Posted on

Restoration Dentistry

How to Restore Your Natural Smile

If you’re one of the millions of adults who have lost one or more teeth due to cavities, gum disease or traumatic injury, then you know how big of an impact tooth loss can have on your life. Missing teeth can cause problems speaking, make eating your favorite foods difficult and have a negative impact on your self-confidence.
Restoration
Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options available for people with damaged or missing teeth. Delaying treatment may lead to more serious problems and require more extensive dental work down the road, so it’s important to talk to your San Jose dentist as soon as you notice a problem.

What is Dental Restoration?

Dental restoration is the process of restoring damaged or missing teeth to a healthy, functional and beautiful state.  Whether you need a tooth-colored filling, porcelain crown, permanent bridge or any other replacement for missing teeth, Dental Dimensions can help you regain the function and natural beauty of your smile while providing improved comfort.

Fillings

Fillings are used to restore a portion of a tooth damaged by decay or traumatic injury. Compared to earlier fillings, the materials used in fillings today are much more aesthetically appealing, allowing patients to restore their tooth while maintaining a smile that looks and feels natural.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution to missing or broken teeth. These artificial tooth roots are securely placed to simulate the root of a pre-existing tooth. Implants are designed to replicate your natural teeth while restoring function and preventing further decay, dental diseases and bone loss.

Dentures

Another option for tooth loss is dentures, or false teeth. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when no teeth are remaining. This type of dentures covers both the upper and lower gums. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used when several teeth are missing. Today’s dentures are designed to be much more comfortable and functional than earlier years.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may be used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure, such as a root canal, or when decay in a tooth becomes so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed.  Crowns are placed on the top of the tooth and are typically made of tooth-like porcelain material. Crowns may also be used to cover implants, attach dental bridges or protect an existing filling from becoming loose or dislocated.

Bridges

Dental bridges “bridge” the gap between your missing tooth or teeth and your surrounding teeth. False teeth are fused between two crowns to fill in the area where tooth loss occurred.
If your teeth are damaged or missing, then you want a replacement option that will restore your smile as close to your natural teeth as possible.  Today’s restorative dental options are more durable and natural looking than in years past, renewing both your health and self-confidence. Talk to Dental Dimensions about the best treatment for you.
Posted on

How to Avoid Tooth Stains

Stained, discolored teeth are one of the most common complaints dentists hear from patients. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest dental problems to prevent and treat.
In most cases, you can prevent your pearly whites from turning dingy simply by controlling what you expose them to. Foods and drinks are common culprits, such as coffee, tea, juice, wine, soy sauce and blueberries.  But it’s not just what you eat that can taint your smile. Tobacco—whether it is smoked or chewed—is one of the worst offenders of discolored teeth.
Stained
Not all stains are caused by bad habits and foods. Aging can also lead to yellowing of the teeth. As the enamel of the teeth wears thin, the underlying layer of yellowish dentin shows through.

Prevent Stained Teeth

  • Keep teeth clean: Brush and floss every day—and immediately after eating or drinking—to remove plaque and other stain-causing debris that accumulates on the teeth.
  • Choose foods and drinks wisely: Limit how often you drink tea, coffee and other dark foods and beverages. If you must indulge, do so in one sitting rather than sipping or snacking throughout the day.  When drinking, use a straw to reduce your teeth’s exposure and minimize staining.
  • Quit smoking: While easier said than done, smoking is a major cause of stained teeth. Stop now and you’ll not only save your teeth from turning yellow, but you will be doing your overall health a favor.
  • Brush with whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste won’t actually change the overall color of your teeth, but can be very effective at removing minor stains.
  • Visit Dental Dimensions: Remember to schedule appointments with your dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up every six months to keep your smile looking and feeling its very best.

Professional Whitening from Dental Dimensions

For dramatic, long-lasting teeth whitening results, your San Jose dentist may recommend professional in-office whitening. Professional teeth bleaching can remove unwanted stains to reveal your smile’s bright white in as little as a single appointment.  A special whitening agent is applied to your teeth and activated by a light to accelerate the whitening process. This procedure is ideal for busy patients looking for immediate results and dramatically whiter teeth in just one or two appointments.
There’s no reason to be embarrassed by discolored teeth today. With proper care at home and professional options available from Dental Dimensions, you can reclaim your bright, white smile.
Posted on

Replace Toothbrush

The Filthy Truth About Your Toothbrush

You know that the best way to take care of your teeth and gums is by brushing every day. But do you know how to best take care of your toothbrush? Believe it or not, your toothbrush may not be all that clean and could be home to millions of bacteria and germs.
How you store your toothbrush can play a big role in how clean it stays. After brushing, you should rinse the brush in tap water to remove toothpaste and debris. Store the toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry after every use.  If multiple brushes are stored in the same area, keep the brushes separated to avoid illness from being passed between brushes.
Generally speaking, the human body is able to defend itself from bacteria and prevent infections. You should, however, still exercise some basic common sense when caring for your toothbrush.
Toothbrush
To keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible, follow these simple tips.
  • Every 3-4 months- The American Dental Association recommends replacing your old toothbrush about every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray.
  • Following illness- If you’ve had a cold or flu, you may also want to buy a new toothbrush. Germs and bacteria can hide out in the bristles, which may lead to reinfection.
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes- Because microorganisms can be passed between users, sharing a toothbrush should be avoided to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Don’t cover toothbrush- Moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria. Store your toothbrush upright in the open air instead.
Brushing is the best way to keep your mouth clean and your teeth healthy—but not if your toothbrush is in bad condition. If you ever have any doubts about the shape of your toothbrush, simply throw it out and get a new one.
Posted on

Orthodontic Braces

Am I a Candidate for Orthodontic Braces?

Candidate

Orthodontic braces are used to correct malocclusion, or “bad bites.”  When teeth are unevenly spaced, crooked and crowded, they are difficult to clean and maintain. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Other problems, such as ineffective chewing, problems speaking and misalignment of the jaw joints can also result from a poorly aligned bite without treatment. That’s why it is important to consult with a trained dentist or orthodontist about the best treatment options for moving your teeth to their optimal position.

Who can benefit from braces?

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage. But you don’t have to be an adolescent to benefit from braces.  Both adults and children can undergo orthodontic care to correct a wide range of dental problems. Common reasons for getting orthodontic braces include:
  • Overcrowded or crooked teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Underbite
  • Irregular spacing
  • Overbite
  • Jaw misalignment problems

More comfort, better results.

Thanks to advancements in modern dental materials and technologies, today’s dental braces are much smaller, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing than in years past. One popular option for adults—Invisalign—may also be a good choice for improving moderate teeth misalignment. Invisalign appliances are clear and removable, giving adults the convenience and comfort to improve their smile without anyone knowing they are even undergoing treatment.
If you or your child desires a straighter smile and an improved bite, talk to your San Jose dentist or orthodontist. The best orthodontic option will depend largely on the severity of dental problems. Dental Dimensions can help you determine the best course of action.
Posted on

Toothache? Here’s What To Do!

Listening to your body’s warning signs can mean the difference between a lifetime of good health and years of chronic conditions. This is especially true for toothaches and oral pain. When you experience these pain types, your body is often trying to tell you something – and that often means you may need to make a trip to our South San Jose dentist’s office.

Tooth pain can come from multiple sources, but is generally considered a sign that a nerve or nerves are irritated in your mouth. You may notice this pain when chewing your food. The pain may accompany bleeding, temperature sensitivity, fever or swelling.

Emergency

Common causes of a toothache can include dental cavities, infection, impacted wisdom tooth or injury to your mouth. Rarely, a toothache is not actually due to a tooth-related pain at all. Conditions such as sinusitis or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can cause tooth pain as well.

You can relieve or lessen some tooth pain through at-home care, such as rinsing your mouth with warm water. You also can apply a cold compress to your cheek to relieve oral pain or take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some “don’ts” when caring for your teeth are to refrain from applying aspirin or a painkiller directly to the gum. This can burn your gum tissue.

If you experience oral pain or a toothache that does not go away after two days or does not feel better, even after taking over-the-counter pain relievers, call our dentist’s office in South San Jose. These are all signs that you need professional dental attention.

Waiting longer or trying to ignore tooth pain or oral pain is not only uncomfortable, it also can worsen your condition. If you are experiencing a tooth infection, the bacteria responsible for the infection can spread.

If you have tooth pain, don’t delay – call The Dental Dimensions, a dentist practice in South San Jose at (408) 225-6815.

Posted on

How Computerized Shade Matching Gets You A Better Restoration

Have you ever seen someone’s dental crown and the color and size just don’t match the rest of his or her teeth? It takes so much away from the overall esthetics of that smile, doesn’t it?

At Dental Dimensions, Dr. Deepak Shetty and Dr. Kavita Bhatia insist on dental restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns that match surrounding teeth perfectly, looking natural in color, contours, and size. That’s why they use technologically-advanced computer matching for all their restorative and cosmetic work.

Whitening

No More Human Error

Let’s face it. Human beings aren’t perfect, and when it comes to color matching restorations, past efforts have fallen short of the aesthetic ideal. The result is patients who live with a crown, veneers, inlays or onlays that make them self-conscious about their smile, particular if the problem is on a front tooth.

In response, cosmetic dentists have developed a computerized system which virtually eliminates human error. The dentists at The Dental Dimensions in South San Jose, California use a hand-held, digital scanner to accurately record the color of teeth surrounding the site of restoration and then translate that color into porcelain.

How Color-Matching Works

The color-matching software takes images from the scanner and translates them into the right formula of porcelain powders to produce materials that are perfect in:

  • chroma or color
  • hue or subtle gradations of color
  • intensity of shade and translucency

This amazing software also helps the technician translate the color, hue and intensity to real-life 3 dimensions. With the help of a digital shade guide, the technician can more precisely adjust the resulting look of the porcelain or composite resin material as it will appear in different lighting situations. He or she then creates the restoration according to the dentist’s treatment plan, assured that the final product will blend in with the rest of the patient’s smile.

Long-lasting, Healthy and Dazzling Smiles

Doctors Shetty and Bhatia, their associate dentist, Dr. May Yoneyama, combine the precise skills of modern restorative, cosmetic and preventative dentistry for a dental practice that is second to none in patient care. They offer a wide range of services, including:

  • cleanings, x-rays and examinations
  • tooth-colored fillings
  • root canal therapy
  • dental crowns and implants
  • periodontal treatments
  • comprehensive care for children through senior adults
  • sedation
  • orthodontics

Call The Dental Dimensions in South San Jose, California

Would you like to know more about color-matched restorations and how they can improve your smile? Contact the friendly staff today for a consultation:(408) 225-6815.

Posted on

Is Sugar Free Gum Good For My Smile?

Chewing gum, which originated in ancient societies, is popular for more than just its minty freshness. Whether you use gum to quell anxiety, freshen your breath or simply out of boredom, you may wonder about the effects that chewing gum has on your teeth. These effects have been debated for years, but your San Jose dentist is here to set the record straight.

gums

Is sugar free gum different than sugar-containing gum? 
You should avoid chewing sugar-containing gum. Chewing gum can increase the flow of saliva in the mouth, having a positive effect on plaque acids. While sugar-containing gum has this effect on saliva flow, the sugar itself can cause decay, just like the sugar in a cookie or cola. Sugar-free gum is sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners, which are not known to cause decay.

Are some sugar-free gums better than others? 
The American Dental Association actually gives its seal of approval to some chewing gums. ADA-approved gums, however, only include the sugar-free variety. These gums are sweetened with, for example, xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol, which studies show do not cause tooth decay.

When should chewing gum be avoided? 
You should avoid chewing gum if you have certain dental appliances such as traditional braces, bridges or crowns, as they can become loosened or dislodged, or gum can get stuck in or under them. You should also avoid chewing gum if you suffer from jaw-related conditions like TMJ, as it could make the condition even worse.

Is chewing sugar free gum good for my smile? 
While there are mild benefits to chewing gum, it is certainly not vital to the upkeep of your teeth. It can stimulate saliva flow, helping your mouth to naturally wash away plaque acid, but statistics show that chewing gum does not produce significant results. Just because chewing gum has a few beneficial effects, it should never replace brushing or flossing. The best way to keep your smile healthy and happy is with a committed dental hygiene routine and regular dental appointments and cleanings to catch and treat problems and plaque buildup early.

Whether you have questions about chewing gum, your teeth or scheduling a routine dental checkup, The Dental Dimensions in San Jose, CA is here to help. Call (408) 225-6815 to schedule an appointment today!

Posted on

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day!

From your lungs to your skin to your teeth, smoking affects many aspects of your body. On May 31, 2014, there’s no time like the present to kick the habit and start on the path to stop smoking for good.
Smile
World No Tobacco Day is an effort from the World Health Organization to stop the more than 6 million deaths from tobacco use and secondhand smoke around the world. At The Dental Dimensions, Dr. Shetty and our entire South San Jose, CA dentist staff have an interest in keeping you smoke-free: It makes your teeth healthier too.
Smoking is associated with a number of dental problems. This includes tooth discoloration, increased risk for plaque and tartar, increased risk for gum disease and affected healing after a gum injury. If you smoke, you also are at increased for oral cancer, which can have deadly effects. All forms of nicotine use can result in harmful side effects, including smokeless tobacco products, which contain cancer-causing substances called carcinogens that can contribute to dental decay and harm.
In addition to improving your oral health, quitting smoking improves your health in general. From breathing better to reduced risk for lung cancer, quitting today or on World No Tobacco Day can make a world of difference in your health.
If you have tried to quit before, but were unsuccessful, we recommend calling the California Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS. The helpline also offers language lines in Vietnamese, Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin and Korean.
At our South San Jose, CA dentist office, Dr. Shetty and staff want to celebrate and encourage your decision and consideration in quitting smoking. Sometimes the first step is simply making the decision to make a change. By joining with people all around the globe to give up smoking, you are doing something for your health and to protect the health of those around you who could breathe in secondhand smoke.
For more information or to make an appointment at The Dental Dimension in San Jose, please call (408) 225-6815.
Posted on

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Why is Teeth Extraction Necessary?

If a tooth has been damaged by trauma or decay, your San Jose dentist will try to restore the tooth with a filling, crown or root canal. In many cases, these procedures are successful in saving the tooth, but if enough tooth structure has been destroyed to render the tooth unsalvageable, extracting the tooth may be the only other option.
Dental Implants1
Other common reasons for the removal of teeth include:
  • Tooth is very loose
  • Baby teeth or extra teeth in the mouth are blocking other teeth from growing in
  • To make room for orthodontic treatment and the shifting of teeth
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Teeth have become infected as a result an underlying medical condition that weakens the immune system; medical treatment; or organ transplants
  • Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth

Types of Extractions

There are two types of extractions performed: simple and surgical.  Simple extractions involve removing a tooth that can be seen in the mouth using a local anesthetic.  Your San Jose dentist will gently loosen the tooth so that it can be removed from the mouth.
Surgical extractions are used during more complex procedures, such as when a tooth is broken off at the gum line or has not grown into the mouth yet.  Because most surgical extractions involve a small incision in the gum, it is often performed by an oral surgeon and the patient is administered a general anesthesia.
Preserving and saving a patient’s natural tooth is always the main goal for a dentist, but in some cases, it is not always possible. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, a patient has many options for replacing their tooth following extraction including dental implants, dentures and bridges—all of which produce a beautiful, natural smile.