general dentistry

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Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Bridges are custom-made, so they are barely noticeable. Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.    

Why do you need bridges? 

If you have a missing tooth or need to have a tooth pulled, Dr. Fan can replace the gap with a dental bridge. Bridges can provide necessary tooth function, and prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of position, which can cause further unwanted dental problems.     

Are bridges removable?  

Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge.    

Deep teeth cleaning are meant to treat periodontal, or gum, disease. A deep clean can remove  buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, reducing gum inflammation and improving gum health. Typically, your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning after examining your teeth and gums and taking X-rays to help assess the overall health of your mouth. There are two parts in a deep cleaning procedure; the first is a gum or periodontal scaling, and the second is root planing.  The scaling part removes all the plaque and tartar from below the gum line. The root planning involves using an instrument to clean and smooth the root of the tooth, and helps the gums reattach to the tooth, minimizing the size of the pocket or space that can trap unhealthy build-up.  

What are the Benefits of Deep Cleaning? 

You might need a deep cleaning if gum disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating a space between your gums and teeth. The space can continue to widen if gum disease worsens. This can weaken the bones that support your teeth, which causing loose teeth or teeth loss.  Benefits of this procedure include:  

• stopping the advancement of gum disease
• treating a current infection and promote healing 
• cleaning your teeth above and below the gumline 
• eliminating bad breath caused by bacteria hiding in the gum
• protecting the bone surrounding of your teeth

Dental Fillings are commonly used to fill cavities, or small holes, in your teeth. They can also be used to repair damage caused by teeth grinding or replace a part of a broken tooth.  

I brush my teeth every day, why do I still have cavities? 

Many people brush twice a day, so they are surprised when their dentist discovers cavities during a checkup appointment. Unfortunately, only brushing your teeth won't prevent cavities. Here are some of the most common causes of cavities: 

• Tooth Location: Cavities are often found in your back teeth, molars and premolars. These teeth have lots of grooves, pits, and crannies that can trap food particles and bacteria. These spaces can also be hard to reach with a toothbrush. 
• Not Flossing: Floss can reach the spaces between your teeth, the place cavities are commonly found. If you don't floss every night, the bacteria will slowly eat away at the enamel and cause a cavity.  
• Fluoride Deficiency: Fluoride, a natural mineral, helps prevent cavities and can even reverse e earliest signs of tooth damage. Fluoride is commonly found in in toothpaste and mouthwash. 
• Dry mouth: Saliva can help prevent tooth decay by washing away food and plaque from your teeth and help counter the acid produced by bacteria.
• Diet: Acidic food and beverages such as juice and carbonated soda may break down the enamel to teeth and cause cavities. Try to rinse your mouth out with water immediately following soda intake. 
• Genes: Some people tend to have thin enamel. Patients with thin enamel are more prone to cavities.

Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. They are well-designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are anchored o the jawbone or metal framework on the bone nd act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases implants can be attached to dentures.

How does the process work?

Not everyone is a great candidate for implants. For a successful implant to take hold, a patient must have proper bone density, a strong immune system, and of course, good dental hygiene. 

• Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and to place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for the bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth. Patients are administered anesthesia during the procedure, and if necessary, antibiotics, to prevent infection.

Why do you need to bring your kids for a regular dental checkup? 

Oral health is a very important part of child development. Establishing a dental home and having a routine dental checkup will help your children protect their teeth, reduce caries risk factors, maintain a healthy diet, and learn proper brushing and flossing techniques. By having regular dental visits, dentist could detect early teeth development problems, such as missing/impacted permanent teeth, maxillary or mandibular deficiency, etc.

Why are primary teeth easy to get caries? 

You are so excited to see your child’s first erupted teeth. The little white teeth are their first set of teeth, also called the primary teeth. Primary teeth have a different structure than permanent teeth which make them easy to get caries. The enamel of primary teeth is thinner and easy to break. The pulp horn is bigger and is closer to the outside layer of dentin. These anatomical factors make primary teeth get caries easier and caries will spread faster. Besides, children love to eat candy and drink juice. The sugar from candy and juice will stick to the teeth and attract bacteria. Bacteria will consummate the sugar and make a lot of acids that will damage the teeth.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenotomy of frenectomy is a procedure that consists of releasing the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for a better range of motion. Children may be born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and/or a lip-tie causing restrictions in movement that can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, and in some instances, other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech and airway difficulties, and digestive issues.

Patients typically need a root canal if there is inflammation of the tooth's pulp. The inflammation could be a result of infection or trauma. Caries are the most common source of infection. When caries invades the pulp chamber, the patient will experience severe pain and sensitivity. If the infection is not treated, it will spread to the bone, soft tissue, sinus, and even to the bloodstream. Pulp infection could cause life-threatening infection if it is not treated properly. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.