Frequently Asked Questions in Hacienda Heights CA

We recommend regular visits every 6 months to do a check-up and cleaning. Doing so prevents many dental emergencies and ensures optimal oral health.

Most common dental procedures are dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, fillings, and crowns. Cost varies from provider to provider.

We try to accommodate dental emergencies the same day, but if we are unable, we do teledentistry so we can give advice to our patients.

Cavities on teeth, if they are visible in the mouth, would usually start as brown or black lines along the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Some cavities, especially cavities happening in between the teeth ( interproximal caries), can only be seen on X-rays. Small cavities are usually painless, but in an advanced stage, caries would reach the pulp, causing pain and swelling.
Gum disease would usually present as bleeding on the gums, especially when flossing. It is usually painless, but if left untreated, it causes bone loss, gum infection, pain, and eventually loss of the tooth.

After professional cleaning, patients can maintain the health of the periodontium ( the structures that support the tooth) by brushing properly at least twice a day and flossing daily.

The two most common types of fillings are Composite resin and Amalgam. Composite fillings are preferred because they are bonded to the tooth surface, thus preventing recurrent decay that usually happens on Amalgam fillings due to leakage around the margins.

It is best to be seen by a dentist to determine the course of treatment needed according to your situation.

There are certainly some risks associated with any or some dental treatments, depending on the type of procedures. But most of the time, benefits outweigh the risks. During the discussion of the treatment plan, your dentist will inform you of any risks associated with a particular procedure and guide you on the best treatment choice.

Fluoride is beneficial to the teeth as it strengthens the enamel of the teeth, making it resistant to the harmful acid attacks that cause caries (decay).

Dental implants are permanent restorations of missing teeth. They eliminate the hassle of having a removable appliance. Implants also eliminate the grinding down of adjacent teeth associated with the placement of a bridge.

Yes, and it is highly recommended that pregnant women see a dentist to prevent pregnancy-related gum problems that are common during pregnancy. Your dentist will communicate closely with your OB Gyn to ensure your visits will be safe for you and the baby.

There are many at home whitening systems that are available in the market, and they are pretty safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In-office whitening, though, will give you the optimal result.

The most common cause of bad breath is the bacteria that collect on the plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth that remain even after you brush or floss. Professional cleaning removes these accumulations.

Pain is controlled by local anesthesia administered prior to treatment. Your dentist will ensure that the tooth is completely numb before starting the procedure.

We do not do sedation dentistry in our office.

Some patients would have enamel hypocalcemia, which makes the teeth prone to cavities. For adults with normal enamel, cavities would have started forming when they were young, and not brushing and flossing properly. It then progresses as they are growing up and becomes visible clinically and on X-rays when they are adults.

During your first dental visit, a complete set of X-rays will be taken, and a comprehensive examination of your mouth will be done. The treatments that you need will be fully explained and discussed with you. Most of the time, a dental prophylaxis will also be done.

Start the dental visits as early as 6 months old or when teeth start coming out. Your dentist will educate parents on how to take care of their babies’ teeth to prevent the development of caries (decay). Bringing the child regularly also makes them familiar with the dental settings as well as the dental providers, eliminating the apprehensions that children usually experience when going to the dentist.

Your dentist will evaluate your condition and recommend if implant, a bridge, or a removable denture would be most suitable to replace your missing tooth/teeth.

Dentists would usually see wear patterns on the teeth that would indicate grinding at night (bruxism) and would recommend a nightguard to prevent further wearing down of the enamel, which would cause serious damage to the teeth if left unchecked. The earlier bruxism is diagnosed, the less damage it will cause.

Your dentist will determine your need and will refer you to an orthodontist, and will work closely with you and the orthodontist to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.