Services

What are porcelain fixed bridges?

Porcelain fixed bridges are non-removable appliances that are placed on teeth to replace a tooth that is missing. Porcelain bridges are made to match the natural color of your teeth and help fill in the gap where a tooth is missing. Bridges are essentially two crowns that that anchor an artificial tooth in between. The two crowns are cemented onto the teeth surrounding the missing tooth to help anchor the artificial tooth into place (abutment). The artificial tooth (pontic) is in place of the missing tooth to fill in the gap and allow your teeth to look natural.

The process of getting a porcelain fixed bridge

When you and your dentist decide that a porcelain fixed bridge is the right option for you, the dentist will begin preparing the two teeth that surround the missing tooth. The teeth are prepared so that two crowns can be placed in order to support the artificial tooth. Several impressions will be taken in order for the dentist to determine the size of the crowns and artificial tooth. Once the impressions are taken, they are sent to a dental laboratory where your bridge will be made. Setting a bridge generally takes two dental visits to complete. Once the dental laboratory has made your bridge, the dentist will cement the crowns into place.

Porcelain fixed bridges are very durable and can last a very long time when they are well taken care of. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your bridge clean through brushing and flossing.

What is a porcelain dental crown?

A porcelain dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is used to help replaced teeth that cannot be restored using the traditional filling. They are generally suggested for patients who have had severely decayed or damaged teeth. Porcelain dental crowns match the color of teeth to give a natural appearance. There are many other types of crowns such as gold or silver, but porcelain crowns are most popular because they give the most natural look.

How are porcelain crowns placed?

When you and your dentist decide that getting a crown is the right option for you, the dentist will shape the tooth in a shape that enables him or her to place a crown. Depending on the damage of the tooth and how much tooth structure is present, the dentist will either shape the tooth or build up the tooth in order to support the crown. Several impressions will be taken so that a dental laboratory can custom make a cap for your tooth. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you that will be replaced when your final crown is finished. When the crown is finished by the dental laboratory, the dentist will try on the crown to ensure that the fit and bite are correct. The porcelain crown is then cemented to your tooth to give you a beautiful and natural appearance.

With care, porcelain dental crowns can be very durable and have the ability to last a long time. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your crown clean with brushing and flossing so that you can help your crown last for years.

Although receiving a crown can take two visits to complete, if your dentist uses CAD-CAM technology such as CEREC^®, they may be able to offer you a crown in one visit. Consult with your dentist to see if this is an option for you.

Taking dental x-rays or radiographs is essential for diagnosing dental disease and concerns. These radiographs show teeth, bones and soft tissue to help dentists determine if there are caries or hidden dental problems such as bone loss that cannot be seen when looking into a mouth. Taking dental x-rays can also help catch dental disease early to prevent pain and expensive dental treatment.

Dental x-rays use very small amounts of radiation and exposure to this small amount of radiation is safe. When a patient receives a full mouth series of x-rays, this is equivalent to radiation exposure in everyday life.

What are composite fillings?

Mouth fillings are the most popular method of restoring teeth. There are many types of materials that can be used for fillings such as amalgam and gold. Composites fillings are a popular choice because they match the color of teeth and look natural. Composites are not only used to restore decayed teeth, but they may also be used for crack or broken teeth, stained teeth, and teeth that have been worn down.

How are fillings placed?

Fillings are very common and can be done in one visit to the dentist. Once anesthesia is applied, the dentist will begin removing decay from the tooth using a dental drill and clean out the decay area. When all the decay is removed, the dentist will prepare and shape the area so that the filling material, such as composite, can be placed. Once the filling has been placed, the filling will be shaped and the tooth will be polished so it can look as natural as possible.

After first receiving a filling, many patients become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold foods. When the tooth becomes used to having the filling, the sensitivity will subside.

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays are restorative fillings that are made using different materials such as porcelain, gold or composite. Porcelain is often the most popular because it mimics natural tooth color. The porcelain is custom created to fit into the prepared tooth cavity and cemented in. Porcelain on its own can be very brittle, but when porcelain is bonded to tooth structure, it becomes very strong and durable.

Due to the durability of porcelain inlays and onlays, they may be recommended for patients who have more severe decay that cannot be repaired by a traditional filling. Generally, teeth that are broken, have severe decay or have fractured fillings are recommended to receive a porcelain inlay or onlay.

What is the difference between inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are both made at dental laboratories. Therefore, the process generally takes two visits to complete. Porcelain inlays are used in place on traditional silver or composite fillings. They are placed into the prepared tooth where a filling would be placed. Onlays are also known as “partial crowns” and they are caps that help protect the chewing surface of the tooth that has been damaged. Both inlays and onlays last for a very long time and provide patients with beautiful results, but they may eventually need to be replaced.

Tooth Whitening is a popular procedure done to brighten your smile. First, speak with your dentist to see if whitening is a good option for you. Depending on the type of discoloration that is present on your teeth, whitening may or may not be effective. Common reasons for teeth discoloration result from using tobacco, staining from food or drinks and poor oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Although whitening is helpful for the appearance of teeth, it is not permanent and stains may recur over time.

There are many types of whitening that can be done and the most common type is a gel-solution that can be applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This type of whitening can be done at a dental office or at home. At a dental office, the dentist will put a whitening agent on the teeth that is activated by a light or laser. For whitening at home, the dentist may recommend that you wear a whitening tray containing the whitening agent for several hours a day till you reach the shade you desire. Whitening toothpaste may also be purchased to help remove staining on the enamel.

Contact your dentist to see if tooth whitening is right for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are recommended for those seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are designed to look natural while also giving you the ability to have stable function of natural teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the mouth by inserting a titanium anchor into your jaw. After the anchor is placed, the bone will heal (about 6 months) around the titanium and hold it into place. When your dentist thinks you are ready, they will place your custom made artificial tooth into the anchor.

Dental implants are not recommended for everyone. In order to be eligible to receive implants, you must have enough bone structure to support the implant, free of chronic illnesses and must ensure that you will maintain proper oral hygiene to care for a new implant.

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth when the tissue, blood vessels and nerves inside of a tooth have become inflamed. In order to save the tooth and remove the pain, the dentist will need to remove infected and diseased tissue to help clean out the infected area. The canal inside is then medicated to allow the surrounding area to heal.

Reasons a root canal may be performed

• Deep decay
• Infections at the tip of the root or inside the tooth canal
• Cracked, broken or injured teeth

Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage. Sensitivity after the procedure is generally experienced by many patients and subside when the tooth has healed. When your treatment has been completed, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a very serious dental disease that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria from plaque formations on the teeth. In the mouth, there are constant plaque formations on the teeth, but when the plaque formations become severe, the body’s immune system will try to fight the bacteria from plaque. This causes inflammation in the gums that results in swelling and bleeding, which are early signs of periodontal disease called gingivitis. In severe forms of periodontal disease, the bacteria will go under the gums are begin to damage the bone that supports the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose.

Other health risks of periodontal disease

There have now been studies that have shown a connection between periodontal disease and other health concerns. These include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory problems
• Increase risk of stroke
• Premature births in pregnant women

What can you do?

If you suspect that you may have early signs of periodontal disease such as gum disease due to inflammation and bleeding gums, many an appointment to consult with your dentist. At early stages, the process of the disease can be reversed through a cleaning or deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene maintenance. Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist can help periodontal disease from occurring.

Cavities, cracks, stained or misshapen teeth may no longer pose problems for your smile and confidence with our tooth bonding. Quick, painless, and highly effective, our procedure gives way to a new solution to preserving your tooth’s structure. Oceanside Dental Arts offers this service as part of our dedication to providing high quality to our patients.

A Solution for a Beautiful Smile

Tooth bonding is among the simplest and most cost effective treatments available in our practice. A proven valuable solution, the procedure yields cosmetic and functional benefits for the teeth. Some common cosmetic problems that may be solved by tooth bonding include the following:

• Uneven spaces
• Severe discoloration
• Chips and cracks
• Misshaped teeth
• Decay

Little advanced preparation is needed for the procedure. You may not need anesthesia unless the dental bonding procedure involves covering a decayed tooth. Dr. Chang will provide a shade guide to match the resin’s color with your teeth and make it look more natural. He may also discuss other treatment options such as teeth whitening or dental crowns to provide you with a complete smile makeover.

What’s great about this is you may not need to undergo invasive procedure to get the smile you want. Our tooth bonding may only take about an hour to complete, depending on the number of teeth to be treated. Dr. Chang may also fabricate the composite resin in just one office visit, unless there are several teeth involved. Our tooth bonding is also a viable alternative for small cosmetic changes or temporary correction for flaws.

Made from high-grade teeth bonding materials, our composite resin may last three to ten years if given proper care. They do not require special care; you just need to practice good oral hygiene and get regular checkups from our Oceanside dentist.

Achieve a Healthy Looking Smile

Your smile is the first thing people notice therefore, give them the best first impression with a smile you’re proud to show off. Take action before oral problems make your smile look less appealing. Call us to set an appointment for dental bonding with Dr. Chang and learn how we can bring back the beauty of your smile.

Losing several of your teeth may be a complete nightmare that you wish would end. Other than the string of embarrassments that comes along, these may cause more inconveniences than you can imagine. You may find it hard speak properly without sounding as if you have a lisp. You may even look older than you really are, as your face starts to sag without the teeth for support.

Missing teeth may affect your appearance, self-confidence, and oral health, but you don’t always have to end up with these problems. As premier providers of quality dental care, we offer dentures California as effective and practical ways of providing a new smile you can show to the world.
Restoring the Beauty of Your Smile

California dentures are among the most effective treatments for tooth loss. These act as replacements for those who have lost several or all their natural teeth. Dentures may also help prevent other oral problems, including the following:

• Bone density loss
• Tooth misalignment
• Gum recession
• Loss of facial structure support

A thorough dental evaluation may be required for a denture procedure. Dr. Chang will conduct a comprehensive examination of your gums and supporting bone structure to develop a treatment plan for your condition. He’ll take accurate impressions of your teeth to make sure the dentures won’t slip off after fitting them.

The entire procedure may take a couple of visits to complete, but we’ll make sure it will be worth the time and effort. Our practice has advanced dental materials to create more comfortable and durable dentures than standard restorations. Dr. Chang may even present a natural choice of colors for your artificial teeth and gums. He may also recommend California dental implants to provide a more stable support for your dentures.

Our dentures may be durable and made from high quality materials, but we always advise patients to take care of them properly. Dr. Chang and his staff are always ready to provide information about proper oral hygiene.

Show Your Smile

Don’t think losing one or more teeth is the end of your smile. Many solutions are available in our clinic to restore your teeth to their best condition. Call our Oceanside dentist to set an appointment

Oceanside Dental Arts provides high quality dental care for all patients. We believe the basis for good oral health is routine dental maintenance. This serves as our motivation in educating patients on proper oral care and providing exceptional service beyond what other practices offer.

Cleanings

Our Oceanside dentist, Dr. Chang, may customize cleanings and treatments for all ages. He spends time developing the most appropriate treatment dental plans in California that will keep your teeth and gums in good condition. He may recommend medicated gels and mouth rinses as preventive measures against decay and gum problems. Dr. Chang also conducts comprehensive dental checkups to identify areas needing immediate attention or other dental services.

Our practice uses ultrasonic scalers so dental cleanings may be as comfortable and effective as possible. If you have any questions about the procedure, one of our staff will be happy to fill you in with the details.

Sealants

Dr. Chang may also recommend sealants for children’s preventive dental care. Sealants coat the surface of the back teeth (molars) to prevent decay from spreading to other teeth. We use a special cleansing liquid before applying the sealant on the tooth to make sure it will be effective. The procedure may be done in three easy steps, but we strongly recommend subsequent visits and regular consultations for optimal results.

Fluoride Products

We also encourage using fluoride products, especially for those who are at high risk for tooth decay. We make sure patients know about mouth rinses and gels that may protect their teeth from decay and other oral problems.

Continuous Monitoring

Oceanside Dental Arts will stop at nothing until you achieve the smile you want. As part of our commitment to quality dental care, we always monitor every patient’s condition after treatments for better results. Dr. Chang also strives to be always ready to address all concerns and provide advice about proper oral care and dental hygiene.

What are veneers? Dental veneer is a cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of your tooth. In most cases, it may also enhance functionality and protect it from damage. This dental solution is perfect if you have tooth decay, damage, or discoloration. It may restore your tooth’s form and functionality.

Oceanside Dental Arts specializes in providing dental veneers. We have been offering this service for years. With our latest tools, effective dentistry techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment, we may restore not just your tooth’s structure but also the quality of your life.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

The placing of veneers is fast, simple, and easy. The procedure is non-invasive and you don’t have to worry about pain or discomfort. Our Oceanside porcelain veneers dentist Dr. Stuart Chang will first ‘trim’ your tooth so the veneer will easily attach to it. The process is called tooth preparation and involves a reduction in your tooth’s structure.

The next process is taking of impressions, which may be done manually or with the help of a machine. This procedure will make sure your veneer will fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth. After taking the impressions, Dr. Chang will proceed with the creation or selection of your veneer.

The last step involves placing of the veneer over your tooth. This process is quite simple, since Dr. Chang is highly skilled and experienced in providing this treatment. He will use a high grade dental cement to bond the veneer to your tooth.

Oceanside Dental Arts is your top destination for porcelain veneers. We have the cutting-edge equipment, the latest dentistry techniques, and a competent dentist in Oceanside, CA to provide them to you. Call us at 760-691-1149 for more information.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require removal.

When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they may position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward. Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves.

ANATOMY OF THE TEETH

The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. Besides being essential for chewing, the teeth play an important role in speech. Parts of the teeth include:

• Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
• Dentin: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.
• Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.

Wisdom teeth also can be impacted — they are enclosed within the soft tissue and/or the jawbone or only partially break through or erupt through the gum. Partial eruption of the wisdom teeth allows an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection, which results in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness. Partially erupted teeth are also more prone to tooth decay and gum diseas,e because their hard-to-reach location and awkward positioning makes brushing and flossing difficult.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

Ask your dentist about the positioning of your wisdom teeth. He or she may take an X-ray periodically to evaluate for the presence and alignment of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist may also decide to send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted even before problems develop. This is done to avoid a more painful or more complicated extraction that might have to be done a few years later. Removal is easier in young people, when the wisdom teeth roots are not yet fully developed and the bone is less dense. In older people, recovery and healing time tend to be longer.

HOW ARE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

The relative ease at which your dentist or oral surgeon can extract your wisdom teeth depends on their position and stage of development. Your oral health care provider will be able to give you an idea of what to expect during your pre-extraction exam. A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted through the gum can be extracted as easily as any other tooth. However, a wisdom tooth that is underneath the gums and embedded in the jawbone will require an incision into the gums and then removal of the portion of bone that lies over the tooth. Often, for a tooth in this situation, the tooth will be extracted in small sections rather than removed in one piece to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed to get the tooth out.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL?

Before your wisdom teeth are pulled, the teeth and the surrounding tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic — the same type used to numb a tooth prior to having a cavity filled. In addition to the local anesthetic to numb the pain, you and your dentist or oral surgeon may decide that a sedative is desired to control any anxiety. Sedating medications that could be selected include: nitrous oxide (otherwise known as “laughing gas”), an oral sedative (for example, Valium), or an intravenous sedative (administered via an injection into your veins). If nitrous oxide is given, you will be able to drive yourself home. If any of the other medications is selected, you will need someone to drive you both to and from the appointment.

Crooked, overcrowded, and widely gapped teeth are common problems. Often unavoidable, these dental problems may affect the way you look at yourself and present yourself to the world. In some cases, it may impair your self-esteem and even affect the way you go on about your life.

Oceanside Dental Arts may help you with these problems through its effective orthodontic treatment. Our practice has the tools, the techniques, the equipment, the techniques needed for this type of dental solution. We also take pride in our very own Oceanside dentist Dr. Stuart Chang. As a highly skilled Oceanside dentist, he may help you achieve the quality result you need.

Our orthodontic solutions may treat the following problems:

• Malocclusion
• Overbite, underbite, cross bite, deep bite, and open bite
• Maxillofacial problems

Our orthodontic solution offers convenience throughout your treatment. Dr. Chang does his best to deliver excellent results at the shortest amount of time possible. He may also help you achieve the level of comfort you need. Dr. Chang may help you enjoy the food you love to eat and do the activities you love to do while you carry out your treatment.

Our practice may address your dental fear if it’s keeping you from getting the treatment you need. We understand how a traumatic experience from the past may greatly affect the way you perceive dentists or dental procedures. We strive to address this by providing a safe environment, a caring dental team, and a compassionate Oceanside dentist at your service.