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Am I a Candidate for Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning? | Oxnard CA

Posted On August 30, 2019

Yes. Every individual, including your toddler, elderly parent, and everyone in between, can benefit from dental examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Even if you feel like everything is alright, many dental and gum problems don’t cause any obvious symptoms, like pain or bleeding, until they’re quite advanced. Through routine dental exams, your dentist can detect and treat potential issues before they start to cause any symptoms.

One of the biggest components of modern family dentistry is preventative care. Not only does it keep your smile healthy, but also works to prevent most dental issues from ever arising, or at least stop them in their early stages before they develop into serious, painful, and expensive problems.

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends getting a cleaning and exam every six months, which is why most dental plans cover two exams and two cleanings per year. People at high risk, however, may need more frequent cleanings and exams. Risk factors include:

Diabetes
Smoking
Pregnancy
Cavity-prone
Gum disease
Weak immune system

It’s important to visit your dentist for professional cleanings and exams regardless of how much time has passed since your last dental appointment. After your teeth cleaning and examination, the dentist will give you guidelines to follow to maintain optimal oral health until your next dental appointment.

These guidelines may involve:

Maintaining or adjusting your dental routine
Changing your flossing or brushing technique
Changing bad oral habits

In addition, if any problems were found during the exam, your dentist in Oxnard, CA will recommend appropriate treatments and book your appointment at a later date to deliver the treatment. If no problem was found, then you simply need to keep up your good daily dental routine.

Keep in mind that of all types of dental care (preventive, cosmetic, restorative), preventive care is the most comfortable and affordable. So keeping your dental appointments for regular brushing and flossing is a smart investment that will save you a lot more down the road.

Benefits of Dental Exam and Cleanings in Oxnard CA

Posted On August 23, 2019

Dental care is intended to ensure that your natural teeth last a lifetime. It is a largely preventive process involving regular dental cleanings and examinations to prevent most issues from arising in the first place. While many people don’t see the need to keep their bi-annual dental exam and cleanings, this could put your oral and overall health at risk.

Regular dental visits provide you with a multitude of benefits, including screenings and preventive care that help to:

Access your Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

During your professional teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist in Oxnard, CA will also perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure optimal health. In some case, this may require x-rays for comparison, while looking for any signs of gum disease and tooth decay. The dentist can detect your risk for gum disease or cavities, and provide a personalized plan to help you prevent these problems. It may require you to change your diet, brushing technique, or make other appropriate adjustments.

Screen for Oral Cancer

Although oral cancer is one of the least common types of cancers, reports indicate that about 42,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with the disease. Early detection and treatment are critical to avert the dangers of oral cancer, which is why you should always keep your scheduled dental exam visits. Oral cancer screening should be performed at least once a year, where the dentist checks your soft palate, the floor of your mouth, and sides and front of the tongue for early indicators.

Explore your Dental Goals

Whatever you’re hoping to get from subsequent treatments, whether restorative or cosmetic, this is a good opportunity to discuss your expectations. A dental examination may reveal opportunities for you to take remedial action before a problem gets worse, or for you to improve your smile and confidence. From rebuilding worn enamel to replacing missing teeth to straightening crooked teeth, you will have a detailed conversation with your dentist about your goals, possible treatments, your budget, and when you can schedule your first appointment to begin your treatment plan.

Final Note

Generally, a cleaning and dental exam help to keep your mouth healthy while revealing a need for additional diagnostic procedures where treatments are needed for timely intervention. Of all types of dental care (preventive, cosmetic, restorative), preventive care is the most affordable. So keeping your dental appointments for regular brushing and flossing is a smart investment that will save you a lot more down the road.

What to Expect From Dental Cleaning and Exam | Oxnard CA

Posted On August 16, 2019

A typical dental cleaning and consultation dental appointment comprises a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity. If it has been more than one year since your previous dental visit, then X-rays may also be necessary for a more comprehensive view of your teeth.

Dental cleanings and examinations are two different procedures that are typically performed in a single appointment:

During a dental cleaning:

Your dentist or hygienist will remove accumulated plaque and tartar using special tools, such as a metal scaler that physically scrapes off the built-up bacteria, or an ultrasonic scaler that uses vibration.
The dentist will squirt water into your mouth to rinse of the plaque. A suction tool will also be applied in your mouth to suck the water out immediately
Your teeth will be polished using a gritty toothpaste, and then flossed

During the dental exam, the dentist will:

Visually inspect your mouth using a mirror and small instruments, including a probe to test the surface of each tooth
Examine teeth, checking for signs of decay, sensitivity, grinding, or excessive tooth wear
Evaluate your gums for signs of swelling, bleeding, or irritation. Your gum pockets will also be measured to check for gum recession
Evaluate your bite and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), checking for proper alignments and shift in your bite (underbite, overbite, or crooked bite)
Check the soft tissues in your mouth, including the texture and size of your tongue, tonsils, and throat for signs of infection, and salivary glands for proper saliva secretion
Complete an oral cancer screening to check for signs of infection around your cheeks, tongue, palate, neck, head, and lymph nodes
Take dental X-rays for diagnostic information about non-visible parts of your mouth, including the underlying bone structure

You can then discuss with your dentist or hygienist in Oxnard, CA about the findings of your dental exam and any problems you may have with your teeth or gums while advising you on better flossing or brushing technique You can also ask any questions concerning your oral health. Finally, your dentist will provide treatment recommendations, tell you how to improve your at-home oral care routine and advise you on the best time to schedule your next routine visit or appointment for necessary treatment.

Dental Exam and Cleanings FAQ | Oxnard CA

Posted On August 9, 2019

What’s the worst that can happen if I skip my dental exam and cleanings?

Dental exam and cleanings are intended to keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy, which will, in turn, help you avoid paying for costly dental procedures in the future. If you don’t get professional cleanings, bacteria in your mouth will buildup as calculus, releasing acids that inflame the gums, erode tooth enamel, cause tooth decay, stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and even lead to tooth loss. While all these problems can be treated, it would be an expensive and time-consuming process compared to simply preventing them with a 45-minute dental appointment. Moreover, dental exams help to detect the early stages of problems, including chips, gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer, so you can start interventions early to prevent them from getting worse or even reverse them.

What does the ADA (American Dental Association) recommend regarding routine dental care?

Routine dental care comprises preventive things that you should do to ensure optimal health for your teeth and gums. The ADA recommends that you:

Brush your teeth daily at least twice using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste
Clean between your teeth every day using floss or an interdental cleaner
Get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if you suffer an oral illness
Maintain a well-balanced diet and reduce the intake of sugary items and drinks, and snacks between meals
Visit your dentist regularly for oral exams and professional cleanings

What questions are the most common during routine dental care?

Dental consultations with your dentist in Oxnard CA provide a good opportunity for you to learn more about caring for your teeth and gums. You may consider asking:

Which toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, or other product should I use for my teeth?
Based on your examination and my dental/medical history, what is my ideal interval for cleanings?
What dental diseases am I prone to if any? Why? What can I do to reduce this risk?

What if I Don’t Qualify for Dental Veneers? | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 24, 2019

Dental veneers are the most common cosmetic treatment for people considering a smile makeover. The thin layers of porcelain or composite material cover the front and side surfaces of teeth in the smile zone to improve their appearance. By consulting with your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard, CA, you can determine if you qualify for dental veneers.

Some of the instances where veneers can be used include:

Repair chipped teeth or severely worn teeth due to grinding
Alter the shape of teeth to produce an even smile
Fill gaps between your teeth that make you uncomfortable
Replace old restorations
Improve tooth alignment
Improve the appearance of discolored teeth

Veneers can be used to cover up these defects, giving you the perfect smile. However, you must have healthy teeth that are free of decay or active gum disease to qualify for the procedure. This will affect both the success and durability of your treatment.

Similar to other dental restorations, veneers can be dislodged over time due to normal wear and tear, as well as poor oral hygiene. Both of these factors determine how soon you need to get new ones. It is important that you discuss your expectations and treatment options thoroughly with your dentist before starting the procedure.

Some reasons why your dentist may discourage you from getting veneers include:

Bruxism – Patients who grind their teeth or clench their jaws are not good candidates for veneers, because the excessive forces may cause the thin veneers to chip, peel, or break
Bad habits, such as chewing on ice and other hard objects or biting your fingernails

If the dentist determines that you don’t have enough tooth left, perhaps due to excessive tooth wear or existing large restorations, and veneers are not suitable for your case, then a ceramic crown may be placed instead. Crowns or tooth caps wrap around the weakened tooth, protecting it while restoring its shape, size, and aesthetic. Veneers require less removal of tooth enamel compared to crowns, though the preparation process in both cases is not reversible.

It’s only through a consultation that you can determine whether you qualify for dental veneers. Schedule your visit today.

Crowns vs. Dental Veneers for Smile Improvement | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 17, 2019

A recent survey found that tooth imperfections not only make you appear less attractive but also less trustworthy and less intelligent. In addition, these social biases can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing, resulting in low confidence and damaged self-image. Some dentists may recommend dental veneers for smile improvement and in turn boost self-confidence.

Why Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic dental treatments can change your outlook on life. Dental veneers refer to thin shells that are bonded to the visible (front) part of a tooth for aesthetic purposes. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers:

To cover severely discolored, slightly crooked, or poorly shaped upper front teeth
To improve the color of the front teeth that have become yellow over time, or have a gray tint, and cannot be turned white by bleaching
To correct worn or chipped teeth
To fix uneven spaces between teeth, including a diastema

Dental crowns can also be used to address more or less the same concerns. However, veneers require less removal of tooth enamel compared to crowns. And if the dentist determines that you don’t have enough tooth left for shaving, perhaps due to excessive tooth wear or existing large restorations, they may recommend no-prep veneers.

A ceramic crown is mostly used to wrap around a weakened tooth for added strength. So while veneers are recommended for healthy teeth, crowns might be more suitable for severely damaged or unhealthy teeth.

Otherwise, they share several benefits, including:

Highly customized smile design – porcelain veneers and crowns are fabricated by a dental technician using the prescription provided by your cosmetic dentist to meet your custom design plan. So your smile is highly customized in terms of shade mapping, length, shape, degree of translucency, surface texture, and contours.
No special maintenance needed – there is no special maintenance required beyond good daily oral hygiene. Make sure that you only purchase oral hygiene products that show the Seal of Acceptance for the American Dental Association. Regular dental checkups are also a must for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Strong and durable – they are as strong and resilient as natural tooth enamel.

Final Note

Dental veneers for smile improvement can be made to mimic the reflective properties of natural teeth, giving you an amazing, natural-looking smile transformation. Consult your dentist today to determine if you’re a good fit.

Planning Your Dental Veneer Treatment: All you need to Know | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 10, 2019

As with any other treatment, the first step to planning your smile makeover treatment with dental veneers is scheduling your initial consultation. Here, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneer treatment. Ideally, your teeth should be healthy, with no signs of cavities, there should be no indication of gum disease, and you must have enough tooth enamel to prevent sensitivity during preparation.

Porcelain veneers are the most common option because they are stain-resistant natural-looking, but require more tooth preparation compared to composite veneers. Composite veneers require no or minimal tooth preparation, which means they can be installed in one day. They’re also cheaper but tend to stain over time, needing replacement sooner than porcelain veneers.

The placement of composite veneers is different from that of porcelain veneers. Here’re a few things to keep in mind:

Composite veneers are usually placed in a single appointment. The dentist gradually adds the adhesive materials in thin layers, while shaping it and hardening it at each stage, to determine whether the defect has been adequately concealed. When the result is satisfactory, the material is polished to give it a smooth appearance.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are fabricated in a dental laboratory. They are translucent and stain-resistant. They can also be made to closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. Once they’re ready, they are placed in two appointments.
In the first appointment, the teeth being treated are prepared under local anesthetic.
At the same time, the dentist will take impressions and fabricate temporary veneers using a template made from the 3D preview model. The temporary veneers allow you to try out your planned smile design and make fine adjustments to the final veneers while protecting the prepared tooth before the permanent porcelain veneer is ready for placement.
The second appointment is scheduled about two weeks later. The dentist isolated the prepared teeth from any moisture so the porcelain veneers can be fitted.

It is important that you visit your dentist a few days after your dental veneer treatment for a check-up to ensure that all is well after you’ve had time to adjust to them in your normal routine.

8 Little Known Things About Dental Veneers | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 5, 2019

Dental veneers are a common cosmetic dental treatment that can improve your smile dramatically within a short time. But if you’re planning to transform your smile with veneers, it’s important that you learn as much about this treatment to manage your expectations and ensure that the improvements are long-lasting.

Here are some things you may not know about veneers:

Veneers are color-matched to the current shade of your other teeth to create a uniform look. But unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers cannot be stained, discolored, or bleached to change their color. So over time, your natural teeth will discolor, making the white veneers more dominant.
To prevent this, your dentist may recommend whitening before the veneer process so your porcelain veneers are matched to your whitened teeth. Afterward, you will need a regular whitening schedule to maintain a uniform smile.
There are two common types of veneers: composite veneers, which are installed in one appointment with minimal tooth preparation, have a shorter life span compared to porcelain veneers. They tend to chip and stain if not looked after. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are stain-free and tend to last longer.
Although durability depends on how well you care for your veneers, both types should last 10 to 20 years.

If you have untreated tooth decay. It is not advisable to simply cover up the infection with dental veneers, as the situation will keep getting worse, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
If you have been diagnosed with bruxism. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaws at night, then you might damage your veneers reducing their durability. If you proceed with the treatment, your dentist may offer custom night guards to reduce the stress on your teeth and veneers.
If you have a case of malocclusion or bad bite, veneers may not be a suitable treatment for you. Poorly aligned teeth may cause uneven stress on your teeth, such as those fitted with veneers, ruining the restoration.
Dental veneers cannot be repaired; only replaced. Though veneers are non-living, the tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissues are living, and prone to change over time. For instance, shrinkage of the gum line may expose the root surfaces, affecting the position of the veneer relative to the rest of the tooth. In such situations, or if they crack, break, or sustain any other kind of damage, they can be replaced.

Getting veneers is an investment in your smile. So it’s important that you take good care of them. This includes following a proper at-home oral hygiene regimen and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and whitening.

Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants: Do You Qualify? | Oxnard CA

Posted On June 23, 2019

Dental implants may be a suitable tooth replacement option for you if you have lost one, several, or all of your teeth.

Generally, oral surgeons require that dental implants patients have:

Overall good health
Strong and disease-free gums
Sufficient jawbone to support dental implants
A good oral hygiene routine

The success of your implant treatment plan partly depends on how well you care for your new teeth and gums, in addition to your dentist’s ability to diligently monitor the health of your gums. However, you must consult your dentist before making any treatment plans.

Personalized Consultation

Each case is unique, and if you have any dental issues, medical problems, or bad lifestyle habits, then you should speak to your doctor or dentist before starting the treatment to find ways to reduce the risk and increase your chances for a successful dental implant placement.

X-rays will likely be taken, and models of your teeth prepared for further examination after your visit, to help in determining the ideal position for an implant, the number of implants needed to fill the gap, and the quality and volume of jawbone available.

Establishing proper basic dental health is a vital component in any treatment plan. So during the initial appointment, your dentist will make you aware of any urgent problems, as well as the treatments needed to stabilize any tooth- or gum-related problems. At the same time, the dentist will give you an outline of your personal implant treatment plan.

Depending on the situation, you may find that other tooth replacement options are more suitable for you. So at the end of your consultation, your dentist should give you a written summary of your treatment planning discussion, indicating your current dental situation and the ideal treatment for your case, highlighting the expected stages of the treatment, duration, and cost for you to make an informed decision.

Final Note

At the initial consultation, your dentist will assess the feasibility of tooth replacement with dental implants treatment. Of course, you must be over 18 to ensure that the growth and development of your teeth does not interfere with the position and stability of the implant, increasing the risk of the replacement tooth failure.

Living with Dental Implants: What to Expect in Oxnard CA

Posted On June 19, 2019

Tooth replacements, such as implant crowns, dentures, and bridgework are designed to match the shape, size, and color of existing natural teeth for a perfect fit in your mouth. While all options help to fill any gaps in your smile and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, only dental implants replace both the tooth root and the tooth crown.

As a result, implants feel, look, and function like your natural tooth. Dental implants technology offers many advantages for anyone looking to replace one or more missing teeth. Here are some of the things you can expect:

Their strong support allows you to bite with the same amount of force as you would use with your natural teeth.
Their stability allows you to pronounce words correctly.
Their natural-looking appearance and feel allows you to smile and laugh with confidence.
Ongoing dental care will be similar to any person with all-natural teeth, a few months after the completion of your tooth replacement procedure. Once your dentist is satisfied with the healing and general results of the procedure.
Implants prevent bone resorption. Once in place and supporting your new teeth, normal functional forces (eating, talking, smiling) stimulate the surrounding bone, causing it to become denser and stronger for normal function of your mouth.
Maintain a proper bite and facial structure. Without an implant (serving as the tooth root), the underlying bone would diminish (resorption) as growth would be focused in areas with activity. Bone resorption may cause your teeth to shift and face to shrink, causing you to appear older.

Final Note

Once an implant has been successfully placed and the surrounding soft tissues show signs of good health and the new replacement teeth are comfortable and well adjusted, then the diligence of your personal attention to oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular checkups and professional cleaning will have the greatest effect on their durability. Plaque and calculus can also form on replacement teeth, increasing the risk of gum infection, soreness, discomfort, and even tooth loosening. Otherwise, with good care, implants will last as long as natural teeth.