We promise preventive dentistry as the practice of caring for one’s teeth to keep them healthy before disease occurs. This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and many other abnormalities in the oral cavity. Preventive dentistry can be as simple as following good oral hygiene practice such as daily brushing, flossing and routine dental cleanings and examinations. Fluoride treatment is a good example of practicing preventative dentistry for young growing children at high caries risk, medically compromised patients, and people with dry mouth.

Healthy teeth indicate good general health. This is because the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth benefits overall health.

Many dental problems and diseases can be prevented by good dental hygiene. Patients can greatly reduce their risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health.

We at Pacific Highway Dental use a digital dental radiograph imaging system. Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to replace traditional photographic X-ray film, producing enhanced computer images of teeth, gums, and other oral structures and conditions.

Risk of radiation exposure is low in dental digital imaging. Protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used on all patients to take precaution. It is very safe to have dental radiographs taken and we take great care that no one receives more radiation than what is absolutely necessary to meet standard of care.

There are many benefits of digital dental radiographs when compared to conventional X-Rays:

• Digital radiographs viewed instantly on the computer monitor.
• Eliminate chemical processing and disposal of hazardous wastes and lead foil, thereby presenting an eco-friendly alternative.
• Transferred easily to other dental/medical professionals without image quality loss.
• 50 to 80 percent less radiation than the traditional film.
• Features such as contrast, colorizing, 3-D, sharpness, flip, invert and zoom enhance detection and interpretation during diagnosis.
• Great patient education tool.

There are many periodontal diseases that may range from transient gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line and the host immune response is susceptible to the disease.

Mouth is always full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that routine tooth brushing does not get rid of. The longer plaque and tartar are present on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums and that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen, and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with diligent daily brushing and flossing, and/or by professional dental scaling by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) may lead to a condition called “periodontitis” which means that there is inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. When the immune status of the host is compromised and the effectiveness of the host response is reduced, bacterial toxins and their by-products to the infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If left untreated, the bones, gums and tissues that support the teeth can be deleteriously affected, leading to tooth/bone loss as a result.

Children need parental help and support in guiding them in keeping their dental health up to date and keeping their teeth healthy and clean. Prevention starts at home, with good eating habits and proper daily cleaning of the teeth. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), it is recommended that the dental examination of infants is done by a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. Our goal is to have your child visit the dentist before a problem occurs thus encouraging prevention rather than treatment. A dental examination is usually done every 6 months for children not only to promote good oral and dental health but also to monitor normal growth of their jaw bones. The examination may include dental radiographs to aid detection of abnormal findings that cannot be seen by a clinical examination alone. Please ask us for more information about your children’s dental needs and concerns.

Dental composite fillings are a mixture of powdered glass and plastic resin. They are sometimes referred to as white, plastic, or tooth-colored fillings. The durability of any dental restoration is influenced not only by the material it is made from but also by the dentist’s technique when placing the restoration. Other factors include the supporting materials used in the procedure and the patient’s cooperation during the procedure. The longevity of a restoration depends upon inherent properties of the materials used, the patient’s overall health, dental hygiene, home care, and diet and chewing habits.

Inlays/onlays are another type of dental restorations that provide a conservative alternative to full coverage dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays offer a superior fit, stronger and longer lasting reparative solution to tooth decay or damage to the natural dentition.

Inlays/onlays are another type of dental restorations that provide a conservative alternative to full coverage dental crowns. Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays offer a superior fit, stronger and longer lasting reparative solution to tooth decay or damage to the natural dentition. These restorations are tremendously beneficial due to their excellent functional longevity and esthetics.

It is one of the aesthetic enhancing procedures. Veneers (often made of ceramics or composite resin) are very thin shells of tooth-colored materials. They usually cover the entire front part of the teeth as they wrap around the edges. Porcelain veneers are stronger and less likely to get stained over time than the composite resin veneers. Veneers take at least two dental appointments to complete since they are fabricated indirectly at a dental laboratory after taking a mold of your teeth.

Veneers are used to repair teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped/broken, slightly misaligned, irregularly shaped and with spacing between teeth. Although many patients enjoy the minimal invasiveness of the procedure and the exceptional esthetics of the veneers, not everyone is a suitable candidate. A thorough examination and a complete set of treatment options are necessary prior to commencing such procedure.

Unlike removable prostheses such as dentures, crowns and bridges are permanently cemented or bonded onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist. A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and to improve its appearance. They protect a weak tooth from fracture and restore an already broken tooth or a tooth with severe wear.

Dental crown is a great restorative option when a large filling cannot support the chewing force, the tooth is unsupported/undermined structurally, and the tooth has had root canal treatment. In addition, they are often used for cosmetic improvement and to cover a dental implant.

A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Spaces left by missing teeth eventually cause the neighboring teeth to rotate or shift into the empty space, resulting in malalignment and malocclusion of the dentition. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can possibly contribute to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

It is the process of removing infected, injured, or dead pulp from your tooth. It usually takes one to two appointments to complete the procedure. When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed, and the root canal therapy is needed to eliminate infection and salvage the tooth.

Effective ways of brightening the natural color of one’s teeth are whitening or bleaching without removing any tooth structure. This has become one of the most common procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry today as it can drastically improve the esthetics of your smile with minimal intervention. Although there are many different methods available to whiten your teeth, professional in-office bleaching is the most effective form of tooth bleaching. The results from tooth whitening can vary from person to person, lasting up to three years. Please ask our dental team about scheduling a consultation appointment if you are interested in starting the treatment.

This treatment modality can be utilized by a wide variety of patient age groups. Orthodontic treatment not only improves the look of your smile but also the function and health of your dentition. Orthodontic treatment can take time. The amount of time depends on your age, the extent of the malocclusion and the treatment technique used. There are several types of orthodontic appliances, from fixed metal braces to removable clear plastic aligners. Please ask us about how orthodontic treatment can help improve your smile!

We proudly use the iTero digital system to scan for Invisalign treatments. Invisalign® is manufactured by Align Technology, a multinational medical-device company headquartered in San Jose, California. It uses a custom-designed series of virtually invisible plastic aligners to wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. This is a popular alternative to the fixed metal or ceramic braces among adult patients because most people will not notice that you are wearing orthodontic appliances. Please ask us about whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.

A combination of procedures and treatments utilized for full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehabilitation are terms to describe the process of simultaneously restoring most, if not all, of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general dentists or prosthodontists although it can incorporate other dental specialists such as periodontists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and endodontists in order to achieve optimal outcome and prognosis.

In some cases, patients are in need for both functional and esthetic restorations and improvement. It is important to note that a smile makeover – though performed primarily to improve the esthetic appearance of the smile – requires the use of clinically proven dental materials and treatment techniques, as well as exceptional knowledge, training, and skills on the part of the dentist. Many of the same techniques and equipment used for full mouth reconstruction are also used to ensure the success and long-term stability of smile makeover treatments.

If you would like to learn more about our full mouth reconstruction and complete smile makeover, please feel free to ask us for more detailed information.

Occlusal-related disorders are often difficult to diagnose as the presenting symptoms can vary widely. Once the cause of occlusal-related disorders is identified, this reversible and non-invasive therapy called the occlusal splint provides both diagnostic information and relief of symptoms without the problems that often accompany other approaches to care such as surgery and extended drug therapy.

The occlusal splints provide diagnostic information, allow muscles in spasm to relax, protect the teeth and jaws from the adverse effects of bruxism, and normalize periodontal ligament proprioception. A properly constructed splint facilitates a mutually protected occlusion. The type of splint utilized is dependent on the diagnosis. A careful medical and dental history along with a comprehensive examination is necessary for all patients, but especially those with facial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), or bruxism. Patients are typically asked to return for multiple follow-up visits for possible adjustments of the splint and monitoring progress.

If you participate in sports and other recreational activities that may cause trauma to the face, sports guards can protect your dentition minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face, or jaw.

When it comes to protecting your mouth, a sport guard or mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of the standard equipment from an early age. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing and ice hockey, are higher-risk sports for the mouth, you can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities such as gymnastics and skating.

It is recommended that the sports guards are custom made at a dental office for its best fit. Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Carry your mouth guard in a container so that it will not be easily misplaced or lost.

Even the healthiest teeth do not come with any guarantee to last a lifetime. There are a number of reasons that tooth extraction may be needed. Most common are severe tooth decay, unrestorable teeth, trauma, unfavorable fracture, severe infection, crowding and malocclusion. The “Wisdom Teeth” or third molars, are often indicated for prophylactic extraction due to its likelihood of pericoronitis, periodontal defects and decay. Most extractions can be performed under local anesthesia. If you feel that a deeper level of sedation is necessary for this procedure, you may be referred to an oral-maxillofacial surgeon whose facility is equipped to accommodate such a deeper level of sedation.

Exodontia or tooth extraction is a very safe procedure when proper steps are followed. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and/or after the extraction. When scheduling an appointment, let your dentist know your complete medical history, the medications and supplements you take currently and any allergies.

The initial healing period usually takes about one to two weeks. New bone and soft tissue will grow into the extraction socket. Over time, however, having a tooth (or teeth) missing can cause the remaining teeth to shift, affecting your bite and making it difficult to chew. For that reason, your dentist may advise replacing the missing tooth or teeth with an implant, fixed bridge, or denture.

Artificial replacements for the natural teeth and gums are called a denture. If there are only a few healthy teeth or none at all, dentures can be used to replace the missing teeth. There are two types of dentures, partial and complete dentures. They can either be conventional removable dentures or fixed over-dentures.

Partial dentures may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth.

Complete dentures are used when all the natural teeth are missing. If you do not wish to be without teeth until the denture is ready, immediate dentures may be an option. On the day of the extraction, the immediate denture is placed in the mouth. During the healing period, your bones and gums go under remodeling thus requiring relines for a proper fit.

An over-denture is a removable denture that fits over the natural teeth left in your mouth or over dental implants. This greatly improves the retention of the denture so that you can enjoy your food better and you are not worried about using denture adhesives.

Dentures also need daily care just like natural teeth. Also make sure to visit your dentist regularly, at least once a year.

Many infections and injuries can lead to dental emergencies that may need urgent treatment of infections and/or restoration of a fractured tooth. Pain may or may not involve dental emergencies. To name a few dental emergencies:

1. Uncontrolled toothache
2. Fractures on the tooth (crown and/or root) or to the surrounding bone
3. Orofacial pain
4. Luxation or avulsion of teeth.
5. Dental abscess.Immediate attention is needed for acute infections and abscesses as well as the fracture of the alveolar bone and tooth luxation/avulsion to increase treatment outcome and prognosis.

Pain may or may not be a part of a dental emergency, though you may have great cosmetic concerns about the appearance of your teeth and demand an emergency treatment on the basis of perceived social disability. Please do not hesitate to call us if you feel that your condition requires prompt attention by the dentist. We will try our best to answer your questions in a timely manner. Availability of service may be limited.