- Dental ExaminationFortunately, there are a number or dental procedures aimed at stopping or reversing the effects of periodontal disease. It all starts with a dental exam to determine the extent of damage and assign an appropriate cleaning regimen. Patients with healthy tissue might just need a simple preventative cleaning, while others may benefit from a more intense procedure- such as scaling and root planing. If you would like to know more about periodontal disease, what causes it and how we can treat it, please contact our office!
- X-raysMost of our patients will remember the transition from film to digital dental x-rays with a positive stance. Gone are the days of sharp film holders, waiting for the developer and difficulties in duplication. But what are the biggest advantages of digital x-rays? Are they safe? How to they work? Read on to find out the true benefits behind this new technology!
- Teeth CleaningAt Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, our team is what makes the experience special! We are fortunate to work with a dedicated group of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and office staff that are passionate about excellent care. As such, our office wouldn't be complete without hygienist Adrienne Spaeth. As a true Conejo Valley local, she really understands what our patients want and need from a dental cleaning!
- Fluoride TreatmentAt Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we are firm believers in the efficacy of fluoride. We offer topical fluoride treatments for all patients with active tooth decay. In addition, we recommend ACT Fluoride rinse instead of mouthwash for our adult patients who have a history of cavities. For those with aggressive decay, we offer a range of products that combine fluoride with xylitol, calcium and phosphate to arrest further cavities before they progress. In total, our entire spectrum of preventative recommendations incorporate fluoride to some degree. If you would like to know more about fluoride, how it works or why we use it, please call our office. We want you to feel assured about all of your dental health needs and choices!
- Dental SealantsWhile Dental Sealants are appropriate for patients of all ages, they are most commonly placed on kids and teens to maximize their preventative ability. The pit and groove patterns of the chewing teeth create near-perfect food traps. In fact, they are often so deep and narrow that toothbrush bristles cannot reach the furthest depths. Bacteria can then grow in these areas undisturbed and fueled by a constant food source. This is the general pattern behind cavities on the biting (occlusal) surfaces of teeth.
- Space MaintainersOne of the most basic goals of primary teeth is to hold space for the permanent teeth. They create markers for where the adult teeth need to erupt and keep adjacent teeth from crowding into the open spaces. Once you lose a primary tooth, the teeth on either side can start to drift into its space, blocking the adult tooth from eruption. Many times, children who lose a primary tooth prematurely will receive a space maintainer - a cemented retainer that keeps two teeth from coming closer together.
- FillingsFor starters, our office currently does not place amalgam fillings. This is not due to mercury toxicity or metal content, but rather that tooth colored fillings can now offer similar structural properties as amalgams, but with much better esthetics. All things equal, most patients would prefer a natural looking restoration over a metallic alternative. Still, m
- VeneersCheck out this radical transformation! Today's patient came to us dissatisfied with the color and shape of their anterior teeth. After an exam and consultation, we decided to prepare the teeth to receive cosmetic veneers. For this procedure, only the front and biting surfaces of the teeth are modified to accommodate a thin sheet of esthetic ceramic material.
- CrownsOrtho as a kid and having impressions taken? Or perhaps you have had a crown done recently and had some
- BridgesThis case is a great example of the amazing transformations that can be achieved using dental bridges ! Today's patient came to us with significant decay on their upper anterior teeth and periodontal disease on their lowers. A thorough examination revealed that the teeth weren't savable and unfortunately needed to be extracted.
- Dental BondingCosmetic bonding is one of the most underappreciated cosmetic procedures offered in dental offices. Using the same tooth colored material as fillings, we rebuild and recontour teeth to better fit and fill out your smile. This material is extremely durable, and can be used to l engthen, widen or "even out"
- PulpotomyMany times, a crown on a baby tooth is provided in conjunction with a procedure called a pulpotomy. This is done when a cavity reaches the nerve of a tooth and causes irreversible inflammation. The dentist will remove the inflamed nerve tissue and place a medicated filling before cementing the crown. Many times it is difficult to judge wether a tooth will need a filling, crown and/or pulpotomy before beginning treatment. Don't be surprised if the plan has to change on the fly.
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot Canal - Likely the most feared of all procedures. The name alone brings up visions of pain, discomfort and dental woes. But what
- Deep CleaningPatients with Severe periodontitis have pockets over 5mm on multiple sites throughout their mouths along with gum recession, bleeding and excessive tartar. For this group, a simple cleaning will not suffice. To manage their disease, a hygienist/dentist will provide a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Here, the gums are numbed so that the ulcerated tissue around the deep pockets is undisturbed by the cleaning process. The practitioner then proceeds to remove all tartar and plaque from the teeth, including the areas far below the gum line. This process is commonly performed over multiple appointments, so that your entire mouth is not numbed at once.
- DenturesFor patients with lifetimes of dental problems, having all your teeth extracted and dentures made may seem like a reasonable choice. After all, the acrylic teeth and gums will be straight, white and won't be subject to cavities or gum disease. However, dentists have a saying: dentures aren't a replacement for teeth- they're a replacement for NO teeth.
- OverdenturesMost patients with “implant dentures” are using a system called implant overdentures. Here, a fairly traditional denture rests “over” two to four implants on the top or bottom jaw. It is designed to be removable and snaps onto the implant anchors. This makes cleaning around the implants easy and convenient. When compared to regular dentures, implant overdentures have much more stability and retention on the soft tissue. This is particularly beneficial for the mandible, which does not benefit from the “suction cup” action that maxillary dentures have on the palate. It is important to note that the support for biting force with this system still relies on the gums and soft tissue. Thus, you will never be able to generate as much force as natural teeth. Additionally, some patients will still object to the removable nature and bulk of these appliances. However, they are an excellent compromise between usability, cosmetics, ease of cleaning and cost for denture wearers.
- Dental ImplantsIf you are considering getting a dental implant placed, you have probably done some research and found out there are many options and variables associated with the treatment. You may have even seen the informational video our office produced on the topic. Because of their rise in popularity, we wanted to take a moment to address some of the common questions associated with implants and how they might play into your dental treatment. Take a look!
- Oral SurgeryBeyond dental school, many students elect to attend a residency program. These can range from one year (general practice residency) to six years (DDS/MD oral surgery programs). Here, students learn more advanced techniques and get experience practicing on medically compromised patients. After residency, license renewal requires dentists to take frequent continuing education classes. These courses cover everything from clinical refreshers to cosmetics and even surgical techniques. The educational process never stops! If you would like to know more about what it takes to become a dentist, feel free to give our office a call.
- Jaw SurgeryAs an oral surgery office, McLeod and Webb offer a number of procedures related to repairing, removing and altering hard structures of the mouth. Although most patients associate oral surgery with extractions, the true scope of their services extends into implantology, oral pathology and certain types of jaw surgery. Our office will refer out any surgical procedure that requires the expertise and technology of a specialist’s office.
- Gum SurgeryScaling and root planing is only one of many options in treating periodontitis. Depending on the location and severity of the disease, a general dentist or periodontist might recommend anything from a deep cleaning to gum surgery. As with everything in dentistry, a complete exam (including X-rays) is imperative in creating an appropriate treatment plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment today, please contact our office!
- Maxillofacial Surgery4. Dental residencies can take from 1-6 years in addition to the four years of dental school. The longest (6 years) is for a joint DDS/MD degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery. That rounds up to 14 years of college education!
- Tooth ExtractionsIn the mouth, sutures can assist in the healing of gums and other soft tissues by holding them in a desired place. In complex dental extractions, such as removing wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, the bone and gums around the tooth may need to be moved or partially removed. To ensure that the gums heal cleanly around the jaws and do not create a food trap, sutures are used to approximate natural soft tissue contours. Additionally, stitches are used to help in the formation of healthy blood clots and to help keep grafts and membranes in place during critical healing periods.
- Bone GraftingAfter teeth are extracted, healthy bone typically grows to occupy the space once held by the tooth’s roots. However, inflammation, infection and certain medical conditions can inhibit your body from allowing your jawbone to heal properly. For these patients, Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry offers state of the art bone grafting materials.
- OrthodonticsAt Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we are proud of the network of skilled dental specialists we have created. Whether you are in our office or one of our associates’ offices, know that you will be treated with respect, kindness and experience. Today, we would like to highlight the services offered by Doctors Norman and Jeffrey Nagel at Nagel Orthodontics.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsFor starters, Invisalign needs to be worn at least 20+ hours a day (ideally 22+ hours). If you are unable to adhere to this requirement, your treatment will take much longer. This is one of the primary reasons Invisalign is not recommended for young and poorly compliant kids. It is better to wait until the patient is ready to commit to treatment rather than stay in trays for additional months or years.
- BracesBraces, inadequate salivary flow, deep pits and grooves on the teeth, and lots of plaque on the teeth are all things that contribute to the acidity having an easier time to stay next to the teeth for a longer period of time. I recommend an electric tooth brush for all of my patients, as well as a daily flossing routine in order to maximize the cleanliness of the teeth.
- Teeth WhiteningCan place you at risk of purchasing a less effective product. Fluoride free toothpastes, charcoal whitening powders and flimsy mouth guards all lack the ADA seal, and for good reason: they probably won't do you much good!
- Cosmetic DentistryDr. Kari Ann Hong considers herself a life long learner and is always looking for new opportunities to gain knowledge of new materials and techniques. For example, Dr. Hong has advanced training from a yearlong residency course in Cosmetic Dentistry from Esthetic Professionals in Tarzana, California. In addition, she has completed nearly 200 hours of training in TMJ and occlusal therapies from The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society, and the Spears Study Club.
- General DentistryFirst off, Novocaine is no longer used in general dentistry. Concerns of liver damage prompted pharmaceutical companies to develop a new generation of drugs. Now, we have products such as lidocaine, septocaine and carbocaine - a variety of compounds maximized for specific circumstances. They are metabolized safely and have predictable durations of numbness. Overall, these medications have very few side effects unless you are receiving large quantities (far beyond the amounts used in dentistry).