teeth whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Near Me, Oxnard CA

Your smile may gradually lose its sparkle regardless of how thorough your oral hygiene routine is. Although daily brushing and flossing as well as scheduling professional teeth cleanings can help prevent stains, age-related factors such as taking medications, smoking, drinking wine or tea can lead to yellow or brown teeth.

Tooth whitening provides a way to improve your teeth’s color and enhance your smile. You should discuss your desired outcome and current tooth shade with a dentist to design a personalized treatment plan.Professional teeth whitening is often the preferred method for many people, and it’s accomplished using hydrogen peroxide or a similar agent.

The treatment is performed by a dentist during the first appointment, and then under one’s supervision for subsequent treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

The procedure involves:

  • Placing a rubber shield or some gel to protect your gums
  • Applying the bleaching agent on your teeth using some trays that fit snugly like a mouthguard
  • Leaving the trays on to activate the bleaching ingredient and break it down into oxygen that penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth
  • A laser may be used to speed up the breakdown for faster results. This requires application of a higher concentration of the bleaching agent without using the trays, and then using laser technology to activate it. This improves the color of your teeth by 5-6 shades.

After your whitening treatment, the effects can last for longer if you practice proper oral hygiene. Please visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening options that may work for you. 

tooth pain relief treatment

Causes of Toothaches and Possible Dental Treatments in Oxnard CA

Toothaches are usually the result of tooth trauma or a dental condition, such as a cracked tooth, dental cavity, advanced gum disease, an exposed tooth root, or disorders of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint). The severity of the pain can be mild, sharp, or excruciating, and can vary in occurrence, from periodic to chronic.

Causes of tooth pain

The most common cause of tooth pain is dental caries. Dental cavities refer to holes that form in the two outer layers of a tooth (tooth enamel and dentin), when you don’t brush your teeth properly, allowing acid in the mouth to erode the tooth. If the cavities are small and shallow, you may not experience any pain. But as they get larger and deeper towards the inner living tooth tissue (pulp), you will start experiencing severe pain when the pulp gets irritated by bacterial toxins or liquids that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet.

Other causes of tooth pain include:

  • Dental abscess – Severe pulp injury and subsequent tooth infection
  • Periodontal disease – bone loss and formation of deep gum pockets that cause gum infection and pain
  • Tooth root sensitivities
  • Impacted tooth
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – caused by arthritis, jaw injury from impact or recent dental work, or jaw muscle fatigue from habitually clenching and grinding teeth

Treatment for tooth pain

Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend the following treatments for a toothache:

  • Over-the-counter pain relief medication
  • Extraction of an impacted tooth
  • Topical fluoride application for minor tooth sensitivities
  • Dental filling for small and shallow cavities
  • Dental crown for larger cavities
  • Root canal therapy for cases that involve an injured pulp or infection,
  • Tooth extraction of infected tooth followed by tooth replacement
  • Cases involving advanced gum disease may require thorough cleaning, as well as scaling and root planing, combined with improved oral hygiene practices.

It’s important that you visit a dentist for a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate long-term treatment.

dental crowns

Dental Crown Types, Procedure, When It’s Done | Oxnard CA

A dental crown or tooth cap is a long-term restoration that provides a permanent solution for both restorative and cosmetic dental problems. Dentists particularly recommend them for large cavities, either as the only restoration, or to complement large unstable dental fillings or root canal therapy.  

Crowns for Cavities 

Dental fillings are the most common restoration for cavities. But if the cavity is too large, it may result in a weak filling with no durability. In such a case, your dentist may recommend that you get a crown instead of fillings to repair the cavity. Crowns can also be used to replace previously placed fillings to strengthen the tooth. 

When you have severe decay that has infected the tooth pulp (section inside the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels), the condition is considered irreparable and you may end up losing the tooth. However, it is possible to save the tooth through root canal therapy, whereby the pulp is removed and replaced with dental filling material. The procedure requires a substantial amount of the natural tooth to be removed in order to thoroughly clean the pulp and completely remove the infection. 

While you retain the original tooth, its structure will have weakened considerably, affecting its normal function. As such, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to encase the restored tooth to strengthen it. The crown also serves an aesthetic function as it covers up the filler material, giving your smile a natural appearance. 

Crowns for Cosmetic Dental Applications 

Cosmetic reasons 

Dental crowns are custom-made to restore the shape, size, and even shade of a damaged tooth if you use a tooth-colored crown. As such, your dentist may recommend crowns to enhance the appearance of imperfect teeth such as:

  • Excessively or unevenly worn down – resulting in very short teeth 
  • Badly shaped teeth 
  • Severely stained teeth 
  • Widely gapped teeth 

Other Applications of Dental Crowns 

Crowns can also be used to repair a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth that is experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks; to support dental bridgework for replacing missing teeth; or to replace a missing tooth with dental implants. 

There are different materials that can be used to fabricate dental crowns. Your dentist will help you choose the best material for your specific need.

To learn more about Dental Crowns in Oxnard CA please contact us today.

teeth whitening

Teeth Whitening Near Me – FAQs in Oxnard CA

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes. The procedure is safe and effective when done by a dentist during the first visit, and under a dentist’s supervision for subsequent treatments. That said, everyone should first visit a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis to ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, brighter, whiter smile.

How does teeth whitening work?

The bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) is applied on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The trays stay in place for a short period of time to break down the agent into oxygen, which then penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth.

How is teeth whitening different from polishing?

Polishing is done during professional teeth cleaning in order to remove surface stains caused by colored drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and so on. However, polishing cannot change the color of yellowing or stained teeth. Teeth cleaning can help you remove deep stains and discoloration that won’t go away with routine cleaning and polishing.

Will I achieve the results I want?

Yes. Most cases of tooth whitening are successful. That said, the treatments work differently depending on the extent of discoloration or staining at the start of the procedure. Fortunately, your dentist will discuss with you about your treatment plan and inform you beforehand about the best way to whiten your teeth, any difficulties, and even the expected results. This is because dentists are trained to:

  • Choose the best treatment plan for your case;
  • Estimate the improvement in shade that you will achieve; and
  • Inform you how long your treatment will last.

Are there situations when tooth whitening might not work?

Tooth whitening only helps to improve the shade of your natural teeth. This means that it may not be successful when used on:

  • Teeth with exposed roots
  • Teeth that have been restored with fillings, crowns, veneers, or have received root treatments
  • Unhealthy teeth

Please consult your dentist to discuss the expected results of your teeth whitening treatment.

Cosmetic Smile Makeover in Oxnard CA

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of professional oral care that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. A beautiful, healthy smile has many benefits both in professional and social settings – it makes you appear attractive, happy, and confident which helps you feel like anything is possible. But if you’re feeling shy or hesitant about smiling around others because certain aspects of your teeth aren’t up to par (cracks/stains/gaps), consider visiting a cosmetic dentist!

Some of the common aesthetic problems that cosmetic dentists deal with include:

  • Stained or Discolored Teeth – May be caused by age, food, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
  • Tooth Decay – Usually caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, as well as consuming too many sugary items. 
  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth – May be caused by any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth. 
  • Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. 
  • Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others. 

When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit your cosmetic dentist today to discuss your case. The dental team will examine your mouth and formulate a custom plan to help you achieve the beautiful, dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.

dental cleaning

Dental Cleanings: Regular (Prophy) vs Deep Cleaning in Oxnard CA

There are several types of dental cleanings that may help to remove accumulated plaque and tartar in your mouth, and improve your overall oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that prophylaxis cleanings be performed every six months by your general dentist as a part of your preventative dental care. Prophylaxis is also referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from the surface of your teeth above the gumline, as well as tooth polishing. 

Prophylaxis is performed using fine hand instruments, as well as an ultrasonic scaler and a polishing cup and paste if there are no signs of gum disease. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding, and the gum pockets should be within the healthy range of 1 – 3mm. Though the ADA recommends prophy cleaning every six months, people at high risk of gum disease and other oral issues may require more frequent cleaning at 8 – 16 week intervals. 

Will Prophylaxis Cleaning Work for Me?

There are some cases where regular prophylaxis cleaning may not be enough to improve your oral health. Your dental professional will examine your teeth and gums and then determine the best type of alternative cleaning for your individual needs. The other types of dental cleaning include:

  • Full Mouth Debridement – it is recommended for people whose teeth have not been professionally cleaned for more than a year, resulting in heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. This procedure is typically performed before an oral examination and diagnosis to ensure good visibility of the actual condition of your mouth
  • Scaling and root planing – commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
  • Periodontal maintenance – following treatment for periodontal disease, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your ongoing treatment for chronic periodontal disease to reduce the risk of adverse symptoms. 

Please visit your dentist to discuss your dental cleaning in Oxnard CA today.

general dentistry

Best Dentist Near Me, Oxnard CA

At our dental practice, we are dedicated to providing excellent and top-class dental services and solutions. We aim to help you and your family achieve an outstanding level of dental hygiene and oral health. Our dentists are highly qualified and experienced in performing various dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, dental treatments, dental cleanings and exams, and other advanced technology procedures.

In addition, we offer general dentistry, cleanings, veneers, crowns & bridges, among other dental procedures. Our compassionate team will work diligently to perform the dental procedure and offer a lasting solution to your dental issues. When you need the best dentist near you for dental cleaning, treatment, or procedures, our dental practice remains the ideal place to visit. 

What Every Patient Can Expect at Our Dental Practice

At our dental practice, we understand that every patient is unique and requires specific dental needs. With this in mind, we offer personalized and quality dental care for your entire family. 

When you visit our dental practice, you can expect:

  • Excellent and prompt dental services.
  • Dental procedures performed with the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment.
  • A comfortable and serene environment.
  • Professionalism that will surpass your expectations.

What’s more, our ability to deliver excellent and reliable dental services makes us the preferred option for individuals and families looking for a reliable dentist in their area. With us, you will get outstanding dental services from a caring and compassionate team. 

Looking for the Best Dentist Near Me? Contact Us Today!

In case you are in search of the best dentist near me, call our dental practice today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our qualified dentist. Our experienced team will be available to speak with you and help you understand your possible dental treatment options. We will recommend a dental procedure or solution that works best for you. 

teeth whitening

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Options in Oxnard CA

People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.

Advancements in teeth cleaning technologies have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting, and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.

Some of the teeth whitening options available include:

Professionally applied bleaching:

With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results

Dentist-prescribed treatment:

Your dentist will give you a custom-made whitening kit for home use. This kit includes custom-made trays and some hydrogen peroxide gel. Teeth whitening at home is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks.

Which is the best option?

It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns. 

general dentistry

How to Find the Right Dentist For You in Oxnard CA

Finding the right dentist is an important decision. It can be difficult to narrow down your options, especially when there are so many dentists to choose from. If you are looking for a dentist, the following guide should help make the process of finding a new one a little easier. 

To start off with, it’s important to understand what makes a great dentist. Some of the most important qualities include honesty and transparency about treatment plans and costs, experience in their field of expertise, and good communication skills. These traits show that your dentist cares about providing you with high-quality care and wants to develop a relationship with you as his/her patient.

Now that you know what qualities your dentist should have, it’s time to find one! You can do this by asking friends and family members who they use or by asking your general practitioner for recommendations.

What makes a great dentist?

To start off with, it’s important to understand what makes a great dentist. Some of the most important qualities for a dentist are honesty and transparency about treatment plans and costs, experience in their field of expertise, and good communication skills. 

How to find the right dentist near me

There are many dentists in the area, so it’s important to figure out what qualities your dentist should have. When you find a candidate, make sure to ask them a few questions to see if they are right for you.

Contact Us Today

We work with each and every patient to develop and establish a dental hygiene plan that incorporates dental exams, digital x-rays, and thorough dental cleanings. If you have any questions regarding the general dental services we provide, please call our office today.

teeth whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment in Oxnard CA

Everybody desires a beautiful smile. This not only refers to having the perfect shape and size of teeth that makes your smile appear beautiful and healthy, but also the color. If you’re planning to bleach your teeth, then you need to choose from a range of tooth whitening options that include:

  • Professionally applied bleaching – performed in the dental office
  • Dentist-prescribed treatment – a custom-made whitening kit for home use
  • Over-the-counter treatments – using consumer products purchased at a store without a prescription, such as toothpastes, rinses, gels, and so on

In-office professional teeth whitening

During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. As with any other treatment, your teeth whitening procedure must be customized to your unique needs.

With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. It’s important to note that teeth whitening is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks. So after the in-office treatment, our team member will give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results.

For faster results, your dentist may recommend laser bleaching. This approach involves applying a bleaching product to the teeth, and then shining a laser on the teeth to activate the bleach and speed up the whitening process. This technology can make your teeth several shades lighter.

Visit your dentist today

Keep in mind that there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to teeth whitening. Your treatment must be tailored to your needs. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns in order to design a plan that suits your needs.