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.