Does Diabetes Affect Orthodontic Treatment?

People with diabetes have unique dental challenges, and at Alta Loma Dental Care, we’re here to help them get the care they need. Among the many services we offer are orthodontic corrections, including Six Month Smiles and Invisalign. Many of our diabetic patients are interested in fixing misaligned teeth, which is why we want to explain how diabetes interacts with orthodontic therapy.

People with diabetes are at increased risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease. Those who have experienced problems with these in the past and suffered tooth migration may especially desire orthodontic treatment, but braces make oral hygiene even more important and difficult. If the patient’s diabetes were to become uncontrolled again and cause a gum infection, the braces might have to be removed. However, Invisalign does not prevent this issue. The aligners are removed when the patient brushes their teeth as normal, and the pressure they put on the teeth is not as extreme is that caused by regular braces. If a patient’s diabetes is under control, they may be a good candidate for Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces. These are also a low-force treatment and the monthly tightening appointments will give us an opportunity to ensure the patient’s teeth and gums are still healthy.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Diet and Oral Health

If you wish to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you better start paying attention to the foods that touch your plate. Sugary beverages and foods that contain added sugar of any kind will have a detrimental effect on your teeth as sugar provides no nutritional value for them. To maintain a healthy smile, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care encourage patients to reach for foods from every food group and don’t forget to brush and floss on a daily basis.

Dairy products such as cheese, plain yogurt, and milk contain calcium and protein that protect teeth from developing cavities and help strengthen tooth enamel. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach are also high in calcium and prevent gum disease. Fruits that have high water content, such as apples, celery, and carrots increase saliva flow which protects teeth from developing decay. Your diet has an impact on oral health, so if you continue to eat healthy foods, your oral health status will improve.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Replace Missing Teeth with Implants

Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss, whether it is due to decay, dental trauma, or any other reason. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically positioned into a patient’s jawbone beneath the gum line. Once the implant is placed, replacement teeth and/or a dental bridge are mounted to restore a smile. If you are considering dental implants for your missing teeth, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

Leaving empty spaces in the mouth after losing teeth can make a face appear sagged and sunken. Missing teeth can also affect the way a person eats and speaks. Dental implants are a strong and stable way to restore tooth function and because they look and feel like a natural tooth, they can increase a person’s self-esteem and protect the surrounding teeth from further damage.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth restoration or dental implants, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Will Fillings Make My Teeth Sensitive?

When people are suffering from toothaches they can find relief at Alta Loma Dental Care. But some people have questions about whether removing decayed material and filling it in will cause additional discomfort, which is why we want to assure them treatment is in their interest.

It is true that a tooth may be sensitive immediately after the decayed material is drilled away, but this will only last for about two days, at most. However, at no point should the filling prevent the patient from fully closing their teeth together. If it does, it is too high and needs to be re-contoured, which is an easy fix but should be done quickly.

It is very unlikely that a filling will be too high, but fillings are not permanent. They have about a ten-year lifespan before the bonding holding them in starts to crack. At that point, the filling will have to be replaced with one that is given new bonding because bacteria will colonize the cracks in the old restoration and produce more acid. If the patient keeps regular appointments, we will be able to remove old fillings before decay causes more pain or does greater damage to the tooth.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Extrinsic Stains

Beverages that contain pigments such as tea, coffee, and wine, can leave our smiles looking lackluster if we consume them on a daily basis. When our smiles don’t shine, this may leave us with a diminished self-esteem. Our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care can revive your smile with professional whitening treatment and remove extrinsic stains instantly.

Extrinsic tooth stains develop on the outer surface of the tooth enamel and are easier to eliminate than stains that reside underneath. Tooth discoloration isn’t typically something to be worried about but may require an improvement in your oral hygiene routine. After scheduling a consultation with one of our doctors to see which whitening option is right for you, you can begin your journey to a whiter smile.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening

At Alta Loma Dental Care, our doctors offer ZOOM! teeth whitening to patients looking to treat surface stains or whiten their natural teeth.  This professional whitening system delivers dramatic results, and treatment can be completed in the office in as little as an hour.

ZOOM! Whitening combines whitening gel with an activator light to penetrate the enamel and break up stains at the dentin layer.  When stains penetrate the tooth enamel they can darken the color of the dentin, the hard tissue layer of your tooth under the enamel. When the dentin is darkened it can make the whole tooth appear yellow.  Once the gel is applied to your teeth, the light activates and accelerates the whitening process.  When the chemical reaction lightens the color of the dentin, the whole tooth is free to become whiter. A dentist can tell you based on the level of staining on your teeth what results you can expect from ZOOM! whitening. Patients have seen their smile lighten up to ten shades after a one-hour treatment!

If you have questions or concerns about dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Cleaning Fixed Bridges

Although our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care are experts at placing implants, there are situations in which a fixed bridge is the best way to restore a patient’s smile. Bridges can last a lifetime when properly cared for, but cleaning them does require some minor changes in a patient’s hygienic routine.

Tartar can accumulate in between the bridge and the gum line and must be removed. People who have worn braces will already be familiar with one means of doing this: a dental threader. Threaders are big, floppy loops which can be drawn under a bridge like a sewing needle, trailing floss behind them. The floss can then be grabbed at both ends and rubbed in an arch along the bridge’s underside. Some floss manufacturers also make floss that comes with stiffened tips so it can be pushed under bridges. If the bridge is supported by implants, it may also be possible to use a proxy brush to dislodge large pieces of debris. If patients find this difficult they may want to try one of the normal-sized tooth brush handles which can be affixed with a proxy brush.

If you have questions or concerns about dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Dangers of Intrinsic Stains

Patients at Alta Loma Dental Care can count on us for all their cosmetic needs, but some tooth stains are beyond the ability of normal cosmetic treatments. Extrinsic stains are those on the outside of a tooth, which are caused by prolonged exposure to dark liquids such as coffee and smoke. They can be treated with bleaching. But intrinsic stains affect the pulp of a tooth, which is sometimes too deep for bleaching to have an effect.

An intrinsic stain could be the result of something that affected the tooth during its formation or of trauma. If the tooth is discolored due to overexposure to something like fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics, it may be covered with a veneer. However, if the pulp is infected, a root canal is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading further and causing the patient a severe tooth ache. The worst dental infections can even cause facial abscesses and sepsis. Once the pulp has been removed and the tooth has been sealed, the doctors and patients can precede with more normal cosmetic restoration, although it is possible that the entire crown will need to be replaced.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At Alta Loma Dental Care, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team.  Our staff would not only like to thank Matthew C. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“When I walked in, one of the ladies addressed me by my name I go by and I was surprised that she remembered. All the staff is very pleasant, professional and down to earth. The Doctor showed me my x-rays and explained everything to me so that I could understand and make a well informed decision. Then the same lady that said hi to me when I first walked in, sat down next to me and went over prices and payment options with me. She even assisted me with finding dental insurance on one of their computers. It was a great experience, and I am looking forward to my next visit.”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

How Can I Get a Crown in a Single Appointment?

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care use technology that delivers to give patients the best products available and the most pleasant dental visit possible.  CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.  As the full name implies, CEREC equipment is used to fabricate crowns in the office during a dental appointment.

A crown fits over the top of a tooth like a little cap.  When a tooth experiences damage or decay, it can be rescued with a crown if the tooth hasn’t been harmed near the root.  For a tooth to receive a new crown, the decay will be drilled out and the remaining tooth is then reshaped to ensure there will be a great fit for the crown.  Without CEREC machines, other dentists make a mold of the patient’s mouth and send the mold to a laboratory which designs the restoration.  Using CEREC allows us to take a detailed digital image which we use to design the new restoration and mill a custom product.  It only takes about 10 minutes for the CEREC machine to mill a ceramic crown restoration, and it can be applied in the mouth on the same visit.  With the aid of CEREC technology, a crown can be done in as little as an hour!

To learn more about single visit crowns and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Thank You for Your Testimonials!

At Alta Loma Dental Care, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team.  Our staff would not only like to thank Yon S. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I am very pleased with the care I'm getting. At my last visit I had a cavity treated - the last of four cavities! Dr. Vidal is careful and considerate. The staff is friendly and competent. I never have any problems with the work they do for me, and my teeth look great!”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do?

Do you desire a whiter smile or have teeth that need to be replaced? If so, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While general dentistry addresses problems that require necessary attention, cosmetic dental services are usually requested by the patient. Allow us to explain a little bit about the cosmetic procedures we provide.

• Veneers – veneers are usually made of porcelain and resemble tooth enamel. These thin “shells” provide strength and resilience to prevent chips and cracks in the teeth or correct ones that are already there.

• Whitening – This procedure speaks for itself. Whitening, also called bleaching, use a safe whitening agent that enhances a tooth’s color by 1-2 shades. Tooth whitening can be performed in the office or at home.

• Bonding – Dental bonding is used to repair chipped teeth – materials can range from porcelain or a composite resin and is made to match the color of your tooth.

• Inlays and Onlays – Inlays and Onlays are used to provide a filling to teeth that have been decayed or have experienced structural damage. They usually require an impression of the mouth and are created in a dental laboratory before being placed.

If you have questions or concerns about our cosmetic services, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

How Do You Know If You Have Periodontitis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care hope that you are doing everything you can to treat the problem. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and visiting us at least twice a year for routine dental exams. If left untreated, gingivitis will advance to periodontitis which is treatable, but not reversible like gingivitis is.

Periodontitis is a very common condition, but it is preventable. When periodontitis invades the gum tissue, the supporting structures of the teeth will begin to deteriorate. Periodontitis begins with plaque, which is why it’s important to keep your teeth as clean as possible at all times. Periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss if you do not address the problem. Healthy gums are a firm, pale, pink. If you notice gums that are reddish/purple, sensitive to the touch, or experience pain when chewing, give us a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Drink More Water to Protect Your Teeth

Sugary beverages may be enjoyable to wash down your meal, but they aren’t good for your teeth. It’s no secret that water is good for your health, but it’s also the best beverage option for protecting your dental health. Water cleans the mouth with every sip, as do foods with high water content. Our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care would like to explain additional benefits of drinking water to keep your smile healthy.
H2O not only has the ability to wash away leftover food particles that contribute to plaque buildup and bad breath, it also dilutes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Drinking water with fluoride, aka “nature’s natural cavity fighter,” is a great way to prevent cavities and fight dry mouth. You’ll still need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day to maintain your oral health, but drinking more water will certainly go a long way.
If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Correct a Chipped Tooth

Accidents happen, and a chipped tooth can occur due to a variety of reasons such as an injury to the mouth while playing sports, or eating hard foods and chewing them the wrong way. Regardless of how it happens, a chipped tooth may cause pain or leave you feeling self-conscious. At Alta Loma Dental Care we have a variety of cosmetic as well as restorative options to enhance your appearance and your dental health.
The downside to chipping a tooth is that you’ve lost your natural tooth structure, but it’s nothing a little dental bonding can’t fix. Dental bonding is a composite material that matches the color of your tooth and is molded over what’s left of the healthy tooth to restore it. If a cracked tooth is more severe, we may suggest veneers or dental crowns to shield the entire tooth and prevent further damage such as tooth decay or exposed nerves.
If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What Does Acid Reflux do to Teeth?

When it comes to tooth sensitivity, we highly value prevention at Alta Loma Dental Care. Acid Reflux is one of the most common causes of tooth decay, and we want our patients to understand how to avoid it and what the consequences could be if they don’t.
The stomach’s hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive substance. That’s a good thing when it’s helping to break down food, but a bad thing when it escapes into parts of the body that aren’t protected from it. Hydrochloric acid traveling up the esophagus is what causes heartburn, but when it reaches the mouth, it can cause more than just discomfort. The erosion of tooth enamel leaves nerves more exposed, which makes teeth painful whenever the patient is eating. It also makes them more vulnerable to infection and causes their grey-yellow dentin layer to show through the weakened enamel.
Patients can reduce acid reflux by changing their diet to exclude acidic foods such as citrus juice and tomatoes, as well as fatty animal products, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol. They should also avoid eating before bed and slouching. Although lost enamel cannot be regrown, teeth can be strengthened with fluoride treatments and repaired through white fillings and partial crowns.
Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we’ve long been dedicated to helping parents understand their children’s oral hygiene needs. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that children under the age of one not be given juice, and while their concerns were partly due to nutrition, they were also responding to the phenomenon of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
In babies, tooth decay tends to follow a particular pattern. It is mostly the fronts of their front teeth that are affected. This is because when babies suck from bottles, sugary residue tends to accumulate on the front of their teeth and not get cleaned off for a long time. While the sugar content of a drink is a contributing factor to tooth decay, milk and formula can also pose a threat to tooth enamel if they are stuck to it for hours.
Avoiding high sugar content such as juice until babies are able to drink from cups is one way of preventing tooth decay, but the most important component is limiting babies’ access to feeding bottles. They also need to be supplied with water to help wash sugar off their teeth if it will be a while until they next get their teeth brushed.
Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Stunning Smiles with Invisalign

Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens. Alta Loma Dental Care recommends Invisalign to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth. An Invisalign treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and a typical treatment plan can be completed in less than a year.
An Invisalign treatment will always begin with an examination. A dentist can determine if Invisalign will be effective in achieving the smile you want, and approximate the length of a treatment plan.  Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan.  Depending on your treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn for about two weeks. For the best results a set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day, and you should remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss.
To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

Snap-On Smile: The Instant Smile Makeover!

At Alta Loma Dental Care patients are always looking for new cosmetic solutions, and Snap-On Smile is just one way we can help you obtain a total smile makeover. A Snap-On Smile is made of dental resin that is thin but very strong. The result is a wearable smile that fits right over and looks like your own teeth.  They can be made for both upper and lower teeth, and you can eat and drink with it on.
Snap-On Smile is a great option for anyone with gaps between teeth, and stains or chips on teeth. Patients who currently use a removable partial denture are also good candidates for a Snap-On Smile makeover. You are able to get a Snap-On Smile in only two painless visits.  Once you choose a shade and style for your new smile the dentist takes an impression of your teeth. In about three weeks you have a second visit for a final fitting and can leave the office wearing your new Snap-On Smile!
To learn more about Snap-On Smile and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

Orthodontics: Don't Try This at Home

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we know how much of a difference cosmetic orthodontic work makes in patients’ lives. It is, therefore, distressing to us to read about how many people are trying to realign their own teeth through unprofessional methods. While we understand the impulse, there are several reasons why this is unwise.
The latest DIY orthodontics fad started last year when a story began circulating about somebody 3D printing their own aligners. Our Invisalign patients know that we schedule appointments six weeks apart, but this is not because we are extending treatment to get more money. Moving teeth requires the jaw bone to constantly dissolve and rebuild. Without sufficient time to do so, the long-term integrity of the jaw bone will be compromised, potentially leaving teeth weaker and even more out of place.
Methods which have been around longer are meant to approximate the effects of braces by binding teeth with elastic bands or thread. This is dangerous: excessive pressure risks strangling the teeth’s living tissue and pushing them too far. Without brackets, it is also possible for bindings to get lost under the patient’s gum line, though the patient may assume the binding fell off and not have it extracted.
If you are dissatisfied with your smile, ask us about our Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles treatments. We can work on payment plans; having to reverse unprofessional orthodontics will be much more expensive.
Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Restorative Dentistry

As an adult, it is your job to maintain a good home care routine when it comes to your teeth. If this does not happen, your permanent teeth can become compromised and you may find yourself needing invasive dental work down the line. To avoid costly procedures in the future, it is important to visit our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care for professional cleanings at least twice a year.
When your dentist uses the term “restorative dentistry,” he or she is referring to the integrated management of oral health problems and restoring the mouth to a functional and esthetic state. Restorative dental procedures may include replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, tooth bonding, crowns, or dentures. The goal of these procedures is to preserve the natural teeth as much as possible. When moving forward with a restorative dental procedure, you’ll need to consider your physical health as well as your budget. Our doctors are happy to discuss these with you.
If you have questions about restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Extraction Site Preservation

When removing a tooth, whether it is due to dental trauma, an abscess, or periodontitis, it is important to consider what will be done with the empty space after that tooth is removed. Wisdom teeth are in the back of the mouth, so that site has the ability to heal on its own with no complications. However, if it is necessary for one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care to remove another tooth, plans must be made and this is where extraction site preservation comes into play.
If a tooth is removed and nothing is done with the extraction site, the jaw bone will degenerate and change shape during healing causing the teeth to shift. This can create problems in your bite that can affect the ability to speak and chew. Just imagine chewing food with no teeth and how uncomfortable that would feel. Options for filling the space include dental implants and bridges. What you choose to do with your extraction site is your choice, and our doctors are always open to a conversation on what to do with your extraction site before removing a tooth.
If you’ve recently had teeth extracted and have questions about the site preservation process, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting may not sound like what you’d come across in a typical dental appointment, but a bone graft has become a routine procedure throughout medicine to help bodies heal. The bone graft dentists perform is on the jaw bone, because a jaw bone can weaken over time if tooth loss or gum disease has left a certain portion of the jaw vulnerable. When a patient needs a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, the jaw bone needs to be strong enough to receive the implant. A bone graft is used to strengthen the jaw before the implant is placed.
A bone graft consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. This gives the injured or deficient bone a replacement and encourages growth of new material around the site. There are synthetic options for bone grafts, but a dental graft is usually obtained from a different spot in the patient’s own mouth. The healing process can take several months, and your jaw is monitored by your dentist until it heals enough to handle the placement of an implant.
To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Flossing

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we strive to provide the best oral care for our patients.  We also encourage you and your family to continue healthy oral care routines at home. Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to floss effectively:

• ·        A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.
• ·        The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.
• ·        Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.
• ·        As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture that our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care use to restore decayed teeth. Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They are an excellent choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.
Many people are more conscious about the way they look, therefore they don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling and that’s because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Although no filling lasts forever, maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine can help your filling live up to its maximum potential.
If you have further questions about the type of dental fillings we offer, give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Maintain Your Oral Health

Research has shown an association between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, respiratory illness in older adults, as well as pre-term and low-birth-weight babies. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we take pride in helping you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and we want you to utilize these five steps to encourage good oral health.

1. See your dentist regularly -- Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent problems or to stop small problems from getting worse.
2. Keep your mouth clean - Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease).
3. Eat, drink, but be wary - Healthy food is good for your general health and your oral health. The nutrients that come from healthy foods help you to fight cavities and gum disease.
4. Check your mouth regularly – Look for warning signs of periodontal disease such as red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums.
5. Avoid all tobacco products - Besides ruining your smile, smoking can cause oral cancer, heart disease and a variety of other cancers, all of which can kill you.

If you are concerned about the status of your oral health, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Reduced Radiation with Digital X-rays

One of dental technology’s most remarkable achievements is the use of X-rays to see inside the body without having an oral surgeon stick a scalpel in your face. Radiation from dental imaging has attracted more controversy in recent years as computed tomography (CT) scans become more common in dentistry and as more becomes known about radiation’s long-term effects. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, our X-rays are panoramic digital images where a digital sensor is placed inside your mouth to take an image and then downloaded into our computer.
Using digital images reduces the radiation by 75%, there is no waiting time for an X-ray to develop, and there are no chemicals used in the process to pollute the environment. While the diagnostic benefits of this technology have been addressed, very few folks may realize that digital radiography is also quite cost-effective. Another added benefit? The digital X-ray is available immediately with a complete view of your mouth in just one shot, reducing your treatment time as well!
To learn more about digital X-rays as well as services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Toothbrushes are Getting Smarter

Part of our mission at Alta Loma Dental Care is to provide our patients with enough information that they can make decisions about their own health. One recent change in dentistry is the introduction of mobile device apps for electric toothbrushes. Several major manufacturers have recently rolled out a new generation of oral hygiene products meant to encourage healthy brushing habits.
The chief advantage in using an electric toothbrush is that it doesn’t require consistent motions for two full minutes during each session. That makes it a boon to some people with disabilities, but it still has to cover every tooth surface. A lot of the new apps provide user feedback about which teeth they’re skipping over and whether their technique is improving. Some also contain warnings in case a patient is pressing too hard and can’t feel this on their own.
There are also several new apps meant for children who are just learning oral hygiene. These include short mobile games which reward children for brushing thoroughly by providing more storyline or a higher score. While an electric toothbrush may be pricey, one which provides incentives to a child who is having difficulty keeping up with oral hygiene using a manual toothbrush could be worth a look.
Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums – is the initial stage of gum disease and is the easiest to treat. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care recommend scheduling professional dental checkups every six months to prevent gingivitis from occurring, however, proper oral hygiene starts at home. Be aware of these symptoms and risk factors if you notice a bit of blood in the sink when you brush.
Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Because gingivitis is rarely painful, it is possible to have it without even knowing it. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: swollen, soft, puffy, receding, or occasionally tender gums, gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, a change in color of your gums, as well as bad breath.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms above, give us a call so we can help you stop gingivitis in its tracks. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Six Month Smiles at Alta Loma Dental Care

Many adults spend their entire lives unhappy with their crooked smiles because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years at a time. They may also be concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures will be too invasive or too expensive. This is why our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care offer an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution called Six Month Smiles.
You may be wondering if it’s really possible to straighten your teeth in six months. The answer is yes. The Six Month Smiles technique straightens your teeth with the latest technology in dentistry to move your teeth quickly and safely with clear adult braces that are barely visible. Six Month Smiles is typically less expensive than traditional braces, aligner therapy, or veneers and leave you with the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. With this technique, there is no reason to be unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed by your smile.
If you wish to inquire about our Six Month Smiles orthodontic program, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Can False Teeth be Realigned?

As a provider of both implants and orthodontics, the Alta Loma Dental Care clinic sometimes deals with clients who are unsure of which to get first. Our office uses products such as Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles, which are for mild cases of malocclusion. But although we are rarely trying to affect massive changes in a patient’s alignment, orthodontics should nearly always be done before implants.
Implants depend on osseointegration—the fusion of bone and prosthetic. A titanium screw fused into bone tissue should not move, and if it does, that’s a huge problem. If an implant is stable, no orthodontic device will move it, so usually, the orthodontic corrections will be done first so that the dentist can be sure that the implant is going in the right place. Often, there is not even a choice: teeth may have to be realigned so that there is room for an implant.
There are cases when a pre-existing implant can provide support to orthodontic wires. Doctors will have to do a thorough examination of a patient’s mouth and jaw to determine whether a patient with implants can receive orthodontics, but they often can.
Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

The Whys and Hows of Partial Crowns

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide our patients with new crowns and full implants to replace teeth that have been lost or are so decayed they need to be extracted. But what about teeth which are too damaged to be fixed with a small filling, but still have a healthy base? When the chewing surface of a molar or premolar is damaged, we have a type of restoration called inlays or onlays, also known as partial crowns, which can restore its function.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an inlay is nestled in between the cusps (the pointy parts of the surface), while an onlay replaces both the cusps and the indentation. The doctors will need to remove damaged parts of the teeth, possibly by using one of our surgical lasers, and then make an impression of the patient’s mouth. The patient may be given an artificial crown to wear during the few weeks it will take to prepare the permanent partial crown. The most common material to use is porcelain, which has to be milled at a factory, although patients may inquire about glass resin or gold options. Completed inlays or onlays are attached with dental cement, and patients will thereafter take care of their restoration in the same way they should take care of natural teeth.

Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

The Dangers of Gum Pockets

Alta Loma Dental Care’s treatment options include a number of surgeries which can help patients struggling with the effects of periodontal disease. Most of these focus on restoring teeth, but we also have ways to limit the damage caused by bacteria before teeth need to be replaced. Gum pocket reductions are one of our most common procedures and can prevent the need for more extensive interventions later on.

As plaque accumulates below the gum line, acids stick to it, resulting in the decay of bone and gum tissue in contact with the plaque. The empty spaces the decayed tissues leave behind become a home for bacteria, exacerbating the decay process. These pockets can’t be reached with home hygiene products, which is why our hygienists need to do deep cleanings.

Ridding pockets of plaque and bacteria colonies won’t prevent them from coming back. That’s why our doctors will want to reduce the pockets or eliminate them entirely. This could be as simple as making an incision in a healthy part of the gum, stretching it, and fastening it in its new position with a suture, or it could require a full gum graft. Hopefully, patients will have an easier time maintaining oral hygiene after undergoing pocket reductions, and they may find that their teeth roots are less sensitive and visible.

Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Have Cavities?

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, one of our doctors may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Night Guards for Grinding and Clenching

Grinding and clenching teeth at night is a common problem. Unfortunately, it can create serious dental issues like worn down teeth, sensitivity, and damage. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer night guards to protect our patients who grind and clench their teeth at night.

Grinding your teeth wears down your enamel, causing sensitivity and making teeth prone to cavities. It can also cause fillings to come loose and cause damage like fractures to teeth. The clenching can eventually lead to TMJ problems. In addition, the grinding can be awful for any sleeping partners to listen to at night.

In our Alta Loma, CA office, we create custom night guards for our patients. These are mouth guards that create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They stop damage from grinding and lessen the consequences of clenching. They may even stop your grinding and clenching altogether.

If you suspect you grind and clench your teeth at night, pay us a visit so we can examine your teeth. To set up an appointment with us and learn more about night guards, call Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.