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How Do General and Restorative Dentistry Differ?

General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry,

Our patients often ask: How do general and restorative dentistry differ? Even though these two fields of dentistry often overlap, there are differences in the spectrum of the procedures they employ. Please read our article to learn more about these two branches of dentistry.

 

How Do General and Restorative Dentistry Differ?

Restorative dentistry deals primarily with broken, missing, or decayed teeth. The main goal of this branch of dentistry is to restore the health, function, and appearance of teeth and gums or to replace missing teeth. General dentistry focuses on overall oral health, examinations, preventative measures, and education. 

 

Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Restorative dentistry includes a variety of procedures, depending on a patient’s needs:

 

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings treat cavities in teeth. They typically involve using resin composite material to fill in the cavity after removing the decay from the tooth. 

 

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment deals with more extensive tooth decay that infects the pulp chamber within the tooth. During the procedure, dentists remove the infected pulp, clean the canals, and fill them with a special dental material that seals them and prevents reinfection. 

 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers, reinforces, and protects a tooth weakened by decay. For example, it is often employed after a root canal treatment.

 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used in cases when the decay is not extensive enough to justify using a dental crown but big enough for a simple dental filling. They are custom-made in the shape of a piece of the tooth that needs to be replaced.

 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges replace individual missing tooth or multiple teeth in a row. They are supported by the remaining natural teeth on both sides and hang over the gap.

 

Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of a metal post that fuses with the jawbone and acts like the roots of natural teeth, as well as a dental crown. Implants are one of the most sophisticated and reliable methods of replacing missing teeth.

 

Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth that rely on the gums or the existing natural teeth for support. There are full and partial dentures, and the choice depends on the number of missing teeth. 

 

Dental Veneers and Dental Bonding

Dental veneers and bonding restore chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Veneers are porcelain shells that cover the entire outer surface of a tooth, while dental bonding typically covers only a part of it. 

 

Bone and Gum Grafting

Bone grafting involves using natural or artificial materials—grafts—to promote the regeneration of a jawbone that has lost its density. Gum grafting is a similar procedure, but it aims at gum tissue regeneration. The dentist will place grafts in the gum or bone, which subsequently begins regrowing around them. Both procedures are most commonly used in preparation for dental implants or as part of gum disease treatment.

 

General Dentistry Procedures

General Dentistry procedures include:

 

Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are an essential preventative measure. Accordingly, dentists recommend getting professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months to effectively maintain good oral health. In some cases, for example, during gum disease treatment, you might need to have dental cleanings more often, typically every four months. During the cleaning, your dentist removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, thus preventing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

 

Physical Examinations

Dentists recommend physical examinations every 6 to 12 months to spot any potential oral health issues and establish effective treatment before serious problems develop.

 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatment is usually the last step in dental cleaning. Specifically, because it is highly beneficial for reinforcing the enamel of the teeth, making them more resistant to bacteria and decay.

 

X-rays and Scans

X-rays and scans are diagnostic methods that allow your dentist to effectively establish the cause of the issue and to either prescribe a course of treatment or refer the patient to an appropriate specialist. 

 

Dental Fillings and Root Canal Treatments

General dentists can effectively perform procedures such as cavity and tooth decay treatment with dental fillings and root canal treatments. 

 

Make an Appointment Today

If you need general or restorative dental services, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist in Los Angeles today. We offer a broad spectrum of high-quality modern procedures to ensure our patients’ oral health. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you and your family to Samaritan Dental.

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6 Lifestyle Choices that Improve Dental Health

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Taking care of your oral health is an essential part of everyday life. If you are like most people living in this modern world, you have likely been taught the importance of brushing your teeth every day. While this is a good rule to live by, it’s often the case that people don’t do much else to care for their dental health.

6 Lifestyle Choices that Improve Dental Health

While we certainly want to see you at our downtown LA dental office for regular checkups and cleanings, we don’t want you to suffer from poor dental health that results in cavities or tooth loss. That’s why we are using today’s article to list the top 6 lifestyle choices that improve dental health.

Eat More Vitamins and Minerals

The things you put in your body can greatly determine your overall health. Food is the most powerful drug, and your gut has a great effect on the calcium and bone in your teeth. In particular, vitamins C, A, D, and K all promote a healthy mouth while strengthening your immune system overall. These vitamins can come from leafy green vegetables, salmon, nuts, and some dairy products.

Drink More Water

You may have heard about the importance of drinking at least 8 cups of water per day. Not only is water necessary for keeping you hydrated and healthy, but it also promotes a healthy mouth by allowing you to wash away bacteria that would otherwise get stuck on the teeth. Water also contains fluoride, which is a helpful ingredient for strengthening your enamel against harmful bacteria and decay.

Visit Your Dentist Often

Even if you are struggling to maintain good dental health habits on your own, you can still invest in oral healthcare by taking regular trips to your dentist’s office. We typically suggest that patients visit us once every 6 months, getting a deep cleaning twice a year while being screened for possible oral health issues. This is also a great time to get treatment for cavities before signs of decay transform into a full-on infection.

Balance Out Your Diet

Back to the topic of food, it is important that you are balancing your diet by eating more healthy foods and cutting down on unhealthy options. Items high in processed sugar contain harmful bacteria that can infect your teeth and gums, leading to serious dental health issues as time goes on. Certain sticky foods can make it difficult to remove these bits of bacteria from the teeth as they quickly stick to the enamel. If you are craving something sweet, try a piece of fruit or a sugar-free snack instead.

Stop Drinking Soda, Too

In addition to sugary foods, sugary drinks should also be reduced in your daily life. Soda pop, fruit juice, sports drinks, and wines can all contain way more than the recommended amount of daily sugar intake. Not to mention, sugar in liquid is easily delivered straight to your teeth, where it will stay and build up until you brush it off. Save these kinds of drinks for special occasions.

Quit Smoking and Drinking

Cutting tobacco or alcohol out of your life is probably much easier said than done. You don’t need to be preached about when it comes to the negative effects of these drugs, but a reminder to cut back on these harmful substances can help you shift focus back to your dental health. Smoking increases the likelihood that you will develop gum disease, cancer, and other oral health issues. Alcohol makes it more difficult for your body to heal, allowing infection to spread more rapidly.

Improve Your Lifestyle with Our Family Dental Services Today

Whether you want to prevent falling into a cycle of poor health or you are trying to come back after years of neglecting your teeth, you can find the perfect treatment with us at Samaritan Dental Arts. Get top-notch testing and treatment for cavities while we work with you to establish a lifelong plan of care. Turn your life around and feel better about your oral healthcare options when you contact us today!

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Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

General Dentistry, ,

Composite dental fillings are tooth-colored fillings that match the color of your natural teeth. Composites can blend seamlessly with virtually any tooth color by custom crafting the color. Composites are a popular cosmetic option for treating your smile’s cavities. But can you have color-matched dental fillings?

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

A lot of patients who visit their dentist in Downtown Los Angeles ask, “Can I have color-matched dental fillings?” The short answer is yes. Dental professionals can match your tooth color with white fillings made of composite resin. Similar matching can be done for any other dental restoration procedure. Learn more about tooth-colored restorations with our helpful information below!

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings with tooth-colored teeth are a popular alternative to metal. They have gained popularity among patients and dentists over the past decade. These types of fillings do not use metal and instead use acrylic or ceramic materials to repair damaged teeth. For optimal aesthetic results, the material is color-matched to each patient’s tooth. Because of their cosmetic benefits and other factors, younger patients are more likely than older patients to have tooth-colored fillings. However, these fillings are widely available and can be made with one easy office visit.

Why Patients Like Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings have become the modern choice for fillings. Composite fillings are custom-made to match the natural color of your tooth, making them almost invisible. They are attached to the tooth by bonding the material to it so that they don’t fall off. Composite fillings are a popular choice for patients who want to replace old gold and silver fillings. There are other benefits:

  • Beautiful in appearance
  • All completed in one visit
  • No leaks over time
  • There is less chance of teeth cracking

Composite resins can be color-matched to natural teeth to make white fillings virtually invisible. Composite tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, unlike silver or gold fillings. This helps prevent tooth fractures and protects the tooth from extreme temperature changes. Composite fillings are less likely to fall out than metal ones, making them a preferred choice by patients young and old.

Are Color-Matched Fillings Affordable?

Prices for every procedure vary, but generally white fillings are more expensive than metal ones. We have found that white fillings are more appealing than metal because of their unique ability to bond with the teeth and natural appearance. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of dental fillings since they are a preventative treatment that gets rid of cavities in your mouth.

Replacing Your Metal Fillings with New Color-Matched Options

For cosmetic reasons, white fillings can be more beneficial than metal fillings. Many patients don’t want any brightly colored metal parts to be visible when they smile and eat. White fillings will not cause people to spot your fillings, even when you are pointing them out. Sometimes, even trained dentists can’t see composite fillings!

Metal fillings can also require more tooth removal and replacement. This can lead to issues down the road, as the metal expands or retracts at different temperatures. Some patients still want to have their mercury fillings removed as they can cause different health symptoms including mercury poisoning and chronic infection. Tooth-colored fillings don’t just look better; they are better for your dental health, too!

Get Natural-Looking Fillings with Your Dentist Today!

Samaritan Dental Arts offers a variety of services and treatments that will help you achieve your best smile. You can get professional dental treatment for your dental health, including dental fillings and cosmetic bonding. Contact our experts today to schedule a consultation for your oral health concerns, and see how you can benefit from the best dental fillings in Downtown Los Angeles that support a long life of good dental health.

Man smiling after his filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

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Dental fillings are common dental procedures that can help treat your cavities and get rid of infection. While fillings happen all the time, you may not know exactly what to do after you get one of your own. If you are planning an upcoming trip to your Downtown LA dental office to get some cavities filled, don’t fret – our experts will tell you what to do with these tips for after your filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

Here are some easy-to-learn tips for after your filling that will help you enjoy a quick and smooth recovery process.

The Filling Procedure: What to Expect?

Does it hurt to get fillings? Should you expect pain after a procedure? Dealing with cavities is no fun, but it is easy and fast to get them filled. Your dentist will likely numb the area around the affected tooth before drilling a hole in the cavity. Your local experts will clear out the source of infection and fill the cavity with a dental composite material to keep it protected from further decay.

Will There Be Pain?

Having your cavities filled is usually not a painful process while it is happening, because your dentist will provide you with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. After the filling procedure and the numbness wears off, you may feel a little bit of pain. It is normal to feel pain and sensitivity in the area where you had your cavities filled. Usually, this pain goes away after a day. If the pain persists for several days, it is important to contact your local dental experts right away.

Can I Still Eat?

Patients often want to know whether they should avoid eating after a filling procedure. It is recommended that you avoid chewing on the location of your filling for at least one day before resuming normal activities. Try chewing on the other side of your mouth, or eat only liquids so you don’t have to chew. Your dentist will likely give you better care instructions detailing exactly how you should care for your mouth after the filling is complete.

What if I Can Feel the Filling?

Dentists do the best job that they can to perfectly measure the filling material. Sometimes, a little might be sticking out after the treatment is complete. You will feel this when you bite down, chew, or speak. It may prevent you from being able to properly close your mouth and enjoy your smile. If this problem persists, you can return to the dentist’s office to have part of the filling shaved off. The goal is to create a filling that blends in with the rest of your tooth, both in color and in shape.

If Pain Persists

If you feel pain after the filling procedure, your dentist may prescribe an over-the-counter solution to help the pain subside. You will want to treat the affected area gently until it is fully healed. Avoid eating, brushing, and flossing near that tooth until the pain goes away. Painkillers shouldn’t be needed after a simple filling procedure, but it is important to communicate with your dental expert if you feel that you are experiencing abnormal pain.

Act Fast and Get the Best Dental Fillings Today

Cavities are common occurrences, and you can get a small and simple filling to immediately stop the spread of infection. The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more you are susceptible to illness and pain. Get ahold of your local experts today and find out about getting the best dental fillings in DTLA. The procedure is fast, easy, and typically pain-free. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your dental care plan. Call us today!

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Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

General Dentistry, ,

From a young age, you are often told that regular dental visits are crucial for keeping up with good oral health. But are regular dental checkups important enough to get twice a year? What happens when you visit your dentist for a checkup? What oral health issues can be avoided with yearly regular dentist visits?

Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

A dental checkup is important in order to receive the best preventative dental care possible. Avoid serious health issues and make sure that all is in working order so you can enjoy a long life of good health. Keep reading for more important tips and facts about regular dental checkups!

Dental Visits Explained

What happens when you show up for a regular dental visit? If you don’t have any particular issues and you feel that you are in good health, you might be wondering why you have to be at the dentist’s office in the first place. The best way to prevent oral health issues is to catch symptoms early, and avoid problems before they arise. This is the biggest accomplishment of a dental checkup appointment.

There are actually two steps involved with your regular checkups:

X-Rays and Teeth Examination

The first part of the appointment will involve having x-ray images taken of your teeth and jaws. These images will help the dentist see any issues underneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also perform a physical exam, using tools to scrape off plaque and remove bacteria from your teeth.

Gum Examination

After the dentist has inspected and cleaned your teeth, they will also want to look at your gums. Special tools will be used to gently scale your gums and check for any signs of gum disease. While the dentist examines you, he will also look for signs of swelling, soreness, bleeding, or redness.

The Best Dental Cleaning

The last part of your visit will involve a deep clean. This is the part of the appointment that most people look forward to, as it can feel good to have your mouth thoroughly cleaned by a professional. This type of dental cleaning may include:

  • Scraping plaque and tartar off of the teeth
  • Flossing between the teeth
  • Brushing the teeth with a special cleaning powder
  • Polishing your teeth

If there are no oral health issues at play, or if the dentist does not find any risk of infection or cancer in your mouth, you do not have to return to the dentist for at least six months. By practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, you can continue preventing diseases while you wait for your next general dentistry appointment.

Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

The best way to continue preventing disease and infection is to maintain good oral health habits at home. The dentist can provide professional cleaning, but there are plenty of things you can do on your own to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Remember to brush your teeth at least twice per day. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and encourage bacteria prevention. You should also floss at least once a day to get rid of old food particles. If you are dealing with a toothache or you have another oral health concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local dentist right away.

Downtown LA Dentistry at Your Doorstep

Samaritan Dental Arts is home to your preferred DTLA dentist with specialties in many areas. For a quick cleaning, a full checkup, or a thorough prevention plan, get in touch with our experts today and schedule a one-on-one consultation. Our dentist is happy to help you get set on the path to good oral health. Inquire today!

Woman holding hand against jaw, pained expression

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Bad Idea

General Dentistry, , ,

Everybody knows that cavities are bad news. But something so common can’t truly be that bad, right? It is so easy to get fillings nowadays, but for a lot of people that takes away an understanding of just how dangerous cavities can be. Essentially, leaving a cavity untreated: Bad idea!

The longer you leave a cavity untreated, the more susceptible you are to decay, rot, and infection. Here is what your local DTLA dentist wants you to know about the dangers of leaving tooth cavities unattended.

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Gateway for Infection

Cavities come from bacteria and plaque that builds upon the teeth after eating certain foods. If you don’t brush your teeth every day, that plaque will continue to build and can eventually get into the inner layers of your tooth. This creates a pocket of decay, also known as a cavity.

If this decay spreads to your bloodstream or the roots of your tooth, you may experience symptoms of pain and swelling. This is a sign that your cavity has caused an infection, which must be treated right away before it spreads further.

Broken Teeth Abound

If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well. In order to save your natural tooth, you must get in touch with your trusted dentist right away. In some cases, treating a cavity can even mean the difference between life and death.

Continuing Complications

Untreated tooth cavities can cause an increasing number of health issues the longer it goes without care. You can suffer from the following complications of tooth cavities if you don’t visit your dental expert in a timely manner:

  • Sharp pain
  • Radiating pain
  • Infection around the tooth and gums
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness in the mouth and cheeks
  • Trouble chewing or smiling
  • Increased risk of fracturing and breaking teeth
  • Tooth abscess

You should get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of the above symptoms. You should not be living with any kind of dental pain, and the discomfort you are experiencing as a result of this cavity is not normal. So, you need to seek your dental professional to learn what treatment and prevention measures need to be taken.

Deathly Consequences

An untreated cavity can have drastic results that can be so severe that they may even cause death. Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences.

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Cavity Today!

Cavities may be common, but that does not mean that they are nothing to worry about. A buildup of bad bacteria can cause pockets of your teeth to suffer from decay. If they are caught early enough, your dentist can add a filling that will save the integrity of your tooth and protect against further cavities. More severe cavities may need to be treated with a root canal or tooth extraction procedure.

Learn more about how you can treat your mouth to the best in dental healthcare at Samaritan Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule a consultation for cavity treatment at the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort. Don’t wait until it’s too late!