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Showing posts with label Sleep Apnea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sleep Apnea. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

How to Clean a Night Guard

One of our specialties at Alta Loma Dental Care is providing customized night guards for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Also called snore guards, night guards are removable oral appliances that keep the teeth apart during the patient’s sleep so they won’t rub together. They also reposition the jaw to help keep the patient’s airways open. But as with any oral appliance, bacteria will build up on the night guard unless it is kept clean.


Nightguard manufacturers also make cleaning solutions and other hygiene products they advertise on their website. These products are often of high quality, but the patient should still brush the appliance after removing it each morning. A soft-bristled toothbrush will remove the bacterial film that develops in the patient’s mouth. However, the patient should not use toothpaste on the night guard, as the gritty minerals are likely to scratch its soft plastic and do not provide any benefit.


Unlike dentures, some night guards are meant to be kept dry when not in use. But regardless of how they are stored, the case should be cleaned every day with antibacterial soap. It’s also important to keep the case away from anything too hot and out of sunlight because the night guard’s shape could be distorted. A patient’s teeth may migrate naturally over time, which would require the night guard to be adjusted, but patients should not attempt to do this on their own.


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


 

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking cigarettes will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come visit us at Alta Loma Dental Care for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea with a snore guard, but quitting smoking is up to you!


Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.


Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!


To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we provide, 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.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Car Crashes: A Risk of Sleep Apnea

The dentists of Alta Loma Dental Care provide assistance to patients with sleep apnea as well as other oral health concerns. Although Americans are sadly accustomed to going without sleep, new data demonstrates why this is dangerous. According to a recent study, sleep apnea is a significant contributor to car crashes.


It makes sense that sleep deprivation would be a contributor to car crashes, but this is one of the few studies to look at obstructive sleep apnea independently of sleep duration. People with obstructive sleep apnea wake up or otherwise experience disrupted sleep throughout the night, resulting in them being fatigued the following day. Research indicated that mild and moderate sleep apnea increased the risk of a crash by 13% and severe sleep apnea increased the risk by 123%. Furthermore, sleep-deprived people often misjudge the severity of their impairment.


The American Sleep Apnea Association considers it safe for people with sleep apnea to drive if they are being successfully treated. Our office can help people with obstructive sleep apnea to get better rest by providing custom-fitted night guards that will keep the patient’s airways open while lying down. Night guards will also prevent dental damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding.


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


 

Friday, March 30, 2018

What does Snoring have to do with Jaw Pain?

When people are suffering from jaw pain, they’re right to go to their dentist for help. What they may not know is that a dentist can also help with their snoring. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we treat obstructive sleep apnea and want our patients to understand how it is related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).


The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very complex structure. It connects the lower jaw with the head and is responsible for its full range of motion. A healthy TMJ must be able to absorb all the forces put on it during chewing.  When a person suffers from sleep apnea, their body often attempts to keep their airways open by moving the jaw around at night, which is called bruxism. This can cause wear and tear on the teeth in addition to subjecting the TMJ to additional stress. An injury to it can cause pain to be felt anywhere from the head to the shoulder. When it is sore, a patient may not be able to open their mouth or hear clicking noises when they do.


We provide night guards which hold a person’s teeth in place during sleep. This reduces the damage of bruxism and eliminates the body’s incentive to move the jaw at night.


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


 

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is something that can affect everyone. While this is true, there are also risk factors that can increase your risk or make sleep apnea symptoms worse. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we treat sleep apnea. Keep reading for more information obstructive sleep apnea and its risk factors.


Sleep apnea is hereditary. This means it can be passed down from parent to child. Though sleep apnea is often found in older men who are overweight, it can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age, or size. It can even affect babies and children.


Some factors that increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea include:



  • Being overweight

  • Being male

  • Being older

  • Smoking

  • Use of alcohol or sedatives


While these factors can certainly increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and worsen symptoms, sleep apnea is not limited to those factors. As mentioned before, men, women, and children of all ages and sizes can have sleep apnea. Often it is caused by the way your airway is structured. Extra soft tissue or a narrow airway can be enough to cause the disturbance. If you are at risk, it is important to cut out factors that you can control like tobacco and alcohol.


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It is important to treat sleep apnea for a good night’s sleep and the health of your entire body. 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

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition and should be treated as such. If you or someone you know suffers through the symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to get treatment for it. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer treatment for sleep apnea and want our patients in the Alta Loma, CA area to know the dangers of ignoring sleep apnea.


Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft palate collapses while sleeping. This creates a blockage in the windpipe, significantly reducing the amount of air that gets by, or even completely stopping any air from getting by. It is often accompanied with loud snoring.


Sleep apnea causes severe fatigue due to the constant sleep interruptions. Even if you do not remember waking up, your body wakes up when it recognizes it isn’t breathing. In addition to your interrupted sleep, any sleeping partners may also have frequently interrupted sleep due to the loud snoring.


Because the body is not breathing normally throughout the night, serious health issues can arise. These issues include a higher risk of stroke and heart failure, liver problems, and hypertension.


Sleep apnea is nothing to take lightly.  If you suffer through sleep apnea, we offer several options for treatment in our Alta Loma, CA office. To learn more, call Alta Loma Dental Care at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, 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, 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!

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! 

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. 

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! 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

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.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

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.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

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.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

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.

Friday, November 29, 2013

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.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

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.