How Much to Pay for Lumineers

Financial benefit comes up rather quickly in discussion of Lumineers. The product is highly desired but a lot of patients worry about cost, especially since most insurance providers do not cover Lumineers.

Before being swayed by a financial concern, it is important to consider the advantages of Lumineers over typical veneers. Lumineers is more than a brand name, but is the definitive choice in no-prep veneers. The ultrathin laminates go over your existing teeth with no need for injection or anesthetic. In addition, the doctor will not need to modify tooth structure as with ordinary veneers. Enamel need not be removed for Lumineers to fit naturally.

As with almost all cosmetic procedures, the cost of Lumineers will vary from case to case, and even from office to office. You will want to ensure your Lumineers specialist has a high number of performances, as veneers should not be trusted to a novice. You may see a slight price increase when your doctor has a strong Lumineers credential.

Ultimately, it is impossible to state with certainty how much Lumineers cost until you meet with your doctor. Depending on the state of your teeth and the number of laminates prescribed, you may be pleasantly surprised at how cost-effective Lumineers can be. Contact our dental group for more information.

Can Veneers Cause TMJ?

Veneers that are placed correctly will not cause TMJ, but improper placement could potentially strain the jaws and result in the condition. On the other hand, veneers can be used to address the imbalanced bite that sometimes causes TMJ and the cosmetic issues that often result. Here is more about how veneers interact with TMJ.

TMJ Causes or Treatments

Veneers should be positioned so as not to interfere with normal closing of the mouth. If veneers cause front teeth to extend too far, they could strain the jaws when patients speak or chew. However, veneers can also be used strategically to balance a bite that has contributed to TMJ because of such irregularities.

Cosmetic Issues, TMJ and Veneers

Many patients with TMJ have an imbalanced bite, including teeth that do not meet as they should. Over time, the force between improperly positioned teeth can cause unsightly cracks, chips and uneven wear. Veneers can be used to hide all of these flaws.

Veneers can contribute to or help treat TMJ depending on the skill of the dentist placing them. To ensure a great-looking and comfortable smile, patients should choose their cosmetic dentist carefully. At a consultation, our expert in porcelain veneers in Los Angeles can tell patients whether veneers will help their TMJ.

Treatment Options for Snoring

Snoring can keep you and your sleeping partner awake at night. You may feel like you have not gotten a good night’s sleep, or you may suffer from a sore throat or dry mouth in the morning. If your snoring is keeping you or someone else awake at night or causing other unwanted symptoms, our Los Angeles dentist can help.

When you sleep, your muscles throughout your body relax. This includes the muscles around the airway. The airway then narrows, and tissues can drop into the passage. As the air passes over the tissues, they vibrate, creating that characteristic snoring sound. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss or alcohol cessation can be helpful, but they may not be enough to completely eliminate the snoring.

We offer oral splints, or snore guards, that can stop the snoring. These splints guide the lower jaw forward slightly, which helps stabilize the soft tissues to prevent them from collapsing into the airway. We customize the splint to fit you precisely for greater comfort and effectiveness. You may be a candidate for an oral splint if you snore regularly. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in treatments for snoring in Los Angeles.

When is Dental Bonding Used?

Bonding is a fast, non-invasive procedure used for aesthetic and restorative purposes. As its name suggests, bonding essentially involves adhesion of a composite material to teeth. Here is a look at situations in which our cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood may recommend bonding.

Cosmetic Uses for Bonding

When teeth have stains or mild structural damage, our dentist may apply bonding to hide the flawed areas. Teeth that are too short or otherwise misshapen can be altered with bonding. Finally, excessive space between teeth can be closed with bonding.

Restorative Uses for Bonding

Bonding material can be used instead of mercury amalgam to fill cavities or other damage, preserving natural appearance as a result. Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be repaired with bonding to guard against infection and further breakage. If tooth roots are exposed, causing sensitivity, those roots can be covered with bonding.

Bonding begins with cleaning of the teeth to be treated. After roughening target areas, our dentist applies the composite material and sculpts it to match the surrounding tooth shape. Finally, our expert in dental bonding in West Hollywood uses a light to harden the material and polishes it smooth. Most patients need little or no anesthesia during this fast and simple procedure.

Types of Dental Fillings

In the current dental marketplace, you do not have to accept an inferior product as a tooth filling. As our expert in dental fillings in Beverly Hills has noted, patients have trended away from metallic in recent years, preferring the natural simplicity of tooth-colored fillings. But you can still take your pick. Below are some common types of dental fillings, and their characteristics.

Amalgam

These are typically stowed in back teeth, as they are not very visual. Amalgam fillings contain a mix of tin, zinc and other materials, and are not tooth-colored. They are a less costly alternative, and hold up well to bite forces.

Gold

Gold fillings are still around, despite having fallen out of fashion. They are incredibly strong, but cost a lot more than the other fillings.

Composite

Between amalgam and gold in price are the tooth-colored composites, which are steadily outpacing the other products due to their realism. Composites can be color-matched to your teeth. Their only negative is their shorter shelf life (about 5 years).

Glass Ionomers

These fillings are used a lot by pediatric dentists, as they are better for kids whose dental maps are still emerging. They can also contain fluoride, making them a strong anti-decay resource.

Our cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills can help you choose which type of filling is best for you.

Can TMJ be Treated?

TMJ disorder is a highly treatable condition. TMJ is a common disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint. It can develop as a result of arthritis, injury, overuse, bruxism or other factors and can range from mild to severe. Our dentist in LA can help you decide on the treatment plan that will best ease your symptoms and restore full function.

Common treatment options include:

•    Rest, which may involve a soft diet, no gum chewing and addressing other habits that could be straining your jaw muscles excessively
•    Compresses to soothe and relax sore muscles
•    Medication to combat inflammation and pain
•    Oral splints, which address bruxism
•    Orthodontic treatment to correct a misaligned jaw and underlying bite problems that could be causing or contributing to the problem
•    Injections, which can include Botox to relax the muscles or cortisone to manage inflammation and other symptoms
•    Surgery to correct injuries or joint abnormalities

Most patients recover fully and with conservative care. However, more invasive options may be needed for patients who do not find relief with non-invasive treatments. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in TMJ in Los Angeles.

How Long Does Treatment with Invisalign Express Take?

For patients that only have to correct mild orthodontic issues, the makers of Invisalign have created a product called Invisalign Express. The mechanics of Invisalign Express work the same way as traditional Invisalign, with a new set of clear plastic aligners being worn every two weeks until the treatment is completed. The main difference is that traditional Invisalign usually requires 20-30 sets of aligners, while Invisalign Express cases need to be able to be remedied using 10 or fewer sets of aligners. This usually puts treatment time for Invisalign Express at around six months.

Because of the rapid treatment time, Invisalign Express is only able to address mild orthodontic issues. It tends to work best for patients that are trying to correct minor alignment issues with their front teeth, address cases of orthodontic relapse from a previous treatment, or make minor alignment changes so that they are better prepared for other dental work that may need to be done.

You will still need to go to checkups with your dentist or orthodontist every 4-6 weeks, just like you would with traditional Invisalign. Additionally, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day or your length of treatment may be extended.

If you are wondering if you qualify for treatment with Invisalign Express, contact our Invisalign dentist in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation.

Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Dental bridges and dental implants can be used together to replace several lost teeth. If you have lost multiple teeth in a row, our dentist can use an implant-supported bridge to replace the teeth aesthetically and comfortably.

As with any bridge, an implant-supported bridge consists of porcelain crowns that are connected to prosthetic teeth. These crowns are placed not on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap but on implants. The implants act as the abutments, eliminating the need for abutment teeth. They can create a strong, stable bridge that can last for years without requiring other teeth to be cut down the way conventional bridges do.

If you are a candidate for an implant-supported bridge, the implants will first be placed, and the implant sites will be allowed to heal. Our dentist will place a temporary restoration to fill the gap until the implants can be permanently restored with your new bridge. The bridge can be attached to the abutments on the implants once they have fused with the bone tissue.

As with all restorations, good dental hygiene will continue to be important. Brush the bridge and nearby teeth thoroughly two times a day. You may need to use a special floss threader to thread the floss above and around the bridge. Call us to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our dental implants dentist in Santa Clara.

When are Dental Crowns Necessary?

A dental crown is a special type of restoration that can provide long-term strength and stability to a tooth. It is stronger and more durable than a dental filling, but it is also a more extensive treatment that requires more preparation. Our emergency dentist in Los Angeles may suggest a dental crown if your tooth has been severely damaged, decayed or otherwise compromised.

When do you need a dental crown?

1. When a tooth is cracked or broken
2. When a tooth has had a root canal treatment
3. When a tooth has a large dental filling
4. When a lost tooth has been replaced with a dental implant
5. When a tooth is being replaced with a dental bridge

To place a crown, you will likely need two dental visits. The tooth will be prepared at the first visit, and at the second visit, the crown will be bonded to the tooth. We design your crown to match your natural teeth beautifully and to blend flawlessly into your smile. Crowns can last many years and can keep your teeth strong, healthy and functional. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in emergency dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments

When you are unhappy with your smile, it shows. You may not smile as often as others, and you may avoid speaking publicly or with new people. Our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles can use orthodontic treatments to help you get the smile you want.

There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment, including:

1.    A healthy smile
An aligned and balanced bite is simply a healthier bite. Teeth are less prone to abnormal wear and tear, and they are easier to clean, which means less vulnerable to decay and gum disease.

2.    A comfortable bite
Teeth that align properly are easier to use, and you are not as likely to suffer from bruxism, TMJ disorders or other painful conditions associated with a bad bite.

3.    New self-confidence
A straight, attractive smile can boost your confidence and help you feel good about the way you look.You may be more committed to keeping it healthy through good dental practices, too.

Most orthodontic treatments can be completed in 12 to 18 months, and your new smile will be ready to share before you know it. Call us today to find out more or to schedule your consultation with our orthodontist in Los Angeles.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and often make their appearance in the late teens or early 20s. Unfortunately, many people simply do not have enough room in their jaws or have badly positioned wisdom teeth that are threatening their other teeth. Our emergency dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth if yours are affecting your dental health.

When your wisdom teeth are impacted, or unable to erupt properly, they can increase the risk of decay or gum disease, and they can cause other teeth to shift out of alignment. Extracting these teeth gives your other teeth more room and eliminates the risk of infections around these teeth.

The wisdom tooth extraction process if fairly straightforward. We use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, and then we extract the tooth. After the extraction, gauze is placed over the socket to control the bleeding. You will need to eat a soft diet for a few days and avoid straws and smoking, which can cause complications. We will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions to promote healing and protect your smile.

If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, we can help. Call us to schedule your appointment with our expert in emergency wisdom teeth removal in Los Angeles.

Different Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the most effective replacement option for a missing tooth or teeth. There are a few different kinds of dental implants currently available.

The first type of dental implant is the two-stage dental implant known as endosteal implants. The procedure to place this kind of implant requires the dentist to slice open the gums above the missing tooth. A hole is then drilled into the jawbone and the endosteal implant post is placed inside it. The gum is then placed over the implant and within a few months, your bone will have fully fused with the implant. Once healed, a second surgery is required. Our dentist in Noho will reopen the gum to expose the implant and attach the abutment to it. After letting it heal for up to a couple of weeks, the dentist will then fit the patient with a crown.

Another type of dental implant is the one-stage dental implant known as subperiosteal implants. These implants are placed using only one surgery. Another surgery is not required to place the abutments onto the implants, as subperiosteal implants already have the abutment attached to the post of the implant.

Mini implants are another form of dental implants. They are smaller than traditional implants, but are strong enough to be able to be used in many of the same scenarios. They do not require as invasive of a surgery and can be placed by our dental implant dentist in North Hollywood with less bone support than is need for traditional implants.

Costs of Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is used to save a tooth that has suffered an infection or inflammation of its pulp. The cost of a root canal treatment will be determined by a variety of factors.

The first factor to take into consideration is the location of the affected tooth. A root canal treatment for the front teeth is usually a little cheaper than it is for the rear molars. The geographic location of where the service is taking place will also impact the total cost. Large cities tend to cost more than smaller ones and rural areas. For example, the root canal cost in Los Angeles will likely be more expensive than it is in the Midwest. The level of experience of the person performing the procedure will also affect the price. Dentists with more experience tend to cost more than ones who are just starting out, but it is highly recommended to get your root canal done by someone with ample experience performing the procedure. There may also be additional costs for the crown that is used to restore the tooth after the procedure, and for the post that may be required to give the crown enough support.

If you are in need of a root canal treatment, contact our expert in endodontics in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment.

Are Dental Implants Affordable?

You may have heard at this point that if you need to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is your best option for replacement. When all factors are taken into consideration, dental implants are also a very affordable option.

It is true that a dental bridge is another replacement option that is usually cheaper than a dental implant, but that is really only true in the short term. When you lose a tooth, your body reacts to it by starting to absorb the bone that is located below the missing tooth. If this process is allowed to play out, it will cause your face to sink in and also cause your teeth to shift out of alignment in order to compensate for the missing space in your mouth. A bridge will not prevent this from happening. Only a dental implant will prevent this process from taking hold. That is because when you visit our dental implant doctor in Beverly Hills, the implant will be placed directly into your jawbone. Once your bone heals, it will fuse with the implant. By doing so, it will keep your jawbone stimulated and prevent the bone loss from occurring. So by replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant, you will not only prevent your face from sinking in, but you will also be able to avoid needing orthodontic work done down the road.

If you are interested in learning more about affordable dental implants, contact our office to set up a consultation.

How to Find Dentists Specializing in Invisalign

If you are in need of orthodontic treatment, you may have decided on pursuing treatment using the Invisalign system. It is important to understand, though, that not all dentists and orthodontists offer treatment with Invisalign. Additional training is required of any dental professional who wishes to become an Invisalign provider. If you are not sure how to go about finding a dentist who specializes in Invisalign, rest assured that is an easy process.

If you go on the official Invisalign website, they will actually present you with an option to search for any Invisalign providers in your area by zip code. When scanning the list of Invisalign providers that has come up from your search, pay extra close attention as to whether or not the provider you have selected is listed as an Invisalign Preferred Provider. They may be listed as either a Premier Preferred or Elite Preferred Provider. These providers have gained significant levels of experience using the Invisalign system for straightening teeth. It is best to select a few providers who you are interested in seeing. Make sure to set up consultations with several of them. Then pick whichever one seems to you to be the best fit for your orthodontic needs.

If you have any additional questions about locating an Invisalign provider in the LA area, contact our Invisalign specialist in Beverly Hills for more information.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

If you are missing teeth or will soon be having your remaining teeth extracted, our Los Angeles dentist may recommend dentures. Dentures are a special type of restoration that can replace all of the teeth in one or both jaws. They allow you to eat again and smile confidently without any unwanted gaps.

Pros

Having a beautiful smile again is one of the biggest pros of dentures. We use natural-looking materials to design a smile that looks just like or even better than your natural smile. Dentures can replace many teeth at once, and they can be easy to use without the need for multiple appointments spaced over several weeks or months. In fact, we can often have your new dentures ready to wear in just two or three appointments.

Cons

Dentures will need periodic adjustments as your gums and jawbone change over time. You can minimize this by choosing implant-supported dentures, which are attached to a series of dental implants, which act as roots for your new teeth. Implants also stabilize dentures so that they work and feel just like your own teeth.

Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dentures in Los Angeles.

Advantages of Lingual Braces for Orthodontic Treatments

It used to be that if you needed orthodontic treatment, your only real choice was traditional metal braces. One of the main complaints that people always have about wearing this type of braces is that they are highly visible to the outside world. Lingual braces were designed as a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces.

Lingual braces still utilize metal brackets and wires in order to straighten teeth, but they are unique in that they are placed on the backside of your teeth. This unique feature of lingual braces makes it so that nobody will ever know that you are wearing any braces at all. The aesthetic appeal is definitely one of the biggest advantages that lingual braces have over traditional braces. Our orthodontist in Los Angeles has patients requesting lingual braces just for this reason alone. Many patients also find them to be more comfortable since they are often custom-designed using an impression of your teeth. Another advantage is that it is easier to play wind instruments and contact sports with the brackets and wires beings situated on the tongue-side of your teeth. Also, lingual braces are just as strong as traditional braces when it comes to moving your teeth into the proper alignment.

If you are interested in learning if lingual braces are a good option for your orthodontic treatment, contact our expert in lingual braces in Los Angeles to set up a consultation.

Purpose of Braces

Orthodontic braces are strongly associated with their cosmetic benefits, but aesthetic improvements are only one part of why braces are used. With straightening of bite irregularities comes better oral health and comfort, supporting overall well-being for life. Here is more about the purpose of this treatment.

Cosmetic Enhancement

Like other parts of the body, the smile depends on proper proportions to look good. When the teeth are straight and evenly spaced and the smile is symmetrical, high self-confidence is more likely to be present.

Oral Health

Teeth that are straight and fit together properly are less inclined to harbor food particles and bacteria and develop cavities. In the long term, jaw strain and tooth loss are also less likely to occur.

Comfort

When teeth do not meet correctly, they may cause pain when patients speak and chew. Braces will ensure that the teeth fit together as they should, increasing comfort and quality of life as a result.

A variety of orthodontic options are available to address goals related to treatment time, convenience, appearance and other factors. However, different types of braces all are used for the same purposes listed here. At a consultation with our orthodontists in Rocklin, you can find out which types of braces will meet your needs.

Veneers and Root Canal

Veneers and root canal are both common treatments, but they are unlikely to be used together on the same teeth. However, improperly placed veneers can make root canal therapy necessary over time. Here is a look at why these treatments are usually used separately and how one can lead to the other.

Root canal therapy is often finished with placement of a crown on the treated tooth. This serves multiple purposes, including aesthetic preservation, protection from breakage and blockage of bacteria from entering the tooth. Like veneers, crowns are tooth colored and stain resistant. However, unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire tooth rather than just the front. If a crown is ever damaged, it will be replaced with another crown and not with a veneer.

Placement of veneers requires removing some enamel and seating the veneers properly. If this process is incorrectly performed, the nerves of treated teeth could stay exposed and vulnerable to infection. This could result in the need for root canal.

Infected teeth can appear unsightly, but the internal location of the problem prevents purely cosmetic options, such as veneers, from being solutions. When infections are absent in unsightly teeth, allowing for selection of veneers, our Los Angeles dental veneer dentist will place the veneers properly so that root canal is unlikely to become necessary later.

Does Invisalign Treatment Take Longer than Braces?

If you are in need of orthodontic treatment to correct an alignment issue, you may be wondering if you should go with traditional metal braces or Invisalign. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages, but the thing that patients are usually concerned about the most is the length of treatment. So does Invisalign treatment take longer than braces?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to that question. Each orthodontic treatment takes as long as it needs to in order to properly align your teeth. That being said, there are some general trends concerning each treatment. As far as how long Invisalign takes, it is usually about a year for treatment to reach its completion. And for braces, it is usually around two years. Regardless of the treatment option that is selected, if only minor teeth movement is required for the treatment, it will take a shorter amount of time. Likewise, if major teeth movement is required for the treatment, it will take a longer amount of time. Your orthodontist will let you know which treatment option works best for your particular case.

If you are interested in learning if you would make a good candidate for Invisalign, contact our Beverly Hills Invisalign doctor to set up a consultation.

Is Invisalign Always a Good Option?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of clear plastic aligners in order to straighten the teeth. It can be used for a wide variety of orthodontic issues, but there are some instances in which it may not be the best option for treatment.

Invisalign is particularly good at treating crowded teeth, gapped teeth, crooked teeth, and minor issues affecting the bite. Our North Hollywood dentists may recommend traditional metal braces, though, if you are suffering from a severe bite issue, or require that teeth be moved vertically or be substantially rotated. Metal braces simply offer the dentist more control over tooth movement, and this is necessary for these types of cases. If you have received bridgework, you also may not qualify as a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign.

Compliance is an important aspect of your Invisalign treatment. In order for the treatment to be successful, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. If you do not feel that you can make this type of commitment to your treatment, then Invisalign may not be the best option for you.

If you are wondering if Invisalign would make a good treatment option for your orthodontic needs, contact our expert in Invisalign in North Hollywood to set up a consultation.

Candidates for Zoom Whitening

Zoom whitening uses a unique tooth-bleaching process to surpass the results of traditional teeth whitening. This process includes a special formula and activation method. Here is a look at characteristics of candidates for this procedure performed by our cosmetic dentist in Northridge.

Have Surface Stains

Stains on the outsides of teeth are well addressed by Zoom. These include discoloration associated with tobacco, coffee, tea and wine. Unfortunately, stains on the insides of teeth cannot be reduced by this procedure and will require concealment instead.

Want Maximum Results

Zoom is significantly more effective than store-bought whitening treatments. Its gel includes both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, and its application requires the experience and equipment of a professional.

Have Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth whitening procedures can cause or worsen tooth sensitivity in vulnerable patients. However, Zoom can include fluoride application after the bleaching process to minimize or prevent sensitivity. Patients with sensitive teeth should mention it to our expert in Zoom whitening in Northridge before planning the procedure.

In just one hour of Zoom whitening, patients can have the whiteness of their smile improved by up to nine shades. Patients can schedule a consultation with our dentist to find out whether they are eligible to have their teeth whitened with Zoom.

Are Dental Sealants Effective?

Back teeth, commonly known as molars, are especially susceptible to caries, or cavities. This is because these teeth are harder to reach and are therefore harder to clean. They obtain more cavities also because these teeth tend to have a rougher texture than teeth toward the front of the mouth. Many molars have a grooved or fissured makeup. It is these grooves and fissures that attract food particles and precipitate decay.

Fortunately, you can address these irregularities with dental adhesives, or films, called sealants. Sealants are pasted into the grooves or fissures of the molars, where they quite literally seal off these spaces, preventing any material from entering them. The teeth are thus fortified against bacteria and decay.

Children are especially good candidates for dental sealants. When their molars are newly erupted, our expert in dental sealants in North Hollywood recommends applying dental sealants immediately. When combined with the routine regular brushing using a soft-bristled brush and a fluoridated toothpaste, sealants can be 100 percent effective against cavities.

To apply sealants, our North Hollywood dentist first roughens the teeth with a special etching solution. The teeth are then rinsed and dried, and the sealant is placed in the teeth. The sealant is hardened with a curing light.

Contact our team for more information about this proven cavity fighter.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments

A professional teeth whitening is a faster, more effective and longer lasting whitening treatment than most store-bought whiteners. Furthermore, multiple options are available for patients who want to brighten their smile this way. Here is a look at the two most common teeth whitening treatments.

Professional Whitening

This treatment uses a whitening gel that is based on hydrogen peroxide to bleach stains away. After cleaning the teeth and placing protective rubber guards in the mouth, our cosmetic dentist in West Hollywood applies the gel to the teeth. The gel is then activated by a dental light as a chemical process and allowed to work. After about one hour, the gel is then cleaned off and patients can immediately see the results.

Zoom Whitening

Zoom whitening is fairly similar to other professional whitening procedures, but it uses a different formula, activation method and process. The Zoom bleaching gel includes not only hydrogen peroxide, but it also includes carbamide peroxide to enhance the penetration of stains. During a one-hour Zoom session, our dentist applies the gel, activates it with a light and allows it to work up to three times in one visit.

Both of these teeth whitening options can resolve most stains associated with foods, beverages and tobacco use. To learn more about these methods and what they can achieve, patients can schedule a consultation with our expert in tooth whitening in West Hollywood.

Costs Involved in Gum Lift Procedure

A gum lift is a special type of cosmetic procedure in dentistry that corrects the look of a gummy smile. A smile with excess gum tissue covering a large portion of the crowns of the teeth is considered a gummy smile. When wanting to balance out your smile with a gum lift, looking at the cost will vary per patient. Several factors can affect your final gum lift cost in Los Angeles. At your consultation, we will develop your treatment plan and explain the associated costs.

The cost can vary depending on your needs, as each individual is different. If a single tooth is covered by excess gum tissue, then the cost is likely to be much different than if you need the entire gum line addressed. Tissue grafts to cover exposed roots in patients with uneven gum lines will also affect your cost. Although the procedure is an outpatient procedure and is usually done using local anesthetic, some patients need additional sedation to feel more relaxed, which can affect the final cost. It is important to note that, unless a gum lift is being performed for health reasons, it may not be covered by dental insurance.

The gum lift may not be your only cost, especially if your treatment plan includes other cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are often combined with a gum lift for a total smile transformation. These additional treatments are often used to create a smile makeover. Call us today to learn more about gum lifts or to make an appointment with our expert in periodontics in Los Angeles.

What Does a Professional Dental Cleaning Involve?

It is strongly recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning. A big reason for this is because no matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, it is unfortunately not possible to remove all the plaque on your own. If plaque has been allowed to accumulate, it will turn into tartar. The only way to remove tartar is through a professional dental cleaning.

A major part of a professional dental cleaning is the removal of the plaque and tartar that the patient was not able to remove through brushing and flossing alone. If any cavities are found, the decay will be removed and the tooth will be fit with a dental filling. In cases where decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal treatment may also be recommended. Once the cleaning is completed, it is likely that you will receive a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth from further decay. If the dentist or hygienist feels that you are not using proper brushing and flossing technique, they may educate you on the right way to do it. With any professional dental cleaning there is also an exam portion. During this portion of the cleaning, you will also be screened for oral cancer, gum disease, and any other issue that may be affecting your oral health.

If you have not had a professional cleaning in a while, contact our expert in dental cleaning in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Using Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns, also called porcelain caps, are a versatile treatment used for cosmetic and restorative purposes. Although similar to veneers in their material and custom tinting, porcelain crowns are thicker and cover the teeth completely rather than just the front. This treatment from our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco has several benefits.

Crowns are useful for concealing structural and color-related flaws. Teeth that are misshapen, improperly spaced, cracked or broken can be concealed and fortified with crowns. In cases where teeth are too heavily stained for concealment with veneers, crowns may also be a viable solution. Crowns are commonly used after root canal treatment to hold treated teeth together and block bacteria from entering the treated site.

The porcelain used to make these crowns is highly resistant to stains, which means patients are less likely to need professional care to remove discoloration in the future. Simple brushing, flossing and regular checkups can help porcelain crowns last for at least 20 years or longer.

Getting a crown requires two visits to the dentist. The first visit is used to remove tooth enamel, take bite impressions and place a temporary crown. The second visit is used to permanently bond the new crown in place. To find out more about this treatment and its advantages, patients can schedule a consultation with our expert in porcelain crowns in San Francisco.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

Dental sedation ranks alongside anesthesia as a great advancement toward tolerable dental care for all patients. While sedation is often praised for eliminating fear of dental treatment, this service can also enable dental care for individuals with a variety of neurological conditions. Furthermore, benefits of sedation extend to long-term oral health support.

Issues Benefiting from Dental Sedation

Patients with anxiety or phobias associated with dental treatment are among the most common beneficiaries of sedation. However, certain neurological disorders can also interfere with treatment by promoting involuntary movements, agitation or both. Examples of such disorders that may warrant sedation are autism and cerebral palsy.

How Sedation Promotes Oral Health

Anxiety and neurological disorders may cause patients to avoid the necessary checkups and treatment, resulting in emergence of new dental problems and the worsening of existing ones. With sedation from our West Hollywood dentist, patients can more easily receive the care they need to preserve their oral and overall health for a lifetime.

Our sedation dentist in West Hollywood is trained and licensed to use sedation safely. To determine candidacy for inhaled, oral or IV sedation choices, patients should discuss their medical history with our dentist. A consultation can be scheduled to learn more about dental sedation and its advantages.

Surgical Dental Extractions

There are several instances in which a tooth is deemed unsalvageable and is scheduled for extraction. When this occurs, there are two levels of extraction: simple and surgical. The surgical option is necessary when access to the entire crown of the tooth is difficult or when the tooth needs to be broken into manageable pieces, for instance.

While these procedures are surgical in nature, they do not necessarily require an oral surgeon. Some surgical extractions can be performed by your general dentist in Beverly Hills.

Wisdom teeth are a popular choice for removal. These can erupt improperly in the jaw, causing crowding or blockage to the surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth can also develop curved root systems that make their removal difficult. These instances require a surgical extraction, since the doctor would need to do more than just pull the tooth from its socket.

Teeth that have been endodontically treated in the past often develop brittle roots, which can require surgical extraction.

Sometimes teeth are partially or fully buried in the jawbone. In this instance, the dentist would pull back the gums for access and then trim the relevant bone tissue.

Surgical dental extractions can become more common as the patient ages due to increased bone density and a higher instance of calcification.

For more information about surgical dental extractions, contact our expert in dental extractions in Beverly Hills.

Can Smoking Cause Black Gums?

Black gums can be the result of either genetic factors or lifestyle factors. Although they are frequently hereditary, some people with lighter-colored gums develop black gum tissue over time. This is most commonly due to lifestyle habits, such as frequently in-taking stain-causing substances. Anything that can stain your teeth can also stain your gums, including smoking.

Black gums due to smoking are common, especially with those who are avid and frequent smokers. Fortunately, there are treatment options. When you smoke, the tar in the cigarettes can stain teeth, gums and even fingers. Gum lightening treatments can bleach the tar-stained gum tissue and restore your naturally pink gums for a more attractive smile. We offer a permanent gum lightening treatment to get your gums pink again, as well as keep them pink.

Unfortunately, smoking can do more than just darken your gums. It can also increase your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, jawbone loss, bad breath, oral inflammation and a higher risk of oral cancer. You may be more likely to develop plaque buildup and be in need of a root canal therapy. Chewing tobacco is not a safer choice when it comes to your smile, as this can also cause gum discoloration.

Many people are not yet ready to kick that habit, but for the health of your oral tissues, teeth, and general health you should cease these habits as soon as possible. However, we can give you the brighter smile you want until you are ready. Call us today to schedule your consultation.