An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon your individual needs and oral health. During your visit to our Mission Viejo dentist office we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instruction, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under the age of thirteen and for those adults when appropriate or requested.
Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of you chewing teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.
Orthodontics
For patients, adults and children, who have crowned or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, the trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 30% of all orthodontic patients are adults.
Implants
A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a “bolt” which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantage of implants for patients with dentures are denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence. This procedure is performed without involving the adjacent teeth.
Crowns
A “cap”, “jacket” or “crown” will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after a root canal therapy has been completed as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns can strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
For the smile you have always wanted, our “Cosmetic work-up” allows you to “preview” what your smile could look like. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural-looking tooth-colored fillings and teeth whitening. Intra-oral cameras are used to help patients realize their potential.
Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening or bleaching is not only the easiest but perhaps the most effective way to enhance your smile. At our Mission Viejo dental office, we are proud to offer our patients the NiteWhite at home teeth whitening system, DASH in-office tooth whitening, and ZOOM II LED in-office tooth whitening. The dramatic results of tooth whitening make it our most popular cosmetic procedure.
Tooth Decay and Repair
Utilizing digital dental x-rays gives both you and doctor the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth structure or nerve damage. With the help of the latest digital x-rays and software, problems can be detected earlier and fixed before you ever experience a toothache.
Periodontal Disease
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90 percent of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. The AMA American Medical Association has proven the relationship between heart problems and individuals with periodontal disease. Cleaning your mouth professionally can now actually save your life! Our on-staff periodontal hygienists and doctors are available to treat your periodontal disease and save your teeth.
Oral Surgery
The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be the only course of treatment. A CBCT 3D x-ray taken on or latest state-of-the-art piece of equipment allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases.
Bridges
A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw.
Root Canal Therapy
If a tooth’s pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth and get rid of pain in a tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth and saves the tooth.
Dentures
Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular exams to ensure their health, comfort and appearance. Gum tissues are in a constant state of change. Periodic relining of the dentures may be necessary to ensure a tight and comfortable fit.
Athletic Mouthguards
We provide state-of-the-art custom made athletic mouthguards for all patients requiring protection during athletic competition in “at risk” sports. Store bought over-the-counter mouthguards do not fit as well nor do they provide the anticipated and necessary protection to help prevent dental/facial injuries. The only mouthguard that should be worn is that made from a model of the mouth. Patients have individual requirements for fit, comfort, level of competition, and compliance. The professionally designed custom-made mouthguard satisfies these requirements.
