Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Happen to You

If you have sore, red and bleeding gums it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine how far along your gum disease has progressed.

According to theAmerican Dental Association, bleeding gums is a sure sign of gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. If left untreated your gum disease can cause chronic halitosis or loose teeth. Your gum disease can even cause your teeth to fall out.

Gingivitis

The mildest type of gum disease, gingivitis will make your gums swollen and red. If you have gingivitis, your gums will also bleed. During this stage of gum disease, there is very little if any discomfort. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits and is reversible.

If you have any signs of gingivitis, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist and follow up with adequate oral health care at home.

Other factors that could contribute to gingivitis include: 

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition
• Aging
• Systemic diseases
• Systemic conditions
• Genetic predisposition
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal fluctuations
• HIV
• Substance abuse
• Certain types of medication 

Periodontal Disease

Also referred to as Periodontitis, periodontal disease is a condition that advances from gingivitis. Over time, the plaque will spread below your gum line irritating your gums. The toxins that are produced by the plaque and bacteria will cause your body to turn on itself. The bone and tissue that supports your teeth will break down and eventually become destroyed. Periodontal disease also causes deep pockets to form between your teeth and gums. If left untreated your teeth will become loose and eventually fall out. You may or may not experience any pain with periodontal disease.

If you have bleeding gums, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist who can start a treatment plan to help you and your mouth get healthy again.

Don’t let gum disease destroy your smile. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Tips for Tartar Control

Everyone knows how important it is to brush and floss your teeth. Your dentist also recommends that you use a good mouth rinse to help prevent plaque and tartar, but do you really know why? Do you even know what tartar is or how it gets on your teeth in the first place?

So what is Tartar?

Even if you take great care of your teeth, you will still have both good and bad bacteria in your mouth. That bacteria mixes with food byproducts and proteins forming plaque. The sticky film will coat your teeth, especially on the hard to brush areas on your back teeth. Plaque can stick to your fillings, restorations and will sit below your gum line.

According to the American Dental Association, every time you eat something, the bacteria on your teeth will create acid damaging the enamel on your teeth leading to tooth decay. Brushing and rinsing after you eat can remove the plaque buildup preventing cavities.

Your dentist explains that tartar can harden in just over a day, and once it appears your dentist or dental hygienist are the only ones who can get rid of it.

What does it do to your Teeth and Gums?

If you have tartar, you will find it more difficult to brush and floss your teeth. If you have a hard time brushing because of tartar, you are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Tartar that has formed above or below your gum line could be extremely detrimental because it can irritate and damage your gums. Over a period of time, this could cause gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Tartar Prevention

• Brush your teeth twice each day for two to three minutes as one minute of scrubbing will not remove plaque or prevent dangerous tartar. 
• Use a small soft bristled brush that is the right size for your mouth and don’t forget to brush your rear molars and the surfaces behind your teeth. 
• Try an electronic toothbrush that is recommended by the American Dental Association as recent studies have discovered that a powered toothbrush may get rid of plaque better than a manual toothbrush. 
• Use a toothpaste that has tartar control and fluoride as it will help prevent dangerous plaque from turning into tartar. In addition, fluoride can help repair any enamel damage that you may have. 
• Regardless of how good you are at brushing, it is imperative that you floss, as dental floss really is the best and only way to remove all of the plaque and bacteria in between your teeth. 
• Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash everyday, as it will kill the bacterium that causes plaque. Eat a healthy diet and avoid starchy and sugary foods.

 
Seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is also vital if you want to keep your teeth healthy. If you do have tartar, your dentist, or dental hygienist will be able to nip the problem in the bud.

Don’t let tartar get out of control. Call andschedule a checkup with your dentist today. 

Are Your Teeth and Gums Putting you at Risk?

Your mouth truly is the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, it is not just your teeth and gums that you have to worry about.

The Mayo Clinic explains that there truly is a connection when it comes to oral health and a healthy body and if you want to avoid systemic disease or even congestive heart failure, it is imperative that you brush twice and floss once each day. Good oral health habits also include following a good diet that is full of fruits and veggies. You also want to make sure that you schedule regular dental appointments to avoid any problems that may occur.

Your mouth, just like the rest of your body is loaded with bacteria. That bacterium is usually healthy unless you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease causes swelling and bleeding opening up your body to dangerous levels of bacteria.

Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease is linked to several other diseases. Most scientists have known that bacteria was the main factor when it came to linking disease and periodontal disease, but what it all comes down to is inflammation. If you want to manage the inflammation caused by gum disease, it is imperative that you see your dentist who can treat your gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Several studies show that heart disease and periodontal disease are linked and although the relationship between cause and effect hasn’t entirely been proven, that research indicates that periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Scientists believe inflammation is the cause and could be the reason for the periodontal and heart disease relationship. If you have periodontitis, you may also exacerbate any existing heart conditions that you may have.

If you would like more information regarding the link between oral and overall health, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Your Mouth Could Make You Sick

Your teeth and gums are just as important as the rest of your body, however, if you neglect much needed dental care, your mouth could make the rest of you sick.

WebMD explains that recent research indicates that there is a direct mouth and body connection. In other words, if you practice poor oral health hygiene habits, you could weaken your heart or find yourself dealing with diabetes.

For people who practice good oral hygiene, a dental visit consists of a teeth cleaning, perhaps a filling or maybe seeing the dentist for a cosmetic dental procedure, however, seeing your dentist is much more than your teeth and gums, your dental checkup is also about the health of your entire body. What happens inside of your mouth affects the rest of you. Many experts believe that the two are connected.

There are many conditions and diseases that can affect your oral health. If you have a weak immune system, you may be more prone to gum disease. Your immune system protects you from infection and illness caused from disease and medication.

Your oral health can also cause problems if you are diabetic as an infection in your mouth can wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels making it harder to control your diabetes.

About 35 percent of American adults suffer from some sort of gum disease whether it be gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. Those who suffer could be at a higher risk when it comes to kidney disease, stroke, heart disease, and even premature births. What is even more staggering is that fifty percent suffer from the mildest type of gum disease, gingivitis.

The sad thing about these statistics is that poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease.  Brushing twice and flossing once a day along with a good diet and regular visits to your dentist can help you prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Don’t become a statistic. Start the New Year off the right way and call or click and schedulean 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.

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. 

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. 

Preventive Dentistry in Fountain Valley

Preventive Dentistry is the first step towards healthy teeth and gums, and if you are not sure if you are doing the best that you can for your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you come up with a better plan for Preventive Dentistry.

Most people know that brushing twice and flossing once each day helps keep your teeth healthy, but according to the American Dental Association and your dentist, a well-balanced diet can also keep your teeth strong and white and your gums healthy. Stay away from starchy and sticky foods. Cookies, bread, crackers, and chips create less acid when you enjoy with the rest of a meal. Saliva is increased when you eat, which helps to neutralize the acids and wash away food particles.

Stick foods to avoid include granola bars, chewy fruit snacks, dried fruit, and sticky candy such as gummy bears.

Eat more cheese, nuts and onions for healthy teeth and enjoy tea as resent research has indicated that certain teas will slow the growth of the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Your dentist also recommends that you brush with fluoride toothpaste. If you are unsure about the brand that you are using visit the ADA website where you will find a list of approved toothpastes, flosses, and mouthwashes.

Adults over the age of 35 lose their teeth because of gum disease, not cavities. In fact, three out of four adults will be affected by gingivitis or periodontal disease at some point.

Plaque is the colorless film that sticks to your teeth at your gum line. Although plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, daily brushing and flossing can help keep it at bay.

It is also important to schedule annual cleanings with your dentist. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that you may have missed. Regular checkups and professional cleaning should be a part of your oral hygiene program.

For information regarding good oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you brush up your skills. 

A New Smile in as Little as Six Months with Invisalign®

If you have never been happy with your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist. These days you do not have to resort to traditional metal braces to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign® truly is the clear alternative when it comes to metal wires and brackets, and because the series of clear plastic aligners are custom-molded to your teeth, the only person who will know you are wearing plastic braces is your dentist.

Invisalign® consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually reposition your teeth. Every two weeks you will replace one set with the next and so on. You can have an average of between 18 and 30 sets of aligner’s custom made. Straight teeth can be yours in as little as six months once you start wearing your Invisalign® aligners.

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign® is removed when you eat, brush and floss, which helps prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, your dentist will tell you that metal wires and brackets are permanent and difficult to brush. Your dentist will tell you that people who wear traditional dental appliances have a higher risk of cavities than people who wear Invisalign® clear plastic aligners.

Millions of people all over the world have a smile to be proud of thanks to Invisalign®. Invisalign® will not disrupt your lifestyle, is suitable for teens and adults, and is virtually unnoticeable.  

Thanks to dental technology and Invisalign®, you can see beforehand what your teeth will look like after your Invisalign® treatment.

During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth in order to make sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. If you and Invisalign® are a good match, your dentist will take impressions and photos of your teeth. From the impressions and photo’s a Computed Tomography or CT scan will be made giving your dentist an accurate 3D digital model of your teeth. CAD or Computer Aided Design software will then be used to simulate how your teeth will move during your Invisalign® treatment. Once your dentist approves the treatment plan, your new Invisalign® aligners will be created.

If you would like more information regarding the clear alternative to braces, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a no obligation Invisalign® consultation. A new smile may just be around the corner.

The Real Dangers of Oral Piercing

If you or someone you love is considering oral piercings, there are some things that you should know before you or a family member or friend has tongue, cheek, or lip piercings.

Your dentist explains that oral piercings can cause all sorts of problems including infection, blood loss, and gum disease and jewelry aspiration.

The American Dental Association agrees with your dentist about the dangers of oral piercings. In fact, oral piercings could cause your tongue to swell so much that it blocks off the air passageways making breathing extremely difficult.

Infectious diseases are just one of the issues that could occur from oral piercings. The Herpes Simplex virus and hepatitis can happen if you have your tongue, lip, or cheek pierced.

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria and if that bacteria enters your bloodstream after the piercing infection and swelling will occur. This could also cause excessive bleeding.

Because your mouth is moist and a breeding ground for bacteria, infection can happen, which could be life threatening. If that bacteria enters your bloodstream and you have undetected heart problems Endocarditis, or inflammation of the valves of the heart and the heart itself, could be a real issue.

Your dentist has seen permanent nerve damage thanks to oral piercings. Numbness is normal after you have your tongue, cheek, or lip pierced, but that numbness could be permanent. That injured nerve could affect how your mouth moves and your taste buds.

If you are sensitive to metals, oral piercings could cause allergic reactions once the jewelry is placed at the site of the piercing.

Crowns, fillings, and caps could also be damaged because people who have oral piercings tend to bite or play with the stud, ring, or barbell. Damage to gums could also occur which could lead to gum disease, gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

Oral piercings could increase your saliva production. This may cause excessive drooling that could be permanent.

Jewelry aspiration happens when part of the jewelry becomes loose. This could lead to choking if swallowed leading to lung or digestive track injury.  

If you would like more information regarding the dangers of oral piercing, schedule anappointment with your dentist who may be able to persuade you or someone you love against oral piercing. 

You May Need a Root Canal and Not Even Know It

Some people would rather have a tooth pulled than deal with a Root Canal, but thanks to the advances of modern dentistry, you can be in and out of the dentist’s chair in one, or two appointments without having the pain that is normally associated with Root Canal Therapy in Fountain Valley.

Root Canals are performed by dentists to remove the dead nerve in a badly decayed or broken tooth or a tooth that has had multiple fillings. Teeth that have experienced severe trauma may require Root Canal Therapy as well.

You may need Root Canal Therapy if you are sensitive to cold and hot, are experiencing a severe toothache, or notice an abscess, which looks similar to a pimple on your Gums. Root Canal Therapy may also be necessary if you notice swelling or tenderness in the area. Dr. Peter Hagen will thoroughly examine your teeth looking for any signs of pulp damage. If nerve and pulp damage are detected, your dentist may recommend a root canal.

According to Wikipedia, the pulp is located in the center of each tooth. The pulp is made up of cells, known as odontoblasts and connective tissue.  

The main function of dental pulp is the formation of dentin. Other functions include sensory, changes in temperature, trauma, pressure, and pain. Your dental pulp is an alarm system when it comes to tooth decay and will certainly let you know if a cavity is present. However, according to your dentist, once your tooth erupts, the nerve located in the middle of the tooth is not necessary.

Root Canals can involve one appointment or additional appointments depending on where the tooth is located and how much therapy is involved. During your Root Canal Therapy, your Orange County Dentist will numb the area before placing a sheet of rubber, also known as a rubber dam, around your tooth to keep it dry. Your dentist will make an opening at the top of your tooth placing root canal files into each root canal in order to remove the pulp and the nerve tissue along with the damaging bacteria. 

After your tooth has been cleaned, your dentist will seal the area with either a temporary or a permanent filling. After the Root Canal Therapy has been completed, your dentist will place a cap or crown over the top of the Root Canal restoring it back to its original function. Without a crown, Root Canals can break or become damaged requiring additional treatment.

If you would like more information regarding Root Canal Therapy, schedule an appointment with your Orange County Dentist who can determine if you need a filling of a Root Canal. 

Beautiful Teeth in Weeks from Your OC Cosmetic Dentist

Thanks to the advances of Cosmetic Dentistry in Orange County, you can have that white smile that you thought you could never afford. These days you can have your teeth whitened giving you a million dollar smile that most people only dream of having.

Tooth bleaching is certainly not new, and is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure in Fountain Valley that will improve the look for your smile whether you have stained teeth because of medication, normal wear, or smoke. If you had excessive fluoride when your teeth were just developing you may have dark colored teeth that are drastically affecting your ability to smile.

Red wine, coffee, and tea can also stain your teeth, and if you have enjoyed a glass or cup more than you would like to admit, tooth whitening in Fountain Valley can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen who will be able to whiten your teeth enhancing the true beauty of your toothy grin.

Tooth whitening is the number one cosmetic dentistry procedure in Orange County and can whiten your teeth dramatically. However, tooth whitening will only work on natural tooth enamel. Cosmetic restorations in Fountain Valley such as bridges, old fillings, and crowns may need to be replaced in order to match your newly whitened teeth.

Tooth bleaching is not permanent, and if you continue to use tobacco, enjoy the occasional glass of red wine, coffee, or tea, or have recently been treated with tooth enamel damaging prescription drugs, a touch up every few months may be required.

The tooth whitening procedure performed by your Cosmetic Dentist in Orange County requires two appointments with molds or impressions made to fabricate your clear custom made bleaching trays.

During your second dental appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen, your OC Cosmetic Dentist will make sure that your new dental trays fit your teeth and make adjustments if necessary. Your Orange County Cosmetic Dentist will show you how to use your new whitening system giving you a special bleaching solution that you will use overnight, twice a day, or 30 minutes a day depending on how severe the staining is on your teeth.

A beautiful smile is waiting in just a few short weeks, and if you would like more information on tooth whitening, schedule a no obligation consultation with the Best Cosmetic Dentist in the OC today. Do not waste your money on over the counter whitening systems and make your appointment with Dr. Peter Hagen in the OC today. 

Zap That Gummy Smile Once and For All

If you can’t even look at yourself in the mirror because of your gummy smile, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Peter Hagen. These days you do not have to resort to painful surgical techniques to recontour your gumline thanks to dental lasers.

Schedule a no obligation consultation with your Fountain Valley Dentist if you want to clean up your gumline.

The, “Gummy Smile,” is characterized by extra gum tissue that sits along your teeth. That extra gum tissue makes your teeth look short and out of proportion with the rest of your mouth. A gummy smile can affect your entire appearance causing self-consciousness and a fear of smiling.

Thankfully, a good dentist has the advanced techniques needed to reshape your gums using dental laser surgery that will reshape and recontour your gums giving you the confidence to flash those pearly whites in public.

Your Orange County Dentist is certified and has the expertise to correct your gummy smile with dental lasers. The tissue laser used by Dr. Hagen or one of his associates recontours your gums without the use of scalpels or stitches. This amazing less invasive treatment is gentle resulting in very little postoperative pain.

Your experienced laser OC Dentist has the ability to transform your smile in as little as one visit, trimming the gums with laser technology. Because you usually only require one session there is less chance of infection and excessive bleeding.

During your laser gum lift procedure, your Fountain Valley Dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums in order to create a unique treatment plan for your particular case. If you are a good candidate for this type of procedure, your Dr. Hagen will use his state of the art laser gently guiding it along your gum line trimming away the excess tissue while reshaping your gums.

If you are tired of the way your smile looks, schedule a no obligation consultation with your OC Cosmetic Dentist. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to walk out of the dentist chair in an hour or less with a brand new smile?

Dental Implants Have Certainly Come a Long Way

Your Dentist in Fountain Valley, Dr. Peter Hagen, will tell you that today’s Dental Implants are a far cry from the Dental Implants used by your ancestors.

Dental Implants in Fountain Valley provide you with an alternative to complete or partial dentures, but Dental Implants have not always been so comfortable, in fact, you may be surprised to learn what people actually had to go through just to replace a missing tooth.

According to archaeologists, Dental Implants date back to the early Mayan Civilization around 600 A.D. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient skulls whose teeth have been replaced with seashell fragments and semi-precious stones. Although these early attempts at DentalImplants seem crude and primitive, some of those Mayan Dental Implants did fuse to the jawbone. The most well known discovery happened in 1931 when an archaeologist uncovered a Mayan woman’s mandible bone. Thought to be in her mid 20’s the mandible held three seashells that were carved into the shape of a tooth before being hammered into the sockets of her teeth.

Your Dentist in Fountain Valley uses the most advanced Dental Implant technology available but also finds it curious that the ancient Mayans were not the only early civilization to use Dental Implants.

Egyptian mummies that have recently been unearthed have gold wires that have been implanted into the jawbone. A more recent discovery by an anthropologist shows iron being implanted into a Roman soldiers jawbone. Archaeologists in the Middle East have found skeletons that contain ivory Dental Implants.

These early Dental Implants have paved the way for modern Dental Implants, giving Dental Implants in the OC a success rate of 95 to 98 percent.

If you have been thinking about Dental Implants,schedule an appointment with your Orange County Dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants. If deemed suitable Hagen Dental can replace one or more teeth, restore your smile, enhance facial tissue, support a bridge or denture, and get rid of bite problems and joint pain once and for all.

Call your Fountain Valley Dentist for a no obligation Dental Implant consultation today.