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Monday, December 29, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to both your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Michael Kim provides the type of regular periodontal care and checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent periodontal issues.

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to collect and attack the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis, which can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone. Heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office in Alta Loma, CA to receive periodontal cleanings and treatment. It is easier to prevent gum disease or treat it early on than to reverse the effects of periodontis. Call (909) 987-6268 to schedule an appointment at our practice. For more information about the dentist or Alta Loma Dental Care, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.  

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Dr. Michael Kim’s Tips for a Healthier Smile

Regular exams and cleanings with Dr. Michael Kim are only a small part of a good oral hygiene routine. Everyday oral care habits also play a vital role in a healthy smile, and if you want to improve your oral health, here are some simple changes you can make.

1.            Brush better. Good technique and proper duration are essential for effective brushing. To maximize your brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and make sweeping circular motions away from the gums. You should brush for at least two minutes or for the length of a song.

2.            Floss. Dr. Kim has probably already told you how important this is. This is because flossing can actually do a better job of removing harmful plaque than brushing, and it only needs to be done once a day. So why aren’t you doing it already? It’s the key to healthier teeth and fresher breath.

3.            Chew sugarless gum. Sugarless gum is a great way to keep your smile fresh after a meal. Not only will it improve your breath, but chewing gum increases saliva production to help wash away the acids released by the bacteria in plaque. If the gum has xylitol, it even helps reduce decay-causing bacteria.

4.            Replace your toothbrush. How long have you been brushing with your toothbrush? As your toothbrush ages, the bristles will fray and lose their cleaning ability. Extremely frayed bristles can even hurt your gums. Bacteria can also build up in the bristles of toothbrushes, so make sure you are replacing yours ever three to four months.

5.            Switch to tap water. Tap water is treated with fluoride, which is a safe and effective technique for lowering tooth decay across the nation. Plus, it’s basically free.

For more ways to keep your smile healthy, turn to Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA. To schedule an appointment, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Treatment for TMJ Disorders at Alta Loma Dental Care

TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull at the temporal bone. While many call disorders associated with this joint, TMJ, those disorders are more appropriately called TMD (temporomandibular disorder), and TMD can have symptoms that range from teeth grinding and headaches to trouble chewing and pain when opening and closing your mouth. TMD is not only an annoying disorder; it is also a destructive one and can cause serious damage to your teeth if left untreated. At our office in Alta Loma, CA, Dr. Michael Kim can determine if you suffer from TMD and offer ways to treat the disorder.

The TMJ controls an assortment of jaw functions, including chewing, so if you’re chewing muscles or the joint itself is in pain, it is possible that you have TMD. TMD is often caused by stress, which leads to unconscious clenching and teeth grinding while awake and asleep. The disorder’s symptoms include pain, trouble chewing, lock jaw, headaches or ear pain and a popping or clicking sound when opening your mouth. However, these symptoms may be indicative of other health problems as well, so it is important to see a medical professional for a diagnosis.

Grinding your teeth is an especially worrisome TMD-associated behavior since it can lead to further problems with your mouth. If your teeth grinding is left unaddressed, you will cause serious wear to the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentin, which will make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and more susceptible to decay. However, you can work with Dr. Kim to relieve symptoms with mouth guards or night guards.

If you think that you might be suffering from TMD or teeth grinding, schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Straighten Your Teeth in Six Months in Alta Loma, CA

Straight teeth are an important part of creating a healthy and beautiful smile, and the orthodontic community would agree that braces are the most widely-used and effective method for correcting patients’ alignment or bite. However, traditional braces aren’t always a favorite of patients, which is why at our office in Alta Loma, CA, we offer Six Month Smiles.   

Six Month Smiles® is an innovative orthodontic treatment that has taken the best aspects of braces and modified them to give patients the cosmetic solution they want in a way that fits their lifestyles. With an average treatment time of only six months, Six Month Smiles® provides a conservative and predictable final result: a beautiful smile. Using Six Month Smiles Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-colored wires renders these braces barely visible while straightening your teeth. In addition, Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits™ ensure that all your appointments are quick and comfortable. Overall, low forces and short treatment times increase your comfort, safety and hygiene while correcting your teeth.

If you’re looking for an easy and quick solution to your crooked smile, Six Month Smiles® is the way to go. You can get a smile you will be happy to show off without the garish metal mouth of traditional braces.

Dr. Michael Kim of Alta Loma Dental Care offers Six Month Smiles® to give his patients the megawatt smiles they’ve always wanted. Call 909-987-6268 to schedule an appointment and see how these braces can transform your smile. For more information, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.  

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Dental Bonding with Dr. Michael Kim

Of all the cosmetic and restorative procedures we offer at our office in Alta Loma, CA, bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Called bonding because a tooth-colored resin is bonded to your teeth, the procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, unevenly shaped or chipped. At our office we can even use bonding as an attractive alternative to amalgam fillings.

Bonding is achieved by applying incredibly strong resin to the tooth in need of restoration. The procedure can usually be accomplished in one visit and allows you to keep most of your tooth’s enamel, which makes bonding preferable to veneers in many cosmetic cases. Once the right color resin has been chosen for your smile, Dr. Michael Kim will apply an adhesive gel to your tooth or teeth to help the resin adhere. The putty-like resin is then applied to your tooth and molded and smoothed until it is in the proper shape. After it is hardened with an LED light, Dr. Kim will trim and shape it even more and then polish it until shines like a tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for one tooth.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your smile quickly and effectively. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call us at (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.    

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Teeth Whitening in Alta Loma, CA

Even with diligent brushing, flossing and cleaning, keeping your teeth white is harder than you might think. Despite proper oral care, constant exposure to the acid in food and drinks can cause your teeth to become dull and darken over time. Teeth whitening can help restore the color and gleam to your teeth, and at our office in Alta Loma, CA, we provide teeth whitening services that can restore your smile to a bright white state.

Teeth whitening services are becoming more and more popular, and as the demand for whiter teeth increases, patients are realizing that over-the-counter techniques just aren’t as effective as options offered by their dentist. At our office, whitening procedures are becoming one of the most requested services, and Dr. Michael Kim offers an effective way for his patients to meet their goals. The method that we use to whiten patients’ teeth is the take-home tray system. Using gentle, whitening gel applied in trays that are custom made to fit their teeth, patients can whiten their smile four to eight shades in only a couple sessions.

Whitening your teeth is an easy and dramatic way to improve the look of your smile. If you are looking to make your pearly whites white again, schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Snap-On Smile at Alta Loma Dental Care

If you’re looking to improve your teeth and increase your confidence, Snap-On Smile provides a way for you to makeover your smile without extensive dental procedures. This procedure can solve your teeth insecurities and help you feel great about the way you look in only two visits to our office in Alta Loma, CA.

Without having to undergo extensive dental work, you can snap on a new smile with a custom set of teeth that fit right over your existing ones, covering up stains, chips, cracks and any crooked or missing teeth. During the first visit, you and Dr. Michael Kim will pick the shade and style of your new smile, and then he will take an impression of your teeth for proper fitting. Then the Snap-On Smile is made with a light and durable resin to create a set of teeth that are strong yet still thin enough to snap onto your smile. You need only wait three weeks between appointments, and when your new smile is snapped on, you will be able to leave our office with a grin you will love to show off.

With Snap-On Smile, you will be able to eat and drink normally, and the cosmetic device can easily be removed for cleaning your natural teeth, for participating in sporting events and for sleep. Snap-On Smile can last for three to five years with proper care.

Schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

What to Do About Sleep Apnea in Alta Loma, CA?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects the way you breathe while sleeping. By causing your breath to become interrupted for 10 to 20 seconds at a time and jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm multiple times a night, the condition can cause your energy, mental acuity and productivity to suffer. Over time, sleep apnea can even lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, Dr. Michael Kim uses oral surgery to treat sleep apnea and increase the quality of sleep and life for patients.  Oral surgery relieves sleep apnea symptoms by removing the blockage caused by excess tissue, which vibrates and blocks the upper air passages. One way this is done is through UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which involves removing excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat while under general anesthesia. Maxillomandibular advancement is another procedure used to treat sleep apnea. This procedure moves the lower jaw forward, away from the rest of facial bones, which allows more room behind the soft palate and reduces any obstruction.

If these treatments fail to relieve your sleep apnea, a tracheostomy can be performed. A tracheostomy is when a tube is inserted into your throat to allow breathing. The tube is covered during the day while you are awake and then opened at night while you sleep.

If you have sleep apnea, call (909) 987-6268 to schedule an appointment in Alta Loma, CA. For more information about the dentist and his services, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.   

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Helps Patients Achieve Healthy and Beautiful Smiles

Regular checkups and dental cleanings are a part of any good oral hygiene routine, and at Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide dental care services of the highest quality to ensure that our patients’ smiles stay healthy year after year.

A soft and sticky film of bacteria called plaque can build up on your teeth despite regular brushing and flossing. Because teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, which contains calcium and other substances to strengthen and protect teeth, tartar or calcium deposits can also build up over time. Dental cleanings work to remove both plaque and tartar from the teeth. If these substances are not removed and are allowed to accumulate, bacteria will be provided a perfect environment for thriving on the gums and teeth, which can cause cavities, infection and gum disease.

While good for maintaining oral health between dentist visits, at-home brushing and cleaning are not enough to make sure teeth stay clean; regular dental cleanings are required. Dr. Michael Kim will check your teeth for cavities and other issues, and then you will have your teeth cleaned and polished. This leaves the surface clean and smooth. The smoother the teeth, the more difficult it is for bacteria to stick to them and the more effective at-home brushing will be.

We recommend checkups and dental cleanings every six months for optimum oral health. To schedule an appointment in Alta Loma, CA, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Restores Patients’ Smiles with Dental Implants

If you have had teeth extracted due to extensive decay, infection or trauma, dental implants offer an attractive and long-lasting solution for filling the gaps in your smile. While bridges and dentures can also solve the problem of missing teeth, these alternatives either require alteration to the teeth adjacent to the gap or are not permanent fixtures in the mouth. Dental Implants, however, both feel and act like your natural teeth, and at our office in Alta Loma, CA, Dr. Michael Kim can use them to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

The implant process can take between three to six months to complete, and the first step is to implant a titanium screw in the jawbone. This screw serves as the replacement tooth root and keeps your jaw from deteriorating or changing shape. Once the screw is in place, the bone is left to heal around the implant. This healing process is called osseointegration, and while it takes place over the next several months, you may receive a temporary crown for easier speaking and eating.

Once the jaw has healed, an abutment will be placed on top of the implant to serve as the foundation upon which your permanent crown will be fixed. The tooth restoration is then custom made for your mouth and is either screwed or cemented in place so that you may enjoy a complete smile that both looks and feels natural.

To learn more about dental implants at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Patients Full and Partial Dentures

Many of our patients in Alta Loma, CA choose dentures as a convenient and cost-effective way to replace their missing teeth. Available as both full and partial devices, dentures can effectively give patients their smile back when decay, infection or trauma has led to multiple teeth being extracted.

There are two types of full dentures: conventional and immediate. Conventional full dentures are used after all of a patient’s teeth are removed, but only once the gum tissue has healed for a few months. During that healing time, the patient would have no teeth in place. Immediate full dentures are more popular since patients do not have to be toothless for any period of time. For this type, Dr. Michael Kim takes measurements of your mouth prior to removing the teeth. Then when the teeth are removed at the next appointment, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. With this method, a follow-up visit is required so that the dentures can be refitted and tightened since the jawbone changes shape slightly as it heals with no teeth.

Partial dentures are an option for those who do not need all their teeth removed. This type is very similar to bridges, except they are removable instead of permanent.

Whichever dentures our patients choose, the device takes some time getting used to, but as you practice, eating and speaking will get easier. Even though they are not real teeth, dentures should still be cared for as if they were. To ensure your dentures last, be sure to brush them before removal and place them in room temperature water or cleaning solution overnight.

To find out if dentures are the right choice for you, schedule an appointment Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Performs Teeth Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will be in need of a tooth extraction. You may also need one if one of your teeth does not enough room in the mouth. When teeth are impacted, it can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, so they must be removed before damage is done. At Alta Loma Dental Care, Dr. Michael Kim can help you restore your oral health by performing tooth extractions.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, Dr. Kim may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Kim can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice in Alta Loma, CA by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Transforms Smiles with Dental Veneers

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your smile. Whether your teeth have gaps, stain, cracks, chips or other issues, these thin, ceramic shells can cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth to give you a smile you will be proud to show off.

Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits to our office in Alta Loma, CA. During the first visit, you will discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with Dr. Michael Kim. Then the dentist will prepare your teeth for the upcoming veneers. Dr. Kim will do this by removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a secure and natural-feeling bond.

Once the enamel has been removed, an impression is taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be fabricated to fit your existing teeth. After the veneers have been created, they are bonded to your existing teeth to create an attractive smile that looks and feels natural. With proper home care and the help of Dr. Kim, you can enjoy your new smile for 5 to 10 years the veneers should be replaced.

To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Performs Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Your third and final molars to emerge are your wisdom teeth, which usually come in when you are between 17 and 25 years old. While many people do not experience problems with these new teeth, many others find that theirs must be removed. If your mouth does not have enough room for these molars to come in, a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, and at our office in Alta Loma, CA, Dr. Michael Kim can determine whether a wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for you.

Wisdom teeth are usually removed because they become impacted, which means that the tooth does not have enough room to come in straight through the gums and instead emerges at an angle. This can cause pain, damage to the jaw and a more crooked smile. Additionally, the site of impaction can become a bacterial hotspot since impacted wisdom teeth are hard to clean.

Wisdom teeth extractions can range from removing a single tooth to removing all four teeth at once. Dr. Kim will let you know what he thinks is best for you. For the procedure, he will use either a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate you while the teeth are extracted. The tooth will then be accessed through an incision in the gums and wiggled until it is loose enough to be lifted out. If the tooth is too deeply embedded to be removed this way, it will be broken up into pieces before being removed.

Whether you are already feeling pain due to impacted wisdom teeth or have not yet felt them come in, we can determine if your wisdom teeth will cause problems for you. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Performs Bone Grafting for Dental Implant Placement

Some patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaws to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago are now able to receive dental implants to complete their smiles and protect their oral health. In Alta Loma, CA, our practice strives to help patients achieve their dental goals, and by performing bone grafting procedures, we can help patients receive the dental implants they need.

Bone grafting is a fairly common procedure that is performed by building up the jawbone with bone fragments to accommodate the dental implant. The bone used to graft to the area with too-little mass is usually take from the patient. Many times the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when the drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for grafting. However, sometimes cadaver bones are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, Dr. Michael Kim can make it happen. To schedule a consultation at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information about our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Restores Patients Smiles with Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two procedures that use the tooth structure as a base for restoration. Often called partial crowns, both inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth while restoring its shape and working to prevent further damage. At our office in Alta Loma, CA, we use these procedures to repair teeth when decay is too extensive to support a filling but not extensive enough to use a crown.

When there is no damage to the cusps of a tooth, Dr. Michael Kim uses an inlay for restoration, bonding it right on top of the tooth. Made of porcelain, inlays are both strong and natural-looking, providing an attractive solution for repairing your tooth. Dr. Kim uses onlays when damage is a little more extensive and repairs to the cusp of the tooth are required. Inlays and onlays can be created at a lab out of porcelain, gold or composite resin. Fabrication normally takes between two to three weeks, and during that time, you will be provided with temporary restorations while you wait. Once they are ready, they will be cemented in place.

To ensure that your teeth get the best dental care available, schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we Straighten Teeth Discreetly with Invisalign

Having straight teeth would be great, wouldn’t it? You’re probably holding off though, because you don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of having a mouth full of braces. Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces are quickly turning to Invisalign. Thanks to these innovative aligners, we have the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.
 
Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, you are able to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush regularly.
 
The mouth pieces are created by a 3D computer imaging technology. As the teeth begin to shift, new aligners will be used to replace the originals. Each aligner is made to perfectly fit the stage that the teeth are in at that time. The mouth pieces are only taken out to eat and brush; they are typically worn at least 22 hours a day.
 
Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. If you choose Invisalign, you will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. The best part is that you can have your regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access. So we can keep an eye on your teeth’s health while they’re being straightened!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care "Bridges the Gap"

Dental bridges are a great solution if you are looking to literally “bridge the gap” created by one or more missing teeth. We use dental bridges to restore smiles, improve talking and chewing abilities and help maintain the shape of your face. We utilize dental bridges to get your smiles back to its natural look.
Creating a bridge is quite simple. Dr. Kim will create a base out of the existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are reshaped to support the base of the bridge. After the abutments are created, a mold is cast of the area and sent to a dental lab. The lab uses the mold to manufacture a permanent bridge. Dr. Kim will fit you with a temporary bridge in order to keep your teeth from shifting. The permanent bridge usually takes between 1-2 weeks to be created. During the second visit, Dr. Kim will remove the temporary bridge and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted. The bridge will be placed on the abutments and an adhesive will be used to make sure the bridge is set.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge will make eating easier. We recommend that our patients eat soft foods immediately following the procedure, but after a couple days patients can resume their normal diet. You will also see improved speech with dental bridges. The gaps caused by missing teeth often make speech difficult, by filling in those spaces, patients will drastically improve speech. 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Various Restorative Dental Treatment Options

While most dental practices offer a very narrow scope of procedures, at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have established a full-service dental practice that specializes in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. We wanted to create a practice that not only keeps your teeth safe, but also one that can restore your smile if something happens.
 
With restorative dentistry, we are able to replace or restore missing teeth or missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be damaged due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration or the tooth could fracture. We offer the following restorative dental procedures at our Alta Loma, CA office:
  • Bridges
  • Crowns
  • Dentures
  • Bonding
The goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. In cases where we cannot save the natural teeth, full dentures might be necessary. Most people do not know that a missing tooth can cause serious damage to your mouth. When a tooth a missing, the rest of your teeth will begin to shift, causing your teeth to become misaligned. When teeth become misaligned, they are more difficult to clean, and decayed teeth are susceptible to periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth also put extra stress on your remaining natural teeth because you don't have as much surface area to chew with.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Provides Custom Night Guards for Bruxism Prevention

Think you might be a night grinder but aren’t sure? If you wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw then you might be suffering from bruxism (night grinding). If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth and you live in the Alta Loma, CA area, schedule an appointment with us at Alta Loma Dental Care for information on treatment options.
 
You might grind your teeth because of stress and anxiety, but it more likely due to an abnormal bite or missing/crooked teeth. Patients often find out that they are a grinder from a loved one or through a consultation with their dentist. Dr. Michael Kim is trained in the detection of bruxism and can diagnose it through a simple examination. Patients exhibiting symptoms such as jaw tenderness and teeth abnormalities are most likely grinding their teeth at night.
 
Teeth grinding can become a serious issue. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loosening or loss of teeth. Taking the time to visit us at Alta Loma Dental Care is a great preventative measure when it comes to preventing night grinding. Chronic teeth grinders can wear their teeth down so bad that bridges, crowns or even dentures may be necessary. While these procedures are effective, they are also very expensive and can be very invasive.
 
We have a great reputation when it comes to creating custom mouth guards for prevention of night grinding. Our team is able to custom-fit a mouth guard to your individual needs so as to prevent any discomfort during sleep. Dr. Kim will take an impression of your teeth and the mouth guard is molded over the model using special material. Custom-fitted mouth guards are utilized because they provide the most comfort and best overall protection. The night guard creates a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing your teeth from grinding. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Utilizes Dental Lasers to Ensure Patient Satisfaction and Comfort

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we do our best to stay at the forefront of the dental industry. Because of that, we are now able to offer dental laser treatments for bacterial reduction procedures, canker and cold sore treatment and root desensitization.
 
While we can treat your gum disease in a number of ways, with laser technology, we are able to address the underlying infection that causes the disease. Through a painless procedure known as Laser Bacterial Reduction, Dr. Michael Kim is able to reduce bacteria around your gums from billions to hundreds in less than ten minutes. Dr. Kim also recommends that all patients decontaminate their mouths prior to these procedures in order to reduce or eliminate bacteremia.
 
We also treat canker and cold sores with laser treatments. Apthous ulcers (canker sores) and Herpes I (cold sores) are treatable with over-the-counter options, but laser treatment works much more quickly and effectively. In the case of cold sores, when caught in the tingling, burning period, laser treatment can actually help prevent the cold sore from ever appearing on your lip. If you are a patient of record and have had the misfortune of experiencing one of these painful lesions, please do not hesitate to call our office the minute symptoms begin. This service is provided free of charge to all patients of record.
 
Sensitive teeth have many causes, but regardless of the cause, those suffering from this condition are looking for treatment methods. Laser Root Desensitization treatment desensitizes the teeth with the laser and a tooth colored filling to match is often placed over the root surface to protect it. A desensitizing sealer is then placed over the filling. 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Restores Smiles with Dental Bonding

Our patients who have cracks or gaps in their teeth are turning to dental bonding to restore their smile. Dr. Michel Kim has become the go-to local dentist for bonding procedures. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold, bonding can be done in a single visit.
 
Dental bonding is not just used to repair teeth that are cracked or damaged, it is also used to repair decayed teeth, improve discoloration of teeth or even change the shape of teeth. The procedure for dental bonding is non-invasive and can be completed in just a few steps. After selecting the proper tooth shade, Dr. Kim will begin the bonding process. He will begin by abrading or roughening the surface of the tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Kim will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile.
 
The bonding process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. When it comes to maintenance, bonded teeth should be treated just as your regular teeth. They can be stained by tea, coffee and cigarettes just as normal teeth so regular brushing and flossing is highly recommended. 

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Straightens Teeth Quickly with Six Month Smiles

Are you an adult who feels the need to hide your smile when you laugh, smile or even talk? At Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide the opportunity to reverse that feeling with "Six Month Smiles". This system utilizes specialized tooth colored braces to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months.
 
With Six Month Smiles, Dr. Michael Kim is able to align your smile quickly and effectively with the help of new technology. The system uses low force to adjust your teeth more comfortably. Many people think that the accelerated treatment means simply “tightening” regular braces to get the teeth moving, but that is not the case. Unlike traditional braces, Six Month Smiles focuses on the cosmetic appearance of your smile, rather than the position of your bite.
 
Traditional braces are the most widely utilized and are considered the most effective method to align your smile. There’s just one problem, most adults don’t want a mouth full of metal braces. With Six Month Smiles, you will get the benefits of traditional braces without the look. Dr. Kim uses tooth-colored braces that are barely visible. The wires are tooth-colored as well. Six Month Smiles has taken the best aspects of traditional braces and modified the treatment in addition to the materials in order to give adults a common-sense, cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle.
 
Give us a call today at 909-987-6268 to schedule you appointment and straighten your teeth! 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry entails a lot of different procedures that are all meant to improve the general appearance of your teeth, gums and bite. Not all general dentists will provide cosmetic services, finding an all-inclusive dentist can be tough. Luckily, for dental patients in the Alta Loma, CA area, our doctor, Dr. Michael Kim at Alta Loma Dental Care has trained extensively in cosmetic dentistry and offers many different options for you to select from. Whether you have a chipped tooth or you’re suffering from stained teeth, there is a cosmetic procedure available.
 
One of the first things people notice when they are introduced to someone new is their smile. A new-look smile can go a long way in improving self-esteem and give patients a smile they can be proud of. We provide a number of services if you are looking to improve your smile. These options include:
  • Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Sanp-On Smiles
  • Bonding
  • Inlays/Onlays
Residents of Alta Loma, CA are taking advantage of these procedures so they can quickly and effectively improve the appearance of their smile through Dr. Kim’s innovative cosmetic procedures.  
With advances in dental technology, there is no need to put up with the embarrassment of an unpleasant smile anymore. Whether its veneers that completely overhaul a smile or bonding that will fix a small crack, patients now have options that will help get the smile they’ve always wanted.  Dr. Kim’s expertise in the cosmetic dentistry field has allowed him to translate many patients’ aspirations into a new smile that completely changes their lives. 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a very common condition, but many people are not aware that they can go to their dentist for effective treatment options. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we utilize oral surgery to help solve your sleep apnea issues. By removing the excess tissue in the throat that is vibrating and blocking the upper air passages, Dr. Michael Kim is able to treat you for your sleep apnea condition.
 
The main surgical procedure we offer is called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (try saying that three times fast!), better known as a UPPP. This procedure involves removing the excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat. This procedure is performed in a hospital and you will be put under general anesthetic. Another procedure we offer is Maxiomandibular advancement. This procedure is used to assist with sleep apnea by moving the jaw forward from the rest of the facial bones. This will allow more room behind the soft palate, reducing the obstruction. The final procedure we offer is known as a Tracheostomy. This procedure involves the insertion of a tube into your throat so you can breathe clearly. We only use this procedure as a last result.
 
Traditionally, sleep apnea affects men over the age of forty, but it can be diagnosed in almost anyone, including children. There are different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most commonly diagnosed and treated by dentists. Patients suffering from sleep apnea often report the following symptoms:
  • Waking up with a sore or dry mouth
  • Loud snoring
  • Sleepiness or lack of energy
  • Morning headaches
  • Restless sleep.
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Kim at our practice, Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA by calling 909-296-7920. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a very serious ailment that affects many Americans. This disease has many repercussions, from tooth loss all the way to heart health; periodontal disease can cause patients a lot of harm in many different ways. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe that educating you about conditions like this so you can avoid them at all costs. So with that in mind, we would like to provide you with some information about this disease.  
 
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. There are many different forms of periodontal disease but all of them can cause serious damage to the mouth. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. The biggest cause of gingivitis is lack of a regular oral hygiene regimen. Preventative measures, such as regular brushing and flossing, go a long way when it comes to preventing periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral health practices at home.
 
Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. At this stage, plaque will spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria will irritate the gums, causing an inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to the breakdown of tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis also causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually the teeth become loose and have to be removed.
 
If you feel that you might be exhibiting any symptoms of periodontal disease, remember that they are reversible. Call us at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Kim at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA. 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Alta Loma Dental Care Promotes Proper Oral Hygiene for Fresh Breath

There’s no better feeling than waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. After a night of sleep, all the food, drink and whatever else you consumed the day before is still there, no matter how much you brush and rinse. So does this mean that you need to carry a toothbrush with you all day to maintain that fresh breath? No, you can reverse bad breath just by having a regular brushing and flossing routine.
 
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about your bad breath, it happens to millions of Americans. Food and drink particles are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually carried to your lungs, causing bad breath. There are things you can do to help improve your breath and it all starts with your oral hygiene routine. If you are not brushing and flossing daily, those food particles can remain in your mouth. These untouched particles promote bacterial growth between teeth, around gums and on the tongue causing bad breath. If you fall into this category, try a regimented brushing schedule and always rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.
 
Smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath. These activities also stain teeth, reduce the ability to taste foods and irritate the gums. Basically, if you are worried about your breath because you use tobacco, stop using tobacco.
 
Persistent halitosis or a consistent bad taste in your mouth might be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and the gums become irritated. Other causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries. 
 
If you are suffering from halitosis, schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA dental practice by calling 909-987-6268. If one of your friends is suffering from bad breath and you don't want to be rude, direct them to our website (www.altalomadentalcare.com) so they can learn more about treatment options.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Tray Teeth Whitening... Is it Right for You?

Even with consistent brushing and good oral care, teeth can lose their color. Today, you have many options when it comes to teeth whitening that include over-the-counter options, prescription methods and in-office procedures. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer custom tray whitening for our patients. Having teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to restore the natural color of teeth quickly and effectively.
 
Unlike ineffective, over the counter whitening strips that are messy and tend to slide off teeth, professional custom tray whitening whitens teeth 4-8 shades in just a couple days. The tray whitening system can reverse the effects of discoloration. Dr. Kim will need to inspect your teeth in order to determine if you are eligible for teeth whitening. Intrinsic stains are on the surface, having barely penetrated the enamel. They are caused by coffee, smoking and aging. These stains are reversible through take-home tray whitening. Extrinsic stains develop from the inside of the teeth and are often caused by different antibiotics. The teeth are darkened as a result of bacteria buildup and cannot be reversed by whitening alone.
 
Traditional tray systems include a custom-fitted mouth guard that the patient wears for a period of 40-45 minutes for a few days. Dr. Kim will take a mold of your mouth in order to create a custom-fit mouth guard. The amount of days the mouth guard is worn depends on how white you want your teeth to be. This often results in a whiter smile of 4-8 shades in just a few days.
If you are interested in whitening your teeth, especially now that it’s prom and wedding season, give us a call at 909-296-7920 to schedule an appointment! 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

TMJ and Your Health

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Your temporomandibular joint controls how the jaw functions and any pain in the area may cause jaw joint problems known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer treatment options for patients suffering from this condition.
 
For most, small amounts of pain in the jaw do not signal a serious problem. Generally, the pain is infrequent and brief. But for those that develop significant, long-term symptoms, treatment should be sought. There really is no cure for TMJ; at best patients suffering from TMJ can only hope to manage the pain.
 
If you are suffering from TMJ, you are probably in constant pain. Your face, jaw and neck often ache and the jaw muscles become stiff as well. Dr. Kim recommends that you eat only soft foods, apply a cold compress often and avoidance of extreme jaw movement. In mild to moderate cases of TMJ, patients can use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to help manage the pain. We also provide night guards to help ease jaw pain at night. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Surgery is an irreversible procedure that is often a last-resort.
 
If you are interested in TMJ treatment with Dr. Kim, give us a call at 909-296-7920 to schedule an appointment!