Author: PeTaLUmA_ADmEEN

For most people, fixing weak and damaged teeth can be a time-consuming process. It involves multiple visits to the dentist and sometimes teeth extraction. With advancements in technology such as CEREC, however, this process can be completed in one visit.

What are Same-Day Dental Crowns?

Crowns are a dental restoration procedure in which a dental specialist replaces a tooth’s missing structure. The conventional caps are made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. While the traditional crowns are the most common, you can get the same-day crowns in Petaluma, CA. These are crowns that are made and fixed on the same dental visit using modern CEREC technology.

CEREC is a CAD/CAM dental lab technique used when it is not possible to prepare a tooth surface for a crown with traditional methods.

How Are They Different from Traditional crowns?

Both the traditional and the same-day crowns are used to fix multiple dental imperfections. However, there are significant differences between them, and it is important to note before getting dental crowns near you.

The primary difference between the two is time and convenience. For a dentist in Petaluma to fix the traditional crowns, you will need at least two dental visits. The first appointment is for creating the dental impression, and the second is for fixing the crowns.

The CEREC crowns are created and fixed on the same day.

The material used is also another difference as the same-day crowns are made of ceramic while the traditional ones come in different versions.

How are the Crowns Made?

The dentist near you will first examine your oral cavity and dental structure. He will then explain the procedure, which includes three steps:

• Getting an accurate dental impression

CEREC is a revolutionary new treatment that allows dentists to fix teeth without taking impressions to the lab.

The dentist uses CAD technology to take an accurate picture of the affected tooth. The images are then transferred via a computer to CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) machine for production.

• Creating the dental crowns

The CAM software will create a custom-made ceramic teeth fixture that is tailored to your mouth. This process saves time and resources as well as being more accurate than traditional methods.

• Fixing of the crowns

Our Petaluma dentist will anesthetize the gums and surrounding tissues to fix the crowns. The teeth are prepared (just like the traditional crowns) for bonding. The process of fixing the crowns lasts for about an hour.

What are the Benefits of Same-day Crowns?

CEREC crowns offer great benefits:

• It is a same-day procedure, which saves time and is convenient.
• Crowns offer a seamless look as they are made of ceramic.
• The CEREC technology is accurate and creates a replica of your teeth, which minimizes waste.
• The same-day crowns have less discomfort because they rely on 3D scans. You will not experience the discomfort of taking the impressions.
• They do not have temporary crowns. When fixing the traditional caps, the dentist fixes temporary crowns to protect the reshaped teeth.

What are the Disadvantages of Same-day Crowns?

Same-day crowns have a few drawbacks, for example, they are less durable because of the ceramic material. This material can crack and chip or even discolor without proper care. Also, the CEREC system may not detect any cracks on the teeth as well as x-rays.

How Can You Care for the Same-day Crowns?

You need to know how to properly care for your same-day crowns so that they last as long as possible. Here are some of the things that you will need to do to maintain them:

• Maintain proper dental hygiene
• Avoid any cold and hot foods immediately after the crowns are fixed because of sensitivity.
• Do not grind your teeth because it can damage the crowns.
• Try not to use any oral products like toothpaste or mouthwash with alcohol, which can cause damage to the cement holding your crowns together.

If you are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or swelling around your same-day crowns, see your dentist right away. These could be signs of an infection, and they must be treated before they become worse.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Petaluma Dental Group for more information about same-day crowns and what you can expect.

If dental visits always bothered you, it is time for you to overcome your anxiety and work towards enjoying better oral hygiene and dental visits. Your dental anxiety will not vanish without some effort from you. However, make a genuine attempt. You will not find it challenging to realize soon, sedation dentistry in Petaluma is providing patients with a calmer experience during their visits for any procedures.

The confidence people express in the dentist in Petaluma will likely make you sufficiently curious to send you rushing to their office inquiring what they have discovered to make people comfortable during dental visits. The discovery by the dental practice is not new but has existed for some time. However, more people realize they are exposing themselves to various health issues by neglecting their oral hygiene by avoiding dental visits for routine cleaning and cleaning. People are expressing confidence in the Petaluma dental practice because the professionals from the clinic are relaxing patients even before they reach the dental office for their scheduled appointments.

Sedation Dentistry Explained

Professional dental organizations like the dental organization for conscious sedation dedicated to ensuring patients receive safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free dental care reports 30 percent of the American population avoids dental visits out of fear. Dental phobia among people prevents them from receiving essential routine dental care and compromises the functionality of their mouth and smile.

Sedation dentistry is a process where you receive sedatives to establish a relaxed, calm, and manageable state. Sedative medicines like tranquilizers, antianxiety medications, depressants, nitrous oxide, and others are administered in various ways.

When you discuss sedation dentistry, you probably think about IV sedation dentistry near me, a popular technique of sedating patients. IV sedation requires dentists to inject the sedatives into the blood vessels through a vein in the arm. Although the safety of IV sedation is undisputed when administered by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is currently involved in becoming more conducive to provide a relaxing experience.

Presently you have alternatives to the conventional modalities of inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide or IVs and can select an option with a no-needle approach that we are confident you will find appealing.

Why Prefer Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique administered orally to quell your fear. The method has achieved popularity in the United States and Canada because the procedure is straightforward, requiring no needles because the medications deliver a comfortable experience, ensuring you don’t remember any part of the visit. In addition, sedation dentistry makes you feel you were asleep during the treatment.

The level of sedation administered by the Petaluma dentist through oral sedation doesn’t make you unconscious but maintains a level of consciousness for your safety and cooperation. You must understand sedation dentistry is unlike any aesthetic injection. Sedation dentistry increases your pain threshold but doesn’t eliminate the need for local anesthesia in your mouth when performing any dentistry techniques.

Local anesthesia enables dentists to block pain impulses from your affected teeth or gum tissue. However, before you receive the local anesthesia in your mouth, you are entirely sedated and comfortable and will likely not realize you received the shot in your mouth. Therefore, the Petaluma dentist will inquire into the medical history to determine which type of sedation is best suited for the treatment you require. They also advise you to have a responsible caregiver accompanying you to and from your dental appointment because you will not be in a condition to drive yourself after receiving the sedatives.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Benefit You?

If you think about the many dental visits you avoided because of the fears in your mind and allowed dental infections to fester to need expensive treatments, you will undoubtedly consider sedation dentistry a benefit because of lower prices of sedation compared to costly dental treatments.

If you want to change the appearance of your smile and even undergo complicated dental procedures, you can comfortably request the dentist in Petaluma for sedation dentistry without waiting behind your dental fears and putting off the necessary treatments. This technique will let you enjoy dental visits and better oral health because sedation dentistry is comfortable at every step of the way. In addition, you are more likely to encourage dental visits to your friends or family members after you experience sedation dentistry yourselves and benefit from better oral hygiene.

Yes, teeth whitening treatment is safe and effective, but this depends on the type of treatment you choose.

The need for cosmetic teeth whitening has surged over the last couple of years. But, its popularity has led to various whitening products and treatments. Some of the options are effective and safe, and others leave less desirable results.

What Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available?

Several teeth whitening options are available, and it is important to visit a dentist near you for information on the most suitable type.

All the teeth whitening products are classified into three categories including, cosmetic, home remedies, and professional teeth whitening.

• Cosmetic teeth whitening

Cosmetic teeth whitening products are affordable and can be accessed from your local drug store. These products come in powders, gels, pens, toothpaste, and mouth rinse. While these products can be easily accessed, some are not as effective. They contain varied levels of the whitening agent and therefore are not as effective in removing stains. Furthermore, some products have a higher whitening agent, which can affect the gums.

• Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening in Petaluma, CA, is the most recommended type. Although the products used contain a higher amount of the bleaching agent, our dentist in 94954 will take the precaution to protect the gums from bruising.

The in-office teeth whitening is done in about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the severity of the discoloration. The dentist will apply a protective gel on the gums before applying the whitening agent. Next, he will apply the bleaching agent on the teeth and leave it for 15 minutes. Laser light is at times used to break down the whitening product to hasten the process. The dentist will then rinse the teeth, and repeat the process a couple of times.

You can get take-home whitening kits that are designed by the dentist and are customized to fit your teeth. The primary purpose of these kits is to maintain the whitening results.

• Home remedies

The use of home remedies like baking soda as teeth whitening products has been on the rise. However, they are not effective or safe for your teeth and gums. Baking soda may remove mild stains from the teeth, but using it for an extended period can damage the enamel, and make it weaker.

Activated charcoal is also believed to whiten teeth, but its effectiveness as a teeth whitener or safety is in question.

Other remedies that have been used include strawberries, lemon, and banana peels. These fruits are beneficial to your body, but not for whitening your teeth. Furthermore, lemon is acidic and is reported to cause acidity in the mouth and also affect the enamel.

What Can You Expect After Teeth Whitening Process?

Teeth whitening is safe, but you can expect to get teeth sensitivity after the treatment, regardless of the option you choose. The sensitivity is mild and will only last for a while, but you can use tooth-sensitive toothpaste or relievers prescribed by the dentist. It is advisable to avoid eating cold and hot foods immediately after the treatment as the sensitivity is a bit severe.

How Can You Maintain the Whitening Results?

The whitening results are not permanent and last for about six months based on your habits. You can maintain the results for longer by having proper habits like:

• Avoid or limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth like wine, soy, coffee, or tea. If you take these beverages, brush your teeth immediately after to prevent the teeth from absorbing the contents.
• Get professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year to remove the plaque buildup (caused the teeth to appear yellow).

Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening is safe, but if you choose professional teeth whitening. However, you need to be eligible for the treatment for our dentist to perform the treatment. Whitening treatment is not recommended for people with thin and worn-out enamel or active gum infection.

Visit Petaluma Dental Group for an assessment and more information about teeth whitening and how it is done.

Unless you have a dentist as a best friend, it is hard to know all about the world of dentistry. Many people are only conversant with the common oral treatments offered in dentistry, including tooth extractions and root canals. However, some dental procedures have an entire specialty to cater to the different processes and treatments thereof.

Orthodontic dentistry is one such specialty, which is only intended to handle dental treatments concerned with dental alignments.

What Is Orthodontics?

It is a type of dental procedure performed in orthodontic dentistry to align teeth. Orthodontic treatments are concerned with straightening teeth in the jawbone for a beautiful smile and functional mouth. Orthodontics can be performed with either two primary purposes, that is:

1. To improve oral functionality
2. To improve aesthetic appearances of teeth

Overall, all orthodontic procedures performed in Petaluma Dental Group achieve both goals. The idea is to ensure that teeth are sitting correctly in the jawbone as they should otherwise.

6 Crucial Facts About Orthodontics

With many success stories in orthodontic dentistry, orthodontics dental services entail the following factors:

1. Oral appliances are paramount for treatment – shifting natural mature teeth in the mouth is a hefty process. It cannot be achieved without the use of special dental appliances called teeth aligners. They come in different types and designs, with the most common ones being traditional metal braces. The other types of braces used in orthodontics include Fastbraces®, Invisalign® braces, to mention a few.
2. Orthodontics relies on controlled pressure – the oral appliances are designed to employ controlled pressure on teeth, continuously over a certain period, usually pre-determined by your attending dentist. The pressure applies helps to move and rotate teeth in the correct direction and desired position.
3. The treatment banks on bone regeneration – the process of moving teeth to a new position relies on the concept of bone regeneration. This entails the bone tissue in your oral cavity creating new tissues to support the new position of the teeth. As pressure is applied on teeth over time, new bone tissue forms to support the teeth in the new location. In that case, improving the healing and recovery of your body will help the success of your treatment. This includes eating healthily and leading an overall healthy life.
4. Treatment takes time – if you are the impatient type, orthodontic treatment may not be for you. The moving of teeth is a gradual process that takes time before the desired results are realized. The process involves continuously adjusting the teeth aligners throughout the course of your treatment. As your teeth shift slowly, the dentist in Petaluma, CA, adjusts the teeth aligners to direct the teeth in the proper direction of movement and rotation. In that case, many orthodontic procedures take between 6 months and 1 year before the results are desired. Some patients may need longer than a year to realize the results they need. It depends on the type of braces you get, and the level of complexity of your orthodontic problem at the beginning of your treatment.
5. Retainers are part of the treatment – they are oral appliances made for holding teeth in place. Ideally, braces help shift your teeth in the correct position, and retainers help hold your teeth in the new position. Depending on how far your teeth have had to move, you may have to use retainers for the rest of your life. Some patients, however, use retainers for a short period until they are cleared to lead their lives without them.
6. You may need a repeat procedure as you get older – this is particular for children who get braces when they are young. The results of orthodontic treatments on kids are incredible. However, the older they get, the higher the risk of some of the teeth shifting to the original position, more so if they didn’t wear retainers. For such, a dentist may recommend a repeat procedure for a very short time to reposition the shifting teeth.

Summary

Orthodontic dental treatments have been proven as effective over the years, restoring the beauty in people’s smiles and the functionality of their mouths thereof. A tip to consider is, the earlier you seek orthodontic treatment in life, the better and more effective the results are.

Malocclusion is a dental condition where the teeth are not in their correct position. In such a case, you can choose orthodontics. The orthodontic treatments can be cosmetic, but most of the time aim to improve your oral functions.

Reasons for Getting Orthodontic Treatments

When you seek orthodontics near you, the dentist will offer them for the following:

• Closing wide gaps between the teeth
• Straightening crooked teeth
• Aligning the tips of your teeth
• Improve chewing abilities and speech
• Maintain long term health of your teeth and gums
• Correct an improper bite
• Prevent long-term trauma and wear of the teeth

Apart from improving chewing, speech, and other oral functionalities, orthodontics can enhance your smile. To achieve your orthodontic goals, your dentist will use different treatment options and devices in orthodontics.

Treatment Options in Orthodontics

When you seek treatments for misaligned or crooked teeth, your dentist will choose an orthodontic option depending on the condition and severity. Below are some of the treatment options in orthodontics:

Fixed Appliances

When you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, your dentist might recommend fixed appliances such as dental braces and space maintainers.

Traditional dental braces consist of metal brackets, wires, and bands. Bands are fixed permanently on the teeth while the brackets run in front of your teeth. Dentists or orthodontists then fix wires running through the brackets and anchor them using the bands.

After placing the arch-shaped wires, your dentist might recommend regular follow-up sessions. During the follow-up sessions, the dentist will tighten the wires. As the arch-wires apply tension on the teeth, they move them towards the desired positions.

On the other hand, space maintainers are beneficial for children who have lost their baby teeth. The space maintainers prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting towards the space left after tooth loss.

When getting space maintainers, the dentist will fix a band on one tooth next to the gap. A wire then goes from the band to the other tooth to hold the band in place.

Removable Treatment Options

If you have moderate or mild malocclusion, your dentist might recommend removable treatment options such as:

• Invisalign. If you have mild to moderate teeth crookedness and want to use virtually invisible treatments, your dentist might recommend such aligners. When you get such treatments, your dentist will recommend wearing a set of aligners for two or three weeks which move your teeth towards the desired positions.

• Lip and Cheek Bumpers. Your dentist might recommend bumpers for your cheeks and lips to relieve pressure.

• Headgears. Your dentist can fix a strap around the back of the head and attach it to a wire. Such treatments aim to slow down the growth of the upper jaw and keep the back teeth in position.

• Palatal Expanders. A palatal expander makes the arch of your upper jaw wider. The orthodontic appliance consists of a plastic plate and screws that your dentist in Petaluma, CA, places on your palate.

• Retainers. Retainers are supplementary treatments in orthodontics. After removing your aligners or braces for good, the dentist might recommend retainers to hold the moved teeth in place. Your dentist can also recommend retainer treatments if your child sucks their thumbs.

What to Expect?

Treatment to correct misaligned or crooked teeth starts during early teenage. However, you can start the treatments during adulthood or childhood if you have a cleft palate or lip.

When you get dental braces, food particles might get stuck between the wire brackets. Therefore, you should consider brushing your teeth carefully to prevent tooth decay. However, if you have removable orthodontic treatments, you can remove them when eating and brushing your teeth.

Benefits of Orthodontics

When you choose orthodontics, you are open to aesthetics and several health benefits. Some of the benefits of orthodontia include:

• Prevent the risk of developing tooth decay and gums infections since they align your teeth to facilitate proper oral hygiene
• Orthodontics helps enhance your appearance, thus boosts your self-confidence
• Treatments can also improve your speech and other oral functionalities
• With orthodontics, you can prevent the risk of temporomandibular disorders

Therefore, if you need to enjoy the benefits of orthodontics, you can visit the dentist near you. If you are looking for orthodontic services in CA, you can consider visiting us at Petaluma Dental Group.

Teeth Whitening is a treatment administered to discolored or dull teeth. These procedures lighten your teeth’s’ natural color or discolored teeth without eroding the tooth enamel. Teeth discoloration takes place over time without your knowledge. Discoloration can be:

1. Extrinsic – these stains are on the exterior. These stains form on the enamel from food particles that accumulate on the enamel.
2. Intrinsic – food particles seep beyond the exterior and compile inside the enamel.
3. Age-related – as you grow old. The outer enamel wears down, making the yellow dentin noticeable.

What Causes Stained Teeth?

The color of your teeth can help identify the cause.

• Smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking coffee can result in brown Stains.
• Yellow teeth point to stripped enamel from years of wear and tear. Older adults have a higher probability of developing yellow teeth.
• Children may develop white spots on their teeth due to extensive use of fluoride in toothpaste.
• Poor dental hygiene causes black or grey color from tooth decay or gum disease.
• Red wine, fruits, and certain vegetables may result in a purple shade.

Other causes are:

• Genetics
• Injuries trigger prompt teeth to lay more dentin under the enamel
• Dry mouth or lack of saliva
• Accumulated tartar and plaque
• Side effects from some medical conditions, antibiotics, antipsychotics, or mouthwash
• Small cracks on the teeth enamel that hide stains
• Vulnerability to minerals like iron or silver in an industrial environment or from some supplements

What Are The Whitening Treatment Options?

There are various ways. Some of them include:

• Teeth cleaning, also known as scaling, is a procedure that settles extrinsic discoloration caused by a large build-up of plaque. It also prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Bleaching – This technique makes teeth brighter by removing intrinsic stains. It is mainly assumed to be a cosmetic procedure. Bleaching takes a multi-day process from a dentist near you or home remedies.

Here are some home remedies you may consider:

1. Teeth whitening gel or strips formulated using peroxide. This compound breaks down to oxygen that combines with your enamel illuminating it.
2. Tray-held teeth whiteners. They are filled with bleaching gel and positioned over teeth for a few hours every day.
3. Teeth whitening toothpaste. It may seem to whiten teeth by reducing surface stains, such as those from coffee or tobacco. But they can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain on the interior.
4. Dental veneers which can provide permanent teeth Whitening
5. Masking, the dentist utilizes a thin blanket of filling material over the natural teeth to disguise their color.
6. Dental crowns

The Whitening Process

Consult Petaluma Dental Group dentists before acquiring any home kit for bleaching. Different products work favorably for particular stains. If your teeth are yellow, bleaching could help, while gray and brown teeth need stronger interventions. Crowns, fillings, and crowns cannot be whitened once installed.

The first step is consultation. The dentist will analyze your oral health to deduce the proper treatment. If you have gingivitis, our dentist will use an alternative solution since whitening products can cause more discomfort and sensitivity.

Afterward, the dentist will conserve your gums with a rubber guard or gel. The whitening agent will then be smudged to the teeth using a specially made tray built to fit your mouth like a mouth guard. The tray ensures contact between teeth and the treatment.

An in-office strategy can contain laser or power lighting. The complete treatment takes three to four weeks.

How Do I Take Care of Whitened Teeth?

The outcome of teeth bleaching can remain for up to three years. Here are some oral care tips can employ to maximize their lifespan:

• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing
• Attending routine dental check-ups
• Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables
• Cleaning your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash
• Lowering intake of acidic beverages

What Are The Risks Involved?

You may experience some after-effects such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Sore throat
• Discomfort on the gums
• Injury to the enamel
• Stomach pain

These effects are momentary and vanish after the treatment. Consult a dentist if they continue.

Our Cosmetic Dentist in Petaluma, CA, offers comprehensive and effective treatment suitable for you and your family.