Do You Need to Visit a Periodontist?

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Has your general dentist recommended that you see a periodontist? Are you concerned that you might have severe periodontal disease (periodontitis)? Fortunately, the Riverside dentists at Riverside Dental Group include experienced specialists for all your periodontal needs. For patients harboring periodontal disease of any level, there is a high risk for developing periodontitis without the help of a proactive dental team such as Riverside Dental Group. We provide attentive and thorough care to patients of all levels, with all sorts of dental needs. Our specialists can help with orthodontics, endodontics (root canals) and periodontics.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist who has embarked upon additional education for treating severe periodontal infections. Periodontists diagnose and treat all forms of gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental conditions we see in our office. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Which Patients Require a Periodontist?

General dentists are trained to diagnose and address periodontal disease. However, patients with periodontitis usually require additional treatments in order to maintain their oral health and reduce the discomfort which often accompanies periodontitis. If your case is severe enough, your general dentist may recommend visiting a periodontist who will have the specialized skills to treat your case. This may also be prudent if you have certain medical conditions or higher risks factors for developing severe gum disease. For example, if you are a patient with diabetes or a heavy tobacco user, visiting a periodontist may help prevent the development or advancement of gum disease to a point where you have tooth loss or permanent jaw damage.

Managing Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an aggressive infection of your gingival tissues (gums). Periodontal infections can destroy bone mass in your jawbone and cause permanent tooth loss. To manage severe gum disease, professional treatments relieve discomfort. Scaling and root planing (sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning) will include thoroughly cleaning the deep pockets which develop between gum tissues and jawbone when you have severe gum disease. That said, a good periodontist always keeps patient comfort in mind. Our specialists apply state of the art technology and a gentle nature to help improve your oral health.

Visit your Riverside Dentist

If you are in need of a periodontist, contact our Riverside dentist office at (951) 369-1001 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.

Is it Time to Visit the Orthodontist?

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According to the American Association of Orthodontics, one in five patients seek some form of teeth straightening treatment as an adult. Dealing with orthodontic issues in adulthood is increasingly common thanks to the abundance of discreet options now available. The Temecula dentists at the Oasis Family Dental will share a few reasons to make an appointment for an evaluation.

Your Initial Orthodontic Appointment

Although the number of orthodontic patients over 18 has grown over the years, orthodontists ideally aim to catch problems early on.Children should have an appointment with an orthodontist by the age of seven, says the American Dental Association. Treating malocclusion (also known as a misaligned bite) early in life aids in the prevention of cavities. Crooked, twisted, or misaligned teeth provide areas for food debris to become trapped since toothbrushes and floss can’t reach the overlaps.This causes a greater risk for plaque development and the infections which go along with them. (more…)

Invisalign or Porcelain Veneers?

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Traditional bracket-and-wire metal braces have long been standard in orthodontics. There is still a place for them. Metal braces are a fine option for adolescents all the way to adults who have certain bite issues or particular orthodontic quandaries. Complaints have spanned time just as much as metal braces: discomfort, mouth sores, tooth decay underneath the brackets, discoloration, tooth breaks, persistently caught food debris, and limitations in eating. The advantages of alternative treatments such as Invisalign may seem fairly obvious, but is one of the most current and innovative possibilities for straightening a misaligned or crooked smile everything it’s cracked up to be? Most dentists think so.

Invisalign Basics

Invisalign is a system comprised of a series of customized clear alignment trays meant to be (more…)

Root Canal Therapy Truths and Myths

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Although root canal therapy is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure, some people may still feel a bit apprehensive about seeking treatment for their diseased tooth. Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the worse the infection can become and the greater the risk of losing the tooth altogether. To help raise awareness of the dangers of neglecting serious dental treatment, your Corona dentists explain the reasons for, and importance of, root canal therapy.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

In mild cases of tooth decay that only affect the enamel and dentin of a tooth, a dental filling will usually suffice to repair the damage and restore the tooth. When decay reaches far enough inward to reach the pulp, however, a root canal procedure is necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth. You may also need root canal treatment if trauma cracks or fractures your tooth far enough to expose the pulp to bacteria and food debris. Common symptoms that can indicate the need for treatment include: (more…)

Coconut Oil: A New Battler of Tooth Decay?

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According to a recent study instituted by the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland, coconut oil (after digested) has the ability to combat the harmful bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) which cause tooth decay. This information was released at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick, where researchers stated that coconut oil acts as a natural antibiotic which could potentially be integrated into a number of different oral hygiene products.

Research Study

Scientists found that coconut oil (in its natural state) does not have an affect on bacteria. However, after coconut oil has been digested, it can inhibit the growth of S. mutans, along with other strains of Streptococcus. To simulate the digestion process, researchers treated the coconut oil with enzymes. When the enzymes are introduced, the research team believes, the coconut oil breaks down into acids which are effective against bacteria. 

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Healthy Teeth from the Inside Out

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California has a reputation for gorgeous coastlines, plenty of sunshine, and Hollywood good looks. Part of what makes any person attractive (no matter where they live) is their smile. In fact, studies show that when it comes to first impressions, smile and eyes are at the top of the list. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks that tooth decay, missing teeth, red, swollen gums, or any major smile flaws are attractive. For that reason, keeping your smile in good health, from the inside out, is important.

Outside: Enamel

You’ve heard of a “hard head” or “hard bones,” but your teeth (small as they are) are also amazingly (more…)

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Services

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In an independent study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, participants were questioned about their image. The majority stated that their number one cosmetic desire in terms of dentistry was a whiter smile. This remains one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services we provide at Riverside Dental Group. There are certainly many others.

Straightening Your Smile

Another popular choice for improving your smile is orthodontic treatment. In the same AACD study, when asked, “What is the first thing you notice about a person’s smile?” most participants answered “straightness.” Straight teeth enhance your image, but will also help you maintain better oral health. Orthodontics of various types correct harmful malocclusion and embarrassing crooked teeth. For image-conscious adults, Invisalign clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires. The clear alignment trays move your teeth gradually to the correct position to give you a healthier, more beautiful smile. Additionally, Invisalign clear braces are removable for cleaning and eating. The treatment also takes a relatively short time – generally about a year in the majority of cases. (more…)

Choosing the Right Corona Dentist

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Finding the right general dentist can be a challenge. Informing yourself on the quality and reputation of local dental office teams is very important, but there are other factors involved which you might not even think about considering. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona will suggest some of the best ways for narrowing down your search.

Know the Services a Dentist Provides

The term “general dentist” can incorporate a number of aspects of dentistry. Nearly all general dentists will offer regular with cleanings. Many will also offer endodontic services, including placing crowns and performing root canals. Some general dentists also perform cosmetic dentistry procedures, including such services as teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. Others might offer sedation dentistry or pediatric dentistry.  Do you want a dentist who can treat your entire family, including the kids? Are you scared of dentist visits and open to the idea of sleeping through dental work?  Before you start your search, it is important to know exactly what services you want your dentist to provide.

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What are Teeth For?

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at Riverside Dental Group will tell you more about dental fractures.

Don’t Crack your Teeth Up

Cracked tooth syndrome is most treatable when identified early. If a fracture is serious and not tended to, you could end up with severe decay and potentially irreparable tooth damage leading to the need for extraction and replacement. When oral bacteria have the opportunity to sneak through the cracks, the germs will infiltrate your dental pulp. This means cavities, gum disease, gum recession, root canal treatments, and/or the aforementioned extraction. Once bacteria reaches the pulp chamber and attacks the roots of your teeth, you are likely to have inflammation and infection. When nerves in your tooth die, this is clinically referred to as pulpal necrosis. You are also at risk for a tooth abscess if you let a bad fracture go unattended.

Jawbone Fractures

Dental fractures aren’t simply defined as cracks in your teeth. Jawbone fractures are also one of the more common dental injuries we see in our office.  There are numerous ways that your jaw can end up becoming fractured. High impact sports, car accidents, running into an immovable object, or getting punched (accidentally or otherwise) are all examples of ways to end up with a jawbone fracture. If your jaw is injured in a way which gives you intense pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness, seek immediate dental attention.

Visit your Riverside Dentists

If you have dental health concerns such as a fracture, crack, or chip, we can help. We are happy to offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. If you are due for a dental checkup or cleaning, or you have any concerns, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.

 

Teeth Grinding Driving you Mad?

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Stress can cause, contribute to, and exacerbate many health conditions. So if you’re wondering what bruxism has to do with stress and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), wonder no more. Stress isn’t proven to directly cause bruxism, but it certainly doesn’t help. In today’s fast-paced society, stressors are everywhere. Whether you’re fighting traffic on your way to and from work, getting chewed out by your boss, arguing with your spouse, yelling at your kids, or simply keeping a very hectic schedule, you might find yourself clenching and grinding most when you are feeling tense. Bruxism should be brought to the attention of the Temecula dentists at Oasis Dental Group. Together you can discuss your treatment options, and prevent stress from damaging your teeth.

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