Dental Exams
During a dental exam, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and gums in search of any potential oral problems. In some cases, we may also take X-rays. If we notice any problems, such as tooth decay, we’ll then recommend treatment options. If you have any conditions that don’t currently need treated, we’ll simply make a note of it for future observations. We’ll also provide oral hygiene instructions and suggestions to better take care of your teeth if you’re interested or if we feel that it would help you.
Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleanings are yet another essential reason for why you should regularly visit your La Mesa dentist every six months. A professional teeth cleaning will improve your oral hygiene well beyond what you can get at your own home. During your visit with us, first, one of our dental hygienists will remove plaque from your teeth, especially in areas where your toothbrush isn’t able to reach, such as underneath the gum line. After that, we’ll perform the teeth cleaning with some extra protection after you leave our office.
Fillings
Fillings are used to replace decayed or damaged tooth structure. Your holistic dentist utilizes bio-compatible white fillings, which are tooth-colored materials that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically-pleasing for patients. These fillings will bond directly to the tooth and strengthen it by restoring most of its original shape. While the fillings are typically white, they can even be custom-colored to match the exact shade of your teeth to give you the most natural-looking smile possible!
Crowns
Crowns are custom-made coverings, or ‘caps,’ that fit over an original tooth that’s severely decayed, damaged, or cracked. Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials that include porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a combination of them. Receiving a crown typically follows these steps:
- First, the tooth will be numbed in order to remove the decay that’s in or around it.
- The tooth will then be sculpted by your La Mesa dentist to accommodate the crown that will be placed over it.
- A physical or digital impression will be made of the tooth so that a perfectly-fitting custom-made crown can be created.
- A temporary crown will be made out of acrylic resin and fitted onto the tooth while the custom crown is still being made.
- After the crown is created, the patient will come back to the office and have the temporary crown removed.
- The permanent crown will then be placed on the tooth and if it has the proper look and fit, it’ll be cemented into place.
After the procedure is completed, a patient should take good care of the crown in the same way that he or she would take care of any other teeth. After all, with proper care, a crown can last a lifetime!
Bridges
Bridges are dental devices that can be used to cover over spaces that are left by missing teeth. Bridges won’t just make a smile look better, but they can prevent the shifting of teeth, fix bite problems, and ensure the strength and integrity of the surrounding teeth. There are a few different types of bridges that can be used:
- Fixed bridges are the most popular kind and consist of a filler tooth that’s attached to two crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- ‘Maryland’ bridges are commonly used to replace missing front teeth and work by using tooth-colored metal bands bonded to surrounding teeth.
- Cantilever bridges use two crowned teeth that are next to each other on the same side of a missing tooth.
Tooth Extractions
Extracting a tooth can sometimes be necessary if:
- A primary tooth is preventing the eruption of one of the permanent teeth.
- The tooth has suffered either extensive tooth decay or trauma and the tooth can’t be saved.
- The patient has advanced gum disease.
- The tooth is impacted – which typically happens to third molars, or wisdom teeth – and the other teeth don’t have sufficient room in the jaw.
- Depending on the case, this procedure can be performed surgically or non-surgically. To ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible, your holistic dentist will use a mild anesthesia during tooth extraction.
Visit Your La Mesa Dentist!
If you’re looking for a regular dental exam and teeth cleaning or you’re interested in any of our other exceptional general treatments, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your holistic dentist. To do so, you can give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or you can fill out our online appointment request form. We can’t wait to see you and give you a healthier smile!