Even if you do not think about it very often, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential in being able to comfortably eat, speak, yawn, and laugh. This is a joint that attaches the jawbone to the skull so that you are able to open and close your mouth with ease. You rely on this joint every single day, and there are a number of problems that can occur with it. And our biological dentist in Los Angeles can examine this joint to detect any problems.

There are certain symptoms to look out for so that you know when to see an expert in TMJ in Los Angeles. The most common symptoms of a TMJ disorder include jaw pain, achiness in the jaw area, neck ache, headache, a clicking sound when the jaw is opened, and a grinding sensation when the jaw is used. Once your condition has been thoroughly evaluated, the proper treatment will be given to you.

The most common cause for a TMJ disorder is teeth grinding. People do this as a result of stress or just unconsciously while they sleep. You may be told to practice certain relaxation techniques to reduce your levels of stress. You may also be prescribed a mouth guard to wear at night so that your teeth and joints are not affected by the forces of grinding.

Our Invisalign dentist in Los Angeles has found that more and more patients are visiting our office to inquire about Invisalign. In the past, the only way to correct malocclusions and misalignments in teeth was with traditional, metal braces. Although they were effective at straightening teeth, they were also very unsightly and would detract from your overall appearance. But Invisalign utilizes smooth, clear aligners to straighten teeth, and since they are clear, no one will be able to see them in your mouth.

Before you begin any procedure, there are certain questions you need to ask the doctor or dentist. And before undergoing the Invisalign treatment, there are questions you should ask your dentist to see if he or she is a good fit for you. You should ask about their experience with the Invisalign system to see how many patients their office has treated. You can also ask to see before and after pictures to see the results other patients have achieved with this dentist.

You should also ask how often you will need to see the dentist for follow-up appointments. You will probably need to see a dentist once every six weeks or so. This way, your dentist will be able to make sure your treatment is progressing as planned.

Surprisingly, many adults over the age of 35 are missing at least one tooth, and then by the time they reach 74, they have lost all of their teeth. The main perpetrator in tooth loss is the presence of periodontitis, a chronic gum disease that loosens the support structure for the teeth and causes a whole host of oral health nightmares. This includes tooth decay and tooth loss, the most severe problems, which have a very detrimental effect on the patient’s smile.

Although it used to be that when a person lost a tooth they had no other option but to get partials or full dentures, those days are in the past. Our Los Angeles dentist is well-versed in treating patients who have lost teeth and require a comfortable, durable and aesthetically-appealing option to replace them. The best option to replace missing teeth is through dental implants.

Our dentist does not often advise dentures, as they are not the perfect tooth restoration. In fact, dentures can slip, become messy if the adhesive isn’t in place properly, they can pinch, and they can cause gum sensitivity. Patients with dentures may feel awkward about eating, laughing, or even kissing!

Dental implants are the perfect tooth restoration. Patients with these secure tooth restorations are able to go on with life without ever even thinking about their once-missing tooth, because the implant is screwed into the jawbone. This means that it will never become loose if properly looked after. We have an implant success rate of over 99%, meaning that patients are almost assured a lifetime replacement for their missing tooth or teeth.

Dental phobia can be disabling and can keep you from seeking and getting the care you need. Our Sherman Oaks dentist offers sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety or phobia. These conditions can range from mild to severe. You may experience discomfort or feelings of nervousness during only certain types of care, such as an extraction or dental surgery, or you may feel so frightened that you are unable to even undergo a routine cleaning. Sedation helps you get past these feelings so that you can relax in the dental chair.

Several types of sedation are available and can be recommended according to your degree of phobia and your personal preferences. Inhaled sedation is a great choice for people with mild anxiety or who are facing a longer treatment. It works almost instantly and helps you feel pleasantly warm and drowsy. Oral sedation can be an option for people with moderate anxiety and phobia. You will take an oral anti-anxiety medication shortly before your appointment, and it will help you feel drowsy and relaxed during your treatment. IV sedation is the deepest form of sedation, and when you choose this option, you will sleep right through the appointment and have little or no memory of it. Call us today to learn more about the forms of sedation that may be right for you or to schedule an appointment with our expert in sedation dentistry in Sherman Oaks.

Gum lightening is a special kind of treatment that is used to bleach not teeth but gums. Gums can become discolored over time as a result of many of the same things that are behind tooth staining. Smoking, metal restorations and some medications are often to blame for gum staining. However, many people have discolored gums naturally. This is often due to the melanin in the gums and is more common in people with naturally dark skin, such as those with African, Asian or Middle Eastern ancestry. 

Dark gums may have black or brown streaks or spots, or they may look more purple than pink. While this coloring does not usually indicate a dental health problem, it can affect the look of a smile. Many who have dark gums feel that the color of their gums takes away from the beauty of their teeth or makes them feel embarrassed about their smiles. Some may even find themselves hiding their smile behind tightly closed lips or their hands, which can make them feel even worse. Our dentist offers a patented dark gum treatment that can permanently lighten gums and give you the smile of your dreams. Give us a call today to learn more about effective gum bleaching techniques or to schedule your consultation.

When it comes to restoring teeth, you may have several options. Advanced dental techniques and materials are being used in ways that preserve more healthy tooth structure, offer long-lasting results and provide superior esthetics. Our Long Beach dentist can help you decide what type of restoration may be right for you.

You may be a candidate for inlays and onlays if you have large fillings that need to be replaced or an area of damage or decay that cannot be repaired with a filling but is not severe enough to necessitate a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are made using dental porcelain. Your tooth is prepared during one appointment, and the inlay or onlay will be placed at the next appointment. An inlay is used within the cusps while an onlay will be needed if one or more cusp has been damaged. A temporary restoration will be applied to the tooth until the permanent restoration is complete. 

In most cases, dental inlays and onlays can last for many years and protect your tooth from further damage while restoring its health, function and appearance. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in inlays and onlays in Long Beach.

Dark teeth, chipped teeth, worn enamel, gaps, and similar cosmetic flaws can cause your smile to look old and tired. Porcelain veneers can be a great option for rejuvenating your look and correcting many different problems. Our Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village veneers expert designs smiles that light up faces and renew self-confidence.

Veneers are extremely effective when it comes to concealing aesthetic flaws. They are made with thin sheets of porcelain, which are designed to look just like the surface of a tooth and can be bonded directly to the tooth after minimal preparation. The porcelain is translucent, much like dental enamel and reflects light in a way that makes them indistinguishable from your other teeth. The porcelain and cement can be used to lighten the color of your teeth, and since the porcelain is naturally stain-resistant, you will not have to worry about new stains or discolorations. 

Once your new veneers are in place, you can expect them to last up to 20 years as long as you take care of them. Are you ready to get started on your own porcelain veneers before and after journey? We can help. Call us today to schedule your appointment.