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.