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.   

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! 

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. 

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! 

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.

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.

Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Surgical Instructions for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide tooth removal for a variety of reasons. Some teeth may be infected and the patient chooses extraction over root canal, others need to be pulled because they are impacted or are wisdom teeth. Dr. Michael Kim has specific surgical instructions after wisdom tooth removal that should be followed for optimal healing.

If a tooth is removed because it is impacted, there may be some mild swelling and discomfort, but not much more than a typical tooth extraction. A cold compress placed gently on the cheek can reduce some of the swelling. An antibiotic or pain relief medication may also be prescribed, and should be taken as directed. We recommend following a diet of soft foods and liquids.

Wisdom tooth extraction requires a longer healing time.  Therefore, Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients should be careful after the procedure. Gauze will be placed on the site right after surgery, and should be removed for an hour, then discarded. As with all extractions, Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients must not drink any liquids using a straw as this can dislodge the blood clot and remove the sutures. Patients who follow these simple surgical instructions after tooth removal will have faster healing and less chance for complications.

Alta Loma Dental Care Provides Post Op Instructions to Rancho Cucamonga, CA Patients

Oral surgery ranges from tooth extractions and root canals to cosmetic procedures like dental implants. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide these procedures and more, but also have post op instructions for patents. The post op instructions are in place to help the healing process go more smoothly, reduce complications and offer the patient a more comfortable experience before returning to our office.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients who get a procedure requiring anesthesia need to have a ride home. Root canal, crowns, bridges and corrective procedures don’t typically require anesthesia, therefore patients can drive themselves home. In order to let the anesthesia wear off, all anesthesia patients must wait in our office for two hours before going home.

Here are some basic post op instructions for different procedures Dr. Michael Kim offers:

Root Canal – Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where you had the root canal and take antibiotics prescribed to you.

Crowns and Bridges – Expect some sensitivity and soreness after being fitted for a crown and/or bridge. Chew slowly at first and inform us if you experience any difficulty.

White Fillings – Patient’s teeth are slightly sensitive after the filling and should avoid hot and cold food and drinks for 2-3 days after the procedure.

Veneers – It can take about a week for the veneer to feel normal. Patients should not pull up with dental floss and should brush the veneer gently.

Scaling and Root Planing - Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with salt water.

Contact us if you have questions about these post op instructions.

Surgical Instructions After an Impacted Tooth at Alta Loma Dental Care

Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing our dental patients with quality dental care from the time of your in-office experience to your at-home preventative, maintenance, and recovery care. That’s why we provide our Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients with detailed home care tips and instructions, including surgical instructions after an impacted tooth.

After oral surgery for an impacted tooth or wisdom tooth, it is important to follow our post-surgical instructions to a T. This will help to minimize discomfort, swelling, and support proper healing. General surgical instructions after an impacted tooth include:

• ·         Proper use of gauze pads


• ·         Avoiding rinsing vigorously prematurely


• ·         Keeping the surgical site clean


• ·         Utilizing ice to minimize swelling


• ·         Taking pain medications as indicated by us for discomfort


• ·         Using a mouth rinse containing warm water and salt

Keep in mind, these are just general instructions. You will be given a full set of detailed instructions that are meant to make your recovery from oral surgery as smooth and unremarkable as possible. However, if at any time post-surgery you have questions or concerns about your recovery from oral surgery for an impacted tooth, be sure to call our Alta Loma Dental Care office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at (909) 987-6268.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA Patients Visit Alta Loma Dental Care for Multiple Tooth Extractions

If more than one tooth needs to be removed, many of our Alta Loma Dental Care patients prefer to have multiple tooth extractions during one visit. Not only does this save the patient time, but offers the advantage of feeling any potential discomfort following an extraction only once.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients who have extensive or severe periodontal disease, and who need their teeth removed, are usually encourage to have multiple tooth extractions in a single visit rather than having teeth removed over multiple visits.

Our dental patients should know that multiple tooth extractions are quite different than removing one or two teeth. When the jaw bone loss is so extensive, as is often the case with severe periodontal disease, and risk of continuous dental infections and gum inflammation could impact the overall health of a dental patient, multiple tooth extractions in one visit is typically advised.

To determine if you are a candidate for multiple tooth extractions, please contact Alta Loma Dental Care directly at (909) 296-7920 and arrange your consultation.

Alta Loma Dental Care Provides Rancho Cucamonga Patients with Extraction Site Preservation

Whether it is due to an abscess, impacted wisdom tooth, advanced gum disease, or severe tooth decay, sometimes it’s necessary to extract a tooth at our Alta Loma Dental Care office.

However, it’s necessary to know that after a tooth is removed, extraction site preservation is of utmost importance. This is because the bone that supports the teeth, called the alveolar bone, begins to collapse after a tooth extraction. The gum surrounding the removed tooth begins to thin as well. If nothing is done to preserve the extraction site, the jaw bone may change shape and degenerate, and can eventually cause your teeth to shift. Of course, this can affect your ability to eat and how you speak.

Several options exist for extraction site preservation, including a dental implant and dental bridge. We at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA will discuss the options of what to do to preserve your extraction site before your tooth is removed. If you are ready to schedule your appointment for a tooth extraction with our practice, please call our office at (909) 296-7920.

Makeover Your Smile at Alta Loma Dental Care with Snap-On Smile

Do you have stained, uneven, crooked, chipped or even missing teeth?  If so, do you like the sounds of having a smile makeover without having to undergo an extensive dental procedure? Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we offer Snap-On Smile.

Snap-On Smile works just like its name. A new smile is “snapped on” and is placed over your current teeth. There are no extractions, drilling, whitening chemicals, and best of all — no pain! All it takes is just two speedy and pain free visits to our office.

• First visit: You select the style and shade of your new smile


• Second visit: After your new Snap-On Smile is manufactured (about three weeks), you’ll come back to Alta Loma Dental Care to have your new smile placed.

To learn more about the two quick visits to a new beautiful Snap-on Smile, please give our Alta Loma Dental Care office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call at (909) 296-7920.