite resin. We use veneers to address many dental flaws, including chips, gaps, discoloration, and even slightly misaligned teeth. Veneers give a radiant and symmetrical smile that enhances self-esteem. Our dentists can take X-rays to determine the health of your teeth before placing dental veneers. This is done to look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or the need for root canals. You will not be eligible for veneers if you have any of these conditions.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap-like restoration placed on a tooth to enhance its function, shape, and appearance. Crowns are made from porcelain to appear natural and are tailor-made for each tooth. The crown blends with other teeth and appears natural. Some of the reasons why we can recommend dental crowns include:

• To support a tooth that has a large filling and is at risk of breaking
• To enhance the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To restore a tooth that has been damaged by trauma or decay

Dental Bonding

Also known as composite bonding, dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used to enhance a smile. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the affected teeth during the procedure to modify their color, size, and shape. Dentists perform dental bonding to address the following dental issues:

• Alter the shape of the teeth
• Make the teeth look longer
• Close gaps and spaces between the teeth
• Camouflage tooth discoloration
• Conceal cracks or chips in the teeth

Before dental bonding, the dentist takes a dental X-ray and examines your teeth and gums to determine whether you qualify.

Composite Fillings

Dentists recommend dental fillings if a patient has a cavity in one or several teeth. This procedure is performed to ward off the infection and shore up the teeth. Amalgam and composite are the most popular fillings. Composite fillings have a more natural appearance compared to other fillings, like gold fillings. They can be customized to look like natural teeth. Composite fillings can also be useful for dental restorations, including crowns, inlays, and veneers. Sometimes, composite resin material can be used to restore or repair parts of chipped or broken teeth. Regarding materials for a filling, we offer several choices, including glass ionomer, ceramic, and gold fillings.

Dental implants are small, threaded posts designed to replace lost teeth. They also improve chewing function and oral health, besides filling in gaps. Implants work like natural teeth once a patient heals. A dental implant has the following parts:

• Threaded post —A threaded post is an artificial tooth root.
• Abutment — Abutment is a tiny connector that screws into the threaded post and extends slightly beyond the gums. It lays the foundation for a new artificial tooth.
• Restoration —A dental restoration is any prosthetic that replaces or repairs teeth. Dentures, bridges, and crowns are common dental implant restorations.

People who have lost teeth qualify for dental implant services. However, to be a candidate for dental implants, you must have sufficient jawbone. Tooth loss can be caused by gum disease, cracked teeth, cavities, or teeth grinding or clenching.

The Process Of Obtaining A Dental Implant

A dental implant is a personalized procedure. The oral surgeon will do the following during a dental implant procedure:

• Place the implant surgically
• Give the patient sufficient time to heal
• Place the post and final denture, bridge, or crown

The dentist can follow this procedure during the dental implant surgery:

• Put your gums under anesthesia
• Cut into the gums to expose the bone underneath, enabling the dentist to place the implant.
• The dentist will use a special tool to cut a small hole in the jawbone, making an appropriate incision for the new dental implant.
• Your dentist will place the dental implant carefully into the jaw
• The dentist will reposition the gums and seal the cut with stitches

After the procedure, the dentist can make a temporary tooth for you to wear if the implant is near the front of the mouth. This ensures you do not develop a gap in your teeth as you heal. Your dentist might not put in a temporary tooth if the implant is near the back of the mouth.

You will not experience pain during the procedure because of anesthesia. However, you can experience a slight discomfort and swelling after the procedure. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain.

Dental implants have the following benefits:

• Stability for wobbly dentures
• Dental implants can last longer with proper hygiene and regular dental visits.
• Jawbone preservation
• Improved speech and pronunciation
• Enhanced smile
• Better chewing ability

The risks associated with dental implants include:

• Sinus damage
• Severe bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Jaw fractures
• Infection
• Delayed jawbone healing
• Damage to nearby teeth

Taking Care Of Dental Implants

You can take care of your dental work through the following ways:

• Keeping your teeth and gums clean. You can use a special brush like an interdental brush, which slides between teeth to clean them
• Visiting your dental expert regularly
• Avoiding damaging habits like chewing hard items

Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace lost teeth in the lower jaw, upper jaw, or both. Dental experts develop dentures from porcelain, metal, nylon, resin, and acrylic materials.

Types Of Dentures

Some of the dentures we offer include:

• Complete dentures that replace all teeth in an arch with removable prosthetics that rest on the gums.
• Partial dentures that replace several missing teeth where some natural teeth remain, using precision or clasps attachments to secure to existing teeth.
• Flexible dentures are made from lightweight, comfortable, and less visible materials than conventional dentures.
• Overdentures that rest on the gums and the remaining natural teeth or implants, offering extra stability.

During a denture consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth, including gums, jaws, and any remaining teeth. The dental expert will also take a dental X-ray to determine the thickness of the jawbone. You will discuss your denture options with the dentist if he/she establishes that you qualify for dentures. The following factors will determine the type of denture that will be appropriate for you:

• The density and volume of your jawbone
• Your personal preferences
• The relationship between your lower and upper jaws
• Whether you prefer non-removable or removable dentures
• The period you have been missing teeth
• The number of teeth you are missing

During a Denture Fitting

The dental expert will place new dentures in your mouth and check the fit. He/she will examine the areas that exert excess pressure on the gums and make essential final adjustments to the denture. You could be required to make several visits to the dentist to achieve the required denture. The soft tissues in the mouth require ample time to adjust to the denture.

Dentures have the following benefits:

• Improved speech function
• Better nutrition because of improved chewing function
• Enhanced appearance
• Improved chewing function

On the other hand, dentures have the following drawbacks:

• Gradual shrinking of the jawbone because of tooth loss, leading to facial collapse
• Appliances shift, slip out, or wobble when you chew or speak

Dentures can last for seven to ten years with the proper care. You can be required to replace your dentures after this period. A denture reline will be necessary every one to two years or if you notice changes in how your denture fits. Your dental expert can add material to your denture during this process to ensure a more comfortable fit.

Taking Care Of Dentures

Dentures require proper care and maintenance. The following are some guidelines to ensure dentures last longer:

• Brush your tongue, gums, roof of your mouth, inner cheeks, and any remaining teeth twice daily to remove debris and plaque.
• Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleansing solution
• Clean your dentures using a denture paste and brush
• Remove your dentures at the end of each day

You should consult your dental expert if your dentures:

• Click when speaking
• Pinch or hurt your gums
• Feel loose
• Are more than ten years old
• Have discoloration or damage

Teeth whitening involves various processes to make your natural teeth appear whiter and brighter. We offer teeth whitening services like ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, bleaching, and sanding down stains. During the procedure, we use higher concentrations of active ingredients, which enable us to achieve the best and prompt results. Usually, you will require several sessions for your teeth to be as white as you would like.

We do power bleaching that involves rinsing your teeth with a powerful hydrogen peroxide solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Sometimes, we include laser therapy and tooth whitening sessions.

The teeth stains that we handle include:

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are those that form inside the tooth enamel. Sometimes, intrinsic staining forms before the teeth erupt from the gums when you are still a child. These stains can be caused by exposure to high levels of fluoride, use of antibiotics, and the enamel growing thinner as you age. Dentists also claim intrinsic staining is genetic.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains are those that form outside the teeth. These stains result from environmental exposure, where various elements leave discoloration on the tooth enamel. Smoking, artificial food colorings, and coffee commonly cause extrinsic staining. The use of antibiotics can also cause these stains.

Almost Invisible Braces

Unlike conventional braces, invisible braces offer an aesthetic appearance, enhancing self-esteem and physical confidence. These braces are suitable for some misalignment cases or complicated bite problems, but can also be used to correct the following dental issues:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded or widely spaced teeth
• Overjet or overbite

Alternative To Braces For Teens

Metal braces are effective treatment options for young people, but other treatments available include:

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry includes implants, bridges, teeth whitening, crowns, enamel caps, and veneers. These are specifically ideal for aesthetics. Clear aligners are the best for those who do not have severe malocclusion. You will be able to eat without orthodontic equipment in your mouth, and provide more freedom than braces.

Retainers

A retainer can be attached to the inside of the mouth and be non-invasive. Retainers are ideal if the malocclusion is not severe and the teen only requires a minor correction.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are popular because of their discretion. They are invisible and attached to the inside of the teeth. Unfortunately, they can cause speech issues and make your child get used to speaking differently.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners provide an alternative to fixed braces for less severe orthodontic issues. They are removable and invisible. Invisalign TeenTM is designed specifically for teenagers.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a proven and effective way of treating various oral issues if used well and under the guidance of a dental expert. Unlike conventional fixed braces, Invisalign aligners use a set of clear plastic aligners, similar to retainers. They are lightweight but strong plastic aligners that exert gentle pressure on the teeth. This helps the teeth move into the right position.

You should never ignore a dental emergency. Understanding the difference between a regular dental issue and a dental emergency can save your tooth. How do you know whether your dental issue is serious enough to qualify as a dental emergency? A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate attention from a dentist.

Some dental issues require immediate dental care, whether due to pain, risk of infection, or trauma. Some of the most common dental emergencies include the following:

Severe Toothache

You could have a dental emergency if you have a severe toothache that does not improve over time. If a toothache persists or worsens, it could indicate that you have an infection that requires immediate treatment. If not addressed, a persistent toothache can result in severe complications.

Dislodged or Knocked-out Tooth

If you have a dislodged or knocked-out tooth due to trauma, you should have the tooth addressed within the shortest time possible. Seeking prompt dental services increases the likelihood of a successful tooth reattachment.

Fractured Or Broken Tooth With Bleeding Or Pain

If a tooth has cracks, it can expose the inner pulp, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection.

Facial Swelling Around The Cheek Or Jaw

A swelling on your face can indicate a dental abscess or a spreading infection. You should seek immediate medical care if any noticeable swelling is accompanied by fever. Seeking prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to other body parts.

Loose/Dislodged Dental Restoration

Loose or dislodged dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or other restorations could expose your teeth to further damage or infection. Seeking prompt dental services to replace or repair the restorations can preserve oral health.

Difficulty Breathing Or Swallowing

Any oral health condition that causes difficulty breathing or swallowing should be treated as a dental emergency. It could be a sign of infection or a swelling obstructing your airways. Seeking immediate treatment is crucial in this situation.