There are a few different reasons why a tooth extraction might be needed. A decayed tooth that cannot be repaired with dental fillings or crowns may be extracted to prevent the spread of infection. A tooth may also be extracted prior to the placement of dental implants or in conjunction with other procedures. Even if they are not damaged or infected , wisdom teeth may be extracted to prevent crowding of teeth down the road.

Since wisdom teeth have no effect on a person’s bite and chewing ability, wisdom tooth extraction is among the most common forms of tooth extraction. Most patients are teenagers or young adults when their wisdom teeth are extracted, but wisdom tooth extraction may be performed on adults of any age as well.

The Process

After an initial consultation and decision that a dental extraction is needed, we will discuss all details about your procedure and allow you to ask any questions you may have.

On the day of your extraction, a local anesthetic is applied to the area around the tooth or teeth to be removed. If only pulling a single tooth or a few teeth, the patient will most likely remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic numbs the mouth so that the patient experiences no pain and minimal discomfort during the procedure. For wisdom tooth extraction, however, wisdom teeth may be removed all at once. In most cases, a general anesthetic is given to the patient, and the patient sleeps throughout the entire procedure.

After the tooth is extracted, the area is covered with cotton gauzes to stem the bleeding. These gauzes are changed regularly to keep the area dry and free of infection. Sometimes stitches are used to stop bleeding and seal out contaminants. Some stitches will dissolve without requiring a return visit, while others will need to be removed by a professional after recovery.

If there are any gaps from where the tooth was extracted, an implant, dental bridge, or denture may be placed after the tooth is extracted.

Most patients recover from tooth extraction in a few days or less, however it is crucial that the patient take proper care to avoid infection or complications following surgery.

Take prescription pain medication no more than needed

Ibuprofen and other non-prescription pain medications may be used with approval of your doctor and/or dentist

Apply a cold compress to the cheek or other outer part of the mouth to numb pain and reduce swelling
Change gauze pads regularly.

Rinse with a mild, warm salt water solution after 24 hours. This may reduce pain and swelling.

Eat only soft foods right after surgery. Slowly reintroduce solid foods based on level of pain after the mouth has healed

Elevate the head, as lying flat can increase bleeding

Do not use a straw when drinking. Sucking motions may agitate sensitive parts of the mouth and may prolong bleeding.

Do not do anything physically straining

Continue to brush teeth to avoid risk of infection. We will go over best care practices with the patient and/or caretaker of the patient to ensure as quick and easy a recovery as possible.

If you suffer from tooth pain, decay or are simply in need of a dental checkup, contact our office today at 760-745-1100 to schedule your next appointment with us!

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A dental emergency, like any medical emergency, requires urgent care and attention. Don’t brush off persistent tooth pain, as it could be a sign of larger health problems. Left untreated, infections can spread, causing even more damage throughout the mouth and body.

Always trust dental care to a trained dental professional. Contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following common problems:

• Toothache

  – Toothache is often the first indication of damage, infection or gum disease. Contact your dentist right away if you are experiencing persistent toothache. Meanwhile, there are steps you can take at home to alleviate the pain. Note that these are temporary remedies aimed at reducing pain and in no way should be used to postpone or forego treatment. Rinse with warm water. Remove any food particles or other debris near the source of pain, provided you can do so without further agitating the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and numb some of the pain. Do not take aspirin, as some painkillers may burn and further damage gum tissue.

• Damaged teeth

  – Save any pieces you can from a chipped or broken tooth. Rinse with warm water to rid the mouth of broken bits of tooth. Apply gauze for 10 minutes if you experience bleeding. If bleeding persists beyond 10 minutes, continue applying pressure. Change gauzes as needed. Use ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

• Infection

  – Damaged teeth are more prone to infection. Bacteria thrive in cavities and open spaces. Infections near the root of a tooth are called abscesses. Abscesses are also found between teeth and in the gums and look like a pimple-shaped swelling on the gum. If not treated, an abscess can damage gum tissue and several teeth. Infections of any kind can spread to other parts of the mouth and body. Rinse with a mild salt water mixture to alleviate pain and rid the mouth of debris and food particles. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

• Loose or missing teeth

  – If you knock out a tooth, handle the tooth by the crown side. Rinse the tooth gently with just water. Do not remove any fragments from the tooth. Use a small container of milk, salt water solution, or a product containing cell growth medium to store the tooth, and contact your dentist as soon as possible. A tooth can more easily be placed in its original socket if returned within an hour of falling out. If your tooth is only partially dislodged, avoid touching the tooth or surrounding area. Gently apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and pain. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

• Damaged braces, bands, and brackets

  – For loose braces, orthodontic wax can be used as a temporary measure of securing braces in place. Save loose bands and have a dentist replace it at the earliest opportunity. Broken wires should be repositioned and tied with orthodontic wax or a cotton ball to prevent the pointed side from scratching the mouth.

• Lost crown or filling

  – Use sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily seal a tooth left exposed by a lost crown or filling. Place the crown in a sealed container and bring it with you to the dentist. A dental crown may be placed back on the tooth using a denture adhesive, toothpaste, dental cement, or other adhesive approved for oral use, but this is only a temporary solution. You should still see a dentist as soon as possible to properly replace the crown.

• Soft-tissue injuries

  – Injuries to the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips which result in pain or bleeding are called soft-tissue injuries. Rinse with salt water to help stop bleeding. Gauzes may also be applied. A cold compress may reduce swelling when applied to the outside of the mouth. Should bleeding persist, go to the hospital emergency room.

As with any emergency, assess the situation to determine if a trip to the emergency room is warranted before visiting your dentist. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office right away at 760-745-1100 and we will fit you in as soon as possible.

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Implant supported dentures provide all the advantages of other dentures including facial support, a natural looking smile, and assistance with proper chewing and speaking. Unlike conventional dentures, however, these dentures are anchored into place with dental implants, which can eliminate the pain or discomfort of ill-fitting dentures, as well as actually improve the health of the underlying gums and jawbone.

Two common forms of implant supported denture are: : bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures.

Bar-retained dentures

utilize three or more dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the gums. A thin metal bar is attached to the implants in the jawbone, which clip the denture in place.

Ball-retained dentures

use a ball and socket mechanism to hold dentures in place. Implants in the jawbone are topped with a ball-shaped metal attachments, which fit into the denture’s sockets, holding it in place.

Both bar-retained and ball-retained dentures offer advantages in helping to minimize rubbing and discomfort that come with conventional dentures. Both bar-retained and ball-retained dentures exert less weight on the gums, making them more comfortable than other options.

Implant Supported vs. Conventional Dentures

Because conventional dentures don’t actually replace one’s tooth root, they do nothing to retain one’s gum and bone structure beneath the gum line. In fact, conventional dentures can actually weigh down one’s gums, deteriorating the tissues beneath and causing a caved-in appearance in the lower jaw area over time.

Dental implants, on the other hand, actually emulate the roots of one’s natural teeth and stimulate the tissues in the gums and jaw. This stimulation helps maintain the shape, health and structure of one’s lower jaw.

Another advantage to implant supported dentures is the enhanced comfort and ease of care compared to traditional dentures. Ill-fitting conventional dentures require numerous visits to the dentist for adjustments, and they can also cause pain, discomfort or slip out of place. Implant dentures, however, are sturdy, do not slip out of place, and do not cause any pain or discomfort once the dental implants have healed.

If your conventional dentures cause pain, discomfort, or unease, implant supported dentures may be the strong and sturdy denture alternative you’ve been looking for. To learn more about what options are available to you, give us a call at 760-745-1100.

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Dentures come in all shapes and sizes – from partial to complete – and they are used in various situations to replace missing teeth. They can be effective at completely transforming or restoring a person’s smile, or they may be used temporarily in conjunction with another dental procedures, such as dental implants or tooth extractions.

The benefits of dentures include helping minimize facial distortion, enhancing one’s smile and appearance, and improving one’s chewing and speaking ability. There are generally two types of dentures: partial and complete, each with its own uses and benefits.

Complete Dentures

can either be conventional or immediate. Conventional complete dentures are placed eight to 12 weeks after a tooth extraction, once the gum tissue has fully healed. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are made prior to a dental extraction and placed on the same day teeth are removed. While this type of denture prevents a patient from having to face the public with missing teeth, they do require more adjustments than conventional complete dentures, since the gums have not fully healed. Throughout the natural healing process, swelling in your gums will alter the fit of your temporary dentures, requiring regular adjustments and fittings in order to establish proper fit.

Partial Dentures

are used alongside one or more natural teeth in the lower or upper jaw to replace missing or extracted teeth. These dental appliances mimic the natural teeth in which they replace, resulting in a more natural-looking smile. In addition to the immediate aesthetic benefits, they can also prevent other teeth from shifting in the mouth over time. They may be used after a tooth extraction, in conjunction with a dental implant procedure, or in order to place a fixed bridge or crown.

There are many different ways to restore the function and appearance of your teeth. We are happy to go over all of your tooth replacement options with you to help you get the smile you deserve! Just give us a call at 760-745-1100 to schedule your next consultation with us.

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Dr. Davoudi is considered a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of bite adjustment and malocclusal problems e.g. crossbite in both children and adults in San Marcos, Escondido, Carlsbad, Valley Center, Oceanside and Vista CA

She uses many different options available to fix a misaligned bite or “crooked” smile, ranging from orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, to full mouth reconstruction. To help you better understand these options, she has outlined some basic facts and benefits of each:

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction (also known as full mouth rehabilitation or full mouth restoration) is the process of rebuilding and/or restoring all teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Based on your particular needs, your dentist will determine what specific treatments are right for you, including whether you require crowns, inlays or onlays, implants, or bridges.

Full mouth reconstruction is often used to treat:

Injured or fractured teeth
Teeth lost by decay or trauma
Severely worn teeth
Bite adjustment (sometimes needed for chronic jaw, muscle, or headache pain)

After a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles, your dentist will go over all of the procedures and treatment options available to you. Next, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan to solve your unique dental needs. He or she will discuss whatever measures may be needed based on your individual case.

Invisalign

Another way to adjust one’s bite is to use Invisalign teeth aligners. These clear plastic aligners for adults and teens allow patients to solve a range of dental problems including bite adjustment in a subtle, comfortable way. Your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign to correct crooked, gapped or misaligned teeth.

Invisalign aligners gradually correct your bite over time in an unassuming and comfortable way. The aligner trays are made from acrylic material or clear plastic that fits tightly over teeth, slowly positioning them into place. Invisalign aligners are removable and simply changed every two weeks, making it easier to eat and care for teeth through regular brushing and flossing.

If you require bite adjustment, contact us at 760-745-1100 to schedule your initial consultation with us. Together, we’ll discuss all bite adjustment options available to you to get you started on your best smile.

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Implant dentistry is a procedure that requires skills and experience necessary to perform surgery and tooth restoration successfully.

Your natural teeth are made up of crowns and roots. The crown is the visible part that the white enamel covers. The tooth root which descends into the jawbone acts as a support for the crown. The implant is used to replace the root of the tooth.

What are dental implants ?

Dental implants are basically tooth root replacements. There are three parts to an implant; the implant mechanism itself, the abutment and the crown.  The implant mechanism is implanted straight into the bone. The abutment is the part that is joined to the crown or denture. Dental implants are firmly anchored into the jawbone and are invisible if placed surgically. Implants are used to hold crowns, bridgework or dentures in place.

What are dental implants made of?

Implants are made from titanium which is a strong, lightweight and biocompatible (meaning that the body will not reject it) material. Dental implants and other bone implants are made from titanium and its alloys, which are the most common material used for replacing bone, for example, orthopedic joints. The success rate of dental implant is much higher than any other implant procedure.

Titanium has a special property which allows it to fused to bone. This is called osseointegration (“osseo” means bone, and “integration” means joining with). This is the biological foundation of the success of a dental implant. When you lose your teeth you also lose the bones that were supporting the teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

When placed, dental implants stabilize the bone and prevent bone loss.  Dental implants are not only used as replacement for missing teeth, they also help to maintain the shape and density of the jawbone. This means that they also provide support for the facial skeleton and ultimately for the soft tissue structures such as the cheeks, lips and gum tissues.  When the replacement teeth are prepared they usually match the color of your natural teeth’s enamel. This allows you to wear your smile confidently because your implants look exactly like your natural teeth.

When your dental implants are placed, everything about you will look natural; your smile, your speech, and the way you chew and eat.  This creates a positive impact because it offers you social as well as psychological and physical security

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The road to a more beautiful smile through Invisalign begins with an initial consultation between client and dentist which is complimentary. Among the issues to be discussed during this visit are; the concerns you have with your teeth’s appearance, any bite issues you may have and the resulting smile and teeth structure you would want to see.  After your dentist has determined that Invisalign is the ideal solution for you, a treatment protocol will be crafted bearing your unique situation and desires in mind. Your oral health expert will then collect information pertaining to the design of your Invisalign solution. This will include impressions showing the shape and size of the affected teeth, a representation of your bite condition (especially if you have an under bite or overbite to correct), panoramic x-rays and digital images of your smile and teeth.

Three Dimensional Imaging and Digital Data in the Process:

The impression of the teeth is converted into a digital image and this image is transformed into a 3 dimensional representation of your teeth known as ClinCheck.  Special software is used by the dental expert to outline the movement of your teeth over a particular period of time. Invisalign clients are shown virtual images of what their teeth look like before, during and after the process. This allows you to have a visual idea of the results you can expect by the end of the process.

Making the Invisalign Aligners

Dental experts use the detailed treatment plan to guide them as they prepare the aligners. Customized aligners are produced for various stages throughout the treatment timeline. This includes an average of twenty to thirty aligners for each arch.  The number of aligners is ultimately dependent on the client’s situation and desires though. The usual timeline for a full invisalign treatment process is ten months to a year. Again some persons may require less time depending on the severity of the case and their smile goals. There is also the option of capitalizing on the AcceleDent system which allows your invisalign treatment to be fifty percent faster.

How to Wear/Use Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign clients are instructed by the dentists to wear their aligners at all times. The only exceptions to this instruction are during eating, teeth brushing and flossing. Wearing your aligners constantly allows the process to be completed within the stipulated or agreed time. With the regular Invisalign system you wear each of the aligners in the set for two weeks but with the Acceledent system this time is reduced to one week. Occasional visits to your dentist are also important.  These will be checkup sessions that allow the dentist to monitor the progress of the process and issue you the next set of aligners. As the Invisalign process progresses, your dentist will allow you to observe the changes that your smile is undergoing and eventually you will be able to see how your smile is transformed into your dream smile. Those persons with whom you interact will most definitely notice your new and improved smile and its positive impact on your overall personality.

Two offices to choose from for your free Invisalign Consultation : San Marcos & San Diego

Woodland Dental Group

979 Woodland Pkwy
Suite 100
San Marcos, CA 92069

760-745-1100

 Mesa Family Dental

5450 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite C
San Diego, CA 92117
Site : www.mesafamilydental.com
(858) 503- 6789

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One of the dental implements that can be used to improve the appearance of your smile is dental veneers.  These are custom-made shells or casings that fit over the teeth. Some are made of porcelain while others are made of a composite resin.

Among the persons who can benefit from veneers are those that have chipped teeth stains, on the teeth or teeth that are badly shaped. For the most part, veneers serve a cosmetic role in dental care. They may however be used to complement gum disease treatment. When they are used for this purpose they are often fitted during or after a gum disease treatment protocol.

One of the decisions that the dental expert and patients must make is between composite and porcelain veneers. One of the chief points of comparison is the fact that porcelain made veneers are better at resisting stain than composite ones. They also resemble the natural teeth more closely. Composite veneers though, have the advantage of being able to preserve more tooth surface since they are thinner and require less surface removal before installation. The decision is best arrived at through consultation between the dentists and patients.

It typically takes one appointment to install composite veneers. Porcelain veneers however, require more than one visit. The steps taken for the installation of porcelain veneers are outlined below.

1. The preliminary visit during which the dentist takes X-ray images of your teeth

2.  Pre-installation Preparation during which the dentist trims your teeth. During this phase about one millimeter of the enamel is removed. A mold (outlining the exact shape f your teeth) is prepared and delivered to a laboratory. The laboratory uses this mold to make the veneers. This process typically takes one to two weeks.

3. Fitting which occurs after the veneers have been delivered to your dentist. Your dentist will carry out some assessment to ensure that the veneers are perfect for your teeth in terms of fit and cover.  Your dentist’s next step will be to meticulously clean the teeth or tooth and roughen the surface so that adhesion can occur. A special type of dental cement is then used to attach the veneer to the tooth or teeth.  In order to ensure that it hardens quickly, an ultraviolet light is applied to the area.

4. Maintenance, which is essentially a follow up visit. This visit usually occurs a few weeks after installation. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate the teeth to determine whether the veneers were properly installed.

Veneers are similar to your natural teeth and other cosmetic dental implements in the sense that they are not indestructible.  In order to gain maximum benefits from your veneers you must ensure that you follow good hygiene practices. This includes, daily flossing, thorough and frequent teeth brushing.  Frequent dental visits also play a critical role in veneer maintenance. With proper care, veneers can remain beautiful and intact for five to ten years.  After this period, replacement is generally advised

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When you lose your natural teeth, your dentist can replace them with artificial substitutes. These substitutes are called dental implants. When the missing teeth are replaced it can build back your self-confidence, brighten your smile and allow you to speak well and chew comfortably. 

Dental Implants permanent and natural looking teeth

Dentures or bridgework was the traditional treatment for replacing missing teeth. The advancement in technology however, has resulted in new procedures which offer a more attractive solution. Cosmetic dentistry today can provide you with permanent and natural looking teeth. In the dental implant procedure, surgery is used to fuse the tooth implant or multiple teeth implants into the jaw bone and then place a crown or crowns on the top.

Candidate for Dental Implants

If you have excellent oral health, healthy gums and enough bone to support the implants, you are the perfect candidate for dental implants. Once you have implants, they will last a lifetime because the implanted teeth are attached permanently over the bone. Dental implants are classified into two types; subperiosteal and endosteal. With subperiosteal dental implants, the dentist uses blades, screws and cylinders to fuse these onto the bone. People with bridgework or removable dentures are best suited for endosteal dentals.

Benefits of Subperiosteal Dental implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed on the top of the jaw. Their metal framework protrudes through the jaw so as to keep the tooth in its position. If your bone height is minimal, then you are the ideal candidate for this type of implant, because they can be used in place of traditional dentures.

There are several benefits to gain from wearing subperiosteal implants. Being a suitable candidate for these implants provides you with a successful and permanent solution to your dental problems. Since the implants are adjusted directly into your jaw, your dentist will make certain that your gums will not recede which usually happens with bridgework or dentures. With dentures there’s no need to work on healthy neighboring teeth which normally happens in bridgework.

Cosmetic Dentist : Dental Implants

In the dental implant procedure, your cosmetic dentist arranges the tooth implant carefully so that it is not too obvious. Dental implants can be used on one tooth or many teeth. The dentist will look at the number of bones in the jaw in order to make a decision on the number of teeth which will need the treatment.

Dental implants can be used also to correct sinus augmentation as well as other jaw bone deformities. Once the dental implant procedure is done the right way, they will remain throughout your life and provide you with a permanent fixture and a lasting and beautiful smile.

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Traditional dentistry’s main focus is on oral hygiene, diagnosing, treating and preventing oral diseases. On the other hand cosmetic dentistry is meant to improve your smile. Simply put, general, family and restorative dentistry seek to correct dental problems that need treatment, while cosmetic dentistry offers an elective or desired service or treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry can provide restorative benefits too. For example, the most common dental treatment for decayed teeth is dental fillings. Formerly, the majority of dental fillings were made of amalgam, gold and other materials which usually left noticeable dark spots on the teeth. This however has changed due to the development of new technology.

Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

The advancement in technology has produced dental materials that are tooth-colored and natural-looking. These developments have resulted in more durable cosmetic dentistry treatments. The development of laser technologies allow cosmetic dentists to offer in-office cosmetic treatments to their patients. These new dental procedures provide patients with dental options that are more convenient and comfortable including a reduced recovery time.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

There are several cosmetic dentistry treatments which are currently being used:

Inlays / Onlays

These are also called indirect fillings and are made from composite or porcelain materials. Inlays and onlays provide patients with a filling for a decayed tooth. Unlike dental fillings which are molded into the teeth at the dentist office, inlays and onlays are produced in a dental laboratory. After they are made, your dentist will call you in and fit them in place with an adhesive.

Composite Bonding

This procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, chipped, broken or decayed. In this procedure a composite material resembling enamel and dentin is placed on the tooth’s surface or into the cavity. It is then molded into shape and hardened by a high-intensity light. This results in a restoration that matches the adjoining tooth structure, and your natural teeth. You now have a healthy and beautiful smile.

Teeth Whitening

This is probably the most common of all cosmetic dental procedures. Teeth whitening is applied to teeth that are discolored due to poor oral hygiene, food and drink such as tea, coffee or red wine. Teeth whitening is designed to improve your smile.

Dental Veneers

These are porcelain or composite laminates that are glued onto the tooth’s surface so as to repair and correct cracks and chips. When applied, dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored or worn. Dental veneers can be used to correct spaces between teeth, or if your teeth whitening procedure was unsuccessful.

Dental Implants

These are artificial replacements for tooth roots where teeth are missing. Missing teeth can affect the structure of your face causing your face to collapse. Dental implants give you a brighter smile and a more youthful look.

Smile Makeover

The smile makeover treatment consists of a complete assessment of your smile which focuses on improving the general appearance. Normally, this requires one or several cosmetic dentistry techniques such as dental implants, dental veneers, teeth whitening and gingival sculpting. These procedures are necessary for a number of teeth in the lower and upper arches so as to get the look you desire.

Full mouth reconstruction

While discussing a smile makeover with your dentist which is to improve the aesthetics of your smile, the dentist may notice that there’s need to correct problems that affect the functions of your teeth, muscles, bite and bone structure. Materials are available to provide full mouth reconstruction treatments that are not only functional but durable and natural looking for patients who need it.

For people who don’t like their smile, there are many options that cosmetic dentistry offers. If you are unhappy about your smile, do some extensive research and find a reputable cosmetic dentist who will discuss with you the various treatments that are available to enhance your smile. We are also here and ready to help you with all your cosmetic dentistry needs

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