We Provide a Periodontics Treatment for Gums That Are Inflamed or Receding

As a periodontics office, we receive questions every day regarding how gum disease develops, the symptoms, and how smiles can be improved after they have been damaged by gum disease. We care about our patients and their questions, and we gladly provide answers to help educate patients on periodontal disease. Listed below are just a selected number of questions we receive and our answers to them.  

How do I know if I have Periodontal Disease?
When your gum disease is first developing it may be hard to tell. This is one reason why it is so important to keep up with regular dentist visits. We can tell you if your gums are irritated or infected before you even notice it. Gum disease normally starts in the form of gingivitis. At this stage, you may notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss. You may also notice that your gums look like a brighter red color, and they could begin swelling. As your gingivitis develops into periodontitis, you may experience more gum swelling, gum receding, a metallic taste in your mouth, loose teeth, bad breath, tooth abscesses, and eventually tooth loss. If you are experiencing any number of these symptoms, you should visit our periodontics office as soon as possible for a diagnosis.

Can a general dentist treat my gum disease or do I have to see a periodontist?
Every dentist is educated on the basics of diagnosing and treating gum disease. You could see a general dentist, but should visit a dentist who has extensive training in gum development, care, and disease and how gum disease affects your entire dental structure. Our practice revolves around gum treatment, so you can be confident that we are up to date and experienced in the best treatment methods available. If you have advanced periodontal disease, we would encourage you to visit our periodontics office immediately for help. When you come in, we will examine your teeth and gums, take x-rays and perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from under the surface of your gums.  As a result, your gums will be able to return to good health, often without the need for additional treatments.

Can a periodontist fix the damage that was caused by periodontal disease?
Yes, we are thoroughly trained on cosmetic procedures that will correct a damaged smile. If your gums have receded due to periodontal disease, we can perform a gum graft to restore them. If you have lost any teeth because of periodontal disease, we can provide permanent and attractive dental implants. We can also perform other treatments to cover tooth roots, to improve shaping and contouring, and to lengthen or shorten teeth that look out of place due to effects of periodontal disease. A visit to our periodontics office can drastically improve your dental structure and appearance.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about periodontal disease and procedures we can offer to improve your smile. If you need comprehensive care for your gum disease, visit our periodontics office today.

Family Dentist  >  Dentist

Visit an Invisalign® Dentist to Improve Your Smile This Summer

As an Invisalign® dentist, we can begin to straighten your teeth before you head out for your summer vacation.  Visit us to find out why thousands of people are making this the summer of transformation. We already associate summer with fun things. From beach parties to barbecues with family, and even the annual office picnic, the summer is full of fun, frolic, and family. For many families, the summer is a time to get away. In fact, over 88% of families, that take a vacation, pack up to head out of town this time of the year. Whether you are going to be visiting friends and family, traveling to parts unknown, or just enjoying the socializing in your own neighborhood, one this is certain. For millions of Americans, the summer can also be extremely stressful. This is because they, and maybe you, suffer from a condition known as malocclusion - crooked teeth. With this condition people lose their confidence in their smile and hence tend to be more conscious about smiling for family selfies. Unfortunately, smiling is not really an option. It is guaranteed that there are going to be people with camera phones, looking for their perfect Facebook moment. So you have a choice. Either spend every summer not smiling, or visit our Invisalign® dentist office and let us help you to make that change.

Deciding to see an Invisalign® dentist is the first step in making a decision to change your teeth for the better. The question many people have is why they should choose the Invisalign® system over the traditional braces. From a perspective of all the great food that you are going to want to try this summer, it is an easy choice. With the traditional braces, your primary function is to make sure they do not get damaged. This means avoiding any food that is so hard that it may damage the braces, avoiding any food that is so sticky that it might get stuck in the braces, and avoiding food that can be messy. The restrictions are so severe that there is a veritable laundry list of foods that you must not have, foods you should avoid, and foods that are difficult to eat.

With Invisalign®, you do not have to worry about food restrictions. This is because Invisalign® is designed for maximum comfort and is completely removable, allowing you to eat whatever you want. Naturally there are things we do not want you to eat when you are going through the treatment, but, for the most part, there are very few things you cannot eat. Simply remove the Invisalign® aligners and put them in a safe place. After you are done eating, you will want to make sure to thoroughly clean your teeth and then replace the aligners. Cleaning your teeth is one vital step since it makes sure that no food gets stuck between the aligners and the enamel. Otherwise, you can enjoy summer parties without worrying about your teeth or how you are treating them.  To learn more call our Invisalign® dentist office.

Orthodontics  >  Dental Veneers

Visit Our Family Dentist Office for the Best Possible Care

As a local family dentist, we offer you the best in patient care.  We understand how essential teeth are to your ability to enjoy life without restriction.  While most people do not think about their teeth, we think about them all of the time. Without your teeth, daily activities would become incredibly difficult.  Things, like greeting your friends or speaking on the phone, would be challenging since teeth make it possible to speak clearly.  Trying a new entrée at your favorite restaurant would be difficult because, without teeth, you cannot eat comfortably.  In fact, there are some foods you wouldn't be able to eat at all.  While everyone knows this – virtually no one thinks about it until it is too late, and they have lost some of their teeth.

Our job is to think about your teeth so that you do not have to.  We work to keep your teeth in excellent health so that they can remain in place without causing you any discomfort or irritation.  To do so, we need to see you on a regular basis and suggest that you visit our dental office for a teeth cleaning twice a year.

What to Expect From a Family Dentist
In our dental office, we offer a variety of procedures to keep your teeth and gums in good health while also improving how your smile appears.  We realize that while your health is the first priority, how your smile looks matters as well.  With numerous studies proving that how your smile looks will influence how people perceive you, we take appearance into consideration when making all of our treatment recommendations.  This is important because much of what we do can address both health and appearance, function and form, at the same time.  A perfect example of this is the dental implant.  For those that have lost a tooth, there is no better solution than an implant.  To complete this procedure, we implant a metal post under your gums and secure it to your jawbone.  This creates a new root system for the tooth to be attached to.  In addition to restoring the appearance of your smile, the implant provides the stimulation your jawbone needs to prevent resorption from taking place.  In this way, an implant can give you a beautiful smile while also improving your health.
When you visit our dental office, you can be confident that we will listen to your needs and take them into consideration.  We will present treatment options that will sufficiently address any health problems you are facing while also restoring or improving the appearance of your smile.

How to Select a Family Dentist.
If you do not currently have a family dentist or are looking for a new one, we invite you to schedule a consultation or dental exam.  We are conveniently located and make it easy to schedule an appointment.  If you are trying to decide which dentist to visit, we invite you to read our patient reviews.  The best way to determine what you can expect is to hear what other patients have to say, and we are delighted that our patients have taken the time do review our practice.

Dentist  >  Braces Dentist

Should I Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants act as an artificial root that is placed into your jawbone, and will fuse after a period

of time with the bone. This implant will hold replacement teeth in place. This can be done for many teeth, or just one. Replacement teeth will be made to match the natural teeth in your mouth.  The process usually takes anywhere from three months to six in the Vista area. You will be given a temporary prosthetic to use during this process.

Advantages of Dental Implants    

There are many advantages having dental implants, over other options available. Some of these advantages include:

    •       Your oral health will be improved. Teeth nearby do not need to be altered, giving your oral health long term improvement. Access between the teeth in easier, allowing for better oral hygiene.

    •       Your appearance will be improved. They feel and look like your real teeth, and because of the fusing they will become permanent.

    •       Comfort, eliminating the discomfort that removable dentures usually cause.

    •       Eating with dental implants is easier, than dentures that slide and make it difficult to chew. With acting in the same way as your natural teeth, you can still enjoy all the foods you love with no pain.

    •       Better speech than when wearing removable dentures, that may be poor fitting making you slur or mumble your words.  

    •       Self esteem returned, due to having your smile back, and no more trying to hide your mouth while talking.

    •       Dental implants are extremely durable making them last several years. Some implants can last an entire lifetime, with the right care.

    •       Convenience over removable dentures. You do not need to remove dental implants daily, or try keeping them in place with messy adhesives.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

In the majority of cases, anybody that is healthy enough for a normal extraction or dental surgery, is a candidate for dental implants. Age usually does not play a part, in deciding if you are a good candidate for them. Candidates need to have enough bone for the implant to be held, and healthy gums, as well. You must be able to have regular visits to your dentist, and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. For heavy smokers, or people with certain health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes will be evaluated individually. Your dental surgeon will review the health and dental records, to determine if your a suitable candidate if any of these situations apply to you.

When is The Right Time to Consider Getting Dental Implants?

The optimal time for dental implant placement is within six months from the time of losing the tooth. However, dental implants may be placed at anytime, depending on a few factors. Planning for your implant should be done at the time of an extraction, if performed by the same dentist. This can help with preserving the bone making the site idealistic for the implant.

Are Implants Painful?

The majority of people that have had implants placed, say there is little discomfort. Your dental surgeon can use local anesthesia, making the placement of dental implants less painful for you than a common tooth extraction. Your dentist can prescribe some pain medication, or you can use over the counter for any soreness you may encounter.

Caring For Dental Implants

Dental implants are much simpler to care for than, removable dentures. They require the exact same care as your real teeth. Brushing, flossing, along with dental check up on a regular basis.

If in the Vista, CA area, and are interested in dental implants, contact Dr. Miller for a free consultation! (760) 630-5000

Answers to Common Questions About Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are paper-thin pieces of porcelain. They are used to replace the damaged enamel on your teeth. These porcelain strips are so incredibly thin that they literally take on some of the aspects of the enamel they are replacing. For example the porcelain veneers are extremely hard, matching the fact that dental enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Dental veneers are also extremely brittle, and like enamel you need to exhibit relative caution with what you bite down on. Dental veneers are extremely natural looking, allowing us to craft the perfect looking tooth by replacing a small portion of your enamel with this porcelain strip.

Do dental veneers work for everyone?
The better way to answer this question is to state that in a tiny percentage of the population there exists conditions that prevent dental veneers from being an ideal solution. However, in the vast majority of the patients we see there are no such issues, and dental veneers are a perfect solution. To determine if you are an excellent candidate for veneers, we will schedule a first consultation and examination. This examination, not only, looks for larger problems that could lead to you not qualifying for dental veneers, but also for smaller challenges that may need to be fixed as they could complicate your dental veneer placements. For most patients, they have no issues, and we can proceed while for others it is typically a small challenge that is easily addressed prior to continuing down the road of attaching the veneers.

How are dental veneers attached?
Once we have determined that you are an excellent candidate for veneers, we will begin the attachment process. To make sure that the veneers are a perfect fit, we will shave away a tiny portion of your enamel. Typically this is a few millimeters. What this does is allow us to place the veneers flush with the rest of your teeth so that you have that smooth, natural look. Next, we will place a temporary veneer on the tooth, using a water-based glue to secure it in place.  This needs to be worn while the dental lab creates your permanent veneer using the impression we have taken of your mouth along with measurements.  This typically takes a week or two so you will need to be careful with what you eat.

When the dental lab is done, you will come back in to have the temporary veneer removed and the permanent veneer bonded in place. We will then fit the veneers, molding and shaping them to be an exact fit for the area of enamel we are replacing. At this time, we will also make sure that the enamel is a perfect match, color-wise, to what you have selected. Once all of this is done, and we have made sure to double check your bite, we will adhere the veneers to the tooth using dental cement.

Teeth Whitening  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Learn About Orthodontics Treaments For All Ages

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that specializes in treating patients with improper bites, crooked teeth and abnormal alignment of the teeth. No matter how old you are, orthodontics can help to rectify and straighten your bite. Most people are under the impression that braces or Invisalign® are solely for adolescents and teens. However, in reality, close to one-third of all orthodontic patients in the United States are adults.

Because a young person's bones are still relatively soft and their teeth move quite easily, it is preferable to start orthodontic treatment early in life. In fact, the American Dental Association suggests that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. While the treatment might take a little longer, it is never too late to fix misaligned, crooked, or poorly spaced teeth. If you are an adult who would like to straighten or correct your smile, our team can help you achieve your goals in the shortest timeframe possible.

Common Orthodontic Problems

One of the most common problems seen by orthodontists is a malocclusion or 'bad bite', which may be genetically caused, but can also be the result of thumb sucking, poor dental hygiene, poor nutrition, etc. In an ideal situation, your upper teeth should fit just outside of your lower ones, in much the same way as a lid fits on a box.  Here are some of the specific problems that we see -

• Under and Over Bites: If either the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth or vice verse. An overbite can, and usually does, increase wear and tear of the front teeth.
• Open Bite: Is when upper and lower incisors do not meet when the mouth is closed. Not only is an open unattractive, but it can cause problems with speech, chewing and wear on the teeth that do meet.
• Widely Spaced, or Gaps Between the Teeth: This is strictly a cosmetic issue unless it is caused by missing teeth.
• Crowding: Occurs when teeth have insufficient room that causes some teeth to be either pushed back or forward which could cause some of your teeth to become more worn than others. Overcrowded teeth are less than attractive and difficult to clean, resulting in tooth decay. Additionally, some teeth will push either forward or backward, which makes them difficult to keep clean, also leading to decay.

Diagnosis and Treatment

On your first orthodontics visit, we will then review you dental records, physically examine your mouth, take impressions of your teeth so we can accurately evaluate what your problems are, and how best to treat them to achieve the results you are looking for.

We are board certified specialists and our staff is highly skilled, offering a wide spectrum of orthodontic solutions for children, teens and adults. We offer many state-of-the-art treatment options to straighten your teeth, including

• Aligners and braces to straighten your teeth
• Removal Of Teeth To Correct Overcrowding
• Re-shaping, Bonding, Or Capping Teeth

We will go over your treatment plan in detail with you, so you have a full understanding of all proposed procedures. Taking the first steps towards a perfect smile has never been easier than calling to schedule an appointment.

Choosing the Best Dentist in Vista CA

When searching for the best dentist in Vista CA, there are some suggestions you should follow. The choice for the right dentist needs to be made carefully. This is a relationship that you will share for years. You want a dentist that makes you feel comfortable as well as trained properly. However, do not rush with choosing, and do not wait until an emergency arises. Do your research for a dentist that meets your families needs.

Ask Around for Recommendations

Ask family and friends if they know of any dentists in the Vista Ca area, that they recommend. Find out who they trust, and who they see. Ask your doctor is they recommend anybody. If moving to the Vista Ca area, ask the dentist you are currently seeing to recommend a dentist.

When Choosing a Dentist What Should I Look For

There are a number of things to look for before making the final choice. Some information that you need to know up front is about insurance. Do they take the insurance that you carry? Find out if they will submit claim forms to all insurance companies. If you are not insured, do they have any other payment options? Some dentists offer financing through CareCredit.

Is the dentist a member of the American Dental Association? If a member of the ADA, they have agreed with the ADA codes, and must abide by them. Three components of the ADA includes Advisory Opinions, Principles of Ethics, and Code of Professional Conduct.

Questions to Ask Prior to Making the Final Choice

There are several questions that need to be asked. Depending on what you are more comfortable with, some of them can be answered on the phone, or in person.

• What are the office hours they offer? You will want to make sure these hours are convenient to your schedule.
• When coming from home or work, can the office be reached easily? Look for dentist offices in Vista Ca and the surrounding areas.
• With preventive dentistry, how do they approach it? Are cleanings and exams done regularly?
• When it comes to anesthesia, are they certified for administering it so you feel relaxed during a treatment?
• If an appointment is missed, what is their policy? Most offices request at least a 24-48 hour notice before cancellation, or a fee is charged.
• Before they start any treatments, are all the fees, payment plans, and treatment plan discussed? You do not want to have a treatment, and find out afterward your insurance did not cover it.
• How do they handle emergencies that are not during office hours? Some dentists have arrangements with an emergency service when they are not able to tend to you.

Visit the Dental Office

The appearance of the office is something to consider, as well. Make an appointment to visit and observe the surroundings. The waiting room and exam room should be clean, orderly, and neat. Be sure to look at all the surfaces. Look at the dental staff and dentist, and see if they wear gloves when doing patient treatments. Ask the staff any questions that you may have, were they willing and helpful with answering? You will also want them to make you feel welcome. 

While making a decision to find a new dentist is important, it does not have to be difficult. Using this advice can make choosing the right dentist for you and your family, a much simpler process.

When dental work is needed in Vista Ca and surrounding areas speak with Dr. Yaron Miller, of Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center. To contact our office, call (760) 630-5000 or visit us online at vistadentistry.com.