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Does the Type of Dental Fillings Affect the Cost of Treatment? | Oxnard CA

Posted On June 23, 2020

If you’re looking to repair a chipped, fractured, or decayed tooth, then dental fillings may be the right treatment for you. The type of dental fillings material is arguably the most important factor in determining your cost of treatment.

Other factors that may affect the cost include:

The severity of your tooth damage – larger fillings are more expensive
The location of the damaged tooth – back teeth are more expensive
Any additional procedures that may be required – like removing decay
Location of dental practice

Treatment procedure

Before any dentist recommends dental fillings, they need to thoroughly examine the extent of damage on the tooth, which usually requires an X-ray. After determining that a dental filling can successfully repair the damage, your dentist proceeds by preparing the tooth for the filling. This process involves administering an anesthetic to numb the tooth, removal of any decay from the tooth, and placement of the filling material.

There are different types of dental filling materials, and your choice of material will also impact the cost of treatment. Here is the breakdown depending for different types of fillings:

Silver or amalgam fillings – Despite concerns about exposure to mercury from silver fillings, some people may choose them because they’re the cheapest treatment option
Composite resin fillings – Tooth-colored fillings cost a little more than amalgam fillings, depending on other factors. They are preferred because of their aesthetic result, though they may not be fully covered by insurance.
Ceramics or porcelain fillings – These fillings are also tooth-colored, but are usually more expensive than the other options.

Dental fillings are mostly used in dental emergencies, so your dental insurance may cover it fully, for amalgam fillings. For the other type of fillings, you may need to pay some or all of the cost out-of-pocket. Please find out from your dental insurance provider about the extent of your cover before contacting your dentist in Oxnard CA. This will help you determine how much more you may need to pay.

How Much Insurance Coverage Can You Expect for Dental Bridgework? | Oxnard CA

Posted On June 16, 2020

A missing tooth can adversely affect your dental function, oral health, and aesthetic of your smile. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans tend to fully or partially cover the cost of treatment through dental bridgework. If your treatment is only partially covered by your insurance plan, perhaps only for basic procedures, then you will need to pay the additional charges out-of-pocket.

The average cost of treatment ranges per tooth depending on a variety of factors. The type of dental materials used include gold, metal alloys, and porcelain. Porcelain or zirconia are the most common materials, and can be nearly as expensive as gold. But the materials are tooth-colored and look like your natural teeth, which makes them a popular option. Moreover, they’re very tough and durable, giving you a long-lasting replacement tooth.

Your insurance provider may be willing to pay for a traditional porcelain, abutment crown-supported restoration. But if you want to use a different material, such as zirconia bridgework, or an implant-supported bridge, then you may need to top-up the extra costs.

Other types of bridges that may be partially or fully covered depending on your situation include:

Cantilever bridges – these are only supported by one tooth, whereas traditional bridges are supported by at least two teeth, which can affect the cost. They’re one of the most affordable bridgework options when paying out-of-pocket. However, traditional bridges will be more stable.
Resin-bonded bridges don’t require abutment crowns or preparation of adjacent teeth to support the pontic. However, they are more expensive than the other two options, and may not be fully covered by your insurance plan.
Implant-supported bridges are also expensive because of the additional cost of placing dental implants and the need for a dental surgeon and other specialists. The cost depends on the complexity of your treatment and the additional procedures needed to restore your complete smile.

Your dentist in Oxnard can help you to find out how much cover is provided for tooth replacement in your dental insurance plan.

Types of Dental Bridges | Oxnard CA

Posted On June 9, 2020

Dental bridges literally form a bridge to close any gaps between your teeth that are left by one or more missing teeth. The teeth on each side of the gap are used to support the false tooth (pontic) that fills the space. This is the conventional way for placing dental bridges, though there can be variations as to how the pontic is anchored depending on the location of the gap in the mouth, number of missing teeth, health and strength of adjacent teeth, and the type of bridge used.

The primary types of bridges are:

Traditional Fixed Bridges

This is the most popular type of bridgework and comprises a false tooth (pontic) placed between two abutting crowns. Depending on the size of the gap, there could be two or more pontics attached to the crowns. Traditional permanent bridges can be used in any position in your mouth, including missing molars, provided you have strong adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap. Moreover, this approach can be used to replace up to 6 missing teeth using 6-unit bridgework.

Cantilever Bridges

This type of bridgework is not as common and is only used when the pontic can only be supported by healthy teeth on one side of the gap. The pontic is bonded to only one abutment crown. This option can only be used with front teeth where you can control biting force, as opposed to back teeth that are subjected to heavy chewing forces.

Resin-Bonded or Maryland Bonded Bridges

This option consists of a pontic that is attached to a porcelain or metal frame, which is then held in place using one or two wings that are attached to the adjacent healthy teeth. Resin-bonded bridges are typically used to fill gaps in the front of the mouth. They are a good choice because they’re conservative, with virtually no preparation of the adjacent teeth to support the pontic in place. But since they’re prefabricated, the dentist may need to trim the surrounding teeth to achieve a good fit. They’re also low-risk, strong, permanent, and look very realistic.

Implant-Supported Bridges

If you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row, then implant-supported bridges can help to stabilize the bridgework. The pontics are secured to one or more implant-supported crowns spread across the gap, giving you a restoration that is just as strong as if the bridgework were anchored to your natural teeth.

Final Note

Your dentist in Oxnard may recommend dental bridges if you are missing one or more adult teeth, and have strong and healthy teeth to support the bridgework. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about dental bridgework and your suitability for the procedure.

Preparing for Your Dental Bridgework Treatment in Oxnard CA

Posted On June 2, 2020

Dental bridgework treatment can affect your smile, dental functionality, and oral health for many years to come. Considering that it is a permanent tooth restoration option, you should ensure that the treatment is done by a skilled and experienced dentist, with a reputation of providing aesthetically pleasing tooth replacements in a safe and comfortable environment.

Dental bridgework is a common treatment, so dentists don’t require any special certification to perform the procedure. That said, you should ensure that your dentist is licensed by the state medical board and has relevant membership with professional dental bodies, which indicates good training and dedication in their line of work. Having galleries of previous tooth replacement projects can also give you peace of mind that you will be satisfied with the result.

Here are the general steps for filling spaces between your teeth with dental bridgework treatment:

Creating your custom bridgework – After abutment tooth preparation, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth by asking you to bite into a soft putty-like material. This will leave an indentation of an accurate outline of your teeth. This will be used to produce a model of your teeth that will be used to fabricate your permanent bridge in a dental lab. This process takes several days, so a temporary bridge will be placed over the prepared teeth to protect them in the meantime.
Placing the permanent bridge – When your permanent custom bridge is ready, you will be asked to return to the dentist’s office to have the temporary crowns removed and replaced with the permanent restoration. The dentist will check and adjust the fit of the abutment crowns before cementing them in place.
Follow-up adjustments – The dentist will assess the patient’s bite and adjust the bridgework accordingly. It takes a few days to get used to your new set of teeth, so the dentist may use temporary cement when fixing the bridge to give you time to adjust and ensure a perfect fit before making the restoration permanently.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Bridges?

Keep in mind that only adjacent healthy teeth can be used as abutment teeth to support the bridgework. Otherwise, your dentist may recommend alternative tooth replacement options suitable for your case. Please consult your dentist in Oxnard CA to find out the best way to replace missing teeth before they become a problem.

3 Factors Affecting the Cost of Treatment with Dental Veneers | Oxnard CA

Posted On May 26, 2020

Whether you’re looking to fix discoloration, chipping, or crooked front teeth, dental veneers are one of the best cosmetic treatments to improve their appearance. The suitability of this procedure depends will be determined by an examination of your teeth, and the extent of the damage which will affect the cost of dental veneers treatment.

Veneers are generally used to treat mild to moderate cases, which makes the treatment a purely cosmetic one. As a result, dental veneers are usually not covered in your insurance plan. A beautiful smile is important as it gives you confidence in your day to day activities and interactions. But you should also take your budget into account before proceeding with the treatment.

Here are some factors that affect the cost of treatment with dental veneers:

Choice of Dental Material

Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than composite resin materials. Another popular material for dental veneers are Lumineers, which is even more expensive than the standard materials.

The Number of Teeth that Will Be Repaired Using Veneers

Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment. You should pay less per tooth if you’re getting two or more teeth repaired using veneers. You’re likely to get bigger discounts for more teeth, so make sure to shop around and choose the most cost-effective option for you.

Experience of Your Dentist

Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free.

Please discuss with your Oxnard dentist about the suitability of veneers for your case, and other good treatments that fit your budget.

Which is the Best Material for Dental Veneers?

Posted On May 19, 2020

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure, which means that they are mostly used to improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter smile. Veneers are usually applied to the top front six to eight teeth for aesthetics purposes.

What to Expect

Typically, the application of dental veneers requires intensive tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. But the amount of material removed depends on the type of veneers used as follows:

Porcelain veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness. Porcelain veneers require the tooth to be prepared before placement. This involves grinding down the tooth structure to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, after which impressions are taken for the fabrication of your custom veneers in a dental lab. Temporary veneers are fitted until the permanent ones are ready.
Lumineers and Vivaneers don’t require any tooth preparation. They measure about 0.3 mm in thickness. As non-prep veneers, they’re directly bonded to the front surface of the concerned teeth.
Composite resin veneers are also thinner at 0.3 mm in thickness. They also don’t require any tooth preparation before placement and are referred to as no-prep veneers.

No-prep veneers are easier to place. They are less invasive to apply and less time consuming, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects. However, adding multiple layers increases the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene.

Lumineers may be appropriate if you have thin tooth enamel, though the choice of material will also depend on your budget since Lumineers are more expensive than porcelain and composite veneers. Your dentist in Oxnard CA will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to help you decide the best material for your veneers.

3 Steps to Restoring Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers |Oxnard CA

Posted On May 12, 2020

Porcelain veneers are generally considered a cosmetic procedure because they help to improve your smile by giving you beautifully shaped and aligned teeth. However, the dental materials used are as hard and tough as natural tooth enamel, which makes the repair durable and long-lasting. Moreover, the treatment involves only minimal removal of the tooth enamel compared to dental crowns, which helps to maintain the structure and strength of the tooth.

Here are the basic steps to getting porcelain veneers:

Step 1: Dental Consultation

Before veneer placement, you will consult your dentist to discuss the best veneer material for your case, and the number of veneers that should be placed depending on the condition of your teeth and budget. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo other treatments before getting veneers, like using braces to correct uneven or crooked teeth. The dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. This step is necessary to identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other tooth defects that may need to be addressed before getting veneers. Otherwise, you’d not be a good candidate for veneers.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

On your next appointment, the dentist trims down about 0.5 mm from your tooth enamel using a grinding tool before taking impressions (mold) of the teeth. The mold is sent to a dental lab to assist in the fabrication of custom permanent veneers. This process takes 1-2 weeks, within which time you will have temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth.

Step 3: Veneer Bonding

When the permanent veneers are ready, you will schedule another appointment to get them placed. The dentist examines the shape, fit, and shade of the veneers to ensure that it matches your other teeth and bite. Before placement, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any bacteria from getting trapped underneath the veneer, putting you at risk of decay. Next, a grinding tool is used to create a rough texture on the front surface of the tooth where the veneer will be applied so it sticks better. The permanent veneer is then placed using dental cement and hardened using ultraviolet light.

Taking good care of your teeth will help to maximize the longevity of your treatment. Please consult your dentist in Oxnard on the best ways to exercise good oral hygiene and dental care.

Reasons to Keep Your Routine Dental Visits in Oxnard CA

Posted On May 5, 2020

Most dental professionals recommend that you get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. However, you may require more frequent cleaning and routine dental visits if you’re at greater risk of dental problems, like during pregnancy, or are currently undertaking dental treatment, like orthodontic treatment. Otherwise, a comprehensive dental examination is necessary at least once a year, which includes an oral cancer exam among other important checks to ensure your total oral and general wellbeing.

Professional cleaning is necessary for the following reasons:

Maintain Balance with Your Immune System

Your mouth is exposed to a myriad of health risks unlike other parts of the body. Besides the helpful and unhelpful bacteria living in your mouth, you’re exposed to other dangers in the food and drinks you consume. You need to take special care of this environment to avoid any problems. Since your mouth contains harmful bacteria and useful bacteria, your immune system is actively fighting the harmful bacteria to prevent it from causing harm. Professional teeth cleaning and routine dental visits help to prevent the buildup of bacteria to such an extent that it overwhelms your immune system and allows disease.

2. To Prevent the Buildup of Tartar

Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque on the surface of your teeth, while professional teeth cleaning removes tartar (hardened deposits that cannot be removed through regular brushing). This prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria in your mouth that may lead to decay, gum disease, and other oral and body issues.

3. Prevent Oral Diseases

Once the buildup of plaque and tartar is uncontrollable, it causes gum inflammation and bleeding, which is known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, the severity of gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the infection spreading to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. This increases the risk of diabetes going out of control, as well as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Final Note

Cleaning your teeth at home using good brushing technique and flossing can help to prevent most oral issues. And with regular professional teeth cleaning, you can have peace of mind that your mouth is in the best condition possible.

Schedule your routine dental visit with your dentist in Oxnard CA to maintain your beautiful smile.

Cost of Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Oxnard CA

Posted On April 27, 2020

Dental checkups and professional cleaning are quite inexpensive and should be performed regularly as recommended by dental professionals, every six months, to ensure your optimal oral health. The cost of dental exams and teeth cleaning partly depends on the age of the patient, with children possibly having a different rate. Primary teeth in children are also prone to stains, plaque, and calculus, which means that professional cleaning is also important for their oral health.

Associated Costs

To determine whether deep cleaning is necessary, that is scaling and root planing below the gum line, an x-ray may be necessary to assess the extent of periodontal disease. That said, you don’t necessarily need to incur the extra cost of X-rays to go through a preventive procedure like deep cleaning.

Your dentist will determine which of these preventive procedures are necessary based on your dental exam, after which they will be done in a single appointment together with your dental cleaning.

Paying for a Dental Cleaning

Most people with dental insurance are fully covered for up to two cleanings per year, as well as X-rays and a dental exam for new patients. For additional preventive visits, perhaps due to pregnancy, smoking, or other condition, you should reach out to your provider to determine whether they will cover the cost fully or partially. Combined with a proper at-home oral care routine, these visits help you maintain optimal dental health, reducing the risk of tooth loss and expensive dental procedures.

Learn more about the costs of routine dental visits by contacting your general dentist in Oxnard CA today.

What is an Oral Examination? | Oxnard CA

Posted On April 20, 2020

An oral examination is done by your dentist or dental hygienist to collect information about your oral health. The material collected from your exam depends on factors such as:

Whether you’re a new or returning client
Length of time since your last dental checkup
Whether your visit is due to a specific dental condition or ongoing treatment

Dental hygienists must perform the oral examination before teeth cleaning, as it may reveal that you need a full-mouth debridement (cleaning above and below the gums), as opposed to standard teeth cleaning of the exposed part of the teeth (above the gum line). During a routine oral evaluation, you can expect:

During the checkup, the dentist will:

Inspect the teeth for signs of decay
Determine the need for tooth repairs, such as fillings or crowns
Check gums for any inflammation or bleeding and measuring your gum pockets
Review x-rays of your teeth to check for internal tooth damage or weakening
Depending on the health of your gums, the hygienist may need to inspect your roots for abnormalities. If you’re suffering from bad breath (halitosis), then gingival irrigation may be necessary to remove food debris and accumulated bacteria.
Check for signs of certain medical conditions and diseases, such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, hormonal irregularities, and so on, and recommend the appropriate action to help manage them and correct the problem.

During the oral evaluation, you can ask your dentist about any medical or financial concerns you may have.

Do you need X-rays?

X-rays are not necessary during routine dental cleaning. But your dentist may recommend them to assess the extent of decay inside or between affected teeth. Depending on the results, you may need to schedule for scaling and root planing in addition to teeth cleaning.

The types of dental x-rays used include:

A bitewing
An FMX
A periapical radiograph
Panoramic radiograph

The early detection of tooth decay and other problems can save time, money, and your teeth. Moreover, six-month dental checkups and cleaning will help to maintain your beautiful smile. Schedule your routine dental exam by contacting your Oxnard dentist today.