Family dentists are dental professionals that specialize in treating patients of all ages. From infants and children to adults, family dentists provide care for everyone’s oral needs.
By using a family dentistry Long Beach CA for all of your dental needs, you will save time, money and hassle. Furthermore, it’s an ideal way to establish excellent oral hygiene habits that will last generations.
Cleanings & Prevention
One of the most essential services a family dentist provides is cleanings. These appointments aim to remove plaque from teeth and check for any signs of cavities or other dental issues.
People at higher risk for tooth decay or gum disease may require more frequent visits to prevent infection and maintain overall oral health. Furthermore, routine cleanings help remove bacteria and plaque from the gums that brushing alone cannot reach.
Routine cleanings differ from other types of cleanings in that they aim to maintain your teeth and gums’ health without needing more invasive treatments. Appointments can be completed quickly (less than an hour) and offer many advantages to patients, including reducing the risk of serious dental issues as well as bad breath.
Family dentists provide preventive care to all ages, teaching them how to prevent tooth and gum problems. Furthermore, they perform comprehensive exams with X-rays in order to detect minor issues that could turn into more serious problems if left untreated.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Through an osseointegration process, these metal implants become permanently embedded in your jaw bone for stable support when chewing or speaking.
Dental implant surgery requires time and dedication from you, but the outcome can be incredibly rewarding and long-lasting. If you’re interested in getting implants, we invite you to call and arrange an appointment with one of our team members today.
In general, patients must be in excellent general and oral health to qualify for dental implants. They also need healthy gums and enough bone to secure the implant securely.
Your family dentist will inspect your gums and bone for any potential issues that could impede the success of the procedure. In certain cases, they may refer you to specialists such as oral surgeons or periodontists if more complex care is required.
Whitening
Tooth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments in America today. This procedure eliminates deep and surface stains from teeth to brighten your smile.
Whitening is a safe and effective way to make your teeth appear brighter, though results vary between individuals. The colour of your teeth depends on the pigments in their enamel; staining can occur due to factors like smoking tobacco products, poor diet or drink.
Professional teeth whitening usually involves the use of bleach, which lightens the tooth’s color. It is a safe and effective treatment that won’t harm your teeth or gums in any way.
The whitening process is usually administered by a dentist in their office. They will take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit inside your mouth like mouth guards and contain bleaching gel for faster results.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection that affects more than 47% of Americans, and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on its stage, but typically include red, swollen and tender gums. You may also experience bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth.
When your gums become infected and inflamed, they can pull away from your teeth. This allows bacteria to spread and start eating away at teeth, bone, and other structures in an effort to erode them away.
When caught in its early stages, known as gingivitis, gum disease can usually be treated successfully to minimize damage. Unfortunately, if left untreated, periodontitis – or more advanced gum disease – becomes much more serious and requires surgical intervention for full resolution.
Periodontal disease has different stages, so it’s essential to recognize the warning signs and take preventive action. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene practices and quitting tobacco will all help safeguard your oral health.
Dentures & Partial Dentures
No matter the extent of your tooth loss, a dentist can help restore your smile with dentures. We work within budget and meet all of your dental needs while creating a treatment plan that suits both budget and requirements.
Partial dentures are used to replace multiple missing teeth on either the upper or lower side of the mouth. Created to look like natural teeth, these appliances can enhance chewing and speaking capabilities while conserving existing teeth.
These teeth are typically made of acrylic material which wears down faster than natural teeth, so regular cleaning is necessary to keep them looking and functioning optimally. Furthermore, adjustments may be needed in order to fit and function correctly; thus, scheduling visits with your dentist for adjustments as necessary is important.
Removable partial dentures are one of the most cost-effective tooth replacement solutions. They’re ideal for people who have healthy teeth but need to replace some. Plus, these prosthetics require less invasive cleaning than traditional dentures and can reduce cavities in surrounding teeth.
Porcelain Crowns & Caps
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped ‘caps’ that your dentist can place over a damaged or broken tooth to restore its size, shape and strength. They’re commonly used to save teeth that cannot be saved with fillings or other restorations, protect children’s teeth from decay and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the tooth.
Porcelain crowns are custom-made to match the color, shape and size of your natural teeth. Not only that, but these crowns also boast incredible durability – with proper care they can last a long time!
Your dentist’s choice of material when crafting a porcelain crown will determine its durability and longevity. In general, all-porcelain crowns offer greater strength than ceramic or metal options but may not last as long.
Another option is a crown that incorporates both ceramic and metal elements. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns feature an outer porcelain layer fused to a steel core, providing the most natural appearance and feel of all ceramic crowns. However, some instances may show through and these crowns may not withstand as much chewing pressure as all-porcelain ones do.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Dental bridges are an effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, as well as for maintaining jaw alignment and bite.
At our practice in Annapolis, MD, we use porcelain fixed bridges to restore smiles that have been damaged due to decay or injury. These bridges are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth so they seamlessly integrate with the rest of your smile.
Porcelain fixed bridges are the most popular type of dental bridge due to their strength and lack of corrosion or color change over time. As a result, these bridges last for years without needing regular upkeep or repair.
On your initial appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap (known as abutment teeth). He takes impressions of these and the space around them so that your new bridge can be custom-crafted.
At your second appointment, Dr. Z will secure the new bridge into place to make it both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. He also provides advice on maintaining both dental health and function while caring for both components of the restoration process.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their aesthetic appeal. They may be made of porcelain or resin composite material and used to correct cosmetic flaws like misshapen teeth, uneven spacing, chipped or discolored teeth, and more.
Dental veneers are usually a quick and painless procedure that can be completed in just one appointment. Your dentist will first conduct a consultation to understand your cosmetic goals as well as any dental issues you may have.
Your dentist will then reshape your teeth by scraping away a small amount of enamel to prepare the tooth for veneer placement. This ensures a secure fit and optimal aesthetic results from the veneer.
Once your veneers have been placed, they will be permanently attached. It is important to visit your dentist for a follow-up visit to ensure everything is in place and comfortable for you. This is also an ideal time to ask about any problems that may have occurred after treatment such as sensitivity or discomfort.
