Preventive Dentistry in Mission Viejo, CA

We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Keep your teeth strong and healthy with fluoride treatments. Unlike other procedures, fluoride is a simple and non-invasive way to help prevent dental decay. We'll apply a fluoridated varnish after your cleaning - all you need to do is wait for 30 minutes while it takes effect! Fluoride will strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids within plaque, bacteria, and sugary food. Get in touch today to take advantage of this beneficial treatment!

Keep your teeth safe from decay with dental sealants. A quick and non-invasive treatment, dental sealants create a protective barrier around the molars - the uneven surface that is vulnerable to plaque, acid, bacteria and other causes of decay. The resin used is applied directly to the molar surface and cured with a UV light for lasting protection. Dental sealants are generally recommended for children but can be used by patients of all ages - contact us today to find out more!

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Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.

When left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. Gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss can occur without proper treatment, so scheduling regular checkups for treatment is essential. Our team can keep gum disease from compromising your smile through a variety of periodontal treatments, such as deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing). If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily, if you have persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or notice any changes in your bite, get in touch with us today. We'll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on a healthy path.

While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of treatments and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Get in touch with us today to find out laser dentistry can benefit you!

Keep your health in check with regular oral cancer screenings. A preventative visit to the dentist in Mission Viejo can include a quick assessment of your gums, tongue and other soft surfaces, looking out for lesions and lumps which may need further investigation. Identifying potential problems early can make all the difference to successful treatment; give us a call today to discuss this life-saving screening.

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Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.