Curtis L. Chan, DDS

What is a Cavity?

We’ve all been chastised by our parents at one point or another about eating so many sweets that we will give ourselves cavities. At a certain point, our parents were right. When we eat too many surgery or starchy foods without brushing or flossing our teeth, it can cause cavities to form in our teeth, which will eventually need to be treated by a dentist.

Cavities are infections in our teeth caused by a combination of carbohydrate-containing foods and bacteria that live in our mouths. When these foods and bacteria build up in our mouth, our teeth will develop holes in their enamel, and when these holes get large and deep enough, they will need to be attended to by a dentist. By ignoring these cavities, we open ourselves to having significant tooth issues at a later time, which can mean more extensive and expensive attention later.

Cavities are, usually, very easy to clean and rectify, which means that if you have a cavity, a simple trip to the dentist is all you should need to fix your tooth. When looking for a dentist who can fix your cavity, be sure to find one who can easily perform your cavity procedure and one that can take care of any concerns you may have about your procedure.

How is a Cavity Filled?

The procedure of filling a cavity is usually very simple and fairly quick, depending on how serious the cavity is. Usually, the steps to getting a cavity filled include:

Receiving a numbing agent: When a cavity is filled, a dentist will usually need to drill into the enamel of the tooth, which means that the nerve in your tooth can be irritated or exposed, which can end up being quite painful. To help with this issue, a dentist will either numb the area that will be worked on or will give you a gas that will help you not feel pain while they work.

Cleaning out the cavity: Your dentist, after you are numbed or have the anesthesia gas working, will then clean out the cavity using a variety of tools, including a drill and a pick. This process is usually quick, with most people saying that the worst part is hearing the drill.

Filling the cavity: Cavities that have been cleaned are then filled. Cavities can be filled with a variety of things, with most dentists now straying from silver fillings in favor of other materials. Your dentist will then polish and file the filling so that it feels natural and does not affect your bite.

A filling can take up to an hour to complete, depending on if your dentist wants to get X-rays or depending on how extensive the cavity is. As always, talk to your dentist if you have questions about your procedure so that you can go in feeling confident about your procedure.

Your Local Del Mar Dentist

When you need a cleaning, a whitening, or a filling performed, make sure you have a dentist who will give you the proper care and time you need. At the Del Mar, (San Diego) CA dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, DDS, you can feel confident that you will have a dentist who will know and care about you and will help you with all of your oral health needs. Call us to make a dental appointment at our office today at (858) 481-9090.

Who Needs Tooth Implants?

Our teeth serve many purposes in our lives, and they’re a part of our bodies we have to take care of so that they stay as healthy as they can for the rest of our lives. While many people think that taking care of our teeth just means brushing and flossing them, there is more that we can do to ensure that our teeth stay healthy for the long term. Avoiding hard foods, protecting them when participating in contact sports, and being careful of home treatments we do are all extra ways we can keep our teeth healthy for the duration of our lives. Unfortunately, though, not everyone is able to take care of all of their teeth during their lifetime.

Anyone can end up needing a tooth implant. Having teeth fall out due to an accident, poor dental health, or simply due to age is something that can happen to anyone, so of course, anyone can end up needing an implant. Tooth implants in Del Mar are procedures that can be performed to help replace teeth that have fallen out or been knocked out so that the person missing the tooth can live a normal and full life. These procedures are a great choice for those who do not want a dental bridge or dentures, so if you are missing teeth and want to explore dental implants for yourself, be sure to talk to a knowledgeable and friendly dentist who can give you the information you need.

What Are Tooth Implants?

Tooth implants are exactly what they claim to be: implants placed by your dentist to replace missing teeth. These implants have a variety of options when it comes to their placement and materials, so you can talk about your options with your dentist, though most dentists will be able to make the right call for you and your tooth health since they know your typical dental habits. These implants can dramatically change the way a person lives their life, so many people decide to get these implants to improve their day to day dealings and make life better overall.

There are two types of implants that are typically performed: endosteal and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are where the implant is put directly into the jawbone, anchoring the implant so that it is steady. A subperiosteal implant is where the implant is placed below the gumline and fitted onto the jaw. After the implants for both of these methods have healed, an artificial tooth is fitted to your implant, giving you a tooth that looks real and allows you to function as if you had never lost the tooth to begin with. These procedures, while time-consuming, offer a variety of benefits that many people wish to have, so they are quite popular for those seeking a long-term solution for their missing tooth problems.

A Dentist Who Can Help Your Smile

Tooth implants can drastically change the way you live your life. With these implants, you are able to live a more full and uninhibited life, which can make you happier. At the Del Mar, (San Diego) CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, DDS, we can provide this service to you easily and safely, giving you the smile you want and need. We are able to help answer any questions you have and schedule your appointment any time, so call us today at (858) 481-9090.

What is a Dental Exam?

The most common reason for the general public to see a dentist is to have a dental exam and cleaning performed. These tasks should be done at least once a year, but they are more effective if they are performed twice a year. Although everyone should see a dentist for a cleaning and exam, many people avoid the dentist due to the fears they have over what will happen in their exam and the possible pain that could come from the exam and cleaning.

When you have fears about what might happen in your exam, talk with your dentist ahead of time to make sure that they are aware of your hesitations so that they can help make your exam and cleaning worry-free, and be sure you have a dentist who is interested in making your experience a positive and happy one to help ensure you will continue to have your oral health needs reviewed and taken care of.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

The process of a dental exam is usually quick and easy. Dental exams typical follow this schedule:

Review History: Your dentist will want to review your dental history so that they can check on any previous issues you’ve had to make sure they are healed or not worsening. They may ask you some questions about your teeth or gums or past work you’ve had done during this portion of the exam.

Take X-rays: X-rays of our teeth are important to have. They allow your dentist to look at your teeth and notice any issues your teeth may be having that aren’t obvious from a simple cursory examination. These X-rays can show your dentist issues such as cavities that can be filled before they turn into big and expensive issues.

Examine and Clean: The dentist will use a variety of dental tools to explore, examine, and clean your mouth while you are at your appointment. These tools allow the dentist to check for tooth decay, receding gums, cavities, and larger issues such as oral cancer. Your dentist will also clean your teeth so that they are free of plaque and tartar, which will make them healthy and well.

Set Appointment for Next Visit: At the end of your visit, you will schedule your next appointment for your next cleaning and examination. This appointment is usually six months away or so, so unless you have other needs that the dentist needs to address, you will come back for your next appointment then.

A California Dentist Here for You

Dental exams and cleanings are truly an important part of your oral health. When you have these procedures done, you are able to care for your teeth and gums fully, making sure you have a healthy mouth for as long as you live. At the Del Mar, (San Diego) CA dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we are ready to give you the dental exam and cleaning you need. We also know how to help alleviate any fears you may have about your upcoming exam and are happy to answer any questions you have to help you understand this process better.

We want you to feel right at home in our office when we’re working with you, so we will help you in any way that we can to give you the best experience you can have. Call us today at (858) 481-9090 to set up your dental exam today.

White teeth have ceased to be a luxury only the rich and famous can afford. Teeth whitening products come in tubes of toothpaste, gels, lights, and treatments that you can have done professionally by a dentist. Having white teeth is something people seek for a number of reasons. White teeth look professional, they show that you have a healthy mouth and body, they help to beautify your smile, and they can help boost your confidence.

Read the rest of this entry »