A Brand New Smile with Porcelain Veneers

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There may be ways in which you wish you could improve your smile, but you aren’t exactly sure how. Or, you may have so many cosmetic concerns that you believe the smile you want is just out of reach. For many patients who once shared similar concerns, porcelain veneers have been able to provide the smiles they want with a surprisingly minimal amount of preparation. If you want a brand new smile, then porcelain veneers may also be the answer you are looking for.

What Needs Renewing?

Although dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease affect the majority of people, such conditions can usually be prevented with excellent dental hygiene. With cosmetic dental issues, however, that may not always be the case. Despite the care you put into your smile, things like teeth stains, chips, cracks, and more can still have a drastic influence on its appearance. Common concerns that porcelain veneers can help with often include;

  • Stains that are too intense for teeth-whitening treatment
  • Slightly cracked teeth (unless a dental crown is required, or the tooth’s interior is exposed)
  • Too much space between teeth
  • Unequally-sized teeth
  • And more

How Porcelain Veneers Can Help

A dental veneer is a small, wafer-thin shell of porcelain shaped like the front surface of your tooth. Though thin enough to fit onto the front of your teeth with minimal preparation, veneers are still durable enough to withstand your bite. They are also impressively lifelike, as the porcelain is semi-translucent and reflects light just the like enamel around your teeth. After carefully sculpting the enamel from the front of your teeth, we will take careful measurements that a skilled technician will use to craft your veneers. Once they are in place, you can care for your new smile by brushing and flossing at least twice a day, preferably with a non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also attend a dental appointment as often as recommended for routine care and maintenance.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

Quiz: How Do I Prevent Cavities?

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Tooth decay affects nearly all of us at some point in our lives. In fact, only around 2% of the population is immune to dental caries. For the rest of us, regular dental care is necessary to protect our teeth from decay. Wondering what you can do to prevent cavities? Fortunately, avoiding tooth decay is as easy as caring for your teeth.

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Contour Your Way to A Beautiful Smile: Q&A

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Do you ever wish you could somehow soften your super-pointed teeth that look something like vampire fangs? Have you grown tired of the asymmetrical appearance of your smile but assume you will just need to accept that your teeth are different lengths? One of the best things about cosmetic dentistry is that our treatments address nearly anything you can think of to improve about your smile. If gently buffing away a bit of tooth tissue will help you feel wonderful about the way your teeth look, we invite you to speak with us about how tooth contouring can benefit your smile. In the meantime, learn more with the following questions and answers:

Tooth Contouring Q&A

Question: What is contouring?

Answer: It is the gentle removal of a minimal portion of your enamel (the outermost layer of your tooth). We will use a polishing instrument to gently buff away areas of enamel that cause you to feel unhappy with the appearance of your tooth or smile.

Question: How does it work?

Answer: You will not need any anesthetic because it is quick and comfortable. We will speak with you about the areas you dislike. We will then gently reshape your teeth by reducing tissue by a minuscule amount. Treatment usually only requires one visit.

Question: What types of problems can I improve with contouring?

Answer: Tooth contouring reduces tissue, rather than building it back up like dental bonding. You can expect to achieve improved symmetry and uniformity. Contouring allows us to shorten a too-long tooth, to soften points, to smooth jagged borders, improve texture, and sometimes to create a slightly more aligned looking smile.

Question: How can you improve alignment?

Answer: If you have teeth that gently overlap one another, contouring may help. However, for severe overlapping, you may require braces. We may use tooth contouring to gently remove some tissue from the tooth that sits in front of the other – this may allow your teeth to look like they are resting next to one another, rather than like one is on top of the other.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

 

Your Questions About Root Canal Treatment

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It’s fair to say that patients are typically never excited to find out they have an infected tooth. In addition to dealing with the discomfort that accompanies an infection, you will find that the suggestion to clear infection usually includes a root canal. While you may not feel positive about the diagnosis initially, we hope you will come around as you learn more about the benefits of root canal treatment. We know you probably have a lot of questions, which is why we have gathered the following answers to inquiries we hear quite often. Keep in mind, your comfort is our greatest priority, so you can expect a gentle, empathetic approach.

Root Canal Treatment Questions

Question: Should I be nervous?

Answer: No. Root canal treatment is designed to end your discomfort by removing the source of your pain: The infection. Before your treatment begins, we will thoroughly numb the affected tooth and the tissues surrounding it so you feel relaxed during the procedure.

Question: What if I am extremely nervous?

Answer: Whether you feel jittery or simply don’t think you can go through with the procedure, we can address your anxiety and want you to know your feelings are completely normal. We offer sedation dentistry solutions if you need something to guide you into deep relaxation and tranquility. Please speak with us about your options, so we can treat your tooth as soon as possible.

Question: What will happen to my tooth afterwards?

Answer: Your infection will clear and you will regain comfort. Though we will remove infected dental pulp, your tooth will be able to continue living and remaining healthy without it. We will most likely place a beautiful, color-matched dental crown on top of your tooth, so you can enjoy a smile that continues to function comfortably, while looking beautiful.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno https://www.riversidedentalgroup.com/bonding-contouring Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

Shape and Camouflage Teeth With Dental Bonding

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Take a look at your smile in the mirror and ask yourself what has been bothering you about its appearance. If your main concern includes areas that seem like they require additional tooth tissue – such as a tooth with a minor chip – we may suggest dental bonding to shape and camouflage your esthetic concerns. Not sure what to expect from dental bonding or if it’s the right cosmetic treatment for you? Learn more with the following information and schedule an appointment if you think it may help you achieve your smile goals:

Why You May Need Bonding

Dental bonding builds up areas where the addition of tooth tissue may improve the appearance of your tooth and smile. For instance, if you have a chipped tooth, repairing that chip with additional tissue will make your tooth look whole and beautifully shaped again. By applying a material to cover problems or to create the illusion of improved or added structure, you may accomplish the following:

  • A camouflaged crack or improved chip
  • Filled spaces between teeth, so neighboring teeth look like they touch one another without the use of orthodontics
  • The appearance of a longer tooth or teeth if one or several of your teeth appear shorter than the rest – this improves the symmetrical value of your smile
  • Coverage of severe stains

How Dental Bonding Works

We begin by speaking with you about your concerns with your smile. We will then target the esthetically damaged areas by applying composite – a synthetic acrylic-resin material. Rest assured, we will color-match the resin to your surrounding tooth for a seamless, beautiful finish. After applying layers of resin, we will either camouflage the targeted area or mold the material into the desired shaped. With the use of a special curing light, we will dry and harden the material. After a tooth polishing to create final adjustments and a beautiful luster, the bonding will be complete.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

 

 

 

Porcelain Veneers: A Quiz

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If you have asked us about potential solutions for dramatically improving your smile, the surprising advantages of porcelain veneers may have caught your attention. We often suggest this cosmetic treatment to offer patients a smile makeover. Veneers are particularly helpful in cases that require us to address an extensive variety of esthetic concerns. Fortunately, veneers are tiny powerhouses, offering a long list of improvements without requiring much extra work. Within as few as two visits, we may prep your teeth, plan, and place your veneers for the beautiful, stunning smile you desire. Wondering how much you know about them? Test your knowledge with the following quiz:

Porcelain Veneers: True or False Quiz

  1. True or False: Veneers cover your entire tooth just like dental crowns.
  2. True or False: Veneers only improve whiteness and tooth shape.
  3. True or False: We will place your veneers by bonding them to your teeth.
  4. True or False: Veneers are very fragile so you will have to be extremely careful with them.

Answer Key

  1. False. Unlike crowns, veneers are super-thin casings that we place over the visible portion of your teeth only. They create a façade without resulting in total coverage.
  2. False. Porcelain veneers offer many benefits, including improved tooth shape, improved tooth size and length, coverage of cosmetic damage like cracks, chips, textural damage, and stains, they result in a whiter smile, and they even fill spaces between your teeth.
  3. True. During your second appointment, we will first temporarily apply the veneers to ensure a wonderful fit. After making any necessary adjustments, we will permanently bond them for long-term wear.
  4. False. Porcelain veneers are anything but fragile. Second to your natural teeth, which are known for their incredible strength, veneers are prized for their durability. You will not need to change your daily hygiene habits, either, as long as you brush twice a day with non-abrasive products and floss once daily.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

Simple Extractions: Your FAQs

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We recognize that you may have mixed feelings when we recommend tooth removal to solve your oral health problem. Rest assured, we suggest extractions as a last resort when other restorative treatments cannot heal or repair your tooth. This does not mean, however, that an extraction is something to feel badly about. In fact, we have suggested a simple extraction so that you may regain your comfort, to restore and protect your overall oral health, and to create a clean slate for a tooth replacement and complete, beautiful smile. Still have some questions? Learn more with the following FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions About Extractions

Question: What is a simple extraction?

Answer: This type of extraction removes a problematic tooth that is infected or severely damaged. It is not the same as a wisdom tooth extraction, which addresses impacted or poorly developing third molars.

Question: Why do I need an extraction?

Answer: We suggest this treatment when other options cannot rescue your tooth and/or when the tooth threatens surrounding teeth and tissues.

Question: What happens during an extraction?

Answer: We will first numb your tooth and the surrounding area before moving forward with the procedure. Then, we will use special dental instruments to carefully loosen the affected tooth and remove it from your mouth.

Question: What happens after the simple extraction?

Answer: We will provide you with thorough after-care instructions. You will need to remain mindful about bleeding as a clot forms. You will bite down on gauze and may expect minor bleeding that will taper off and stop within approximately 24 hours. You will also need to be careful not to dislodge the clot, which is your body’s natural healing and scabbing process. Do not touch the area, eat solid foods, or make a sucking motion for the length of time we specify and the clot will remain undisturbed.

Question: Will you replace my tooth?

Answer: We will create a customized care plan with you to replace your tooth. You may choose from among beautiful dental prosthetics, including implants, bridges, or partial dentures to complete your smile.

ABOUT YOUR CORONA DENTIST:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

What to Expect From Pediatric Care: Q&A

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Have you been thinking about bringing your child to see us but aren’t quite sure what to expect? Wondering what sorts of treatments we offer? We provide comprehensive pediatric care to ensure your child’s smile remains healthy and beautiful for many years to come. For a more detailed understanding of what you can look forward to when you schedule an appointment for your child, we encourage you to look through the following answers to questions we commonly receive from parents.

Common Questions About Pediatric Care

Question: Will you help my child feel safe?

Answer: Yes. We take special care to ensure your child feels comfortable and at ease during his or her visit. We will cater to your little one’s needs and offer a gentle approach.

Question: When should I schedule an appointment for my child?

Answer: We encourage parents to begin pediatric care for their children either by the child’s first birthday or when the first tooth makes its appearance through the gum tissue.

Question: How does early care make a difference for my child’s health?

Answer: Even before permanent teeth form, your child’s baby teeth and jaws influence the way his or her speech and chewing habits develop. Early care can help set excellent habits for life. In addition, by detecting any abnormalities early, we can guide your child’s health and smile in the right direction as it grows.

Question: Do you offer any type of special pediatric treatments?

Answer: Yes, we often encourage parents to choose dental sealants and fluoride for their children. Sealants provide a barrier over the chewing surfaces of back teeth, so your little one’s molars have a greater ability to avoid cavity formation. They may last for up to 10 years, providing long-term results. The fluoride provides minerals to your child’s teeth, keeping them strong while assisting in tooth decay prevention. These treatments are simple and comfortable.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

 

Dental Crowns: Q&A

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Have we informed you that the protection and structural support of a dental crown will improve your smile and protect your oral health? If so, you may instantly feel reassured by this information. However, you may find that you still have a variety of questions about crowns. Rather than expecting you to wait until your next visit, we have gathered the following common questions that we often receive from our patients and have provided the accompanying answers.

Dental Crowns Questions and Answers

Question: What is a crown?

Answer: A dental crown is a hollow prosthetic tooth that we will cement over your remaining natural tooth. It will provide structural support and protection.

Question: Why do I need a crown?

Answer: Your tooth is healthy enough to remain in your mouth but requires restorative care because it is physically damaged in some way or has undergone root canal treatment. In some cases, we may also offer crowns for serious cosmetic needs.

Question: What can I expect?

Answer: We will first prepare your tooth by carefully reshaping it for a wonderful crown fit. Next, we will take impressions of your top and bottom teeth to ensure the final fit affords you a comfortable bite.

Question: What happens while my impressions are at the lab?

Answer: You will wear a temporary crown until we receive your permanent crown. You will then visit us for your fitting and can expect a beautifully restored smile.

Question: What types of crowns do you offer? We offer a variety of crown types to suit your particular needs and your budget. You may choose from zirconia, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or metal.

Question: How will I decide which type of crown is right for me?

Answer: We will choose the crown based on the location of your damaged tooth, the strength required, and your budget. For example, we typically suggest zirconia or porcelain for front, visible teeth, so your smile continues to look natural. In the meantime, we tend to reserve PFM and metal for back teeth, which onlookers cannot see as well and which require greater strength.

ABOUT YOUR CORONA DENTIST:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.

 

Tooth Contouring Advantages

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What do you know about the art of tooth contouring and its ability to smooth and reshape your smile? Have you ever considered this cosmetic treatment but feel you just don’t know enough about what it has to offer – or how it may affect your teeth – so you hesitate to ask? We recognize that new treatments often sound overwhelming to patients, which is why we hope to clarify your understanding of this particularly helpful solution to minor smile imperfections. If the gentle smoothing or reduction of tooth tissue would bring your smile from “okay” to beautiful, we encourage you to consider the following advantages of contouring:

Advantage #1

Tooth contouring is simple and budget-friendly – you may select it for one tooth or several teeth.

Advantage #2

Contouring is comfortable, typically requiring no anesthetic, making it a wonderful option for nearly everyone. We will use a gentle polishing instrument to carefully buff away a minimal portion of your tooth’s outermost layer, known as enamel. This will improve the appearance of your teeth without compromising structural integrity or your oral health. Think of this treatment as a gentle, subtractive service that takes away small amounts of tissue for cosmetic improvement.

Advantage #3

We can improve the look of your smile with simple changes, including the following: We may address gently overlapping teeth for the appearance of teeth that lie more evenly side-by-side. This may allow you to achieve a straighter looking smile without braces, while enjoying less challenging daily hygiene. Contouring can smooth away rough edges, as well, such as a jagged tooth or a tooth that is quite pointed. Or we may simply improve the shape or length of your teeth for a more pleasing appearance and a symmetrical smile. For instance, we can reduce a tooth that looks longer than the rest, so your smile appears uniform and beautiful.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.