Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?

Great personal hygiene can only do so much to benefit oral health without professional deep cleaning visits. Unless there is a condition present that causes gum recession, sticky bacteria usually does not penetrate beneath the surface. Neglecting to take care of the outer plaque buildup can cause more advanced complications that come from the destructive bacteria. A patient with gum disease needs to take extra care to have a deep cleaning performed by the dentist in Canoga Park every few months to prevent infections and gum recession.

According to the expert in deep cleaning in Canoga Park, there is no way for a patient to brush enough to eliminate the need for professional visits. Sticky bacteria are able to hide between teeth and form a thin layer that simple brushing can miss. After a while, it solidifies into tartar that is impossible to remove without a scaling tool. Skipping a few deep cleaning appointments puts a patient at an increased risk of developing gum disease that must be treated with regular bacteria removal to prevent periodontal disease. Oral neglect may not seem to be a major risk until you find one day that your gums have started to recess in response to concentrated bacteria.

Tooth Loss and Dental Implants

Any time a tooth is extracted, knocked out, or falls out naturally, the gums are at risk of deterioration. Stimulation from a tooth keeps the gums healthy so that they do not begin to break down and soften. The Canoga Park dentist recommends dental implants in patients that want a restoration that is easy to maintain. Dentures are a solution to tooth loss that can be undesirable for anyone that does not want a removable appliance. It can be embarrassing to be caught off-guard without the dentures in place, so a lot of people prefer implants for this simple reason.

The implant anchor is placed inside of healthy gum tissue so that it will fuse snugly beneath the surface. Once healed, our expert in dental implants in Canoga Park can attach the new crown by screwing it into place between natural teeth. They are designed to appear exactly like the rest of the teeth so that it is undetectable to anyone that does not know it is not real. Caring for implants is not more complicated than with natural teeth, aside from making sure to avoid abrasive tools and toothpaste that can create a rough exterior texture. With the right care, implant restoration following tooth loss can be a lasting solution.

Dental Bonding Vs. Dental Fillings

Dental fillings and dental bonding are similar restorations that are used for different purposes. Our Canoga Park dentist can help you decide if a dental filling or a dental bonding will best meet your needs.

A dental filling is a restoration that is used to fill a cavity or area of damage on a tooth. We use tooth-colored composite resin to ensure a more attractive restoration. The composite resin forms a strong chemical bond with the tooth, which helps reduce the risk of fracture, which can occur with silver fillings.

A dental bonding is generally used for cosmetic purposes. Dental bonding material can be used to close gaps between teeth, repair minor chips or cracks, cover stains, or protect worn enamel. They can also be used to protect roots that have been exposed as a result of gum recession.

The process for both restorations is similar. If the tooth has a cavity, the area will be numbed, and the decayed tissue will be cleaned. We will apply a special conditioning liquid before applying the resin in thin layers. The resin is putty-like in consistency and can be molded and sculpted to fit the contours of your tooth. Once the bonding or filling is the desired size and shape, we will cure it with a special light. The job is finished with a polishing tool, which gives it a bright, natural-looking sheen.

Contact us today to find out more about dental bondings and fillings or to schedule your appointment with our expert in dental bonding in Canoga Park.

What are Fast Braces?

If you need orthodontic treatment but are not looking forward to spending the next several years in braces, Fast Braces may be right for you. Fast Braces are a special kind of orthodontic treatment that works much faster than traditional braces and can straighten crowded teeth, gapped teeth and misaligned teeth or correct bite issues. Treatment time can vary from a few months to 12 months. Our dentist can help you decide if Fast Braces are right for you.

Traditional braces move the crown, or visible part, of the tooth first and then the root. Fast Braces work by moving the entire tooth. This allows for treatment to be completed much faster. Treatment is considered safe and effective, and they are appropriate for patients of all ages. Because they are smaller and lighter than traditional braces, they can be more comfortable and easier to clean, so there is a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

If you are a candidate for Fast Braces, we will help you explore your options and make personalized recommendations. Orthodontic treatments such as Fast Braces can give you a straight attractive smile, but they can also help improve the health of your smile. Contact our office today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in Fast Braces in Canoga Park.