How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Here Are Some Helpful Tips!

The Procedure for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape and size. They are used to protect teeth damaged due to decay or injury. Crowns are also placed on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth. At Carlston Dental Group, dental crowns can be made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, resin, and composite resin. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. Your dentist can help you decide which type of crown is best for you based on your needs and preferences.  TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS  METAL CROWNS  These are the most common dental crowns in Los Angeles, CA. They are made of gold alloy, platinum, or other metal alloys. Metal crowns are solid and durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, they are less natural-looking than other crown types and less comfortable than porcelain crowns.  PORCELAIN-FUSED-TO-METAL CROWNS These are also very common. They consist of a metal base with a porcelain veneer bonded to it. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more robust than all-porcelain crowns but less potent than metal ones. They are also more natural-looking and comfortable than metal crowns.  ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS  These crowns are made of ceramic material only. They are not as strong as metal crowns but are much more natural-looking. All-ceramic crowns are usually used for front teeth because they are less durable than other types of crowns.  THE PROCESS FOR GETTING A DENTAL CROWN  A crown is placed over a tooth to restore shape, size, strength, and appearance. It’s usually made of porcelain or ceramic material. Our dentist may recommend a crown if your tooth is decayed or damaged.  Placing a crown requires two visits to our dentist’s office. During the first visit, the dentist in Los Angeles, CA, will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will remove the decay from the tooth and prepare it to receive the crown. Next, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab where the crown will be made. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it.  At the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. They will check to ensure it fits appropriately before cementing it. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, sensitivity, or pain. However, these symptoms should go away after a few days. Be sure to follow our dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.  Dental crowns are a reliable solution for repairing and strengthening damaged teeth while enhancing your smile's aesthetics. Visit Carlston Dental Group at 2472 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064, or call (310) 838-0844 to explore the best crown option for your specific needs, ensuring that your crown is a perfect match for your natural teeth and that you enjoy the benefits of a stronger, more confident smile.

The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time before switching to the next set in the series. Each set of aligners gradually moves the teeth into position.  Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t contain any wires or brackets. You can remove the aligner before eating a meal so that you won’t need to brush and floss around any brackets and wires. Aligners are also generally more comfortable than other braces because they use a smooth plastic material instead of sharp metal brackets. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing your aligners because they’re so discreet. HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK? First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using a putty-like material. They will then send them to an Invisalign laboratory to manufacture your custom aligners. You will be provided a series of aligners to wear every day for about two weeks before changing to the next set in the series. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position to effectively shift teeth into place over time. The total treatment time will depend on the severity of your case, but the average case takes around a year for adults. You will receive care instructions on how to properly wear and care for your aligners. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist closely to ensure a successful outcome. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN? Here are some benefits of Invisalign: * Comfortable and removable * Allows you to eat whatever you want * Less noticeable than braces * Is suitable for both adults and teens * Takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces * Straightens teeth faster compared to traditional braces * Virtually invisible to the naked eye * More comfortable than traditional braces * Doesn’t require regular tightening like braces * Requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office * Lets you brush and floss normally to maintain the health of your gums and teeth * Won’t affect your speech * Can be removed for special occasions or important meetings * Can handle mild to moderate cases of crowding, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and other alignment issues HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR ALIGNERS? You will remove your aligners to eat and clean your mouth. Before you put your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque. You should also rinse your aligners after each time you remove them from your mouth to keep them clean and free of bacteria. If you wear your aligners while eating, be sure to brush your teeth afterward and rinse out your aligners before putting them back on. This will help clean your aligners and prevent any cavities that can be caused by improper cleaning. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment and how it works, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Impact of Cosmetic and General Dentistry on Oral Health

Good dental hygiene practices are part of a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your diet and daily dental care habits is important not only for maintaining a good physical appearance but for your oral and overall health as well. COSMETIC DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Cosmetic dentistry services can improve the appearance of the smile, and treatments like teeth whitening and veneers can also enhance dental health by brightening up and protecting the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your oral health and appearance, which can have positive impacts on your entire life. Some of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry include the following: Patients may be self-conscious about smiling or displaying their teeth in public if they are discolored, cracked, chipped, or have other imperfections. While braces and other orthodontic treatments can be effective at addressing misalignments, they are not always ideal for some cases. In these cases, patients can instead choose porcelain veneers to correct the appearance of crooked teeth while still preserving their natural teeth’s natural structure. In addition to improving aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry can also help improve self-esteem and confidence. Patients who feel embarrassed about their smile may avoid social situations and find themselves feeling less confident overall. With improved aesthetics, patients may feel more sure in their skin and have more confidence in social and business situations. GENERAL DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Most people benefit greatly from a general approach to dental care, which encompasses both restorative and preventive treatments. For example, if a patient suffers from chronic tooth sensitivity, a dentist can address that problem by recommending a fluoride treatment or a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. However, these treatments alone may not adequately treat the cause of tooth sensitivity. If the patient has gum disease or another underlying condition that causes their sensitivity to occur, then additional care may be required. A general dentist can diagnose and treat a variety of common oral health problems. Patients who have healthy teeth and gums are less likely to develop gum disease and tooth decay than those who suffer from poor oral hygiene. This is because patients with untreated dental issues are more likely to experience gum infections that can spread into the bones of the jaw causing tooth loss. By treating dental problems early on, patients can keep their mouths healthy and their smiles beautiful for years to come. Maintaining good oral health is finding a balance between general dental care and cosmetic treatment. Patients can consult with a dentist to ensure they are getting appropriate care for a healthy smile. Patients should also talk to their dentist about how to maintain a good oral care routine at home so that they can prevent dental problems before they occur. Home care is just as important as professional care when it comes to maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. If you have any questions about general and cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

What To Expect at Your Next Dental Exam

Welcome to our blog post all about dental exams! Whether you're a regular at the dentist's office or it's been a while since your last visit, we've got you covered. Dental exams are an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing any potential issues down the road. In this article, we'll walk you through what to expect during your next dental exam so that you can go into your appointment feeling relaxed and informed. So buckle up, put on your favorite podcast, and let's dive in! IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR DENTAL EXAMS Regular dental exams are more than just a formality – they play a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health. Many people may wonder why these check-ups are necessary, especially if they brush and floss diligently at home. Well, the truth is that even the most diligent at-home oral hygiene routine can miss certain areas or signs of trouble. During your dental exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. They will also take X-rays to get a closer look at what's happening beneath the surface. These X-rays can detect problems such as impacted teeth or hidden cavities that may not be visible during the visual examination alone. Another important aspect of regular dental exams is preventive care. Your dentist will perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup from those hard-to-reach areas that you might miss with regular brushing and flossing. This helps prevent future tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to keeping an eye on your oral health, dental exams often include oral cancer screenings. The early detection of oral cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. By including this screening as part of your regular check-ups, you're taking an active step in prioritizing your overall well-being. So next time you think about skipping that dental appointment because everything seems fine with your mouth, remember how important it is to prioritize prevention and catch any potential issues early on through regular dental exams! Your smile deserves it! WHAT HAPPENS DURING A DENTAL EXAM? When you arrive at your dental exam, the first thing you can expect is a warm greeting from the friendly staff. They'll make you feel comfortable and help ease any nerves or anxiety you may have. Once you're settled in the exam room, the dentist or hygienist will begin by reviewing your medical history and asking about any concerns or issues you may be experiencing. Next, they will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Using specialized tools like mirrors and probes, they will check for signs of decay, gum disease, loose teeth, or any other abnormalities. X-rays may also be taken to get a closer look at areas not visible during the visual examination. After assessing your oral health, the dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth using professional-grade instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This process helps prevent cavities and gum disease while leaving your teeth feeling fresh and smooth. During this time, they will also discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your specific needs. They may recommend additional treatments such as fluoride application or sealants to further protect against tooth decay. Before concluding the exam, they will conduct an oral cancer screening by examining all soft tissues inside your mouth for any suspicious lesions or abnormalities that could indicate early signs of cancer. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. A dental exam is more than just checking for cavities; it's an opportunity to assess and maintain optimal oral health. By attending regular exams every six months (or as recommended by your dentist), you can catch potential problems early on before they become bigger issues requiring more extensive treatment. CONCLUSION Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing potential oral health issues. By scheduling routine check-ups with your dentist, you can stay on top of any dental concerns and ensure that your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition. Remember that prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good oral health. By incorporating regular dental exams into your healthcare routine, you can keep tooth decay at bay while promoting strong teeth and healthy gums. So don't delay – schedule your next dental exam today! Your smile will thank you.