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. 

Alta Loma Dental Care Promotes Proper Oral Hygiene for Fresh Breath

There’s no better feeling than waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. After a night of sleep, all the food, drink and whatever else you consumed the day before is still there, no matter how much you brush and rinse. So does this mean that you need to carry a toothbrush with you all day to maintain that fresh breath? No, you can reverse bad breath just by having a regular brushing and flossing routine.

 

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about your bad breath, it happens to millions of Americans. Food and drink particles are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually carried to your lungs, causing bad breath. There are things you can do to help improve your breath and it all starts with your oral hygiene routine. If you are not brushing and flossing daily, those food particles can remain in your mouth. These untouched particles promote bacterial growth between teeth, around gums and on the tongue causing bad breath. If you fall into this category, try a regimented brushing schedule and always rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.

 

Smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath. These activities also stain teeth, reduce the ability to taste foods and irritate the gums. Basically, if you are worried about your breath because you use tobacco, stop using tobacco.

 

Persistent halitosis or a consistent bad taste in your mouth might be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and the gums become irritated. Other causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries. 

 

If you are suffering from halitosis, schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA dental practice by calling 909-987-6268. If one of your friends is suffering from bad breath and you don't want to be rude, direct them to our website (www.altalomadentalcare.com) so they can learn more about treatment options.

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.