FAQs

A general dentist will treat people of all ages. General dentists use a combination of specialized care, including oral surgery, restorative services, and basic dental care treatments. General dentists primarily use basic dental care treatments to prevent oral health problems. General dentists offer dental exams, x-rays, cavity fillings, and root canal treatment.

Today, root canals are usually painful. Most dentists now use local anesthesia before the procedure to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. A root canal procedure should not be painful, even if your dentist does not use anesthesia.

The answer to this question can vary from person to person. Your oral surgeon will probably want you to relax for 48 to 72 hours. After the extraction, you should follow your oral surgeon’s instructions.

You should brush your teeth every day and twice per day. You should also floss once a day before or after brushing your teeth. Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. You should also consider mouthwash. Mouthwash reduces the amount of acid in the mouth and cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums. You should drink more water and avoid sugary products as much as possible. Visit a dentist at least once every six months.

Calcium and Vitamin D are two of the most essential things for your smile. Calcium strengthens your tooth enamel, protecting your smile from bacteria. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better. Fortified dairy products give you a good dose of both of these minerals. Leafy greens, nuts, and fish also provide calcium, while fatty fish and egg yolks contain Vitamin D.

Another important mineral for tooth development and strength is phosphorus. It works with calcium to ensure your teeth remain strong and resistant to decay and bacteria. Milk, meat, and fish are all good sources of phosphorus.

Vitamin C and other antioxidants are crucial for gum health. Since it aids the body in collagen production, it strengthens the gums and soft tissues around the teeth that keep it in place. It lessens inflammation, reducing your chance of bleeding gums and gum disease. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and peppers all have solid levels of Vitamin C.

Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for your oral health. It maintains and repairs soft tissue and helps with saliva production. Saliva washes food debris and bacteria away from your smile so that they don’t build up and neutralizes the acids in your mouth caused by bacteria byproducts. Spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all good sources.

Fibrous fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes when you eat them. The fibers get in between the teeth, scraping away food debris. Because they require a lot of chewing to break down, they also help your mouth produce more saliva.

Sugar and acid are the two big things that cause harm to your smile. Harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar as their main food source. They emit an acidic byproduct that wears through the tooth enamel and causes cavities and tooth decay. The more sugary foods you eat, the more those bacteria will feed on them. Eating them multiple times throughout the day constantly attacks your teeth, and they get no break.

Eating sugary foods with acidic ones is the most harmful thing you can do to your teeth. Acidic foods increase the rate at which the enamel erodes. While brushing your teeth is usually recommended to get rid of sugar and bacteria, wait for at least 30 minutes after consuming something acidic to brush your teeth. Brushing too soon after can do more harm to your teeth than good.

Dental crowns are permanent restorations. On average, a crown can last around 15-20 years. But the better care you take of them, the longer they’ll last. Crowns can last upwards of 30 years if you take good care of them.

No, you shouldn’t experience pain during the dental crown procedure. We numb the entire area around the tooth that’s getting the crown with a local anesthetic. Before the procedure starts, the dentist will double-check to ensure the anesthetic has taken proper effect. We’ll begin the procedure once he’s assured that it has.

Yes, it is possible to get a cavity under a dental crown. First, we’ll ensure the crown fits well and isn’t too big for you. A loose crown means it’s easier for bacteria and debris to catch up under it. For your part, be diligent about your oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. This helps prevent decay from occurring underneath your restoration.

Yes, though the material is stain-resistant, it can eventually stain. If you frequently drink coffee, tea, or tobacco, you’re more likely to see the effects of staining than others. Dental crowns don’t respond to traditional whitening techniques. If your crown stains, you’ll have to get a replacement crown that’s the color you desire.

Wait for around 30-45 minutes after the crown procedure to eat. You want to give the cement time to set and fully harden, ensuring a good bond. Start with softer foods first and avoid chewing directly on the crown for the first few days. You should also avoid any hard or sticky foods for the first week. Avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods with your dental crown whenever possible.

Many patients are eligible for a dental crown. First, we’ll ensure that your tooth is viable for a crown. We preserve the natural tooth structure whenever possible, but some teeth may be too damaged or decayed to salvage. Good oral health is also preferable for a crown. You’ll have to ensure you care for your teeth properly to avoid decay under the crown.

A dental implant is treatment used to replace any number of missing teeth. A number of implant fixtures are placed in the jaw bone and used to support a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Dental implants are the only missing teeth solution that replaces teeth at the root.

The important things you need to know about choosing teeth implants is the cost and time involved. They are more expensive compared to other missing teeth treatments and the complete process time is much longer. Dentures and bridges can be fitted and fabricated in about a month while the entire dental implant process can take up to a year. You will also need to undergo at least one surgery to place the implants in the jaw bone. Lastly, you need to be committed to a lifetime of proper oral hygiene. Dental implants require a healthy environment to thrive. If you do not take care of your oral health, there is a chance your implants will fail.

Dr. Patel strongly discourages smoking during dental implant treatment. Patients that use tobacco are already at a higher risk for gum disease and receding gums. Once the implant fixtures are placed in the jaw bone, they need a healthy environment to properly heal and fuse with the surrounding bone. Smoking will actually increase your implant failure rate. If your implants fail, they will need to be removed and there is no guarantee your dentist can place them again.

There is some level of discomfort involved in getting dental implants however most people over estimate how badly it will hurt. Anesthetic will be used to make sure you are comfortable. After the implant fixtures are surgically placed, you will experience some swelling and minor pain however, it can be managed with some over the counter pain medication.

All you need to do is practice good oral hygiene and take care of your dental restoration. There really is no vigorous care that is required. Visit our Fullerton, CA dentist office twice a year, brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day and your implants should last a lifetime.

Almost anyone can get dental implants as long as they are done maturing, typically by age 18. However, to qualify for implants you must be healthy and have sufficient bone structure to support the implants. Dr. Patel my recommend a bone graft for those who suffer from bone loss. Age is typically not a deterrent, just overall health.

The type of dental restoration you need is determined by the number of teeth you are missing. A single missing tooth is replaced by one dental implant with a dental crown secured to it. Several consecutive missing teeth are replaced by at least two dental implants with a dental bridge secured to them. A whole row of teeth is replaced by implant dentures. Between four and eight implant fixtures will be secured in the jaw bone and used to support a full set of dentures.

Usually, you should bring your child to the dentist when they’re around six months. Bring them before they turn a year old at the absolute latest. The dentist must examine the teeth when they come in to ensure they’re healthy and everything is progressing properly. After this visit, schedule your child for a dentist appointment every six months, just like yours.

Children often get nervous before the dentist. Show them the pictures of our office and staff on our website so they know what to expect. Talk with your child about how important it is to have healthy teeth and gums. Be positive whenever you’re talking about the dentist, as your child may be able to pick up on any anxiety you’re feeling. You can also reassure them that you’ll be in the room with them and that they can watch you get your teeth cleaned, too.

Though temporary, your child’s primary teeth are vital to oral development. They help your child learn to speak, chew, and smile. They also serve as a placeholder for your permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the permanent teeth below it shift and move. When they erupt, they’ll no longer be in their proper placement and can cause orthodontic and bite issues.

Over half of pregnant women experience pregnancy diabetes. You may experience things like your gums bleeding, gum tissue discomfort, and swelling. If gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, you may experience more severe side effects. Certain bacteria present can release a chemical that induces labor, leading to a child with low birth weight or preterm delivery. If you’re pregnant, tell us so we can be extra diligent with your oral health.

Yes. We have the latest in dental technology, so modern X-rays have much less radiation than they did in the past. We expose your family to as little radiation as possible. Depending on their oral health and age, some patients require more X-rays than others. Children usually need more X-rays because their teeth are still growing and developing.

According to the CDC, multiple dental issues are present in seniors. One in five seniors has untreated tooth decay, and 96% of seniors over the age of 65 have had at least one cavity. Many medications they’re on cause dry mouth, making decay more likely. Seniors are often more likely to suffer from gum disease and oral cancer. The average age of someone with oral cancer is 62. Seniors are also most likely to have missing teeth. One in five seniors age 65 and older are missing all of their teeth.

There are five types of dental fillings: amalgam (silver), composite, gold, and ceramic. Each type of filling has its advantages and disadvantages. Composite fillings, also known as direct fillings, are probably the most common and recommended type of dental filling.

Generally, white fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The lifespan of a white dental filling also varies depending on the type of material your dentist will use and how well you take care of the tooth Dental fillings are a strong and successful treatment against cavities.

A dental filling procedure can be a little painful for some patients. However, some people may experience some discomfort. For some patients, the procedure is relatively painless. It depends on the individual and how bad their tooth decay is. You may feel some pressure as the dentist drills into the tooth to remove the decay and then places the filling. Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where he will place the filling.

Yes. If your dentist gave you a composite filling, which is usually the most common, you should wait at least two hours before eating anything. This is also because your cheeks and gums might be a little numb from the anesthetic. You should avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, sugary, and acidic. You should also avoid any food that is very hot or cold.

Dental fillings are necessary when there is decay in a tooth and you have a cavity. A cavity is a hole in your tooth. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill your tooth with a dental filling.

No, a dental hygienist does not place dental fillings. A dental hygienist is not a dentist and therefore cannot place fillings. A hygienist doesn’t diagnose or treat dental problems. They can only assist the dentist that performs this procedure. A dental hygienist can only clean teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and educate patients on how to properly brush and floss their teeth.

This answer can vary from person to person. The effects of teeth whitening can last up to two years. Or the effects of teeth whitening can last up to six months. You have to avoid things that stain teeth. Smoking and dark liquids such as coffee and tea can stain your teeth.

This depends on the teeth whitening method you use. You could achieve great results in one to two appointments with your dentist. Teeth whitening results could also take 2 to 3 weeks. If you had your teeth whitened before and you just need a touch-up, it will probably take far less time to see great results.

No. Teeth whitening method do not provide results that will last forever. Some methods last longer than others. But there are things you can do to make your teeth whitening treatment last longer. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing will help you keep your results longer. Using a whitening toothpaste will help you as well. Lastly, you should do your best to avoid staining foods and drinks.