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If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to bereplaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile.Dentalimplants look and feel natural in the mouth,and last upwards of 25 yearsif they are cared for properly.
At our practice, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options performed. Manypatients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years.Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration optionsavailable to patients.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Implants have a 95% success rate, andwe encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keepthe implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which canmake them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shiftsout of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contactourdental office immediately.
Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime
Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:
- Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and freeof plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around theimplants.
- Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
- Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
- Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
- Avoid products thatcontain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. Theseingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.
Interested in Dental Implants?
Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.
If youare interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.
Chipped or injured teeth are typically considered a dental emergency. We offer many cosmetic services,and have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a chipped tooth, you may wonder howquick you can get the tooth fixed. Luckily, there area few different treatment options to retore yourtooth back to normal.
We encourage anyone who has chipped their tooth to contact our office right away. We offer a flexibleschedule, and can get you in as soon as possible. In the meantime, we recommend patients can takeover the counter pain medication to alleviate any pain. Eat soft foods,and avoid biting down on thedamaged tooth.
How Can We Repair a Chipped Tooth?
Depending on the severity of the damage will determine what treatment option is best. Ifthe chip issmall a single visit to our office may only be needed. If the tooth is badly damaged, additional treatmentand multiplevisitsto our office may be required.
Bonding or Filling
We can apply atooth-coloredcomposite resin to help repair yourtooth. Bonding is a simple procedureand requires no local anesthesia. To prepare the tooth we file down the area and apply an adhesive. Theresin is then applied on top to restore your tooth. Bonding is the color of your natural teeth,andcanbeformed to match theshape of yoursurrounding teeth. An ultraviolet light is used to cure or harden thebonding material.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can restore teeth that are chipped or broken. Veneers are a thin shell of compositematerial or porcelain that is placed over your tooth. They are customized to match the color and shapeof your teeth, and look natural. The veneers are placed on your teeth using a cement material.
Dental Crown
If your tooth is severely damaged a dental crown may be necessary. We will prepare the tooth by filingaway the area so the crown fits snug over your tooth. Crowns protect weak teeth from breaking downfurther, and look natural in the mouth. Crowns can be customized to match the size, shape, and color ofyour natural teeth. Typically, crowns are placed after a root canal. If your tooth is damaged down to thepulp area, and there is an infection, a root canal may be necessary to save your tooth.
Looking f or a Cosmetic Dentist?
If you are interested in finding a cosmetic dentist that provides quality and affordable dental care youcan trust, contact us today. Chips in your teeth can be serious, and we encourage you to be seen rightaway if you have an injury to your tooth.
To schedule your appointment with us, please contact us today, and our friendly staff will be happy toassist you!
Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance. Expert whitening is performed in our office or provided to you using a professional-grade take-home kit. Whitening results can last for months to one or more years, and maintaining your results is key to ensuring that you’ll always have a gorgeous smile.
Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the whiteness and brightness of your smile. If you’re a smoker, drink a lot of coffee, tea or cola or you’re taking certain medications, you’ll notice that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. Likewise, just the act of aging can have a serious impact on the way that your smile looks. By professionally whitening your teeth, you can expect dramatic results that help to increase your self-esteem and confidence.
How Often Should Teeth Whitening Be Done?
It is best to avoid whitening your teeth too often. Over-whitening your teeth can lead to issues with hypersensitivity or even cause the teeth to look translucent. It is often recommended that you only whiten your teeth, whether at home or professionally, once a year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helps in creating a natural-looking smile. The benefit of utilizing professional whitening is that results typically last for about one year. This simply means that you won’t feel the need to touch-up or go with another whitening system because of how drastic the change is when using a professional whitening option.
How Can I Maintain My Results?
The best way to prevent the need for touch-ups is to avoid future staining and discoloration of the teeth. If you’re a smoker, now is the best time to quit and a great way to extend the length of your results. Try to avoid drinking too many dark liquids, like coffee and cola, and opt for water instead. You may want to consider using a whitening toothpaste so help clear away stains and discoloration before they are able to get worse. Be sure to speak with the experts about whitening and always discuss when the last time you whitened your teeth actually was before retreatment.
Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our dental clinic.
What Can I Do at Home To Help Treat Swollen Gums?
Our gums are sensitive, and if we do not practice good oral hygiene habits, they can become inflamed, painful, or infected. Gums are important and help to hold our teeth in place and protect our tooth roots. If gums are not taken care of, bacteria can spread and cause gum disease or other health problems. If you are experiencing swollen or tender gums, we encourage you to contact our office. Gum problems should be addressed promptly to avoid infection or other serious complications.
Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Swollen gums are a response after damage or an injury. If bacteria enter the gums this causes the gums to swell, and try and protect your body from the harmful bacteria. Swollen gums can be caused by your diet, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or dental appliances that may irritate the area. Symptoms of problems with your gums include bleeding, receding gums, pain, or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms you must be seen right away to help stop the deterioration of your gums, and avoid infection.
What Can I Do at Home To Help Treat Swollen Gums?
There are many home remedies to help treat swollen or inflamed gums. Rinsing with salt water, tea tree oil, or aloe vera as a mouthwash can help to fight inflammation and heal your gums. Other home remedies include eating foods high in Vitamin D, using a warm or cold compress, or placing black tea bags on the inflamed area.
Home remedies are never a cure for swollen gums, but these remedies can help treat the problem. Anyone with swollen gums should always seek medical advice. The combination of medical treatment and home remedies can get you feeling better quickly. Treating swollen gums or gum disease takes time, and this depends on the severity of the inflammation or infection. Oral hygiene habits at home are extremely important in battling swollen gums and gum disease.
What Professional Treatments Are Available?
There are professional treatments for swollen gums, and depending on the severity of the inflammation will determine which treatment is best. If you have mild to moderate gum inflammation this can be treated with a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home. For severe cases, we offer treatments such as root planing and scaling, laser treatment, or pocket reduction surgery. These treatments can clean and remove the bacteria and tartar from underneath the gums, and repair gums from recession. If you have an infection or abscess our team can help determine the location of the infection, and provide you with antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
Continue to practice good habits at home with brushing and flossing to help heal your gums faster. Drink plenty of water, and get a proper amount of sleep to help your body fight off any bacteria. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, and follow a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise daily.
Interested in Finding Out More About Treatment for Swollen Gums?
If you have swollen gums and are in need of treatment, please contact Pierce Family Dental. Our doctors have helped many patients treat swollen gums, and seeking professional help can avoid serious complications. We create a welcoming and calm environment and always provide the highest level of care.
Take that first step towards healthy gums, by calling Pierce Family Dental today to schedule your appointment.
Dental bridges help to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. Bridges have one or more crowns or implants on either side of the gap and false teeth in-between them. If you have a gap caused by a missing tooth and that gap is embarrassing, a bridge may be right for you. Bridges are typically made from porcelain material, and this looks natural and blends in with your other teeth.
There are many different types of bridges available. Depending on how many teeth are missing, and if you have natural teeth on both sides will help decide what type of bridge is recommended.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge is a type of bridge with two anchoring crowns on either side of the replacement tooth. This is the most popular type of bridge, and is used when the gap has natural teeth on both sides.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. This type of bridge is not used as much anymore, and it not as common as the other options. Cantilever bridges tend to put too much pressure on other teeth and this can cause damage.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
This type of bridge has metal or porcelain wings, and these are bonded to the existing teeth. Maryland bridges are made out of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
Implant Supported Bridge
This type of bridge is similar to the traditional dental bridge, but is supported by a dental implant. The implant is inserted into the jaw and the bridge is attached above the gum line. This type of bridge has an advantage over the other types and helps to prevent bone loss. Implant supported bridges are the most stable compared to other bridge options. Surgery is required to insert the implant and does take longer.
What Are the Advantages With Dental Bridges?
- A dental bridge offers an effective solution for tooth replacement. Bridges are aesthetically pleasing and help restore mouth function.
- Helps to maintain structure in the mouth and hold teeth in place to reduce shifting and bite issues.
- Helps to reduce bone loss and maintains facial structure.
- Is comfortable in the mouth and feels like a natural tooth.
- Does not require removal for cleaning. Bridges should be cleaned just like natural teeth with brushing and flossing daily.
Looking To Find Out More?
If you are interested in finding out if a bridge is right for you, scheduling a consultation in our office is the first step. Dental bridges are affordable and a reliable solution for missing teeth. Let us help you get that perfect smile!
To schedule your consultation please contact our office, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist in San Diego. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.
Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.
Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?
Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.
Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s
- Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
- Show jawbone development
- Detect bone loss
Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?
If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Pierce Family Dental. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.
To schedule an appointment with us contact Pierce Family Dental, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Dental bonding can help to restore your smile and repair many cosmetic issues that bother you. Dental bonding is quick, durable, and can be less expensive compared to other cosmetic options. Dental bonding is a great solution for patients that want to change the length of a tooth, fix a chipped tooth, or close gaps between teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment and no anesthesia is required. Dental bonding does last, and the lifespan for dental bonding is between 5-10 years. The composite material can wear down over time depending on the wear and tear on the tooth.
How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?
Dental bonding typically only requires one visit to our office and does not require any tooth enamel to be removed. During the bonding process, we gently etch your tooth using a mild acid solution. This helps to make the surface of the tooth rough and allows the composite material to properly bond to the tooth. The bonding is a tooth-colored material and this is applied to the area. Ultraviolet light is used to help cure the bonding. Once the bonding material is cured the tooth is polished and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. On average, bonding treatment can take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the severity of the correction, and the number of teeth needing treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
- Dental bonding is affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments.
- Treatment is less invasive with no local anesthesia.
- Can be done in one appointment.
- Can repair chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
- Can close gaps between teeth.
- Changes the shape of your teeth and provides a uniform smile.
- Is an alternative to amalgam fillings.
- Is tooth-colored material and blends in with your natural teeth.
Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?
If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding and how this treatment may benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. At Pierce Family Dental, we strive to provide quality dental care our patients can trust. We provide a calm environment where patients can relax during their dental treatment. Patients are treated like family, and we always ensure you have a positive experience. Let our dental team help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our dental bonding treatment.
To schedule your appointment contact Pierce Family Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Wisdom teeth are the back molars in our mouths and tend to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people do not have enough room in their jaw for wisdom teeth to properly erupt. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, or cause issues once they erupt such as overcrowding or infection.
If you require wisdom teeth surgery you may wonder how the recovery will be. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure and recovery tends to be pretty easy. The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal is around a week. This depends on the person, and in some cases, the recovery period may take longer if the wisdom teeth are impacted.
What Can I Expect During My Recovery?
Wisdom teeth surgery is done in one appointment, and anesthesia is typically used to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. After your surgery, you will be brought into a recovery room where you will be monitored until it is safe to go home. We require all patients to bring a family member or friend to the surgery to help get them home safely.
A few hours after your surgery you will regain feeling in your mouth. Swelling and some bleeding are normal, and this should subside after a few days. A cold compress can be used on your mouth at home to help with any swelling or pain. Our team will discuss pain medications, and give you instructions you can take home.
We recommend all patients follow a soft food diet and avoid any alcohol or tobacco products. Patients should avoid using a straw as this can aggravate the surgery area and cause complications. On average patients begin to feel fully recovered around three to four days after their surgery. Patients should follow good oral hygiene habits to help keep the surgery area clean and avoid infection. If you notice any prolonged pain, swelling, or bleeding that does not subside, please call our office to be seen right away.
Looking for Wisdom Teeth Removal and Want To Learn More?
If you are interested in finding out more about wisdom teeth removal contact Pierce Family Dental. Our doctors have years of experience in wisdom teeth removal and provide the highest level of care. If you are experiencing any pain, or think you may have an issue with your wisdom teeth, we recommend contacting us right away. Any issues with wisdom teeth should be addressed immediately to avoid complications.
To find out more, or to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation, contact Pierce Family Dental today!
Taking care of our teeth is important and can help avoid problems or unnecessary visits to the dentist’s office later in life. We recommend patients visit our office for their cleaning and exam at least twice a year. These appointments are crucial and can help maintain your oral health and detect issues before they become serious. Bacteria and plaque build-up over time and your toothbrush at home can only remove so much. Dental cleanings are easy and the typical dental cleaning and exam only take approximately 30-45 minutes. This depends on the condition of your teeth and if any problems are identified.
At Pierce Family Dental prevention is extremely important. We help our patients review their oral hygiene routine at home and recommend changes to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Many patients avoid visiting the dentist due to anxiety or fear. At Pierce Family Dental we create a calm and relaxing experience and can help you get the dental care you need. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients achieve the perfect smile.
What Can I Expect During My Appointment?
When you visit our office, we create a calm and welcoming environment. Our treatment rooms are updated with the latest technology and equipment. During the visit, we thoroughly clean each patient’s teeth using special dental tools to remove any plaque or tarter. Our team will examine the condition of both your teeth and gums to ensure everything looks healthy. We take x-rays and create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our team will perform an oral cancer screening by checking your mouth, throat, neck, and tongue for any areas of concern. Our doctor will meet with each patient to discuss any areas of concern and follow-up visits.
Why Are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?
Getting comfortable visiting the dentist and attending your regular cleaning and exam appointments can help set the stage for the future. Dental exams allow our doctors to get in front of any issues early on, and this can help prevent serious issues from developing in the future. During your exam, we can detect broken fillings, cavities, or other oral concerns. Our team can remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home cannot reach. We recommend patients brush and floss daily at home to help keep their teeth and gums looking and feeling great. If you ever notice any pain or discomfort, we encourage you to contact our office right away, and we will ensure you are seen as soon as possible.
Are You Due for Your Regular Dental Cleaning and Exam?
If you are ready to schedule your dental cleaning and exam, we encourage you to contact us. Let our team help you care for your teeth and keep your smile looking its best. We provide exceptional service and quality dental care you can trust.
To schedule your appointment and join our dental family, contact Pierce Family Dental, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
