Orthodontics is often recommended for many people to help them improve the health or appearance of their smiles. If you have teeth that are crowded, crooked, gapped or otherwise misaligned, our cosmetic dentist in Northridge may recommend braces or Invisalign. While braces have been the treatment of choice for many years, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular due to the advantages they offer.

1.    Discreet
Many people are self-conscious about the way the metal brackets and wires of braces make them look, but Invisalign uses clear aligners that are nearly invisible when worn.

2.    Comfortable
Metal brackets can irritate the insides of your lips and cheeks, and wires can occasionally break and poke the delicate oral tissues. The clear plastic of Invisalign aligners is smooth and unlikely to irritate.

3.    Easy to clean
Braces can require special tools and lengthy cleaning regimens to maintain. Invisalign simply needs to be removed, and then you can brush and floss as usual.

4.    Fewer orthodontist visits
You will have a schedule for changing your aligners, and you will only need periodic visits to ensure you are still on track.

5.    No food restrictions
You will need to remove the aligners before you eat, but you can continue eating everything you enjoy, unlike braces, which often require extensive alterations to reduce the risk of damage.

Contact our Northridge Invisalign provider today to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign and to schedule your consultation.
 

Sinus augmentation, also known as sinus lift surgery, increases the size and strength of the upper jaw to better support dental implants. This is done by raising the upper jaw and grafting bone to it. For patients who need sinus augmentation, the procedure makes dental implants possible and improves long-term performance of the implants.


When Is Sinus Augmentation Performed?

The upper jaw is naturally more likely to lack size and strength compared to the lower jaw. As a result, dental implants can be more difficult to place in the upper jaw. The problem may also be caused or worsened by gum disease, tooth loss and differences in the shape and size of the sinuses.


How Sinus Augmentation Is Performed

According to our Escondido dental implants expert, sinus augmentation is usually accomplished with surgery to cut and lift the upper jaw bone and add bone graft material to the resulting space. Pain is usually minimal, and most patients heal and are ready for dental implants within four to nine months.

Sinus augmentation is essential for success of dental implant surgery in some patients. To learn more about sinus augmentation and find out whether it may be necessary, patients can schedule a consultation with our dentist.
 

Single tooth implants can replace one or several missing teeth. The implant replaces the root and the crown of the missing tooth and offers a more natural-looking restoration and one that protects your smile’s health. Our Northridge dentist can help you determine if you are a candidate for single tooth dental implants.

Traditionally, a single lost tooth would be replaced with a dental bridge. The pontic, or false tooth, would be supported by two crowns, and the two teeth that are adjacent to the gap would be trimmed and shaped to fit the crowns. This results in a permanent alteration to the teeth that can increase the risk of future damage or tooth loss. Dental implants do not require the alteration of healthy tooth tissue.

The implant is placed into the jawbone, and the bone fuses to the titanium device to create a long-lasting support for the restoration. A porcelain crown can then be attached to the implant to replace a single tooth naturally and beautifully. A single implant is more attractive and natural-looking than traditional bridges and is easier to clean since it so closely mimics the shape, function and appearance of the natural teeth.

Contact our office today to learn more about tooth restoration options or to schedule your consultation.
 

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is commonly given to dental patients to prevent anxiety and pain during procedures. With several benefits and an excellent safety profile, laughing gas is an ideal, non-invasive anesthetic. Here is a deeper look at the benefits of laughing gas.

Anesthesia and Anxiety Relief
Laughing gas immediately relieves anxiety and dulls pain when it is inhaled. As a result, laughing gas makes dental procedures more tolerable for young or anxious patients. The other effects of this gas, which include euphoria and giddiness, further safeguard patients against worries about treatment. Because these effects fade quickly after the gas is removed, patients do not have to recover on site afterwards and can drive themselves home immediately.

Usage of Laughing Gas in Our Office
Our Los Angeles dentist says that laughing gas is easily tolerated by the vast majority of patients. However, patients with claustrophobia may not tolerate wearing the mask through which the gas is delivered. Nearly all patients respond to laughing gas, and adverse reactions are extremely rare. Thanks to its many benefits and lack of disadvantages, laughing gas continues to play an important part in making dental care at our office more comfortable and convenient for area patients.
 

If you snore loudly, choke or gasp during sleep or experience chronic daytime fatigue or sleepiness regardless of your sleeping habits, you may have sleep apnea. Our sleep apnea dentist in Los Angeles offers treatments for the different types of sleep apnea to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles of the throat and airways collapse during sleep. While muscle relaxation is common and normal during sleep, the airway muscles should stay open so that you can breathe even though asleep. When the airway relaxes, breathing will stop, and you will rouse just enough to breathe again. Unfortunately, this prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Central sleep apnea is less common. It occurs when the brain does not send the appropriate signals to breathe. It most frequently occurs in patients with heart failure or other serious health issues. Complex or mixed sleep apnea is even less common and can include features of both types of sleep apnea. These types of sleep apnea may be more resistant to treatment and require more extensive management to alleviate symptoms.

Contact our expert in sleep apnea treatment in Los Angeles to schedule your consultation and learn more.
 

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. As one of the most preventable reasons for tooth loss, periodontal disease is easily treatable, especially when caught early. Treatments for periodontal disease involve both surgical and non-surgical methods.

When caught early, gum disease can be treated without the use of surgical intervention. Methods include root planing and scaling that help remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line at the root. These options can actually help to reverse periodontal disease and prevent the loss of teeth.

However, severe cases of untreated periodontal disease may need more intervention. Periodontal surgery may include a technique called pocket reduction surgery. The dental provider will pull back the gum where any pockets have formed that may be full of plaque and bacteria near the roots of the teeth. These pockets are thoroughly cleaned out before being attached back into place to prevent further infection issues.

To learn more about preventing and treating periodontal disease, make an appointment with our dentist in West Hollywood. The dentist will examine the health of your gums and make recommendations to treat or prevent periodontal disease based on your individual needs.
 

Those who are missing several teeth in a row or those who are missing all of the teeth in an entire arch may benefit from tooth replacement with a full or partial dental plate of false teeth.

False teeth, or dentures, can be used to replace multiple teeth within the mouth. Dental plates are used to maintain the appearance and functioning lost with missing teeth. These dental appliances can be removed for ease in cleaning. 

False teeth are best used once gum tissues have healed. Immediate dental plates can be used after removal of teeth but will take frequent relining to insure proper fit due to gum shrinkage during the healing process. 

When false teeth are used to replace just a few teeth, these partial plates can be temporarily attached to teeth as desired and removed for easier cleaning or they may be attached to teeth by way of a fixed bridge that is not removed. Keep all dental plates moist when not used.

It is important to see our North Hollywood dentist on a regular basis to be sure your dental plates keep a good fit and are still meeting your needs.

Dental sealants are painted onto teeth and hardened to provide protection against future tooth decay. For children and adult patients at high risk of cavities, dental sealants from our Los Angeles dentist can be an important step towards optimal long-term oral health. Below is more about the use of dental sealants as cavity prevention.

Protecting Vulnerable Teeth

Children's teeth and molars are often at higher risk of decay, making them ideal sites for placement of dental sealant. Food particles, plaque and bacteria easily become trapped between teeth and in the fissures on their surfaces. Over time, certain oral bacteria produce acids that break down enamel and lead to decay. Because dental sealants can be placed quickly, they are convenient for adult patients and suitable for children. 

Patients who brush and floss daily and visit our dentist at least once every six months can expect their dental sealants to last for up to ten years. With the addition of fluoridated water to the diet and avoidance of acidic foods, patients can further enhance their protection against decay. The integrity of dental sealants is checked by our expert in dental sealants in Los Angeles to confirm that patients are still protected from cavities.

Sedation dentistry allows even the most anxious dental patients to get the care they need without unnecessary discomfort or anxiety. Our dentist in Northridge offers a variety of sedation options for patients with anxiety or phobias. 

Nitrous oxide has a long history of safety and effectiveness and may be one of the first treatment options for nervous patients. It is administered through a mask that fits comfortably over the nose, and it takes effect almost immediately. You will feel calm, relaxed and almost sleepy. In some patients, nitrous oxide even works to numb pain. The gas leaves your system almost as soon as it enters, so you will be able to drive yourself home after treatment.

Heavier levels of sedation are also available. Some patients may benefit from oral sedation, which uses oral anxiety medications to induce a calmer, more relaxed state. IV sedation, or twilight sleep, may be appropriate for more nervous or phobic patients. If you are a candidate for IV sedation, we will closely monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your continued well-being.

Sedation dentistry may be appropriate not just for phobic and anxious patients but also patients who experience certain medical or developmental disabilities, psychiatric disorders or who have other special needs that affect their ability to get dental care. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your consultation.

Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted to preserve overall dental health. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected because they are difficult to clean. They can also crowd the other teeth and leave them more susceptible to damage, decay, gum disease and misalignments. Our Northridge dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction if:

• Your wisdom teeth have not erupted and are threatening the health of adjacent teeth
• Your wisdom teeth have not erupted completely
• Your other teeth will be crowded by your wisdom teeth
• Your wisdom teeth have erupted at an angle
• Your wisdom teeth are decayed, infected or damaged

Our dentist may recommend periodic dental X-rays that help us better identify your wisdom teeth and the underlying structures. If there is concern about placement or crowding, extracting them may be necessary for proper alignment. A simple extraction may be recommended if the tooth is visible. Surgical extraction may be necessary of the tooth is completely impacted or has not yet erupted. Good dental hygiene will be necessary to keep the extraction site clean after the procedure and reduce your risk of complications. Contact our office today to find out more or to schedule your consultation for wisdom tooth extraction.