Full mouth reconstruction is a series of procedures for patients who are experiencing several serious dental issues at once. Primary candidates have teeth that are misaligned, misshapen, have experienced extensive dental trauma and broken or missing teeth, as well as severe gum disease or tooth decay. People dealing with TMJ disorders affecting the jawbone joint may also benefit from a full mouth reconstruction.   

Before deciding on your treatment plan, our Los Angeles full mouth reconstruction expert will examine your mouth for these problems. We will also check you bite for any abnormalities and may conduct X-rays. Depending on the issues you are experiencing, your full mouth reconstruction will probably take more than one more additional visit.

If you are experiencing any periodontal issues, we will perform a deep cleaning procedure to clear away any tartar or decay. If your teeth are cracked, misshapen or discolored, porcelain veneers are an option. If the damage is more severe, crowns may be used to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. For teeth that must be removed or are already missing, dentures, bridges and implants are all options.

If you think you need a full mouth reconstruction, call our office today. Your smile is too valuable to waste time.
 

A beautiful smile is precious. It is important to maintain great oral hygiene in order to keep a beautiful smile. There are a lot of factors (hygiene included) that make your smile beautiful including brushing, flossing, mouth rinse, a healthy diet and genetics. But when you are not happy with your smile, there are professionals who can help.

You might want to opt for a smile makeover if you have dental problems that leave your smile less than what it could be, amazing! Let’s say you have discoloration, misaligned teeth, gaps, spaces, broken teeth or missing teeth. You can have these problems fixed with a smile makeover. Talk to our dentist about your needs. You may find that a consultation will put your dental problems in perspective so that you can map out a plan for that perfect smile.

Talk to our dentist to learn more about smile makeovers and your options.
 

Zoom is a special type of teeth whitening that can only be performed in a dental office. It combines state-of-the-art techniques with some of the most powerful whitening agents to create stunning results. Our cosmetic dentist in Northridge can help you decide if Zoom is right for you.

If you are a candidate for Zoom, your gums, lips and other soft tissues will be protected before the Zoom whitening solution is painted directly onto your teeth. Once we have applied the solution to your teeth, we will direct a special high-intensity light onto them. This light is designed to activate the gel and allow the oxidation process to begin deep inside the structures of your teeth to break up even the stains that are located in the dentin and enamel. Zoom is known for whitening teeth as much as eight shades in a single appointment, and teeth can remain permanently brighter if patients follow proper post-whitening procedures.

You may be a candidate for Zoom whitening if you have healthy teeth and gums and have no visible restorations, such as tooth-colored fillings or porcelain veneers. Contact our expert in Zoom whitening in Northridge today to learn more, or to schedule your appointment.
 

Orthodontic treatment gives the fastest results when it is used early in life. With timely examination by our expert in braces for children in Torrance, kids with bite irregularities can get a head start on lifelong improvements to their oral health and appearance. Although many kids worry that braces will hurt, discomfort is actually minimal during placement.


Causes and Consequences of Bite Irregularities in Children

Bite irregularities can have a variety of causes and consequences. Genetics, poor nutrition, developmental problems and habits such as mouth breathing or thumb sucking can disrupt the formation of the teeth and jaws. In addition to lowering confidence, bite irregularities can make chewing and speaking more difficult. Orthodontic problems also increase risks of tooth decay and gum disease throughout life.

Our expert in early orthodontic treatments in Torrance examines the teeth of children with bite impressions, X-rays and computer imaging before making unique treatment plans. Depending on the severity and types of bite irregularities present, our orthodontist may recommend one or several possible treatments. Fixed braces, used to adjust the positions of teeth, are a standard treatment option. After correction, retainers are used to ensure that treated teeth stay in their newly aligned positions.

 

Teeth that are crooked or do not form a proper bite may not only appear unattractive, but lack adequate function as well. When teeth do not align properly, this can result in painful conditions and uneven wearing of the teeth. There are ways that dental providers can improve the appearance of crooked teeth and improve their functioning.

Teeth that are not aligned properly can negatively affect all oral functions, including speech and eating. It is harder to keep uneven teeth clean, which may result in an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic treatments are used to help to straighten the teeth and to bring them back into proper alignment.

The most common way to straighten teeth is through the use of traditional braces. Those with moderate to severe misalignment or bite issues may best benefit from the use of braces. However, this is not the only option available. There is a newer option available for those with milder issues. Invisalign clear plastic aligners gently move teeth into proper position in a shorter time with fewer dental visits. Our dentist in North Hollywood can help determine the best method for you.
 

Many people started hiding my smile because they think there is not an affordable and effective solution to the discoloration or slightly crooked teeth. However, there is a solution that is noninvasive and within your budget: Lumineers.

Our expert in Lumineers in Los Angeles uses this treatment to enhance the appearance of the smile. Lumineers are a painless process by which a certified dentist places a thin material over your existing teeth, leaving you with a natural looking smile. So how do you know if this procedure is right for you? Well, if you have discoloration, slightly crooked or chipped teeth, Lumineers is the perfect solution. The procedure is also right for those with spaces and gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, or for those who want to improve some old dental work done in the past. It is also a great fit for those who simply want to take their nice smile and upgrade it to a Hollywood smile.

If you have a missing tooth, or teeth that need to be extracted because of severe decay or other imperfections, there are many options for replacing that tooth. Removable dentures or fixed bridges may help. But perhaps the healthiest and longest lasting solutions are dental crowns placed over dental implants.

In order to determine if this is the right option for you, our Los Angeles dental crowns dentist will need to make sure you are in good oral health and that your jawbone density is appropriate for the procedure. If not, then you may need a bone graft in your jaw.

Once this has been determined, the first step involves inserting a titanium rod into your jaw, then allowing it to fuse with the bone. This may take a few months, and in the meantime, you will be given the option of wearing a temporary crown. Once you are sufficiently healed, the actual porcelain crown will be placed. This process also applies to having multiple teeth replaced.

Porcelain crowns used to replace lost teeth are very stain-resistant and do not require the support of adjacent teeth, but should still be maintained as if they were natural. To determine if replacing lost teeth with crowns is the right option for you, give our office a call today.
 

TMJ disorders affect the joint connecting the jaw to the skull and can cause pain and disability in patients. These disorders have a wide range of causes, but they are often associated with teeth grinding, injury and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms and severity can vary widely between patients.

Common Signs of TMJ

Patients with TMJ usually suffer from pain in the jaw, neck and ear. However, patients may also experience symptoms such as toothaches, hearing problems and tinnitus, or ringing of the ear. Clicking or grinding sounds often occur when TMJ sufferers move their jaws. These symptoms can affect one or both sides of the jaw, and they may be intermittent.

TMJ Treatments

A variety of at-home and professional treatments can bring relief from TMJ. To help control symptoms, some patients avoid hard or chewy foods and use hot or cold compresses. According to our expert in TMJ in Los Angeles, patients may also benefit from treatments such as muscle relaxants and jaw surgery.

TMJ can reduce quality of life significantly for patients who are affected. If TMJ is allowed to progress, it can cause major reductions in the ability to eat and speak normally. By contacting our dentist in Los Angeles for a consultation, patients can learn more about treatments that can help relieve their TMJ symptoms.
 

Dental phobia is a common problem for patients, causing some to postpone or avoid dental care. Today, sedation dentistry is an option for patients who want to feel more comfortable during dental appointments. Here is what you should know about sedation dentistry and the options we offer.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Anxiety associated with dental phobia can be relieved with sedation at our office. When you receive sedation at appointments with our Los Angeles dentist, you will be completely relaxed during your check-up or treatment. You may also find that you feel free to visit us regularly so that your teeth and gums stay healthier throughout life.

Our Sedation Dentistry Options
Our expert in sedation dentistry in Los Angeles offers inhaled, oral and IV forms of sedation. Inhaled sedation involves breathing a mixture of air and nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to prevent anxiety and pain. Oral sedation involves anti-anxiety pills that patients take before the procedure begins, making them carefree and sleepy. IV sedation is the deepest level of sedation we offer, and patients who receive it may not remember their treatment afterwards.

Inhaled sedation wears off quickly, and patients can generally drive themselves home immediately afterwards. However, both oral and IV sedation require having a driver to take you home after your appointment. To learn more about these options and determine which may be right for you, contact our dentist to schedule a consultation.
 

Dental implant placement is completed in a series of stages. Before surgery, however, certain preparations must be made. Our dentist works with patients before the procedure to inform them of necessary preparations, identify the need for preparatory dental work and create an individual treatment plan.

Preparing for Placement of Dental Implants
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive exam before placing your dental implants. This includes making impressions of your teeth and creating X-rays for use in developing a treatment plan. Our dentist will also ask you about your health and any medications or supplements you may be taking. If you have certain conditions, our dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection after surgery.

If X-rays reveal insufficient jaw bone size or density, our dentist may recommend bone graft surgery to improve your ability to receive implants successfully. This will involve insertion of bone grafts in your jaw followed by up to a year or more of growth until your jaw bone has developed enough for implant placement.

Preparation is important for the best results from dental implants. With your cooperation, our dentist can ensure that your implants fuse properly with your jaw and provide you with a lifetime of improved appearance and oral health.