Cosmetic Dentistry for the Holidays

If you are saying no to all of those holiday parties, including the one that your parents are throwing because of your smile, it’s time to schedule an appointment with yourdentist who can help you determine what cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs.

Cosmetic dentistry can be as simple as an in office whitening treatment or dental bonding. If you have always been in favor of dental veneers, talk to your dentist, as not everyone is a good candidate for dental veneers. Other cosmetic dental procedures that you may want to think about include onlays, inlays, dental implants, and invisible braces with Invisalign.

Since 1986, HagenDental has been providing people just like you with a brand new smile thanks to the most innovative dental procedures on the planet.

One of the best things about Hagen Dental is its state of the art CEREC CAD-CAM dentistry. In just a single appointment you can swap out your silver amalgam fillings or metal crowns, fix that gap between your front teeth or repair that chip. With CEREC, your brand new smile is just an appointment away.

Sometimes all you may need is tooth whitening, and if your teeth are badly stained, Hagen Dental can help with its Sinsational Smile® Tooth Whitening procedure.

The Sinsational Smile® is a fast and effective way to whiten your teeth while you are in the dentist’s chair using a patented silicone tray that is pre-filled with the special Sinsational Smile® gel. Sinsational Smile® also includes an LED light to accelerate and activate the whitening properties in the gel giving you a whiter and brighter smile in less time. Part of the Sinsational Smile® procedure also includes a take home maintenance pen to keep your smile looking, Sinsational.

Start saying yes to those holiday parties and schedule an appointment with Hagen Dental for your new smile. Who knows, you may only need a single appointment to get your pearly whites gleaming again. Call and schedule your appointment today.  

Cosmetic Dental Procedures for Your Smile

If you are unhappy with your smile, schedulean appointment with your dentist who can help you decide what cosmetic dental procedure or cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs.

According to Wikipedia, Cosmetic Dentistry is used to help improve the appearance of a person’s gums, teeth or bite while improving the alignment, shape, and color of a person’s smile.

In today’s world, Cosmetic Dentistry is more popular than ever with patients just like you scheduling dental appointments for Dental Veneers, Dental Bonding, Tooth Whitening, and Dental Implants. While some may argue that Cosmetic Dentistry is just for dental aesthetics, your dentist explains that when used with restorative dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry can help the overall health and function of your teeth and gums.

Cosmetic Dentistry can do everything from whitening to shaping, closing spaces and replacing missing teeth.

Tooth Whitening

Over time, your teeth can become discolored or stained, especially if you smoke, consume beverages and foods that can stain or take certain types of medications. Your dentist can either bleach your teeth in the office chairside or provide you with a take home whitening kit. You can also buy over the counter tooth whitening products; however, they will not be as strong. Even after tooth whitening your teeth can become stained especially if you are still using the same things that stained them in the first place.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can help improve the aesthetics of your teeth, is used to fix chips and cracks, and can be used to cover stains. Some dentists may also recommend bonding to fill cavities and to protect an exposed tooth root. Bonding can last for several years, but is not as strong as other materials. Dental bonding can also become stained and cannot be repaired with tooth whitening.

Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers are custom made thin shells made from plastic, resin, or porcelain and are used to cover the front of your teeth. Dental Veneers can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth and last longer than dental bonding. However, most dental veneer procedures are irreversible, as some of your natural tooth needs to be removed to make room for the dental veneer.

Other types of cosmetic dental procedures that you may want to consider include crowns and dental implants.

If you would like more information regarding cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Periodontal Disease and Obesity

Most healthcare professionals will agree that obesity is an epidemic, especially when it comes to kids and teens. Doctors even go so far as to say that obesity is a chronic disease and continues to become more prevalent in the United States. What’s worse is that obesity is now affecting young children who are overweight because of eating habits and poor nutrition.

Recent research has indicated that obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, CVD, arthritis and respiratory problems. Obesity has also been linked to prostate, colon, breast, and endometrial cancers.

In a recent research study, scientists discovered that obesity also increases a patients risk formore advanced gum disease known as periodontitis. Some believe it may have something to do with insulin resistance that regulates a relationship between periodontal disease and obesity. If that isn’t bad enough people who have an elevated BMI, or body mass indices may produce higher levels of inflammatory proteins that lead to gum disease.

Obesity affects over 60 percent of adults in American, and is even higher for high-risk populations that include African-American women. Obesity also places these same individuals at risk when it comes to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Some estimate that two out of three people living in the United States are obese or overweight. This indicates that obesity trends in the future will increase in the general population.

It is imperative that people understand how obesity has become an epidemic and how important it is to be proactive when it comes to obesity for themselves and for family members. Your dentist explains that exercise and good nutrition is vital as a sedentary lifestyle could play a role in the development of cancer, CVD, and diabetes.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, your medical history will be reviewed along with any medical issues that could point to a cause of obesity. Your dentist may also refer you to a physician for further evaluation.

During your checkup, your dentist will also evaluate your oral health based on your medical history. Emphasis is placed on plaque reduction below and above the gum line that could be causing inflammation. Your dentist will also explain the importance of brushing and flossing regularly to discourage plaque and tartar buildup.

If you are overweight or obese, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you have gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. Call and schedule your appointment today.

Fountain Valley Certified CEREC Trainer and Provider

These days you don’t have to fear the dentist, in fact, dentistry has certainly changed with more and more dentists taking extra care when it comes to the entire dental experience and that is certainly the case with Hagen Dental in Fountain Valley.

Before your appointment takes place, you can use the free wireless internet access to check your email or spend some time on the World Wide Web. Offering an experience that is more like a trip to a spa, Hagen Dental offers patients flat-screen televisions in each examination room with headphones, and with new comfy chairs, you will hardly feel a thing.

Since 1986, Dr. Peter Hagen has been providing patients with the latest digital dentistry including the remarkable CEREC, CAD-CAM dentistry. This type of dentistry utilizes the latest technologies including metal-free crowns, veneers, fillings, and same day Dental Implants in most cases.

As a certified CEREC provider and advanced CEREC trainer, everyone from Hagen Dental is an expert when it comes to single appointment CEREC treatments and procedures.

CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, was developed in 1980 to lessen the time spent in the dental chair for dental procedures. Thanks to Dr. Hagen and CEREC, you can have cosmetic or restorative dental treatments in a single appointment.

CEREC and its research team have conducted well over 250 clinical and scientific studies that confirm the safety of CEREC and CEREC tooth restorations. With over 30 million CEREC tooth restorations performed worldwide, you can be assured that you are in good hands.

Unlike other Dental Implant procedures, the CEREC dental implant process can be completed in a single session using direct screw-retained CEREC crowns or custom-made abutments. CEREC can also provide you with new materials for temporary implant restorations.

CEREC Dental Implants are natural looking, beautiful, and most importantly, durable. With CEREC Dental Implants from Hagen Dental, you can talk, eat, and enjoy a new smile without dentures or bridges in as little as one or two dental appointments.

CEREC Dental Implants from Hagen Dental are used to provide additional support for dentures while making them more comfortable and secure. CEREC Dental Implants can also support a bridge while eliminating the need for partial dentures. CEREC Dental Implants can also be used to replace one or more of your teeth without affecting your abutment or bordering teeth.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC Dental Implants, CEREC Veneers, CEREC fillings, CEREC Crowns, or any other CEREC dental procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagen and his team of experts today. 

Bleeding Gums Could be Cause for Concern

If you have been experiencing bleeding gums after you brush or floss, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are suffering from gingivitis, or the more serious, periodontal disease.

Colgate explains that gingivitis usually precedes periodontal disease; however, it is imperative to understand that not all cases of gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease, especially if you see your dentist and improve your oral health habits.

In the earliest stages of gingivitis, plaque, caused by bacteria, will begin to build up leaving your gums inflamed. It is during this stage that you may notice bleeding while you brush and floss, and although your gums are irritated, your teeth are still firmly planted in the sockets. At this point, no irreversible tissue or bone damage as begun. This is the most important time to see your dentist as if gingivitis is left untreated it can quickly advance to periodontal disease.

If you have periodontal disease, the inner layer of your gums and bone will start to pull away from your teeth forming pockets. The small spaces that lie in between your gums and your teeth will start to collect debris, bacteria, plaque and tartar, which can become infected. Your immune system will do its best to fight the bacteria, which will cause the plaque to spread below your gum line.

Poisons and toxins, which are produced by the bacteria in the plaque along with your good bacterial enzymes that help fight off infections will begin to break down the connective tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Once the periodontal disease begins to progress those pockets will get deeper destroying more bone and gum tissue. When this progression begins, your teeth will no longer be anchored and become loose. It is during this time that tooth loss will occur. According to your dentist, gum disease is the number one reason adults lose their teeth.

Although plaque is the number one cause of gingivitis and periodontal disease there are some other factors that can contribute. These include,

Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Certain illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV may also cause gum disease as they interfere with your immune system. Certain medications can also cause gum disease as can smoking or chewing tobacco.

Of course, poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest causes of gum disease and can easily be fixed if you schedule and appointment with your dentist who can show you how to brush and floss properly.

If you would like more information on gingivitis and periodontal disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Dental Bridges Instead of Dentures

A Dental Bridge can help replace a missing tooth and improve your self-esteem and your confidence.

According to the American Dental Association, over 35 million people in the United States do not have any teeth with over 178 Americans missing at least one tooth.

Tooth loss occurs because of gum disease, accidents, or trauma to a tooth, and although dental implants are an option, not everyone is a good candidate.

If your dentist has determined that dental implants may not be the best solution for your missing tooth, a Fixed Dental Bridge could be the answer. These non-removal dental appliances are an excellent solution to missing teeth.

When you schedule an appointment for a dental bridge, your dentist will discuss the options with you and which one would be best for your particular needs. A traditional dental bridge is the most popular and most common type of dental bridge and is made of porcelain that is fused to metal. Traditional bridges are made up of two crowns that are made to fit over two abutment or anchoring teeth that are attached to an artificial tooth or teeth to fill the gap where your missing tooth or teeth used to be.

Dental Bridges are durable and can last for several years, however, your dental bridge may need to be re-cemented or replaced because of normal wear.

Reasons that your dentist may suggest a fixed bridge include: 

• Preventing your remaining teeth from drifting out of their position
• Restore your speaking
• Fill the space of your missing tooth or teeth
• Restore your chewing ability
• Give you back your smile
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Upgrade your removable partial denture 

Fixed dental bridges usually require two or more dental visits. During your first dental appointment, your dentist will numb the area and prepare the abutment teeth by removing part of the enamel to allow for crown fit. Once a mold or impression is made, it will be sent to the dental lab for bridge fabrication. Your dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge that you will wear until your new dental bridge is ready.

During your next visit, your dentist will check your permanent bridge for fit before adjusting, if necessary, and cementing into place. On occasion, your dentist may temporarily cement your new bridge to allow your teeth and your tissue time to get accustomed to the new dental bridge.

If you would like more information regarding a fixed dental bridge, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the various types of bridges available. 

It’s Not Just your Smile that is Affected by Missing Teeth

If you have been afraid to smile because you recently lost a tooth, you are not alone. Web MD explains that more than 178 million people in the United States have lost at least one tooth; however, there are nine risk factors to consider when it comes to tooth loss.

• Being male
• Over the age of 35
• Never brushing your teeth
• Smoking past or present
• Never seeing a dentist
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Your dentist explains that people who have lost their anterior or front teeth are more likely to have lost one or more of those teeth because of gum disease. Although you can’t do much about your sex, age, diabetes, or arthritis, you can do something about the other risks.

Recent research has indicated that the leading cause of tooth loss in the world is periodontal disease, which is the more serious form of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, it can easily be reversed reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Men are two times more likely than women to have a tooth or teeth removed. With that being said, tooth loss is more common in patients over the age of 35.

Three out of 10 people, both men and women, regardless of age are more likely to lose teeth if they are smokers or ex-smokers.

Over 40 percent of patients interviewed in a recent survey admitted to never having professional dental care maintenance. A whopping 60 percent of people surveyed said they rarely if ever brush their teeth with a tiny 16 percent saying they brush their teeth twice a day.

Talk to your doctor about high blood pressure, as it may be able to be reduced with a healthy diet and exercise.

Missing teeth not only affect your self-esteem, but can also be detrimental to your oral health. If you have missing teeth your run the risk of bone loss. Missing teeth can also affect the skin around your mouth, as it will begin to sag because of lack of support. Missing teeth not only make you look older, but also make it more difficult to speak and chew.

If you have missing teeth schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine what dental procedure would be best for your particular needs. 

Are you a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

These days you do not have to resort to fixed bridges or dentures if you want to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Thanks to the wonders of modern dentistry, you can have natural looking teeth with dental implants.

Just as strong as your natural teeth, dental implants are a wonderful alternative to dentures and fixed bridges.

Dentures can be uncomfortable while dental bridges require some removal of your tooth’s structure in order to make the bridge. Talk to your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants have become increasingly popular, and are actually more affordable than you think, especially if you factor in the replacement cost of new dentures every ten years or so. Dental implants are the best long-term option when it comes to restoring your natural toothy grin.

Although dental implants are not new, with ancient civilizations using seashells, wood and precious metals to replace missing teeth, things have certainly changed. These days you do not have to resort to animal or human teeth to fill the gap from a missing tooth.  

Dental implants are surgically placed in or on top of the jawbone using titanium or other types of materials to secure a synthetic artificial tooth. Once the posts, blades, or screws are surgically place in either the lower or the upper jaw they become a sturdy anchor for your new natural looking replacement teeth.

Not everyone is a good candidate when it comes to dental implants. You must be in good health and be free from gum disease. If you have suffered from periodontal disease in the past, your gums may not be strong enough to support the dental implant posts.

According to Web MD, other reasons that you may not be suitable for dental implants include chronic illnesses such as Leukemia and diabetes, which could interfere with the dental implant healing process.

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, your dentist recommends that you kick the habit before you have dental implant surgery as it could slow healing.

For more information regarding dental implants, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate. Call today. 

Over Bleaching Can Cause Serious Problems

Everyone likes a beautiful smile, but unfortunately, a new disorder, known in the industry as, “Bleachorexia,” is happening all over the world and could have disastrous results

Over bleaching teeth with over the counter bleaching products can cause serious problems for your teeth and gums. Bleaching more than is recommended can make you sensitive to hot and cold and even make your teeth appear transparent. Your dentist explains that over bleaching can also ruin the enamel on your teeth.

Tooth whitening is big business with Americans spending over a billion dollars each year with both over the counter tooth whitening products such as gels, pastes and whitening strips, and professional in office tooth whitening and custom made tooth bleaching trays. In fact, in a recent study conducted by the American Dental Association tooth whitening toothpaste is more popular than fluoride or tartar control toothpaste.

Although more research is needed, there is evidence that when tooth-bleaching products are used as directed no permanent damage will occur.

Studies indicate that it is quite safe to bleach for two weeks if you are using an over the counter bleaching product or a custom-made whitening kit from your dentist. It is also safe to schedule one or two in office chair side bleaching session each year. However, your dentist will tell you that it is unsafe to include bleaching as part of your daily routine.

Other side effects, besides the tooth sensitivity, that could occur from over whitening include blue colored enamel, gum irritation, and uneven tooth whiteness. If the chemicals seep into an unfilled cavity or a cracked tooth, the internal damage will not only be painful, but could also result in a root canal. With the exception of the internal damage, all of the symptoms will clear up after a couple of weeks as long as you stop using the tooth bleaching products.

However, some people will not stop and become, “Bleachorexics.” A decade ago most people were not even aware of tooth whitening, but these days, most dentists will tell you that they have had to cut off more than one patient because of, “Bleachorexia.”  

One of the main reasons people can’t stop is because once they do, teeth will return to the color that they were before bleaching. Very few people are content with their tooth color after it begins to regress. This starts the cycle all over again, which eventually leads to over bleaching.

If you think you could be suffering from, “Bleachorexia,” schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you kick the habit with a more permanent solution such as dental veneers or dental bonding. 

Is Your Smile Embarrassing?

Your Dentist has always known that the best way to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is to brush twice, floss once each day, maintain a healthy diet and visit your dentist regularly, but unfortunately, a good oral hygiene routine doesn’t always keep your mouth feeling or looking great.

According to Web MD, common oral problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, receding gums, and erosion can happen to anyone, even people who are meticulous about oral hygiene.

Fortunately, the right dental treatments can help solve the above embarrassing teeth and gums problems.

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, can vary, and really depends on the root cause. Brushing and flossing is critical as it keeps the food particles in your mouth from collecting bad bacteria. Without flossing, food particles and debris can be caught between your teeth causing a foul smell. If your dentist has given you the all clear, but you are still suffering from bad breath it could be something else entirely.

Check with your doctor as bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and respiratory infections can be the cause of your chronic halitosis. Kidney and liver disease can also affect your breath. Medications that give you dry mouth could also be the cause of your halitosis.

Your bad breath can also be sweetened just by changing your diet. Cut down on onions and garlic, which can stay in your system for up to 72 hours and it may help your breath. Stop smoking and you will notice a difference in your breath and so will everyone else.

When you brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice each day, floss and see your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings, you are well on your way to fighting tooth decay. Your dentist may also recommend sealants on un-restored teeth to help reduce decay on your back molars. If you avoid acidic foods, which can strip away the enamel on your teeth, you may not have as many cavities.

Gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, but if caught in time, can be reversed. Gum disease in its earliest stages, known as gingivitis, causes your gums to bleed when brushing and flossing. Your gums may also be swollen and red. If periodontal disease is present, your dentist may notice damage to your gums and bones that support your teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can eventually cause tooth loss.

For more information regarding healthy teeth and gums and a beautiful smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Root Canal Therapy is Not as Bad as You Think

Thanks to modern 21st century dental technology, you don’t have to run the other way when you hear the phrase, “Root Canal Therapy.” Root Canal Therapy in Fountain Valley is no more intrusive than a filling.

Root Canal Therapy is necessary if the nerves in your teeth have become decayed, are infected, or cracked. Root Canal Therapy is used to save the tooth by removing the diseased pulp located inside the tooth. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep your tooth healthy. Using special tools and dental materials it is possible to restore your tooth back to its normal function.

When the nerves in your tooth die, they need to be removed by your dentist using Root Canal Therapy. Although some people would rather have the tooth extracted, a pulled tooth can cause more problems that could prove quite costly.

According to the American Dental Association, Root Canal Therapy can last for the rest of your life and is very successful. With that being said, occasionally the tooth that was treated with Root Canal Therapy may need to be retreated because of infection.

Only your dentist can determine if Root Canal Therapy is necessary, but there are some symptoms to watch for. These include:

• Temperature sensitivity
• Toothaches
• Pimples or abscesses on your gums
• Tenderness and swelling

Be aware that you may not have any symptoms at all. When in doubt, schedule regular appointments with your dentist.

You may need a root canal if tooth decay has infected the pulp inside of your tooth. Root Canal Therapy is also necessary if an abscess or infection has developed on the tip of the root or inside the tooth itself.

Root Canal Therapy can take one of more dental appointments and is usually performed by your dentist. On occasion, a root canal specialist, or endodontist may be called in to take care of the procedure.

After your tooth is numbed, a rubber sheet or dam is placed around your tooth to make sure that it is dry and saliva free. An opening is made at the top of your tooth so that your dentist can file the opening removing the pulp from each root. If tooth decay is apparent, your dentist will remove that as well.

Once the tooth is cleaned, your dentist will seal it with a temporary or permanent filling dependant on the extent of the infection. If a second appointment is needed, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, check the roots, and fill it permanently. Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth after the Root Canal.

For more information regarding Root Canal Therapy, schedule an appointment with your Fountain Valley Dentist today. 

Dental Restorations Need to Be Checked by Your Dentist

If you have been ignoring that pain that seems to be coming from an existing filling, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Most people have no idea that old and new tooth colored resin fillings and silver amalgam fillings will not last forever, and if you are continually bragging about your 15-year-old fillings, you could be asking for trouble.

According to the American Dental Associations Mouth Healthy website, tooth colored fillings, or composite fillings are resistant to breaks and fractures, but are not as strong as silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are also more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and are sometimes not covered by your dental insurance plan. Recent studies indicate that composite or tooth colored resin fillings are less durable than amalgam fillings and will need to be replaced more frequently.

Of course, the only way to tell if you have decay under your existing fillings, crowns or other dental restorations is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Unfortunately, not all tooth decay is painful, and you could be dealing with additional cavities under or around your fillings. If you do not take care of the issue, other problems could occur including infection and the need for root canal therapy.

If you have tooth colored fillings that are visible when you smile, you may need to have them replaced because of cosmetic reasons as tooth colored fillings can become stained or discolored.

When you age, your teeth could change. If this happens, you may need to replace your dental restorations in order to save your natural teeth or improve your bite. The old amalgam or tooth colored filling may be past its use by date. If this occurs, you are putting the rest of the tooth in danger.

Your dentist explains that a dental filling, whether it is an amalgam or composite filling, is not used to cure the tooth decay. Fillings are only placed to remove the damage caused by acid attack.

Old fillings are certainly nothing to boast about, and should be checked out twice a year by your dentist, even more so if you suspect a problem with a filling or dental crown.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and have those fillings checked out. Doing so may mean the difference between a simple filling replacement and a costly dental restoration.