Get the Scoop on Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

Gum recession is a big worry for the people who are living with such an issue. Receding gums are sensitive and, even though you want to fix the problem, you might be wary to move forward on a procedure like gum grafting. This is understandable – the traditional grafting procedure is invasive and demands a lengthy and sometimes painful recovery. But you have options. Notably, pinhole gum rejuvenation.

Here is how pinhole gum rejuvenation works for qualified candidates:

• Tiny pinholes are placed in the gum tissue.
• Gum tissue is loosened as special instruments are passed through the pinholes.
• Gum tissue is repositioned over the recessed areas.
• Collagen is inserted into the pinholes to hold the repositioning in place.
• Pinholes shrink to an undetectable size within 24 to 36 hours.
• Results are visible immediately.

What Causes Gum Recession?

For many people, gum recession is an inconvenience because it interrupts the look of their smile. It’s a cosmetic issue that has affected their once-familiar grin and made it toothier than it should be. Unfortunately, the recession is a far bigger issue than this. People who suffer from gum recession are far more likely to find themselves with oral health problems such like tooth decay and gum disease.

So how do you battle the condition, or even avoid it entirely? Being proactive is your best weapon, especially if your grind your teeth or brush too hard. These habits work and work against the gums, wearing them down. Then there are some genetic issues that can’t be avoided – some people are destined to have gum recession or misalignment that causes force to be unevenly distributed over the teeth.

Overall, gum recession develops slowly. If you visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and teeth cleaning as recommended, they will review your gum health and recession levels, look for changes, question you about sensitivity, and, if necessary, recommend pinhole gum rejuvenation.

Why Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Is Your Best Choice

Pinhole gum rejuvenation is fast-healing and does not require the use of scalpels or sutures. The typical gum graft repair is exactly the opposite. Gum tissue is cut away from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transplanted around the recessed tooth using sutures.

Learning the long-established procedure for correcting this oral health problem, it’s no surprise then that patients are extremely interested in the pinhole gum rejuvenation process. Patients don’t want to have a surgical process to contend with or experience a painful healing process. With the pinhole option, open wounds, stitches, pain, swelling, and recovery time are dramatically reduced.

Your gums are part of your smile, and your Manhattan Beach dentist at Beachside Smiles wants them to be healthy and look amazing so you feel healthy and feel amazing too. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and talk about whether you’re a good candidate for pinhole gum rejuvenation.

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Same-Day Veneers

The CEREC system is an exciting option in dental care. Dental offices that are equipped with this sophisticated technology use a 3D printer to create a dental veneer smile makeover in just one visit. Here’s how the process works:

• Design: CEREC veneers are customized just like all other dental veneers. The elements considered in their development are size, color, shape, length, width, and more – the goal is to create a perfect smile for every patient.
• Creation: While you wait, your dentist’s computer-assisted design machine will craft your new veneers per the specifications determined by you and your dentist.
• Application: The veneers are placed on the teeth and double-checked for fit and appearance before they are bonded permanently in place. If something is wrong, no problem – the on-site CEREC machine makes corrections fast and easy.

You will meet with your Manhattan Beach dentist about your vision for your smile and whether you are a good candidate for same-day veneers. Some patients who need one veneer repaired or just need a few teeth altered benefit from this treatment as much as someone who wants a complete smile upgrade.

Conventional Veneers

When you think about porcelain veneers, you probably think about conventional veneers, the well-established version of this cosmetic dentistry treatment. The procedure is more invasive, but the results are flawless and long-lasting. Here’s how traditional veneers work:

• Prep: Tooth enamel is permanently shaved down to make room for the veneers.
• Design: Patient and dentist work together to decide on all the parameters of the veneers’ characteristics.
• Creation: Veneer plans are sent to a dental lab for creation. This part of the process can take about two weeks and temporary veneers may be put in place while you wait.
• Bonding: Veneers are checked for appearance and fit before being bonded permanently in place.

Prepless Veneers

Many people who are interested in veneers are curious about the preples veneers option. This procedure is the best of all veneer worlds, eliminating the need to alter natural teeth to make room for veneers. There is no special prep needed to get ready for the treatment, only a cleaning and light sanding. The veneers themselves are incredibly thin but just as strong as their counterparts.

Just like all other veneers, prepless veneers offer the following benefits:

• Strengthen teeth
• Protect tooth structure
• Conceal stains or discoloration
• Correct chips or breaks
• Fix misshapen teeth
• Close gaps
• Lengthen short teeth
• Improve appearance

Are Dental Veneers Your Smile Makeover Procedure?

Not every dentist works with every type of dental veneer, but knowing you have options will help you determine what kind of smile makeover you want and where you want to get it. At Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, Dr. Don Mungcal and his team are experienced in many types of porcelain veneers. Find out which one is right for you. Schedule a consultation today.

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Factors That Impact Veneers Durability

The word porcelain often brings to mind fragile objects, like dolls or dishware. But there is nothing delicate about porcelain veneers for teeth. These miniature shields are bonded to natural teeth, transforming their appearance and strength. There are very few things that can compromise a smile makeover made of veneers. The following factors play an important role:

• Behavior: Veneers are stain-resistant and immune to temperature changes. They can break, chip, or crack, but it is unlikely this will happen unless the wearer makes a poor choice, like attempting to rip open a package with their teeth or chewing on inedible items (glasses frames, writing instruments, fingernails, etc.)
• Materials: High-quality porcelain is the material of choice for any veneers restoration from your Manhattan Beach dentist. Even though porcelain is much like glass in its composition, the material is extremely stable. You want a dentist who uses the best materials to create your smile makeover.
• Natural teeth: Tooth enamel is the toughest substance in the human body, so it doesn’t really need further reinforcement. Nevertheless, when you bond natural teeth with the small porcelain shields of veneers, the pair become powerful and nearly indestructible.

Porcelain Veneers Maintenance

Even though veneers are stain resistant, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean them. This smile upgrade needs just as much care as the rest of your teeth, an effort that will make your investment last for a long time in durability and beauty.

• At-home oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day at home. Veneers don’t need any special upkeep but they do require the bare minimum for tending to your oral health. Make sure too that you brush behind the veneers where your natural teeth still live so they are not compromised by plaque or bacteria.
• Professional dental care: Visit your dentist every six months for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. This keeps your teeth healthy and also ensures that your Manhattan Beach dentist will get their eyes on your smile makeover regularly and confirm that it’s in good shape.
• The right supplies: Again, you don’t need anything special to care for your teeth, but your hygienist is always happy to make recommendations about toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and more. If you play sports or grind your teeth, discuss these circumstances with your dentist so you can be fitted for a mouth guard or nightguard and protect your entire smile.

Are Veneers Right for You?

Veneers durability is a sure thing, as long as you do your best to care for your smile makeover. Find out if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Don Mungcal and his dental team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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1. Minimally Invasive

LANAP is a minimally invasive laser gum surgery. This cutting-edge procedure makes use of a high-powered, super-fine dental laser to treat gum disease gently, without the need for scalpels or sutures. There is less pain and sensitivity, minimal bleeding, reduced gum loss, less swell, and fast healing.

• Local anesthetic applied to the gums.
• Dental laser inserted between infected tooth and gum.
• The laser recognizes healthy tissue and avoids it.
• Infected areas that need to be healed are treated.
• Several sessions may be needed to complete treatment.

2. Treats Different Types of Gum Disease

While deep teeth cleaning is used to fight gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, LANAP is intended for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease. This laser therapy targets the diseased areas of the gum to clear away infection and reduce inflammation when the disease has progressed beyond the early signs of swollen, red gums.

3. Promotes Periodontal Regeneration

Of the many people who suffer from gum disease, there is often loss of gum tissue along the way. While gum disease can be eliminated, the diseased tissue is permanently compromised. LANAP gum disease treatment though has been cleared by the FDA as a method that treats gum disease and promotes the reattachment of gum tissue and new bone growth at the same time, also known as periodontal regeneration.

4. Fast Recovery

It’s bad enough to be living with the discomfort of gum disease, but sometimes it can be just as awful to undergo treatment for this condition. The recovery can be difficult and lengthy, depending on the severity of your gum disease. LANAP, however, makes recovering from gum disease treatment far more comfortable. Because the procedure is far less demanding, any patient will be far more comfortable and experience a faster recovery.

5. Preps You for Restorative Dentistry

Gum disease therapy takes time and healing from the procedure also requires patience. But once your gums are healthy again, you and your Manhattan Beach dentist can work toward restoring your smile cosmetically too. Many people with gum disease suffer from tooth loss, but replacing missing teeth is possible thanks to the beauty of dental implants which restore both tooth root and crown.

Get LANAP in Manhattan Beach

Don’t be afraid to share your oral health problems with your dentist. It’s their job to help you, eliminate your pain, and get your teeth and gums to excellent condition. Remember, gum disease is treatable, and LANAP gum disease treatment may be just the right procedure for you. Find out by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Don Mungcal at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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Dentures Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

There are several types of dentures available. Sometimes, it helps to know you have options and you won’t necessarily be “stuck” with your grandparents’ dentures. Rest assured, dental care has come a long way – modern dentures work as well as they possibly can. Here are some of the versions that are possible:

• Full dentures: Full dentures are a set of complete dentures that replace an entire arch of missing teeth on the top of your mouth. This option requires adhesives to stay in place, covers the palate, and needs to be removed for daily cleaning. It is far more comfortable than similar versions that came before it and looks like natural teeth.
• Partial dentures: Missing a few teeth in one area of your mouth? A partial denture may be just the solution. A metal framework is customized to the compromised area and held in place with a gum-colored plastic based. This removable appliance blends into your smile easily and fills in the noticeable holes.
• Implant dentures: Want the best of two worlds to replace your missing teeth? Ask your Manhattan Beach dentist about implants dentures which use characteristics of dentures and dental implants together. Some of the more unreliable denture features, namely adhesive, are eliminated thanks to the placement of four dental implants in the jawbone. The denture is attached for a permanent restoration that does not cover the palate or shift out of place.

Big Benefits of Manhattan Beach Dentures

There are always multiple ways to replace missing teeth, from dentures to dental implants to dental bridges. Your Manhattan Beach dentist will recommend what is best for your oral health, the longevity of your smile, and your lifestyle. Dentures have many excellent characteristics that can work for adults who have long been missing teeth and are finally ready to make a change and transform their smile, including:

• Ease of use
• No surgery required
• Affordable
• Convenient
• Immediate fitting
• Quick solution
• Natural appearance

Many people hear the word dentures and start to automatically focus on the drawbacks they’ve heard about, but even the most cumbersome element of dentures is worth the inconvenience to have a complete smile again.

Find Out If Modern Dentures Are Right for You

If you’re reading to replace your missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Don Mungcal and his dental team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA. Discuss the options to fill in for your absent teeth and find out whether dentures are the right restorative dentistry treatment for you. This restoration is reliable, looks like your natural teeth, and gives you back not only your smile but your confidence too.

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Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Emergencies

When something is wrong with your oral health, consider it a dental emergency and always call your Manhattan Beach cosmetic dentist. Better to be cautious and allow your dentist to determine whether the problem is serious and if you need to be seen right away.

Here are just some of the cosmetic dentistry emergencies that can masquerade as small problems before they turn into major problems:

• Chipped veneer: Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong but one wrong move can lead to a crack or chip. This problem may not hurt, but it certainly looks bad and requires quick attention to prevent other complications from developing and to get your smile back to perfect.
• Broken filling: Whether a tooth-colored filling is broken or lost, damage to this restoration is a serious problem. Its original intention was to correct, seal, and protect a tooth – but its absence leaves a tooth open to problems like bacteria and plaque, not to mention unsightliness.
• Lost crown: A porcelain crown is used as a cosmetic solution and dental restoration. Either way, the cap protects and beautifies a problem tooth. If a crown falls off, it needs to be replaced right away to make sure your tooth doesn’t develop problems because bacteria have an easy route inside.

Causes of Cosmetic Dentistry Emergencies

There are many things that can cause a dental emergency involving cosmetic dentistry, including:

• Biting down wrong on a hard food
• Using your teeth to open a package or bottle
• Clenching your teeth
• Taking a hit to the mouth
• Old dental restorations

Go ahead and be vain – reach out to your dentist right away to be seen right away. Whether your dental emergency has created an odd-shaped tooth, a gap, a hole, or other damage, remember that the cosmetic problem is only half the issue – the rest of your oral health can be threatened by the damage too.

Repairs for Cosmetic Dentistry Problems

If you have a problem with a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown, the great news is that you can enjoy the benefits of being the patient of a dentist who uses CEREC technology. Same-day crowns and same-day veneers are possible when your Manhattan Beach dentist can create them on site and repair your tooth right away.

Instead of waiting for a dental lab to recreate a damaged restoration, your dentist will make it again using their in-office equipment so you can be fitted immediately. So many people avoid going to the dentist because they worry about discomfort and how long it might take to correct their problem. A CEREC-equipped dental office eliminates those fears entirely, fixing the issue right away.

No matter what is wrong with your smile, your Manhattan Beach dentist at Beachside Smiles will develop the right solution to make it look flawless again, not to mention function properly again too. Contact us today.

The post Problem with Your Cosmetic Dentistry? It Could Be a Dental Emergency appeared first on Manhattan Beach Dentist.

1. Dedicated Oral Hygiene

The state of your oral health is completely within your control – well, almost completely. By practicing good brushing and flossing techniques at home, you set yourself up for the best possible circumstances where cavity prevention is concerned. Do your best by brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossing at least once a day or using a water pik.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

Your daily habits affect your body – and that includes your teeth. There are many things you can do to avoid damaging your oral health, including the following:

• Drink water frequently, especially after eating and when you need to clean your teeth but don’t have the tools available.
• Minimize the consumption of sugary or acidic beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and juices.
• Try not to snack frequently so your teeth are not constantly bathed in bacteria and food particles.

3. Preventive Measures

Dental sealants are typically recommended for children, who tend not to be the best brushers and end up with frequent cavities. Some adults, though, are good candidates for sealants, especially if you suffer from repeated tooth decay. This easy treatment is brushed on to the chewing surface of molars to prevent them from being susceptible to the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

If you damage a tooth, even minorly, getting it checked and addressed right away can prevent bigger problems from developing later. You may not think anything is wrong with your tooth but there could be a hairline crack that lets in foreign particles and leads to decay. Cavity prevention, sometimes, is as simple as making an appointment with your Manhattan Beach dentist for preventive dentistry.

4. Teeth Cleanings and Dental Exams

Professional teeth cleanings every six months involve a careful scraping away of plaque and bacteria, particularly in all the spots where it’s hard to reach with a toothbrush. Your hygienist and dentist are trained to notice suspicious areas that may be developing a cavity or have a crack or chip that could lead to an infection, and x-rays offer even more information about what’s happening under the gumline. There is no substitute for the expertise and knowledge of your dental team when it comes to cavity prevention.

Get Professional Cavity Prevention from Your Manhattan Beach Dentist

Some people live their entire life without a cavity. Others have problem after problem because of thin tooth enamel or avoiding the dentist. Whether you’re prone to cavities or not, dedicated oral hygiene and cavity prevention is essential for everyone. Do whatever you can to avoid toothaches, infections, gum disease, or other serious oral health problems, and get support from the dental team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The post <strong>Be Thankful for These 4 Easy Cavity Prevention Methods</strong> appeared first on Manhattan Beach Dentist.

1. Use Whitening Toothpaste

Most people want to try to brighten their teeth on their own before they reach out to their dentist for cosmetic dentistry. If you fall into this camp, one of the best ways to get rid of surface stains on your teeth is with a whitening toothpaste, especially if what you’re using has hydrogen peroxide in it. Don’t expect miracles though. The whitening will be temporary and will not get down deep into your tooth enamel.

2. Eat More Veggies

Not a veggie lover? You’re missing out on some serious dental advantages. Raw veggies are abrasive and can scrape food particles and bacteria off teeth. They also don’t damage teeth by leading to tooth decay because sugar and acid are in short supply. You’re a smart adult, and editing your diet to make room for vegetables is worth the effort – this is a good lesson to pass on to your kids too, especially the ones who won’t eat their broccoli.

3. Rely on Dairy

Eating or drinking dairy is great for your teeth too. Cheese, milk, yogurt, and anything in their family can whiten teeth over time. Plus, calcium keeps tooth enamel strong which helps make teeth resistant to acid and bacteria. If you enjoy harder cheeses, these can even remove food particles that threaten your teeth.

4. Get a Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleanings and dental exams are recommended twice a year and keep your teeth polished, white, and clean. But, you can absolutely schedule more frequent cleanings for yourself if you think your teeth need it. If you’ve had some busy months full of coffee drinking, red wines and dark sauces, or smoking, you can make a fresh start with your smile by contacting your dentist for a special cleaning.

5. Invest in Professional Teeth Whitening

Many people want to whiten their teeth using over-the-counter products, but these items are a pricey investment that do not guarantee results. If you’re at this stage, what you need most is to see your Manhattan Beach cosmetic dentist to find out if you’re a good candidate for professional teeth whitening or if there are other dental treatments that might suit you better, like porcelain veneers or crowns.

6. Visit Your Manhattan Beach Dentist

No matter what makes you unhappy about the appearance of your teeth, your dental team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach is prepared to help you whiten up, brighten up, and feel like the best version of yourself. Schedule an appointment.

The post <strong>6 Tips for Whiter Teeth</strong> appeared first on Manhattan Beach Dentist.

1. Avoid chewy candy.

Gummy worms. Taffy. Licorice. Caramel. Some people are drawn the chewiest candy available. Unfortunately, this treat is full of tricks. Biting on a chewy candy could tug out a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. Though these cosmetic dentistry solutions are bonded firmly to the teeth, candy is not scared of anything and has many people making calls for emergency dental care on November 1. Avoid this kind of damage by skipping the chewy stuff.

2. Stick to chocolate.

One of the kindest candies for your teeth is soft chocolate, like candy bars and peanut butter cups. They practically melt in your mouth and don’t threaten the integrity of your smile. Just choose your chocolate wisely and skip anything stuffed with nuts or caramel or nougat. Those ingredients could pull out, crack, or damage cosmetic dentistry treatments.

3. Remove your trays before you snack.

If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, you are already aware that you must remove your trays before you eat a meal or have a snack. It can be tempting on Halloween to pop a piece of candy into your mouth because it seems small or harmless, but repeat this act too many times or choose the wrong kind of sweet and you could end up with broken, discolored, or smelly Invisalign trays. Keep up with your rules of wear on Halloween and your trays will stay clean and clear.

4. Eat candy at mealtimes.

When you eat a meal, your mouth produces more saliva to help with digestion and clean away food particles from the teeth. Since saliva is already working overtime, this is the perfect opportunity to dig into your favorite, teeth-friendly candies. Less of the sugary stuff will be left to linger on your teeth and potentially cause tooth decay in and around your cosmetic dentistry. You’ll still need to brush and floss, but this behavior is helpful for your smile makeover.

5. Set up a time to indulge.

Many people have a piece of candy here and a piece there, thinking they’re protecting their waistline. Maybe they are, but it’s doing their smile makeover no favors. Exposing your teeth to a sugar bath throughout the day just makes it more likely that you will suffer from cavities or other infections. If you’re going to dig into some Halloween goodies, do it all at one time then brush. Your cravings will be sated and your teeth will be saved.

Get Smile Makeover Repairs in Manhattan Beach

Don’t let any Halloween missteps turn into a dental disaster. If you need an emergency dentist, contact Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach to get a diagnosis and the necessary repairs to protect your smile makeover.

The post 5 Ways to Protect Your Smile Makeover on Halloween appeared first on Manhattan Beach Dentist.

Reasons Patients Haven’t Been to the Dentist

Everyone has their own reasons for avoiding the dentist and COVID compounded all those issues. Here are some of the most common reasons patients haven’t been to the dentist:

• You’re worried you’ll contract COVID. Going to the dentist is safe. Meticulous hygiene and sterilization continue as usual. Basic teeth cleanings and all types of dental care are carrying on normally. Extra masks and plastic face shields are no longer necessary – but extra precautions can certainly be taken for anyone who makes a special request. Remember, your dentist was always one of the cleanest and safest places to go – now it’s even more hygienic.
• Your dental anxiety is worse than ever. For patients who were already anxious about going to the dentist and who have avoided teeth cleanings, getting back into the dentist’s chair after COVID can be more difficult than usual. In cases like this, sedation dentistry may be needed, even for a teeth cleaning.
• You’ve been out of work. One of the first things to go in a person’s budget when their financial circumstances are tight is dental care. Job loss may also come with a loss of dental insurance. But self-care is critical to help avoid the development of oral health problems and the need for costly emergency dentistry. Most dental offices have a new patient special at a discounted rate as well as affordable financing plans that can get you the teeth cleaning you need while you figure out your circumstances.

Consequences of Avoiding the Dentist

It may seem like typical dental visits for a dental exam and teeth cleaning are quick and perfunctory, but many important things happen at each visit, which should take place every six months. Not only are teeth carefully cleaned, polished, and flossed, your mouth gets attention too. Your Manhattan Beach dentist will give you screenings for oral cancer and gum disease and look over digital x-rays to see if there are problems lurking under the gumline or within your teeth.

If you avoid the dentist and these basic steps of dental care, you could develop:

• Gum disease: This is a slow-moving disease, but several years of not being seen by your dentist can make it escalate quickly.
• Tooth decay: Cavities start small, but the longer they go unnoticed the more damage they can do.
• Infections: Root infections or tooth infections can lead to severe pain and discomfort and, if not treated right away, the need for tooth extraction.

Dental Procrastination After COVID

Dental care is more important than ever in the wake of COVID, which has caused so much stress and problems like teeth grinding, enamel erosion, and damaged teeth. You want your smile to look new again, be healthy, and be strong. Make it happen by prioritizing teeth cleanings and all dental care, starting now. Schedule an appointment with the team at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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