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What is Family Dentistry? | Oxnard CA

Posted On April 13, 2020

All dentists receive the same education and training, but family dentists can treat patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. Family dentistry is not only conversant with the development and changes of baby teeth and the needs at various stages but also realize the fear and anxiety that children may have about visiting the dentist. As such, they are gentle and patient when dealing with their young patients in order to develop a positive attitude towards dental checkups, and establish proper oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child for a dental checkup as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday. This is important to prevent the most common dental problem for children, early childhood cavities, and other oral issues that can affect your child’s smile, especially by the age of four years.

As you prepare for your child’s first visit to the family dentist, you should:

Create a list of any medical conditions, current medications, and allergies your child has. You should also note down your pediatrician’s contact information in case the dentist needs more information.
Note down any harmful dental habits. Some habits that your child has picked may appear harmless at first but may affect his/her smile in the long run. Sucking habits, whether it’s a finger, bottle, or pacifier may adversely affect the development of primary teeth and the jaw and should be corrected as early as possible.
Take the opportunity to learn about best oral hygiene practices. Depending on your child’s age when visiting the family dentist in Oxnard, there are different things you may want to learn about taking care of his/her mouth. This is an important time to find out about preventative oral care, including proper brushing technique, flossing, diet, the use of sealants, fluoride treatments, and so on.

It’s important to prepare your child for the dental appointment depending on their age. You can make brushing a fun activity so he/she will be less anxious when opening the mouth for the dentist.

Scheduling Your Child’s First Visit to the Family Dentist in Oxnard CA

Posted On April 6, 2020

A family dentist is different from general dentists in that they are capable of addressing most dental issues for people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. So if you already have access to a quality family dentist, then all that’s left is to introduce your children to the dental office so they can also start their journey for professional dental care.

While your child’s teeth erupt slowly over the first couple of years, and they’re seemingly easy to clean and take care of, you may be putting your child’s smile at risk if you wait too long before taking him/her to the family dentist. Studies suggest that pre-school aged children are more likely to develop cavities if their first dental checkup is delayed. Moreover, an estimated 25 percent of children develop cavities by the age of four years.

To prevent this and to ensure optimal oral health for your child, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule your child’s first appointment with your family dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts. The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry further claims that visiting a family dentist by the age of two years can help reduce the risk of early childhood cavities.

Visit Your Family Dentist Today

Even if the first tooth is yet to appear, it’s never too early to visit a family dentist for your child so you can discuss oral hygiene, a healthy diet, fluoride options, and so on to give your child a dazzling and healthy smile. Keep in mind that your loved one’s smile is vulnerable from the moment the first tooth sets in, and even before that.

With a good family dentist, your child will be comfortable and fearless about dental visits in the long-term, which will make it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene. In addition, you can have peace of mind that your entire family will have convenient access to quality, essential dental care under one roof.

Schedule your family’s dental visits by contacting your dentist in Oxnard today!

7 Steps to Finding the Right Family Dentist for You in Oxnard CA

Posted On March 26, 2020

A family dentist is a professional whom you’ll need to visit at least a couple of times a year for many years. This requires someone you can trust to care for your personal dental needs, and one you’re comfortable visiting and always satisfied at the end of your dental visits. But more importantly, find out if they’re trained to provide dental services to children and teenagers.

Finding a great family dentist requires a bit of research. Here are 7 steps to follow in your search:

Step 1:

Look for positive reviews and testimonials on their social media profiles and online

Step 2:

Check your prospect’s level of education and credentials. Your dentist should have graduated from an accredited dental school, and be registered with a dental association.

Step 3:

Assess the range of services offered. The dentist should provide a broad range of services that you and your loved ones may need to ensure that you get the proper oral care you deserve.

Step 4:

Determine the age bracket of patients they receive according to your specific needs.

Some family dentists may prefer to work with teens and adults, but not necessarily children. If you have young children or senior parents, you should ensure that the dentist is qualified to treat them.

Step 5:

Check the availability of the latest dental technologies and procedures. Generally, your family dentist should be capable of performing most types of restorative and cosmetic procedures using the latest technologies and materials.

Step 6:

Assess the dentist’s personality and office culture. A kid-friendly environment should have a playroom in the waiting area to prevent anxiety while the kids wait for their turn. It’s also important to have friendly staff and a general relaxing atmosphere, in addition to having a gentle and patient dentist who can help the children relax when receiving treatment and appreciate the value of regular dental checkups.

Step 7:

Determine whether they accept your insurance

Taking the time to choose a good family dentist in advance allows you to find a professional you can establish a long-term, positive relationship with, to take care of most of your family’s oral care needs under one roof.

Get started today by contacting your dentist in Oxnard CA to schedule your appointment.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Oxnard CA

Posted On March 19, 2020

Advances in the field of dentistry have led to the discovery of new materials that allow for more aesthetically pleasing results from various tooth restoration procedures. Tooth-colored or white fillings have quickly become the popular treatment to repair small cavities, because the restored tooth looks natural when you talk, smile, and laugh.

Although there are several types of dental fillings, tooth-colored composite resins are the ones preferred by most patients. There are several reasons for this, including:

Aesthetic Results

Composite resin fillings are made in a way to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. This gives you an even smile since people cannot detect the restored tooth, giving you more confidence.

Strong and Tough

Composite resin fillings are strong enough to restore the form and function of a chipped or decayed tooth. Porcelain fillings provide a more durable restoration but are more expensive. As such, they’re mostly used for repairing the back teeth.

Can Be Used to Correct Minor to Severe Cases

Tooth-colored fillings can be used to treat very small cavities that are hard to fill using other materials like amalgam. Your dentist may recommend porcelain or ceramic onlays and inlays to restore severely damaged teeth due to wear or decay. Please visit your dentist to discuss the best ways to restore your damaged teeth.

Easy to Re-apply

Another advantage of tooth-colored composite fillings is that they are easy to repair. Fillings tend to wear over time, and may be damaged in the event of an accident. Composite fillings can be easily reapplied without having to remove the original filling.

Conservative Treatment

There are different types of white fillings, including composite and porcelain. Composites are preferred because they’re affordable and don’t require much tooth preparation before applying the filling.

Affordable Treatment

Composite resin fillings cost a little more than amalgam fillings but are still very affordable for most people.

Please visit your Oxnard dentist to discuss whether tooth-colored fillings are right for you, and the best way to restore your smile.

Dental Fillings Near Me, Oxnard CA

Posted On March 12, 2020

If you’re suffering from a chipped or decayed tooth, you should visit a dentist to get it repaired. This will not only prevent further damage to the tooth, which may be more costly to treat, but also restore the full function of your mouth and smile. Tooth-colored composite resins are the most common type of dental fillings for small to moderate-sized restorations. They are safe, durable, and tough enough to withstand chewing pressure and prevent fractures.

How Dental Fillings are Placed

If the dentist determines that fillings are the best option to repair your tooth, it needs to be cleaned first before placing the filling.

The first step involves anesthetizing the area using a numbing injection to allow for a pain-free procedure. Next, the dentist removes any decay and cleans the cavity to avoid trapping any bacteria inside the tooth that may cause rot from within.

After the tooth has been prepared, you will choose the type of filling material you want. The material will be applied directly to the tooth, layer by layer until the desired form is achieved. The material is then cemented in place using a special light to ensure it’s securely bonded to your tooth.

Which Type of Filling Material is Best?

Tooth-colored composite fillings are the most common type of material used because they’re conservative, easy to use, and give you a natural look. Unlike silver fillings, composite resin fillings don’t require the removal of much tooth enamel on the site for it to hold properly. Composite doesn’t require undercutting to create a strong bond. Instead, they are able to physically and mechanically bond to the prepared tooth. This allows you to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, creating a longer-lasting restoration

Please visit your dentist in Oxnard to discuss whether dental fillings are the best way to restore the full function of your mouth and achieve a healthy-looking smile.

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

Posted On March 5, 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 filling 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 other types 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. This will help you determine how much more you may need to pay.

To find out if a tooth filling is right for you, contact your dentist in Oxnard CA to schedule your consultation.

How a Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Smile | Oxnard CA

Posted On February 26, 2020

Many people can assess your mood and personality based solely on your smile, before saying a single word. If you have a dazzling, bright smile, then this will work well for both your personal and professional relationships. However, a sparkling smile may lose its vibrancy over time due to discoloration, chips and cracks, decay, excessive grinding, and tooth loss. Fortunately, no matter the problem with your teeth, a smile makeover can help to restore your dazzling smile through the right combination of cosmetic and restorative treatments.

Your Custom Smile Makeover

Just as each individual has a unique look, each smile makeover has to be customized by a skilled dentist to address your specific aesthetic needs. A smile makeover can involve multiple procedures, depending on the health of your teeth and gums, as well as other factors such as your facial appearance, hair color, and skin tone.

During your consultation, your dentist will work with you to design the ideal smile, and you will even get to see a smile preview of what you can expect your smile to look like, before any actual dental work begins.

Some of the common problems that can be addressed with a smile makeover include:

Discolored or badly stained teeth
Chipped or fractured teeth – the right procedure depends on the extent of damage
Straightening crooked teeth or a misaligned bite – depending on the severity and your age, your dentist will recommend the appropriate orthodontic treatment
Gaps between your teeth – can be closed to make your smile look more even
Missing teeth can cause functional problems. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate tooth restoration
A gummy smile can also be corrected

Consult Your Dentist for a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can change your life by simply improving the shape, color, size, or length of your teeth, or changing the appearance of your lips or gums to make your smile more attractive.

Please visit your dentist in Oxnard to discuss the best options to help you improve your smile.

Dental Crowns Cost | Oxnard CA

Posted On February 19, 2020

A dental crown is a permanent, long-lasting restorative treatment. And considering that it forms a key part of your smile, it’s important that you choose your dentist carefully without compromising on how much the dental crowns cost, to ensure that it’s done in the most professional and skillful way.

As such, when considering the cost of getting crowns, you should not simply choose the least expensive dentist without weighing your other options. Find out if your dentist works in a network of other professionals, preferably as a member of a recognized dental association that ensures a high quality of standards for all procedures. Consider all factors, including experience, friendliness, and your rapport with the dentist before making the final decision.

When to Get a Dental Crown

Crowns can be used to repair any kind of tooth damage, including:

Severe Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth,
To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy
Broken or fractured teeth
To replace large fillings
To fix chips and cracks
To close small gaps between teeth
To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth

Dental crowns are typically installed in two appointments. You can discuss the cost and other aspects of your specific dental problem and your suitability for crowns during the initial consultation. The dentist will assess the damaged tooth to identify the best repair option for your case.

Final Note

If you plan on repairing a damaged tooth with a dental crown, it’s best that you schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist near you. Making the cost of the treatment your only factor may lead to poor and unsatisfactory results that end up causing pain and discomfort, and costing you more money and time in the future.

To get more information about how much dental crowns cost, please schedule an appointment with your dentist in Oxnard today.

What to Expect with Invisalign in Oxnard CA

Posted On February 12, 2020

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, then Invisalign treatment may be the right option for you. The Invisalign system uses an innovative approach to straighten your teeth without attaching brackets to your teeth. Instead, the orthodontist uses a series of clear removable trays that are custom-made to gradually move your teeth to the proper position.

Thanks to advanced technology, the Invisalign system can be used to correct a wide range of dental and orthodontic conditions that were traditionally treated with metal braces, including:

Crowded teeth
Widely spaced teeth
Overbite, underbite, or crossbite

Depending on your individual case and the position of your teeth, you may require 6 to 24 months for the clear aligners to gently move your teeth to the desired position, after which you will be required to wear retainers to hold them in place – keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

The Procedure

If you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign, your Invisalign specialist will take X-rays and digital scans, as well as a dental impression to create your custom treatment plan. The impressions, your personal dental information, and prescribed treatment will be used to create a personal 3D treatment plan, after which your customized clear aligners will be fabricated.

When your treatment is ready, you will receive 3-4 sets of your custom-made aligners to wear every day – for a minimum of 22 hours – and change each set after two weeks. This means that you won’t need to visit your orthodontist as often as with braces. But a dental visit is recommended every 6-8 weeks to receive the next series of aligners and to assess the progress of your treatment.

Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you may need to wear retainers to help ensure that your teeth remain in their new position.

Final Note

With Invisalign for teens and adults, anyone can now have a pleasant experience straightening their teeth and improving their smile. Contact your orthodontist in Oxnard CA today to start your treatment.

What to Expect with Dental Crowns in Oxnard CA

Posted On February 5, 2020

Dental crowns are a popular treatment because they can be used to repair different kinds of tooth damage, including chips, cracks, fractures, decay, damaged fillings, and even to close small gaps between teeth. They can also be used with dental bridgework or implants to replace one or more missing teeth.

The Procedure

If you’re a suitable candidate for crowns, the dentist will complete your treatment in two appointments. The first visit is for preparing the tooth for repair. Your dentist will first numb the damaged tooth before beginning any work. If the tooth is infected, the decay will be removed and the cavity thoroughly cleaned.

The dentist will then take digital impressions that will be used to create your custom tooth cap in a dental lab, making sure to match the color of your crown to that of your teeth or use a different shade if you wish to improve your smile. A temporary crown will then be placed to help you eat properly in the meantime.

On your next visit, the temporary crown will be replaced with the permanent one, and properly fitted to “cap” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. This will make it look and function like your natural teeth.

Advantages of Crowns

Dental crown placement is a painless procedure since the dentist administers a local anesthetic before starting any treatment on the tooth.
Crowns are custom-made to your exact needs, including the size, shape, and shade of adjacent teeth. The crown is designed using computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) technology and fabricated through milling a ceramic block.
While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, you will be fitted with a temporary one to protect the teeth and prevent tooth sensitivity when eating.

When the procedure is complete, your Oxnard dentist will advise you on how to care for your new tooth to ensure that it lasts forever. Proper care includes brushing regularly, flossing at least once a day, avoiding biting down or chewing hard foods and items.

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re good for you, please schedule a consultation today.