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!

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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! 

Are you taking the right steps towards a healthy smile?

Proper oral hygiene is essential in maintaining a good-looking smile. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe in keeping our patients healthy by keeping them engaged in the proper oral health techniques. Dr. Michael enjoys providing patients with a dental hygiene routine that will keep teeth healthy and white.

 

While at our Alta Loma, CA office, Dr. Kim will provide patients with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy smile. Flossing is something that is integral in the tooth care process. Dr. Kim pushes his patients to floss regularly. Not only can flossing improve tooth health, it is also very important in keeping gums healthy. The places where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing takes a major role. Food particles or bacteria can become lodged here and over time, this can cause tartar and gingivitis.

 

Periodontal cleanings and treatments are a necessity in order to keep the mouth healthy as well. Not only can your teeth be affected by unhealthy gums, but periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked to heart health. When it comes to teeth health, it is important to make regular visits to your dentist in order to properly care for and protect your overall health.

Patients See great Results with Snap On Smiles

Are you looking for a non-invasive, reversible, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry? Time to take a look at Snap On Smiles! The treatment is quick and effective, making it a great option for patients who want to look and feel better. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we construct new smiles for our patient’s everyday using this innovative technology.

 

Snap-On Smile is a comfortable, removable dental application that involves no drilling and uses your existing tooth structure to improve smiles. The device is made from a durable and stain resistant acetyl resin and is can be up to .5mm thin without compromising strength. Dr. Michael Kim will collaborate with you to determine what shade and style you are hoping for.

 

The procedure is quite simple. Dr. Kim will take photos and impressions of your teeth. The molds are sent to a dental lab where the Snap-On Smile is created, this usually takes about two weeks. Once the device is ready, Dr. Kim will explain the insertion and removal process and basic maintenance procedures. From there, you can enjoy a new-look smile they can be proud of. Snap-On Smile is a great solution for patients who are unable to receive permanent improvements, such as crowns, veneers and implants because they are medically compromised.

 

New patients are encouraged to call us our Alta Loma Dental Care practice at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Michael Kim.

Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Having a missing tooth is a frustrating experience, but here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer a permanent replacement with dental implants. As opposed to bridges or partials that need to be replaced every 10-15 years, dental implants have a titanium post installed right into the jaw bone. During the healing process, the bone heals around the post, which holds it firmly in place.

 

The crown on top is the only thing that needs to be replaced, which is a very simple process.

The benefits our patients experience when getting dental implants in Alta Loma, CA include:

• Permanent tooth replacement.
•  Improved smile and overall appearance.
• Better comfort than partials or bridges.
• Crown that matches the patient’s other teeth.
• Improved speed and eating.
• Better self esteem and confidence.

The entire process of dental implants takes 3-6 months, with most of this time being the healing time for the post. After that point, a crown is made to fit over the top of the post, and the implant is complete.

 

New patients are encouraged to call us our Alta Loma Dental Care practice at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Michael Kim.

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

Having proper dental hygiene isn’t just about improving our patient’s oral health with better smelling breath and clean teeth, but it also impacts their overall health. Regular dental hygiene practices are important to reduce gum disease and the need for more complicated oral health treatments, such as oral surgery.

 

Good oral hygiene also helps our Alta Loma Dental Care patients maintain their natural teeth for a longer period of time, and avoid infections that could spread throughout the brain and the body. We encourage dental hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Aside from dental hygiene at home, our Alta Loma, CA dental practice we ask our patients to see us at least every six months. During this appointment, we provide a full check-up, professional cleaning, and address any possible concerns.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Michael Kim, also takes new dental x-rays if needed for further diagnosis or treatment planning. The combination of home oral care and dental visits are what help to keep the mouth fresh, clean, and free of gum disease. Regular visits also let us provide early treatment if we notice any problems.

 

Patients with any questions or concerns about their dental hygiene should visit us here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA.

Patients Restore Their Smiles With Dental Veneers

Patients Restore Their Smiles With Dental Veneers

Dental veneers in Alta Loma, CA offer our patients the option of improving their smile. Veneers are made of thin pieces of porcelain that cover their teeth and correct a variety of imperfections, such as discoloration, gaps or spaces, cracks, or misshapen teeth. They are designed to look like the patient’s other teeth without standing out, and are completed in about two to three weeks from beginning to end.

 

The process of getting dental veneers here at Alta Loma Dental Care is as follows:

 

1. We prepare the teeth by cleaning them to remove decay, then filing them down to make room for the veneers.

2. Impressions are made of the teeth, which are then sent to the lab.

3. In about two weeks, our patient returns to our Alta Loma Dental Care office, where they have the veneers bonded to their teeth.

4. As the final step, the veneers are polished.

 

Veneers make a considerable difference in the patient’s self confidence and self esteem, by improving their smile. It is a simple process that only takes a few weeks and gives them a lasting and beautiful smile.

 

Call us at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with Alta Loma, CA dentist Dr. Michael Kim for veneers.

Utilize Our Tray Teeth Whitening For a Celebrity Smile

Everyone wants to have pearly whites, and by visiting Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, you have the opportunity to get them. Because your teeth can become stained or discolored from many factors, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking tea, coffee or wine, or eating high amounts of sugar, your smile might not be at its whitest and brightest. While brushing daily is essential for good oral health, it doesn’t always help correct the discoloration or staining problem. Fortunately, teeth whitening in our office can give you teeth up to eight shades whiter.

 

We use the tray whitening system, which is a simple way to whiten your teeth. We even give our patients custom trays to bring home for future use. The trays are different from store-bought whitening systems, because they are custom made based on impressions of the patient’s teeth. Once the trays are ready, we apply a whitening gel to them, then place them firmly over the patient’s teeth. They stay on for several minutes, and the process is repeated over a couple days.

 

The end result is much whiter teeth and reusable trays the patient can use for touch-ups. Teeth whitening in Alta Loma, CA has never been easier than using our trays.

Call dentist Dr. Michael Kim (909) 296-7920 to find out more about this teeth whitening option.

Alta Loma Dental Care Helps Patients Suffering from Bad Breath

Halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath, is a condition caused by a persistent foul-smelling odor in the mouth. With millions of bacteria in the mouths of many of our patients, it is no surprise they are struggling with bad breath. But here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we offer preventative care and treatment options for bad breath. The treatments vary based on the cause of the bad breath.

There are a lot of different things that can cause bad breath, such as bad dental hygiene causing particles to remain in the mouth, periodontal disease, respiratory tract infections, dry mouth, external causes like smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee, and certain illnesses, such as kidney, liver or lung disease. Diabetes has also been known to cause bad breath.

Dr. Michael Kim provides treatments based on the cause of bad breath in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Tooth infections receive antibiotics and treatments, while periodontal care is provided for the treatment and prevention of bad breath when gingivitis or periodontal disease is the culprit. Patients are also urged to stop smoking cigarettes, as it can worse the condition. If you are struggling with bad breath, visit us in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Dr. Michael Kim of Alta Loma Dental Care Provides Comfortable Dental Procedures with Anesthesia

Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, we care about the comfort of our patients during dental procedures, which is why we offer anesthesia for many of our treatments. Patients often have the option to choose between general and local anesthesia, depending on their anxiety level, though this depends largely on the type of treatment being performed. Anesthesia is helpful to the patient as it eliminates pain, while Dr. Michael Kim benefits by being able to perform treatments quickly and effectively.

The first type of anesthesia is general anesthesia, which means our patient is complexly unconscious (asleep). They have no memory of the treatment, are completely pain free and unaware of what is happening. This type of anesthesia is given through liquid or inhaled gas, and used for many oral surgery procedures, especially extracting wisdom teeth. We monitor our patients carefully while under general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia is also offered, which is injected under the skin. This type of anesthesia is for eliminating pain while getting a procedure done, such as fillings, root canals and basic extractions. The patient is awake and alert, but doesn’t experience any pain. Many patients also find they have less anxiety with local anesthesia. Visit our dental clinic in Rancho Cucamonga, CA if you want to find out more about anesthesia offered.

Air Abrasion is Offered to Rancho Cucamonga, CA Patients at Alta Loma Dental Care

Air abrasion is a technique we use in our dental office for fillings and removing tooth decay from the teeth. It is a drill-less technique that provides a more comfortable experience for Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients, but is also helpful for our dentist, Dr. Michael Kim, as well.

With air abrasion, there is an instrument that sprays away decay from the teeth by using a stream of particles aimed at the portion of the tooth with decay. With compressed air, it helps to remove these particles quickly and without sounds, heat or pressure.

There are a variety of benefits to air abrasion, including:

• No heat, pressure, vibration or sound.


• Most patients don’t need anesthesia.


• Leaves the working area dry for placing fillings.


• More of the healthy tooth remains.


• Less fracturing and chipping of the tooth.


• The procedure is very quick.


• Our dentist treats multiple sites in one visit with air abrasion.

Patients choose Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA partly because of the technology we use, including air abrasion. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist due to the sounds and vibrations, call us at 909-296-7920 to schedule an appointment and request air abrasion.

Braces Align Smiles at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

There are many types of braces available for adolescents and adults, ranging from traditional metal braces to Invisalign, which are practically translucent. Invisalign and traditional can take anywhere from one year to four years in total before the teeth are ready to have the braces removed. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, in addition to Invisalign braces, we offer another alternative in our Six Month Smiles program. The typical complete treatment length for patients getting these braces is right around six months.

Most Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients who choose Six Month Smiles braces are adults who don’t want to feel self-conscious with their braces for a long period of time. We use a combination of modern materials, innovation and orthodontic techniques to provide a shorter treatment. Here are some reasons to choose these types of braces:

1. Treatment in as little as six months.

2. Less expensive than traditional braces due to being worn less time.

3. Brackets available in tooth-colored and clear.

4. Wires are thin and barely visible.

If this sounds like the type of braces you want for straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care with Dr. Michael Kim by calling 909-296-7920.

What to Do Before Anesthesia at Alta Loma Dental Care

Patients come to Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA for extractions of impacted teeth and wisdom teeth, as well as for other oral procedures. Many of these procedures and extractions are done under anesthesia to be more comfortable and pain free for our patients. Patients must be aware of the type of anesthesia they will receive, and what must be done prior to their appointment. If they fail to follow instructions, the anesthesia may not work as well or wear off more quickly.

Alta Loma Dental Care patients should not eat or drink anything, including water, eight hours before surgery. They should also not smoke cigarettes 12 hours before surgery. Any medications or vitamins they take must be reported to our office so we can instruct them on when to stop taking them before surgery. It is also helpful that patients try and get a good night’s sleep prior to the appointment and anesthesia.

Aside from these basic instructions, Dr. Michael Kim advises Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients to avoid wearing the following items:

• Hair ties or hair pins


• Sandals or flip-flops


• Contact lenses


• Jewelry, including body jewelry, especially tongue rings


• Long sleeves; the blood pressure needs to be taken

Remember too, that all patients who have anesthesia need someone to drive them home following their procedure.

If patients follow these instructions, the anesthesia and procedure will go smoothly. Contact us at (909) 296-7920 for more information about pre-anesthesia instructions.

What Should You Do After Implant Surgery at Alta Loma Dental Care?

Providing dental implants is one of the cosmetic dental procedures we offer at Alta Loma Dental Care. Dr. Michael Kim urges patients to follow his aftercare instructions for faster healing and to avoid potential complications. After dental implant surgery, patients are encouraged to rest for 2-3 days. Having dental implants involves installing metal posts in the bone of the missing tooth, which requires some rest for healing. The surgical site should also not be disturbed, including rinsing, touching or spitting for 24 hours.

Here are some more tips for patients who get dental implant surgery in our Rancho Cucamonga, CA dental practice:

1. Reduce the amount of swelling after the dental implant procedure by applying a soft ice pack to their cheek.

2. Patients should expect some bleeding for 24 hours after the procedure. Excessive bleeding can be stopped with gauze, but should apply it gently.

3. Only soft foods and liquids are permitted on the day of surgery. Afterward, patients can eat what feels comfortable, avoiding the area of the implant. Hot food and liquid is not recommended.

4. Antibiotics should be taken as instructed and ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken for the pain.

Call us today at (909) 296-7920 if you have additional questions about dental implant surgery recovery instructions.