Cosmetic Dentists Archives

Infusing Tech with Advanced Dentistry in 2024

Posted on February 22, 2024 - 10:30 AM by admin

Anytime you Google the phrase “top dentists near me,” you want to find professionals that use the latest dental technologies in their office. Technology helps dentists deliver personalized & quality care and connect better with patients.

For example, dental imaging is not only less invasive than typical X-rays but is also more accurate. Laser technology is more precise than conventional methods and offers faster patient healing times. Equally, CAD fabrication improves the quality of dental restorations and minimizes treatment time.

Let’s learn about these technologies in detail and how they will make your dental office visit this year more comfortable.

Dental Imaging and its Use in Personalized Dentistry

Digital imaging technology, via 3D cone beam CT scans, has changed treatment planning for dental procedures. These tools offer detailed, 3-D images of the oral structures, allowing the dentist to evaluate bone density, spot potential issues, and create a personalized treatment plan with unmatched accuracy.

Typical X-rays showing a limited picture are quickly becoming obsolete as more dentists embrace dental imaging technology. From one 3-D scan, they can see your teeth, nerves, muscles, disease, infection, and more.

So, during your next visit to the best dentist in Redwood City, you will likely see them using 3D imaging technology in the following procedures:

Dental implant placement
Sleep apnea treatment
Root canal therapy
Tooth extraction
TMJ treatment
Oral surgery and many more!

Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Frightening stories of painful procedures have prevented many from visiting the dentist’s office for years. However, this is all in the past, thanks to Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID).

Basically, MID is a type of dentistry that aims to provide less discomfort and pain during procedures. No nail-biting sounds and use of traditional dental tools, especially drills.

Below are the most common types of MID technologies:

Laser technology

It helps to visit dental offices that offer laser dentistry in the Bay Area. This is because laser technology has made dental surgeries and procedures less invasive. For example, it eliminates the need to use anesthesia to fill cavities or cut the gums to access an impacted tooth.

The technology is also used to treat tooth sensitivity, reshape gum tissue, remove soft tissue folds, and perform cosmetic procedures. Moreover, the highly concentrated light beams in laser procedures help keep bleeding and swelling to a minimum. Less bleeding and swelling translates to faster recovery times.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride Therapy is another common minimally invasive procedure offered in the Bay Area. It is used to control tooth decay. It involves applying fluoride to teeth that have cavities or are susceptible to getting them. Through technology, dentists are able to do this in a controlled and targeted manner.

Air Abrasion

As an alternative to intrusive drilling, air abrasion technologies operate on the premise of high-speed particulate matter directed toward a treatment area. Dentists use abrasion dentistry to remove cavities or diseased tooth structures with pinpoint- accuracy and often forego the need for sedation medications or local anesthetics. In instances where remineralization is not possible, and there is decay, air abrasion dentistry emerges as a highly effective solution, characterized by its minimal invasiveness.

Onlays and Inlays

These minimally invasive dental restorative techniques are used to repair tooth cracks and decay. Both procedures begin with the dentist thoroughly cleaning the tooth before applying porcelain or composite resin. These restorations mirror the natural shape of teeth, ensuring a flawless blend with the surrounding teeth.

Computer-Aided Dental Fabrication and Imaging

This technology involves using computer software to design and fabricate dental restorations. It encompasses two primary elements: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

CAD: Helping Design Your Future Smile

The CAD part of the technology focuses on building a virtual 3D model of required dental restoration. Cosmetic dentists in Redwood City use specialized software to create an accurate depiction of the teeth and surrounding oral structures.

This digital model allows accurate modification and customization for optimal functionality and aesthetics. CAD also enables the simulation of different materials, shades, and sizes, helping to select the most ideal restoration.

CAM: Brings the Design to Life

After the CAD phase, the virtual design is transferred to the CAM part of fabrication. CAM technology utilizes computer-controlled machinery, like 3D printers or milling machines, to build or carve the physical restoration. Since everything is computer-controlled, there is a minimal chance of human error.

Modernized Dental Treatments Available at Blue Turtle Dental

Incorporating technology into dentistry has ushered in a new era of innovation and patient-centered care. At Blue Turtle Dental, we are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to offer you efficient and comfortable dental experiences tailored to your unique needs. Request an appointment today to learn more about our specialty services and minimally invasive procedures.

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Do you need a smile makeover? Here’s how your dentist can help you!

Posted on November 26, 2021 - 9:19 AM by admin

Are you dissatisfied with your smile? You are not alone. Over one-third of adults in the U.S also wish their smile appeared different.

You may not like the way your smile looks presently; however, the exciting news is that it doesn’t have to remain that way forever. Whether you wish your teeth were whiter, less chipped, or more even, there are various cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you attain the type of smile you have always yearned for.

Let’s see what it takes to get a perfect smile makeover in Palo Alto.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is all about enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of the dental issues a cosmetic dentist Palo Alto can help address:

Chipped or broken teeth
Crowded teeth
Worn enamel
Unevenly sized teeth
Gaps between teeth
Stains and discoloration

Cosmetic dental procedures are usually deemed to be elective. But cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about vanity. There are several procedures that also present restorative benefits to boost your quality of life.

How can I get a smile makeover in Palo Alto?

The first step toward achieving your dream smile is to schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist Palo Alto. They will help you ascertain precisely what needs to be done to perfect your smile.

The dentist will examine your dental health to see if you are eligible for a smile makeover or if other oral health issues must be addressed first. This entails accessing your underlying support structure, teeth, gums, and bite. Once this is done, the dentist will discuss with you the available options.

Every smile makeover is unique, and yours must cater to your personal requirements. The dentist will use dental imaging software to demonstrate how your teeth will practically look when your preferred procedure is done.

However, keep in mind, your smile makeover procedure won’t always happen in one appointment. Some procedures may require you to attend multiple dental appointments. This is something that your Palo Alto dentist will have discussed with you beforehand, though.

How the best dentist in Palo Alto can help improve your smile

When it comes to getting a smile makeover, there are several options your dentist will advise on. Below are some of the most common procedures that can improve your smile:

Cosmetic teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is among the most popular and common options when it comes to smile makeover procedures. Also referred to as “teeth bleaching,” this treatment can whiten your teeth from staining or discoloration. Remember, not everyone’s teeth can be whitened; thus, it’s advisable to consult your dentist first.

Also, whitening is not a permanent procedure. The stains will reappear if you smoke or consume staining drinks or foods. But if you stay away from these sources of staining, you might not require another whitening procedure for 6-12 months.

If you are contemplating the benefits of professional teeth whitening vs. at-home use of whitening products, here’s a useful article to help you get started.

Cosmetic dental implants

An implant is a titanium device designed to replace missing teeth. Usually, the device is surgically inserted into the jawbone where the teeth are missing. A crown (an artificial tooth) is then affixed to the implant, giving the appearance of a natural tooth.

Improved appearance & comfort
Improved oral health, like implants, does not affect surrounding teeth as a dental bridge does.
Durability, as implants can last you many years
Convenience, as implants are a permanent part of your mouth rather than a prosthetic that needs to be removed

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces made from composite or porcelain material. They are cemented to the front of the teeth to enhance their appearance. To apply veneers, your Palo Alto dentist will get rid of the outermost layer of enamel from your teeth. Next, they will affix the veneers with a dental adhesive.

Veneers are natural-looking and may be used to fix a range of issues, including stained teeth, crooked teeth, and teeth with noticeable gaps.

Composite bonding

Dentists also repair discolored, damaged, or decayed teeth with composite bonding. When carrying out this dental procedure, the dentist will drill the decay completely and apply composite material to the teeth’ surface. The material will then be sculpted to match the shape of your other teeth. Finally, they use a special, high-intensity light to cure it.

Cosmetic teeth shaping

Also known as “enamel shaping or odontoplasty,” your dentist will modify the tooth by removing or filling some of the enamel. This procedure is usually painless and produces almost instant effects.

Cosmetic dental crowns

Crowns are specially made to fit over your tooth the dentist has prepared it. Generally, they are made out of porcelain or acrylic that has been fused to metal to endure biting pressure. Crowns are widely used in cosmetic dentistry to fix teeth that are bodily decayed, poorly shaped, chipped, broken or have had large fillings.

Are you geared up for a smile makeover?

Ultimately, you deserve to have a strong, healthy, and attractive smile that allows you to live proudly and comfortably. Get rid of broken teeth, gum recession, and stains by undertaking any of the smile makeover procedures mentioned above.

Article resources:
Information in this article has been gathered from multiple public health sources, including:
https://www.webmd.com/
https://www.healthline.com/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/
https://www.mayodentalclinic.com/

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Myths and Facts About the Dental Implant Recovery Process

Posted on July 29, 2021 - 7:20 AM by admin

Do you have missing or badly diseased teeth? Is it hurting your confidence? Well, getting a dental implant is a great option for replacing missing or damaged teeth. But do you know about the recovery process and the myths associated? Well, we are here to help.

What are Dental Implants?

One of the most comfortable and stable restorative options for missing teeth, implants come closest to your natural teeth, in terms of functionality and appearance.

Dental implants surgery is typically a multi-stage procedure that consists of the following steps:

Consultation – Your dentist will schedule a consultation with you to go over your requirements, your dental health, treatment plan, financial details, and what to expect during the treatment. At this point, your dentist may take teeth & jaw impressions and send a prescription for the crown and/or bridge making to a dental laboratory, based on your need.

Extraction & Grafting – If your teeth are diseased, you will need to have them extracted before the implant can be inserted. Additionally, if your jawbone is not healthy enough for the implant to adhere to, you may need bone grafting to create an adequate bone foundation for successful dental implant surgery. Remember not everybody needs extraction and grafting but if you do, the recovery process and the dental implants timeline maybe longer.

Generally speaking, if you need a bone graft, you may require several months between the grafting and the implant surgery. Depending on the complexity of work, recovery from extractions and bone graft procedures can take several days to several weeks. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist to ensure a quick recovery.

Dental Implants Surgery – The next step in the process is the installation of a dental implant anchor, made of titanium or other suitable metal, into the jawbone below the gumline.

The gum tissues are then secured over the implant and the implant is left to fuse with the jawbone – a process known as osseointegration. During this process, there may be some swelling and tenderness for a few days. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication, cold compresses, and a diet restricted to soft & cold foods to help you with the recovery process – more information on the implant surgery recovery process can be found below.

Placement of the Abutment – The next step involves the addition of an abutment, which is a post that connects the implants inserted in Step 1 to the replacement tooth (Step 3). After this procedure, the gum is allowed to heal. In case you choose a removable denture for aesthetic purposes, it can be placed over the gap caused by the missing tooth, until a permanent tooth is attached to the implant.

Placement of the Crown – Once the healing is complete, the third and final step involves the placement of the dental crown on the artificial post. This completes the dental implant procedure.

Dental Implants Recovery Process

Total recovery after a dental implant procedure varies from case to case. The recovery time could depend on factors such as the number of teeth involved, requirement for grafting, gum health, and patient history.

Generally speaking, single-tooth implant patients with healthy bones will experience minimal discomfort and will recover in no time. The more complex your procedure – the more the number of teeth extracted and implanted as well as the need for bone grafting to allow for implants – the longer the recovery.

Based on the complexity of the case, patients may experience swelling and even some discomfort post-surgery. However, they go away with proper care.

Whether your dental implant procedure was completed in one stage or multiple stages, the first 24 hours after dental surgery, you may experience swelling, bleeding, and some pain. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength medication may be used to effectively control the pain. Cold compresses and ice packs can help with the swelling.

After the initial 24 hours have passed, you can continue to take pain medication and ice packs the next few days, as needed.

One of the most important parts of the post-surgery recovery process is the diet. Patients are advised to opt for a soft diet immediately after the surgery. In case of basic dental implant placements, the patient may take from a week to 10 days to return to a normal diet. However, in some complicated cases, the patients are advised to stick to a soft diet for about six weeks after the procedure.

In addition, make sure you follow up with your dentist to ensure that you are healing properly.

While the recovery is generally smooth, there are several myths associated and this article will debunk them for you.

Myth 1: You won’t be able to brush your teeth for a week after a dental implant surgery

This is not true.

Fact: While it is very important that you avoid brushing the surgical site for the first 48 hours following the dental implant procedure, you should brush other teeth not involved in the surgery gently the same evening. You should be very careful and maintain good oral hygiene while recovering. This will involve rinsing regularly with a warm, salt water rinse, about four to five times a day, after meals.

Tip: The first 24 hours are very critical. Be careful to rinse with a warm saltwater solution and use a prescribed oral rinse. Take prescribed medications as directed.

Myth 2: You can get new teeth in a day and get back to routine right after

There’s a lot of overzealous advertising that makes people believe that they could get implants in a single session and they can get back to a normal routine right after.

Fact: In some instances, dental implants can be placed in a single sitting. Dentists can extract, implant, and place a temporary replacement tooth in the same setting. Advances in technology allow for the implants to be placed in such a way that they do not move at all during the healing process. This is absolutely critical for the implant procedure to be successful as the implant must integrate with the bone and even the slightest shift can lead to complications.

Same-day implant patients are strongly advised to comply with dietary recommendations for up to six weeks after surgery to avoid the movement of implants that can result in treatment failure.

Tip: If you are opting for same-day implants, eat soft foods and avoid crunchy and chewy foods, such as crusty bread, apples, ice cubes, carrots, steaks, and other chewy meats, during the osseointegration process.

Myth 3: Dental Implants recovery period is really long & painful

While the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone takes two to six months, the recovery period may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, based on the complexity of your case.

Fact: Multiple extractions and implantations along with bone grafting extend the recovery period. However, single tooth implants with no bone grafting can cut the recovery period to only a few days. Same-day implants, as stated above, can also extend the period of dietary restrictions.

As far as pain is concerned, technological advancements have made dental implants surgery into a minimally invasive procedure. Your Palo Alto dentist will perform the surgery under local anesthesia and provide you with pain medications to help you tide over the recovery process. In fact, most patients report that implant surgery is less painful than tooth extractions.

Tip: Follow post-surgery instructions from your dentist to expedite the recovery process. In particular, take your prescribed medications, follow dietary restrictions, watch out for any symptoms of infection, such as fever, and follow up with your dentist to ensure you are recovering as expected.

Conclusion

While we have debunked some common dental implants recovery myths for you, several assumptions and myths abound, especially those related to implant costs, success rate, and risks. So if you’re thinking about implants, keep in mind to associate with the best! Ask as many questions as you have, and get your doubts cleared, and don’t fall for assumptions.

Article resources:
Information in this article has been gathered from multiple public health sources, including:
https://www.ada.org/
https://www.healthline.com/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org
https://www.cdc.gov/

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Here Are the Top 10 Dental Procedures for a Brighter Smile in 2021

Posted on December 19, 2020 - 10:53 AM by admin

There’s more to looking good than what meets the eye. It takes a lot of discipline, mindfulness, and self-care to look and feel your optimal best. One of the instant ways to spread cheer is with a warm, big smile.

But how many of us pay attention to our teeth and give it the TLC that it deserves? Are your teeth yellow, chipped, uneven, or crooked? A smile can boost your confidence, and yet many people are self-conscious about their teeth, and more so, their smile.

Thankfully, there are affordable dental procedures that give you a smile makeover and help you create the best impression every time.

Dental Procedures For a Brighter Smile

With technological advancements, dental procedures is not just for the rich and famous anymore. Cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic procedures are more affordable and accessible to everyone today. Modern dentistry can transform your smile through one or more procedures in consultation with and under the supervision of our Top Dentists in Palo Alto at Blue Turtle Dental.

Modern dentistry is more than just cleanings, fillings, and whitening. There are many dental procedures that improve not only your smile but overall dental health. Let’s look at the various cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic procedures for your teeth and discuss them.

Types of Modern Dental Procedures to Beautify Your Smile

We list the ten best dental procedures available for various dental conditions. Your Best Cosmetic & Orthodontic Dentists in Palo Alto can help determine the right procedures for you.

1. Dental Bonding

Considered the easiest and most inexpensive cosmetic procedure: dental bonding. Bonding is a versatile treatment to fix various conditions such as stained, chipped, cracked, broken teeth, bite alignment, bad breath, tooth decay, teeth gaps, and as an alternative to silver or amalgam fillings.

A tooth-colored resin, which is putty-like or flexible, is contoured, polished, and applied to the natural tooth and then hardened with ultraviolet or laser light. This quick and painless process is called bonding.

2. Veneers

Known as “Hollywood teeth,” veneers are a cosmetic procedure to correct stained, mottled, cracked, chipped, broken teeth and fill in tooth gaps.

Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made tooth-colored shells made of strong, durable, porcelain, resin, or ceramic glass which are cemented to the front surface of the teeth. They are used to reshape, resize, or change the color of the tooth. Veneers are an excellent option for stained or discolored teeth that cannot be treated with bleaching and usually used for the front teeth, visible during smiling and talking. Veneers are a more conservative option compared to crowns, but it’s a non-reversible process. They are non-porous, meaning they cannot be stained from foods and beverages, unlike natural teeth. However, they need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to avoid teeth decay and gum disease.

3. Crowns

When you have a damaged tooth that a filling or veneer cannot fix, crowns come to your rescue.

Crowns are caps for the whole tooth, unlike bonding, which is for a particular section of the tooth. Crowns are used to improve the appearance as well as to strengthen the tooth. They are made from metal, resin, ceramic, porcelain, or acrylic-fused-to-metal. Crowns can be used to treat many conditions like stained, cracked, broken, or missing teeth, bite alignment, and even bad breath. The tooth-shaped caps keep a weak or cracked tooth from breaking apart and strengthen it. It can also be part of a dental bridge and used to cover a dental implant.

Crowns are durable and last for several years but will have to be regularly maintained to prevent plaque buildup and decay.

4. Contouring/ Reshaping

If your teeth are in good condition, but there are minor issues such as uneven, overcrowded, or overlapped teeth, then enamel contouring or reshaping could be your solution. Small, discreet changes are done on the enamel, which yields big results to the overall look of your smile. It’s a fast, painless, and affordable option with immediate results and often combined with other procedures such as bleaching and bonding.

5. Orthodontics/ Braces

Orthodontics or braces can treat cosmetic issues such as buck teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, irregular teeth spacing, bite issues, and chronic headaches that accompany teeth misalignment. Braces are not just for kids; technology has advanced to include orthodontic treatment for adults, too.

At Blue Turtle Dental, the Best Orthodontist In Palo Alto, CA, you can choose from three options:

Invisalign, which are removable, transparent plastic aligners to correct simple to complex teeth alignment issues.

The traditional metal braces used to correct bite and alignment issues are attached to your teeth for the entire treatment period. There are restrictions concerning food and drinks.

Clear braces are just like your traditional metal braces and function the same way. Except they are tooth-colored ceramic in nature; thus less visible and more aesthetic than the metal braces.

6. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening or bleaching is an effective treatment option if you have yellow, stained, or discolored teeth. While there are many safe and effective over-the-counter whitening products, their results are not as quick, durable and effective as the professional treatment by dentists.

At Blue Turtle Dental, you can achieve teeth whitening results up to eight shades lighter, quickly. The teeth whitening procedure can be done in our dental office or at home with a custom-made mold and gels prescribed by our dentists.

7. Composite Fillings

Traditional silver metal fillings do not look good, even though they get the job done. It’s not just about the aesthetics, but also about the mercury content in silver amalgam fillings that make silver metal fillings less desirable. You have the option now to get your cavities filled with white fillings to prevent further decay and achieve a more natural look and safe result.

8. Dentures

Dentures are the perfect cosmetic procedure for many extracted, lost, or missing teeth. Dentures are custom-fit, removable, and look just like your natural teeth. There are complete dentures that replace all the teeth, and partial dentures, which are used to replace some of the missing teeth, alongside natural teeth.

9. Implants

Many people lose their complete tooth owing to decay, gum disease, injury, or trauma. Dental implants are tooth root replacements and usually made of titanium. Implants are fixed in the jawbone through minor surgery. They provide the foundation for permanent teeth, removable tooth or crowns, and attachments that support removable dentures.

Implants are a safe, comfortable, and durable option which can last for several decades with proper oral hygiene. If you are considering dental implants, consult our dentists who have extensive experience with a 98% success rate in choosing the right dental implants for you.

10. Bridges

Bridges are used to fill in the missing teeth so that the surrounding natural teeth do not move and shift from their original places and retain a natural, aesthetic look and smile.

There are two kinds of bridges: fixed or permanent bridge and cantilever bridge. The fixed bridge adheres crowns on the natural teeth on the two edges and attaches artificial teeth to fill in for the missing teeth in between. A cantilever bridge is used to replace missing teeth on only one side of the gap.

We Want To See You Smile!

Our dentists at Blue Turtle Dental, the best cosmetic dental services in Palo Alto, can help you find the right cosmetic dental procedure to improve your smile and overall oral health.

Contact the best cosmetic dentists in Palo Alto, CA, to schedule your initial consultation and get that dazzling smile you’ve always dreamed of.

(Disclaimer: We routinely draw upon public health resources to inform our write-ups. Information in this article has been gathered from multiple public health sources, including:

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