Posted on

Dental implant – an affordable way to get back your smile!

dental implant
Replacing a broken or missing tooth has become an easy task. However, choosing the wrong option can lead to a number of complications. Hence, it is best to think twice and choose wisely. Chances are you might find an affordable dental care near you that gives a permanent solution like an implant.

The benefits given below will provide you a clarity on why a dental implant is a best and affordable solution to a beautiful smile.

What are implants?

A dental implant is an option to replace your missing or fallen tooth. To be precise, a rod-like structure is implanted in the place of a missing root. Later, a crown is attached over it. You get back your missing tooth with an implant.

What are all-on-4 dental implants?

Usually, when a single tooth goes missing, you can replace it with an implant. However, with a severe injury or damage to multiple teeth, you might need an all-on-4.

All-on-4 dental implants are nothing but replacing almost all the teeth in a jaw with only four implants. This avoids the need to place an implant for every missing tooth and saves you plenty of time and pain. As it is understood, all-on-4 dental implants are affordable and seamless.

Dental implants and its aesthetic benefits

Look young

A smile less than perfect is a good reason to make you look older than your real age. When your missing teeth are replaced, you eventually begin to smile your fullest.

The shape of your face

When the teeth fall, the root also goes missing and the jawbone lacks stimulation. As a result, it loses the bone mass and the shape begins to deteriorate. However, when there is an implant, the stimulation is maintained and your face looks naturally beautiful.

Functionality benefits of all-on-4

Bite-force

Since dental implants are rooted in the jaw with a titanium post, which replaces the roots, they allow you to bite with the same force as your natural teeth. Other tooth replacements tend to move from their place and make you feel less comfortable.

Cavities and regular care

Regular brushing and flossing are mandatory for your teeth. However, the materials dental implants are made of do not decay. You can be worry-free about decays in your implants.

Supports adjacent teeth

An all-on-4 implant supports the adjacent teeth and prevents them from moving from their respective places. This avoids crowding or misplacement of teeth in the jaw. This also fills the gaps in between the teeth and gives you a complete smile.

If you are opting for affordable implant dentistry at affordable prices in and around South San Jose, ring us up at (408) 225-6815 for appointments.

Posted on

Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy

Do you want to know more about your child’s dental health?

Your child’s dental healthcare is important. Taking care of your kid’s teeth and teaching children to care for their teeth is vital. Here at The Dental Dimensions, your San Jose, CA, dentists can help you.

pediatric dentist San jose

Dental Care After Birth

After giving birth to your child, you should wipe their gums with a moist washcloth or gauze. Once your baby’s first tooth erupts, decay may occur. The first tooth usually pushes through gums at about six months old, but may take up to 12 or 14 months.

Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

Until your child is able to brush their teeth, you need to brush and floss for them. Brush their teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Once two teeth are adjacent to each other, you have to floss between them to prevent cavities and decay.

Make sure you take your child to the dentist’s office for checkups.

Children Brushing Their Own Teeth

Your child has to start brushing their teeth by age three, according to your San Jose pediatric dentist, because they’ve already grown a full set of teeth. From ages three to six they’ll use no more than a smear of toothpaste and you will need to supervise them to ensure they are brushing correctly.

Child’s First Dental Appointment

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist when their first tooth erupts to examine your child’s dental hygiene, growth and development.

Before the visit, make sure:

To speak positively about dental visits and avoid speaking about them in a negative context

You talk with your child about visiting the dentist
Your child is well rested

For any questions or concerns regarding your child’s hygiene, call your dentists at The Dental Dimensions in San Jose, CA.

Posted on

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Over the years, your Cupertino and West and South San Jose, CA dentist has performed a number of restorative procedures on a lower left molar. Now, you lost a significant portion of that tooth, and it’s starting to hurt. At The Dental Dimensions, Dr. Shetty, Bhatia and Yoneyama often recommend root canal therapy, or endodontics, to restore heavily damaged teeth, relieving pain and infection. Do you need a root canal?

root canal treatment sanjose

Your tooth structure

Each and every one of your teeth has important structural elements:

  • Highly calcified tooth enamel
  • Softer, yellow dentin which also contains tubules capable of transmitting sensation to the interior of the tooth
  • Interior pulp made up of blood vessels, supportive tissue and nerves
  • A unique place in your mouth

Because of that unique place in your mouth, your tooth is indispensable. After all, tooth loss weakens teeth which adjoin a gap, compromises biting, chewing and speech and prematurely ages facial features.

So because your tooth is so important, your Cupertino and West and South San Jose dentist will endeavor to save it. Root canal therapy could do just that.

The root canal process

Endodontic therapy removes diseased and injured pulp. Taking just two one-hour appointments at The Dental Dimensions, this restorative treatment will preserve your tooth and extend its lifespan indefinitely.

The process starts with digital X-rays and a visual inspection of the tooth and its surrounding gums. These steps pinpoint exactly what’s happening with your tooth. Often, ailing teeth exhibit more than cracks, chips or pain, they also may cause:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Bad breath
  • Discoloration
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Jaw swelling
  • Drainage

So it’s important for your dentist to diagnose your tooth’s condition accurately and then, if warranted, proceed with the root canal.

To do this, the dentist isolates the tooth with a rubber dam, dries it and administers numbing medication. Then, they open the tooth and cleans each of the tooth’s root canals with small files. The dentist rinses the canals, disinfects them and seals them with a rubbery putty called gutta-percha. A temporary cap protects the tooth as it heals over the subsequent week to ten days.

When you return to The Dental Dimensions, your dentist will remove the cap and bond a new porcelain crown in place. You can expect your symptom-free and beautifully realistic tooth to last for years to come. Just brush twice daily and floss once a day as the American Dental Association recommends. Also, come to the office twice a year for your routine check-ups and hygienic cleanings.

Find out more

You may be able to keep that tooth. So find out during a restorative dentistry consultation at The Dental Dimensions serving Cupertino and West and South San Jose, CA. We have two locations to serve you. For the Prospect Road office, call (408) 252-3212. For Cahalan Avenue, call (408) 225-6815.

Posted on

How to Maintain Your Child’s Oral Health Regimen

What your dentists in South and West San Jose want you to know

When you take care of your child’s oral regimen, you are helping to maintain the oral health of your child. When you help the oral health of your child, you are also taking an important step to guard your child’s overall health too!

children dentistry sanjose

How do you take care of your child’s oral regimen? Your dentists at The Dental Dimensions are here to help answer that question. They have two convenient office locations in San Jose, CA, to serve your family’s needs.

Your child is never too young to benefit from oral hygiene. In fact, your child is at risk for tooth decay right after the first tooth erupts. That’s why it’s important to remember to never put your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice because your child’s teeth will be bathed in sugar all night long!

Ideally, your child’s oral regimen should include brushing after meals and before bed. You can teach your child to brush by taking a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Tell your child not to swallow the toothpaste. Stand behind your child with both of you looking in the mirror. Using a gentle, circular movement, brush all surfaces of your child’s teeth and along the gumline while your child is looking in the mirror. Your child should demonstrate the technique back to you.

Flossing can be taught around the age of four when your child has better hand dexterity. Your child should watch you floss and then try flossing while looking in a mirror. Floss picks are often helpful when your child is first learning how to floss. Floss picks are available in kid-friendly shapes and sizes. By the age of eight, your child should be flossing independently on a daily basis.

Taking care of your child’s oral regimen is an important and rewarding part of maintaining health. For more information about pediatric and family dental health and treatment, call your dentists at The Dental Dimensions in South and West San Jose, CA. Call today!

Posted on

Don’t Let Gaps Control Your Smile

Small gaps can be attractive in some patients, but when a gap is large or tooth-sized, you may want to consider cosmetic help from a dentist. In some cases, a gap can control the way you feel about your teeth and make you feel insecure. Take back your smile with the help of dental implants and the team at The Dental Dimensions in West and South San Jose, CA.

dental implants sanjose

The gaps in your smile that are left by missing teeth can be hard to live with, and not just for aesthetic reasons. You need your teeth for healthy digestion and to protect your gum health. The layers of bone tissue in your jaw will eventually go away after a period of time if the gap isn’t filled, so gaps in the smile can contribute to loss of facial structure. While dentures can only superficially fix a gap, dental implants help resolve all of those issues.

Your West and South San Jose dentist can get gaps under control and restore your smile with dental implants. Because implants fill the space beneath the gumline all the way up to the crown, you can chew with confidence—there’s no fear of the dental device falling out at an inopportune time. Your bone tissue will remain strong and viable. Best of all, the crown can be designed to look exactly like your other teeth in color, size, and shape.

Dental Implants Are a Reliable, Long-Lasting Solution

You can count on dental implants to fill in your smile gaps for an extended period of time. Once an implant heals through a process called osseointegration, it becomes a permanent part of your mouth. It will continue to support a dental crown for as long as you take care of your gums.

A Happy Smile with Dental Implants

You should feel positive about your smile. If gaps are holding you back, contact Dr. Deepak Shetty, Dr. Kavita Bhatia, and Dr. May Yoneyama of The Dental Dimensions to ask about dental implants. Call (408) 252-3212 today to schedule an appointment at the West San Jose, CA location on 20445 Prospect Road or (408) 225-6815 for the location at 5710 Cahalan Avenue in South San Jose, CA.

Posted on

Tooth Anatomy

Let’s Talk Teeth: An Inside Look at the Different Types and Parts of the Human Tooth

Teeth not only constitute a critical part of a person’s appearance, but they also play an indispensable role in our ability to chew and digest food, as well as speak.  Keep reading for a quick overview of the parts of a tooth and the different functions each tooth serves.
Anatomy
A tooth is divided into two basic parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gumline. And the root is the part of the tooth that extends below the gumline and attaches the tooth into the jawbone.
Every tooth has a slightly different shape and performs a different function. Here is a brief description of your different teeth and their jobs.
  • Incisors: These are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth (four on top and four on bottom). Incisors are used to take bites of food and are typically the first teeth to erupt in the mouth.
  • Canines:  These are your four sharpest teeth, which are used to rip and tear food.
  • Premolars: These eight, flat teeth are located on each side of your mouth (two on the upper and two on the lower jaw). Premolars are big and have ridges, which make them perfect for crushing and grinding food.
  • Molars: Your 12 molars are even stronger than premolars. Molars are the back teeth that have broad surfaces designed for crushing and grinding food, and they work along with the tongue to help you swallow food after it’s been mashed.
While each type of tooth might look different, they are all comprised of three main types of tissues: pulp, dentin, and enamel.
  • Enamel:  Enamel is the hard, visible, outermost substance that covers the tooth and protects it from decay.
  • Dentin: Dentin is the yellowish, softer layer of the tooth under the enamel that envelops the pulp. Dentin can be attacked by decay if it progresses through the enamel.
  • Pulp: The pulp is the soft tissue located in the center of all teeth, containing the nerve tissue and blood vessels.  The pulp is how the tooth receives nourishment and transmits signals to the brain.
Your teeth serve different purposes, working together to help you speak, chew and digest your foods. Don’t take your teeth for granted. Pay extra care to your teeth and gums now by brushing and flossing every day, and visit Dental Dimensions regularly for routine check-ups and appointments.
Posted on

Tobacco Use

Tobacco Use and Your Oral Health

It’s no secret that the use of tobacco products can have a significant impact on your overall health.  But have you considered the consequences it can have on your dental health?
Tobacco use in all forms, including smoking and chewing tobacco, can cause a number of dental health problems ranging from oral cancer (cancer of the lips, tongue, throat and mouth) to tooth loss and severe teeth staining. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 90 percent of people with oral cancer have used tobacco in some form.  Additionally, the risk of oral cancer is six times more likely among people who smoke compared to those who do not smoke.  The longer a person uses tobacco, the greater the risk.
Cigarette
Long-term tobacco use in any form can compromise the health of your teeth and gums. Here are just some of the ways that regular use of tobacco affects oral health:
  • Tooth discoloration- Yellowing and severe discoloration of the teeth is one of the first visible effects of smoking.
  • Gum disease- Smoking increases gum disease—about four times more than people who have never smoked according to the Journal of Periodontology.
  • Tooth loss- The risk of tooth loss is much higher in smokers than in non-smokers
  • Bad breath- Because tobacco use increases the amount of bacteria in the mouth, a chronic unpleasant smell is common.
  • Poor healing- Smoking delays healing after tooth extraction and can lead to a temporary and painful condition known as dry socket.
If you use tobacco, it is especially important that you learn how to perform oral cancer self-examinations. Look for:
  • Sores around the face, neck or mouth that do not heal
  • Frequent bleeding in the mouth
  • Swelling or lumps on the lips, gums or other areas of the mouth
  • White, red or dark patches on the cheeks, tongue or palate
  • Loss of feeling in any part of the mouth
 In addition to regular oral cancer self-exams, tobacco users should also work towards kicking their habit. While easier said than done, the sooner you quit, the lower your risk for serious oral health problems.  Additionally, maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and have regular checkups with your San Jose dentist in order to verify the state of the gums and make sure oral cancer is not developing.
Oral cancer may be one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable.  Talk to Dental Dimensions about ways to stop using tobacco, and improve your dental health starting today.
Posted on

DIY: Tooth Loss Prevention

Tooth loss can absolutely be prevented, and it is all up to you! The Dental Dimensions office in South San Jose believes that by visiting the dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily is vital in the avoidance of losing teeth. The main reasons adults lose their teeth are through a combination of poor oral hygiene and dietary habits. Keep the teeth that you were born with, and keep your mouth and body healthy.

Lady

Recommended Oral Health Habits:

We recommend that adults brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps with preventing plaque buildup on or between your teeth. Plaque build-up can cause cavities to form and will eat away your enamel. This can also cause your gums to become inflamed and infected. Tooth decay and gum disease can both weaken the tissue supporting your teeth, which can make your teeth loosen and fall out. Also, be sure to avoid candies, gum, and other sugary snacks, which can lead to tooth loss. Sugar is a big contributor to tooth decay, especially if you don’t brush after eating.

Tooth Loss Prevention

The best way for you to prevent tooth loss is to practice good dental health habits everyday by brushing and flossing. It’s also vital for you to see your dentist at least once every six months and to make an appointment as soon as possible if tooth pain or other dental problems occur.
Maintaining a healthy diet by getting the appropriate calcium, protein, and other nutrients is also important for not just your teeth, but also your overall bodily health. If you notice any tooth problems such as sudden tooth loss or decay, consider getting tested regularly for diabetes, especially if you have a family history.
A healthy mouth also means a healthy body. Losing your teeth not only makes you look unhealthy, but it can be a sign of other serious health problems. Identifying dental and overall health issues early gives you a greater chance to recover quickly and prevent future complications.
It’s never too late to change your oral habits. To learn more about the prevention of tooth loss, as well as the importance of oral hygiene, contact our office in South San Jose today!
Posted on

Get to the Bottom of Your Toothache with Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when a cavity has progressed well into the interior of the tooth. The infection can spread deep into the roots of the tooth, causing an abscess. If left untreated, an infection in the root canal of the tooth can cause swelling of the face and head, and even bone loss. The best solution is to save your tooth, and root canal therapy from our South San Jose dental office is an option that helps restore the natural tooth to its normal function and natural appearance so that tooth extraction doesn’t have to be an option.
Extractions

Root Canal Therapy Basics

Your tooth is made up of a hard protective shell called enamel, a softer middle layer called dentin and a soft tissue inner layer called dental pulp. Composed of nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels, the dental pulp is considered a vital part of your tooth. If your dental pulp is severely damaged, the tooth begins to die. Root canal therapy is often the best treatment to prevent and eliminate infection, thus preventing tooth loss.

Signs you might need a root canal include:

  • Minimal to severe pain
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
  • Signs of infection visible on a radiograph
Root canal therapy allows dentists to save your teeth in the safest way possible and is used to find the cause and treat the problems of the dental pulp. The narrow channels beneath the pulp chamber in the inner part of your tooth are hollowed out and cleaned through root canal therapy and the roots are filled with materials that are designed to prevent pain and infection from recurring.

Call The Dental Dimensions Today

Our dentists in South San Jose provide root canal therapy to ensure a positive, gentle, tooth-saving experience for everyone. Remember, delaying treatment for an infected tooth may lead to serious consequences and make treatment more difficult. Keep up-to-date with your regular dental visits to maintain your best smile.
Posted on

Sedation Dentistry

An Introduction to Sedation Dentistry

According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, 30 percent of the population avoids visiting the dentist due to fear.  A condition known as “dental phobia,” this all-too-common fear prevents people from receiving necessary, routine dental care, potentially compromising their oral health.
The good news is that more and more people are now able to receive necessary dental care thanks to sedation dentistry. Sedation is a process administered by a trained dentist to establish a calm, relaxed state through the use of sedatives, enabling fearful patients to follow through with their dental procedures and maintain better oral health as a result.

Dentistry

Types of Sedation

Sedatives can be administered by a trained dental professional in a variety of ways. These include:
Oral sedatives
Oral sedation is a popular method used to establish relaxation. A sedative pill is taken by the mouth and requires no needles, which makes this method easy to administer.  Oral sedatives create a comfortable, relaxed experience for patients—helping them reach a sleep-like state—while allowing them to maintain a level of consciousness for safety and cooperation.
Inhalation sedatives
Also known as nitrous oxide sedation, inhalation sedation is one of the most widely used dental sedation techniques. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask, and as the patient inhales the sedative, it causes a euphoric effect, which calms and relaxes the patient within moments. This method is often considered the safest option for light to mild sedation and short, routine dental procedures.
IV sedatives
IV (intravenous) sedation is delivered via injection to sedate a fearful patient. It is the most powerful method of conscious sedation for management of more severe levels of dental anxiety or lengthier, extensive dental procedures. The sedatives are administered directly into the bloodstream, producing deep relaxation and pain relief.
General anesthesia
For lengthy and invasive procedures, such as oral surgeries, general anesthesia may be necessary to provide a deeper level of sedation for the patient.  When a patient is given general anesthesia they are completely unconscious throughout the entire procedure.  Because the patient is unresponsive and requires breathing assistance, a highly trained anesthesiologist or oral surgeon can only administer general anesthesia.

Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry. People who benefit the most from dental sedatives include those with an intense fear of dental procedures, have severe gag reflex, suffer from physical limitations or have trouble becoming fully numb following the administration of local anesthetics.  If you suffer from severe dental anxiety, don’t put off required dental care any longer. Talk to your San Jose dentist about safe, comfortable and relaxing sedation dentistry.