The Benefits of Dental implants

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The California Dental Specialty Group has done dental implants in Sunnyvale for decades. Many happy patients will vouch for the benefits of dental implants of which there are many.

Why Dental Implants?

Every year thousands of people lose their teeth to periodontal disease, injury, or decay. Dental implants take the place of roots so that dentists can attach a crown to the tooth and restore your smile. Here are the benefits of dental implants.

• Better looking teeth – dental implants are just like your own teeth. They look the same. They feel the same and they are permanent. Because dental implants look like your own teeth, you will soon be proud of your smile boosting your self-confidence.

• Enhanced comfort – dentures are not always comfortable. Yet, with dental implants, it feels like you have a full set of teeth. This makes eating so much easier and more comfortable.
• Permanent placement – for many people the need to remove dentures is a source of embarrassment. Dental implants remain permanently in place. No need for an adhesive.
• Long-lasting durability – look after your dental implants and they could last a lifetime. By comparison, you can expect a bridge to last ten years.
• Enhanced dental health – bridges are attached to other teeth which must be crowned in preparation for this function. Dental implants don’t affect any remaining teeth. They also make it easier to access all teeth so that you can floss properly.
• Dental implants stop bone loss – Missing teeth will result in bone loss over time. This will affect the facial structure and jaw function over time. Implants prevent bone shrinkage, ensuring good form and function for life.
• Dental implants keep other teeth in place – whenever a tooth is removed the other teeth will move and can become misaligned. Dental implants prevent this from happening.
Explore the benefits of dental implants at the Sunnyvale California Dental Specialty Group.

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The History of CEREC Crowns – Same Day Customized Dental Crowns

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Dr. Charles Land patented the ceramic dental crown in 1889. Though it took him until 1903 to create the first modern-day dental crown. It was a porcelain tooth cover used to repair and conceal a damaged tooth.

Dr. Land’s porcelain dental crowns remained in general use until the 1950s. Though they weren’t particularly strong. Many would develop micro-cracks during fabrication.

During the 1950s Abraham Weinstein developed dental crowns that combined metal with porcelain. This resolved the problem of the microscopic cracks.

The Launch of CEREC Crowns

In 1987 CEREC was launched onto the market, revolutionizing dentistry but it wasn’t until 2003 that 3D software was introduced. The innovations in CEREC technology continued unabated over the next decade.

Today dentists can make CEREC crowns using Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing equipment or CAD/CAM machines. These 3D printers can sculpt a perfect customized crown from a single block of porcelain.

The finished product will perfectly match your own teeth. CEREC crowns have no metal core so they look natural. They match the surrounding teeth in color, size, and shape. No one could tell the difference, so this is definitely the best option when repairing front teeth.

Now it is no longer necessary to sit through an uncomfortable, choking session while the dentist makes an impression of your teeth. We feed a quick scan of your teeth into the machine and the CAD/ CAM machine gets to work creating a CEREC Crown while you wait.

Why Choose CEREC Crowns

Dental crowns have come a long way since they were first patented. The CEREC crown is the result of more than a century of innovation.

CEREC crowns cut time and discomfort from what was once a lengthy dental process. Now, you can walk out of the rooms on the same afternoon with a dental crown customized to perfectly match your own.

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Can anyone get dental implants?

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Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are fixed into the mouth to replace damaged or lost teeth. They’re a versatile and attractive solution to a smile you aren’t proud of. Can anyone get them, however? We turned to a leading expert in dental implants in Sunnyvale, CA, for their advice.

Not everyone can get dental implants.

To hold dental implants properly, you need to be in good health, have healthy gum tissue without problems, and cannot have previously had any work done on your jawbone. This ensures the base of the implant can be held securely and safely in the mouth. It’s also not really suited to large-scale tooth removals, although implants can be effectively combined with bridges and denture areas to make for a comfortable and secure smile reconstruction.

What happens when a dental implant is used?

An impression of your existing teeth will be made and used by a dental technician to create the implant. The replacement tooth itself is a crown, similar to other dental crowns. It is attached to the post, which is something like a screw bed, which will be anchored into your jaw.

On the day of insertion, you will be given a local anesthetic. An incision is made into the gum, and the post placed. You will have your gum stitched closed, and a temporary cap inserted while it heals. This can take up to 6 weeks. Once you’re healed, the cap is removed and the permanent crown cemented into place.

Dental implants have become popular, as they have no adverse effects on remaining teeth (as a bridge can), and they look and feel like a natural tooth in the mouth. Unlike removable dentures, they’re very secure, too. Although not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, it’s worth bearing in mind if you are.

If you’re looking for dental implants in Sunnyvale, or you’re curious to know more, the team at Sunnyvale Dental Specialty is always here to help.

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Preventative dental care: does it really matter?

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You’ve been urged since childhood to make an annual appointment with your dentist. But other than providing you with a few weeks of desperate flossing and guilt, does this annual visit actually serve a purpose? We turned to a trusted dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, to ask more about your annual checkup and why it matters

Prevention is better than cure

Most of us only pay attention to our teeth or gums when they hurt, so it’s easy to miss the many tell-tale signs of coming trouble. Your dentist, however, is a trained pro and knows exactly what to look for. When you find dental problems early, you can act to head off damage before it gets too bad. You may even be able to reverse the issue altogether! While good brushing habits day-to-day are the secret to great dental health, preventative check-ups prevent little problems from becoming big ones.

Deep cleans count

Did you know that the deep clean your dentist does in your annual checkup isn’t just for show? No matter how diligent you are with your daily oral health routine, over time a hard coating called plaque builds up on the teeth. This plaque eventually erodes your tooth enamel, leading to cavities, and there’s not much regular brushing can do to remove it. It only slows its formation. Your annual deep clean ‘resets’ the teeth and removes plaque you may have missed.

Help and education

Brushing your teeth is simple, but the mouth itself is a complex and fascinating part of the body. When you make a habit of visiting your dentist, you not only learn more about your specific mouth and any challenges you have, but also about your care options. Issues like misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth don’t have to be suffered through. You can explore your options with your dentist, and proactively stay on top of both cosmetic and mechanical dental issues.

Your annual dental checkup is a vital part of your overall health. Remember, your dental practitioner wants you to have a happy, healthy mouth and a smile you’re proud of. And if you happen to be looking for a dentist in Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale Dental Speciality is always happy to hear from new patients.

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Are dental implants worth considering?

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The power of a good smile is legendary. Having broken, missing, or damaged teeth can be a huge hit to your confidence, and even hold you back in your career. Dental implants are the closest thing you will find to a real replacement tooth, instead of aesthetic work built over your existing damaged tooth, and can be a great, confidence-boosting alternative to bridges or dentures. Let’s take a closer look.

How dental implants work

Dental implants come in two parts, although you will not handle the pieces after installation. One is a fake tooth designed especially for your mouth, with a screw-like bottom. The other part, the socket for the tooth, must be installed into your gums. This means you need healthy enough gums and jawbones to stabilize the tooth.

If you can take a dental implant, however, it offers greater speech, comfort, and appearance than other dental aesthetic repairs. It’s easier to eat and take care of your teeth than with dentures, and offers a self-esteem boost for many people as they feel, act, and look just like ‘real’ teeth. You can even keep them a secret from others, who won’t know that you have them. With the right care, your implants could last a lifetime.

Financing implants

Unfortunately, most dental implants are not covered under insurance, which always shy away from covering aesthetic procedures. This means the cost can be a little prohibitive for many people. It’s always worth talking to your dentist to see if they offer any kind of pay-off or loan scheme to help you afford procedures that are not covered by insurance.

Dental implants offer a new technology that can help you feel more comfortable with the aesthetic restoration work you need doing on your mouth. As a new technology, it can be a more expensive option, but many people find the trade-off in looks and convenience worth paying for. Additionally, unlike crowns and bridges, there’s a good chance that your implants will last and look good for many decades.

For now, dental implants remain the closest we can get to ‘regrown teeth’, offering a versatile way to restore smiles and confidence alike.

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What are CEREC Dental Crowns

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Everyone likes to have a pretty smile, but not all of us are born with good teeth. Dental crowns are one of the most affordable aesthetic procedures available for your teeth, and CEREC crowns, a new crown technology, are taking the dental world by storm. Let’s take a look.

What are dental crowns?

A traditional dental crown is a small toothlike ‘cap’ that is placed over a fully stabilized and treated tooth. It hides a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, and can also help preserve more of the natural tooth by protecting it. They’re made of a variety of materials, but must be custom-made for your mouth and can take up to two weeks before installation, which is a bit tricky if you have a business image to maintain.

How are CEREC crowns different?

CEREC crowns, also called same-day crowns, use computer-aided design programs to capture the shape of the tooth (instead of traditional molding) and allow a crown to be created for you right in the dental office. Think of it as a type of 3D printing.

This means it can be installed there and then, and there’s no lengthy weight. As the CEREC crown doesn’t have a metal core, it can also look more natural. There’s also some preliminary data that suggests they’re stronger over time, although it’s still a new technology.

This fact is one of the only downsides to CEREC crowns over normal dental crowns. Not all dental offices are able to offer them, as the tech is new and not everyone is trained in them, meaning they can also be a little bit pricier than standard crowns.

All the same, if you have the option to get a ‘chairside’ CEREC crown installed, it’s well worth considering as a fast and effective way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence.

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Dental Implants – A Solution for Missing Teeth

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Are you missing teeth and it makes you feel self-conscious? Do you hide your mouth when you smile or laugh aloud? Is eating in public too embarrassing or difficult because of your missing teeth that you just avoid it altogether?

Dental Implants Could be the Answer

If your missing teeth cause you physical or emotional discomfort, dental implants could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Dental implants are false teeth surgically placed in the gum to look and act just like your natural teeth. Dental implants are virtually undetectable by others – only you’ll know they’re there!

Talk to Your Sunnyvale Dentist about Dental Implants

Dental implants correct many missing tooth problems. Whether you’ve lost teeth, had them removed, or they never grew in at all, dental implants can fill in the gaps to beautify your smile, restore functionality, and give you the confidence you need to smile wide again.

Dental implants aren’t for everyone, so you’ll need to discuss them with your Sunnyvale dentist to determine if they’re right for you. Good candidates for dental implants have overall good oral health as the implants need to adhere to strong, healthy jawbone. Your dentist will be able to tell you if dental implants are a good option for you.

Dental Implants – The Procedure

Dental implants require multiple sessions in the dentist’s chair. It’s a multi-step process that’s well worth the wait.

The first surgery places the implant in the jawbone. It’ll take 3-6 months for the jawbone to heal and grow around the implant.

During the second surgery, the surgeon places the abutment that will hold the artificial tooth in place. It will take 2-4 weeks for your gums to heal before the next step in the process can take place.

Finally, your dentist will attach the artificial tooth. It may take several more visits to your dentist to make adjustments during this phase to ensure a stable, pain-free bite.

Although the dental implants procedure is a lengthy one, the results are phenomenal. You’ll have a smile you won’t ever want to hide again, and you’ll be able to eat and talk as if missing teeth were never a problem, to begin with. Contact Dr. Hong at California Dental Specialty Group to find out if dental implants are right for you.

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5 Things You Should Know About CEREC Crowns

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Dentists often prescribe dental crowns to fix damaged teeth. In the past, getting a crown was a long process requiring multiple visits to the dentist’s office to complete. Depending on the type of crown your dentist recommends, you may be able to receive a crown in a single visit. Called a CEREC crown, these crowns can be manufactured and placed all in the same visit. Here are a few things you should know about CEREC crowns.

CEREC Crowns are Convenient

Most people don’t have the time to schedule multiple visits to the dentist. Because CEREC crowns can be created and placed in a single visit, it’s a lot more convenient than traditional crowns used to be.

There is No Need for Temporary Crowns When You Get CEREC Crowns

The traditional crown procedure called for the placement of temporary crowns while the permanent crown was being manufactured. These temporary crowns were often ill-fitting and clumsy. With CEREC crowns, however, the need for temporary crowns is eliminated. You come in with a damaged tooth and leave with a spectacular smile in a single visit!

CEREC Crowns are Durable

You might think that a crown manufactured on the spot might be less durable or lower quality, but the opposite is true. CEREC crowns are extremely durable and long-lasting.

CEREC Crowns Aren’t for Every Type of Tooth Damage

Unfortunately, CEREC crowns don’t address all kinds of tooth damage. Just because your dentist offers CEREC crowns doesn’t automatically mean they are the right solution for your tooth issues. Talk with your dental professional about your options if he recommends a dental crown solution.

The CEREC Crown Technology Requires Extensive Training

Although CEREC crowns are a great solution for tooth damage, not every dentist has the education necessary to offer such treatment. This innovative technology requires extensive training that some dentists just don’t have. Again, you’ll need to discuss the options available to you with your dentist.

Dental crowns address a variety of tooth damage. If your dentist recommends a crown for you, be sure to inquire about CEREC Crowns. In addition to being a convenient alternative, they also provide a durable and long-lasting solution that restores beauty and functionality to damaged teeth. Talk to your dentist to find out if CEREC crowns are right for you.

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4 Ways Your Sunnyvale Dentist Can Help You Look and Feel Better

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For many people, a trip to the dentist invokes feelings of fear and anxiety. Not many people can say they like going to the dentist, but if you suffer from tooth pain or low self-confidence caused by missing, broken, or misaligned teeth, going to the dentist can make a world of difference. Here are several ways your Sunnyvale dentist can help you look and feel better.

1. A Sunnyvale Dentist Can Give You a Whiter, Brighter Smile

One of the most common dental problems people face is the discoloration of the teeth. Yellowed or stained teeth can make you feel less confident in your smile. Luckily, returning your teeth to a brighter, whiter shade is one of the easiest things for your Sunnyvale dentist to do.

2. Your Sunnyvale Dentist Can Transform the Look of Your Teeth

Misshapen, broken, or discolored teeth can be fixed using porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin coverings that fit tightly over your existing teeth to change their shape and/or color to give you a completely transformed and beautiful smile.

3. Sunnyvale Dentists Can Replace Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can really put a damper on your smile and your self-confidence, but if you visit your Sunnyvale dentist, he can replace that missing tooth with one that looks and acts just like its natural predecessor. If you have missing teeth, be sure to ask about dental implants as they not only fix your smile but can also change your life!

4. Your Dentist Can Take Away the Pain

Even if your teeth appear white, straight, and perfect, if there’s underlying pain caused by tooth decay, you’ll feel terrible. Tooth pain is no joke, but a dentist in Sunnyvale, CA can take it away, usually in a single visit with a simple procedure. When you walk out of the dentist’s office, you’ll feel as great as you look!

If you’re like most people, you hate going to the dentist. If you suffer any type of dental issue or pain, however, seeing your dentist can give you the pain relief and boost to your confidence that you need. Don’t go another day feeling self-conscious or dealing with tooth pain. Call a dentist in Sunnyvale, CA today.

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What Do the Letters “DDS” Stand for After Your Sunnyvale Dentist’s Name?

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As you search for a Sunnyvale dentist, you may notice that each one has either “DDS” or “DMD” behind their names. These initials represent the degree the dentist earned after finishing dental school.

“DDS” stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. “DMD” stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. While the degrees sound quite different, they are actually the same degree. It just depends on where the dentist graduated from as to which acronym appears after his name.

A Little DDS/DMD History

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was the first to grant the DDS certification in 1840. Harvard University, on the other hand, began its dental school in 1867 and called their degree Dentariae Medicinae Doctorate or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. Despite the difference in their names, both degrees have the same educational requirements.

Rigorous Training for DMD and DDS Sunnyvale Dentists

These days, most universities grant DMD degrees after several years of rigorous training. Aspiring dentists must complete four years of undergraduate training, after which, they go on to dental school for four more years of classroom education, clinical training, and dental laboratory training.

After completing dental school, a dentist must acquire licensing to practice in the state, which requires passing a written exam called the National Board Dental Examination as well as a regional board exam, and then a jurisprudence exam on the laws in that state.

With such strict educational and examination standards, you can be sure both DMD and DDS Sunnyvale dentists are highly qualified to treat your dental concerns.

Education Beyond DMD and DDS Degrees

Many dentists practice general dentistry, but some go on to specialize in a specific area of dentistry. Specializing in a particular area of dentistry can require anywhere from 2 to 6 additional years of education and clinical training. Some specialty areas include orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery.

So, whether you see DMD or DDS behind your Sunnyvale dentist’s name, you can be sure he has received rigorous training and will be able to provide the care you need. Be sure to choose a Sunnyvale dentist who communicates effectively, provides outstanding customer service, and offers the types of services you need.

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