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How Do General and Restorative Dentistry Differ?

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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.

Man getting hit in the face by another man with a boxing glove

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

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Many sports players believe that getting hurt is all part of the game. But this rite of passage can do some serious damage to your body, from your head to your toes. More importantly, many injuries can end up hurting your teeth. Most of the common tooth injuries in sports are far more common than people think.

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

In fact, about 40% of all dental injuries that occur in the United States occur as a result of sports. Whether you are playing contact sports or you suffered a nasty fall while running, it is important to get your dental injury assessed as quickly as you can. Here’s what you need to know about tooth injuries in sports before you visit your dental office in DTLA.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Some dental injuries can make their way to the roots of your teeth. Some cracks start at the surface of your teeth where you chew and stretch down to the unseen parts of your tooth. In other cases, you may be suffering from a fractured root alone.

It can be difficult or even impossible to see your fractured roots without a proper examination and x-ray procedure. These invisible damages can quickly contribute to an infection, giving you a bigger problem on your hands. Make sure to visit your dental professional ASAP when you suffer from a dental injury.

Cracked Teeth

Physical contact sports can be dangerous to your sensitive teeth. Without wearing protective gear like a mouthguard, you put your teeth at risk of being permanently damaged.

Any physical blow or injury to the face can result in a cracked tooth. While cracked teeth are the most common tooth injury, treating them as quickly as possible is essential to prevent permanent damage or infection.

Symptoms of Cracked Teeth

Not all cracks are visible. You may not realize you are dealing with cracked teeth until you start to show certain symptoms. Be on the lookout for:

  • Pain in the mouth when eating and drinking
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot foods
  • Loss of sensation on the outside of the tooth
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing

Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose on your own. Consul with an emergency dental professional to help you repair cracks and other types of damage before your symptoms get worse.

Intrusions

A tooth intrusion is what happens when a hard hit knocks your tooth back down into the jawbone. When you are born, all of your teeth are fully grown but resting under your gums. As you grow older, your teeth “erupt,” meaning they come out and grow into the position they are now in. If you are faced with physical injury to the face, your teeth might be pushed so hard that they go back down below the gums.

This is known as a tooth intrusion, and it can be a very painful experience. This physical trauma can shorten or damage your roots and cause irreversible injury to your entire tooth.

Get the Best Protection for Your Teeth – Invest in a Mouthguard Today!

If you plan on continuing your sports activities, but you want to prevent any of the above injuries from happening, it is essential that you invest in a mouthguard. These devices can be fitted to the shape of your teeth to provide a rubber buffer between your mouth and the outside world.

Studies show that mouthguards can make your teeth 60 times safer during sports than if you aren’t wearing anything. When you are hit in the face with a ball or someone’s foot, you no longer run the risk of suffering irreversible damage to your teeth.

Contact us today to learn about our individualized mouth and sports guards that can help you stay fit and active without risking too much damage. Learn more about your oral health options at Samaritan Dental Arts today!

Dental Implants: The Best Solution for Tooth Replacement

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Dental Implants Los Angeles

Dental implants are saving teeth one smile at a time. With the increased risk of gum disease, infection or weakening of the jawbone, missing a healthy tooth can cause a number of health issues that no one wants to experience. This is why  dental implants are a safe and simple tooth restoration procedure Los Angeles patients can turn to if they have lost a tooth or multiple teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Information for dental implants Los Angeles patients can be provided by an experienced cosmetic dentist who takes the time to review your options for tooth replacement. Dental implants are a unique form of tooth restoration that replaces the tooth root with a titanium prosthetic root. After the tooth root is fused with the jaw bone a supportive crown caps the tooth to replace the look, feel and function of the lost tooth. The bone will start to heal around the implant and function without increasing the risk of bone deterioration or future tooth loss.

What Sets Apart Dental Implants from the Rest?

This downtown Los Angeles dentist, along with many other cosmetic dentists, turn to dental implants over other dental prosthetics because the titanium root simulates the impression that a natural tooth is standing in place of a gap in the smile. Dental bridges and dentures are temporary repairs and can be lost, whereas dental implants are permanent and never need to be removed or specially cleaned by expensive dental solutions. Thus far, the chance of tooth deterioration is avoided with a permanent tooth root instead of allowing a gap in teeth to cause further damage in teeth.

An estimated 3 million people in the United States have at least one or more dental implants and with 63 percent of all American adults missing more than one tooth the traditional tooth replacement methods are not what they used to be. According to the  American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the expected number of people with dental implants is expected to become a billion-dollar industry worldwide. That is why patients are opting for dental implants since they can replace multiple teeth in the upper or lower row of teeth for a permanent restoration.

Learn about Your Options with Dental Implants Los Angeles

Dental implants are can be installed in place of a deteriorated tooth or an injured tooth that needs to be replaced. Proper maintenance and care can help reassure that the prosthetic root lasts for life as well as maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. If you want to get in touch with the best cosmetic dentist Los Angeles patients trust the most then schedule a consultation today.  Contact our Los Angeles dentist office at (213) 481-2917.