- Dental ExaminationAt the dental office of Dr. Wipf in Santa Barbara, CA we are committed to providing patients with superior dental care by utilizing the latest dental technology for increased efficiency and comfort for patients. We use digital radiography (x-rays) to detect decay and disease earlier than would be possible with a basic oral exam. You will most likely receive an x-ray examination as a new patient, if you have signs or a history of disease or decay, or if your teeth are touching, which makes it impossible to see all surfaces. Digital x-rays are quickly replacing traditional film-based x-rays and have become one of the most important advances in dental technology today, offering our patients substantial benefits.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOur oral cancer screenings include a thorough review of your oral health history with us as well as your overall health history, which includes questions that help assess your level of risk. Next comes a visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores and red or white patches. This inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and far-back section of your tongue. Finally, your Santa Barbara dentist will check for suspicious lumps by palpating your mouth, jaw, and neck. Though most sores are noncancerous, the screening by itself cannot determine this. If an abnormality is found, Dr. Wipf or Dr. Mourad Fawzy may perform a biopsy (remove some cells for testing) or refer you to a specialist.
- Teeth CleaningThe first line of defense against gum disease is a unique type of cleaning called “scaling and root planing.” In this procedure, an ultrasonic cleaning device is used to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth where regular cleaning devices can't reach: under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root. Then, the rough surface of the tooth and the root are smoothed out (planed). This provides a healthy, clean surface that makes it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
- Fluoride TreatmentFluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.
- Dental SealantsStarting regular checkups early in your child’s life allow us to catch decay and signs of gum disease before they become serious, so we can correct any underlying hygiene issues and prevent problems. As your child grows, we can provide treatments such as sealants to protect new, vulnerable permanent teeth from decay as well as mouth-guards to protect the teeth of your budding sports enthusiast. We can also identify and address potential orthodontic problems before they evolve into bigger money- and time-consuming issues.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeTraditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold, porcelain, or composite. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are typically used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. These fillings include inlays, and veneers fabricated with ceramics or composites.
- VeneersYou no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth's imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile. Veneers are natural in appearance and are a perfect option for patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.
- CrownsCrowns are a cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay.
- Bridges
- Dental BondingBonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your tooth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
- Root Canal TreatmentSanta Barbara dentist Dr. Erik Wipf attended the University of California, Santa Barbara for three years and enrolled early in dental school. He graduated in 1996 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry with honors from the department of endodontics.
- Periodontal SurgeryIf the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to prevent severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. We will recommend the procedure that is best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums. Following is a list of common types of periodontal surgery...
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesDentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for. Use a gentle cleanser to brush your dentures, always keep them moist when they’re not in use, and be sure to keep your tongue and gums clean as well.
- Dental ImplantsIn 2003-2004, he attended programs at UCLA and Loma Linda University to expand his practice to include surgical placement of dental implants. In 2005, he was selected as a recipient of the CB&I Best Solutions for your Patients Award Program for the 2005 Nobel Biocare World Conference. In addition, Dr. Erik Wipf has enjoyed the challenge of treating special needs patients and now serves on the board for Hillside House.
- Oral Surgery
- Flap SurgeryDuring pocket reduction procedures (also known as “flap surgery”), we fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria hiding underneath, as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected. We may also remove any tissue that is too damaged to survive. We then sew the healthy tissue back into place. Now that the tooth and root are free of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and the pockets have been reduced, the gums can reattach to the teeth.
- Gum Surgery
- Tooth Extractions
- Bone GraftingAutogenous Bone Grafting: Occasionally, the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants. In these cases, it is often necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of your mouth and graft it into the deficient area. Often, the area of choice is from the chin or in the back of the jaw where your wisdom teeth used to be.
- OrthodonticsTMJ is most often caused by physical stress reactions such as clenching and grinding of the teeth, which commonly occur while sleeping. After administering a series of tests to determine the cause of your headaches or TMJ, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that works in conjunction with your existing dental lifestyle. TMJ/TMD Treatments may include managing pain with a special diet, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications; in some complex cases, treatment may require orthodontics, restorations, and cortisone injections.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign treatment uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that allow you to smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign clear aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to administer Invisalign treatment.
- BracesWhether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well-fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.
- Teeth WhiteningThere are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
- Cosmetic DentistryCrooked, cracked, and discolored teeth can affect your self-esteem and the way you interact with the world. If you have a smile you always hide, you might find yourself avoiding or missing out on life’s biggest moments, like going on that first date or auditioning for the lead role in a play that you just know is meant for you. At the dental office of Santa Barbara cosmetic dentists Dr. Erik Wipf and Dr. Mourad Fawzy, we believe part of providing ongoing, extraordinary dental care means offering a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services so you can be proud of your smile during life’s most important moments.