What is Restorative Dentistry? (Why Do It? And Where To Go)

If you’re suffering from gum disease, it’s wise to avoid some foods to give your gums a better chance of healing quickly. You see, when dealing with bad gums, certain foods can exacerbate the issue, while others can actually help promote healing. Here's a breakdown to guide you: Foods You Should Avoid With Bad Gums Starchy foods: Soft white bread, crackers, pretzels, potato chips, and pasta break down into sugars in your mouth, feeding harmful bacteria and potentially getting stuck between teeth. Sugary foods: Candy, pastries, cakes, cookies, energy drinks, and sugary yogurts provide fuel for the bacteria that cause to gum disease. Even seemingly healthy choices like dried fruits have concentrated sugars and can stick to teeth, which promote bacterial growth. Hard and crunchy foods: Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and hard candies can irritate sensitive gums and cause chipping or fractures in teeth. Sticky and chewy foods: Caramels, gummy candies, and dried fruits cling to teeth and gum crevices, making it harder to remove food debris and bacteria. Acidic foods: Tomatoes, vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sodas, and citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) can irritate your inflamed gums. They can also cause your tooth enamel to erode. Alcohol: Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Consuming alcohol dries out your mouth and reduces saliva production. Excessive alcohol consumption can also worsen gum inflammation. Foods You Should Embrace When You Have Bad Gums

When it comes to dental care, many people are familiar with general dentists who provide routine dental services like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. However, there is a lesser-known but equally important dental specialist called a prosthodontist. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a prosthodontist and a general dentist to understand their roles and expertise in the field of dentistry.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. They are experts in dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Prosthodontists also play a role in the treatment of jaw disorders and other facial deformities. What does a prosthodontist do? Prosthodontists provide a wide range of services, including: Crowns and bridges: Crowns are used to cover and protect damaged or decayed teeth, while bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures: Dentures are artificial teeth that can be used to replace all or some of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. Implants: Implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Maxillofacial prosthetics: Maxillofacial prosthetics are used to replace missing or damaged parts of the face, such as the nose, ears, or jawbone. When should you see a prosthodontist? You may want to see a prosthodontist if: You have missing or damaged teeth. You are unhappy with the appearance of your smile. You have a jaw disorder, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). You have a facial deformity. You are considering dental implants. You need complex restorative dental treatment. You have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. How to find a prosthodontist To find a prosthodontist in your area, you can: Ask your dentist for a referral. Search online for a prosthodontist near you. Contact the American College of Prosthodontists. If you live in the San Diego area, call one of the offices of the Center for Dental Restorations for an appointment. La Jolla office: 858-454-0325 Hillcrest office: 619-294-9525 Benefits of seeing a prosthodontist There are many benefits to seeing a prosthodontist, including: Expertise: Prosthodontists have specialized training and experience in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. Comprehensive care: Prosthodontists can provide a wide range of services, so you can get all the care you need in one place. Personalized treatment: Prosthodontists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and goals. High-quality care: Prosthodontists are committed to providing their patients with the highest quality care possible. Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist? General dentists can provide a wide range of dental services, including routine checkups and cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. They have advanced training in dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. How much does it cost to see a prosthodontist? The cost of seeing a prosthodontist will vary depending on the type of treatment you need. However, most prosthodontists offer payment plans and financing options. Is dental insurance accepted? Yes, most dental insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of prosthodontic treatment. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see what is covered. The Best Prosthodontist in San Diego If you are considering prosthodontic treatment, be sure to see a qualified prosthodontist. Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth, and they can provide you with the care you need to improve your smile, function, and appearance. Dr. MacPherson of Center for Dental Restorations is a renowned prosthodontist in the San Diego area. Her clinic is highly recommended by her patients. Please see her reviews. Call our office for a consultation. La Jolla office: 858-454-0325 Hillcrest office: 619-294-9525

In recent years, saliva testing has emerged as a valuable tool in dental healthcare. This non-invasive and painless procedure can provide valuable insights into your oral health, helping your dentist detect and manage a variety of dental conditions. What is saliva testing? Saliva testing involves collecting a sample of your saliva and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. This analysis can reveal the presence of various bacteria, viruses, and other substances that can provide clues about your oral health. What can saliva testing tell you? Saliva testing can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of dental conditions, including: Periodontal disease : Saliva testing can identify the specific bacteria that cause periodontal disease, allowing your dentist to tailor treatment accordingly. Oral cancer : Saliva testing can detect the presence of certain biomarkers that may indicate an increased risk of oral cancer. Dry mouth : Saliva testing can measure the amount and composition of your saliva, which can help diagnose dry mouth, a condition that can lead to various oral health problems. Caries risk : Saliva testing can assess your risk for developing tooth decay by measuring the levels of bacteria and acids that contribute to tooth erosion. Benefits of saliva testing Saliva testing offers several advantages over traditional methods of dental diagnosis: Non-invasive : Saliva testing does not require any instruments to be inserted into the mouth, making it a comfortable and painless procedure. Easy to perform : Saliva samples can be collected quickly and easily, often right at the dental office. Accurate results : Saliva testing can provide highly accurate results, allowing your dentist to make informed treatment decisions. When might your dentist recommend saliva testing? Your dentist may recommend saliva testing if you have symptoms of periodontal disease, oral cancer, or dry mouth. They may also recommend saliva testing if you have a high risk for developing tooth decay. What to expect during saliva testing During saliva testing, you will be asked to spit into a small container or onto a special swab. The saliva sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You will typically receive the results of your saliva test within a few days. How to prepare for saliva testing To prepare for saliva testing, you should avoid brushing, flossing, or eating anything for at least 30 minutes before your appointment. This will ensure that the saliva sample is not contaminated and provides accurate results. What to do after saliva testing After saliva testing, there is no need for any special care. You can resume your normal activities immediately. Ask Your Dentist About Saliva Testing Saliva testing is a valuable tool that can provide valuable insights into your oral health. If your dentist recommends saliva testing, be sure to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and the results. By working together with your dentist, you can use saliva testing to maintain good oral health and prevent future dental problems. Our office provide this service to our patients. Ask us about it at your next appointment. La Jolla office: 858-454-0325 Hillcrest office: 619-294-9525

Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for individuals dealing with tooth loss or damaged teeth. They are the closest option available to a natural tooth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.  In San Diego, dental implants have gained significant popularity due to their effectiveness and long-term success rate.

The protective outer layer of our teeth, known as enamel, plays a vital role in maintaining their natural strength and beauty. However, factors such as poor oral hygiene, acidic foods, and certain habits can lead to enamel erosion and damage. In this article, we will explore the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures for enamel repair, helping you restore and preserve your smile's radiance.

Maxillofacial surgery, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the face, jaw, mouth, and skull. This comprehensive surgical discipline combines dentistry, medicine, and surgery to provide patients with a wide range of treatments for various conditions and injuries. In this article, we will delve into the world of maxillofacial surgery, discussing its procedures, benefits, and the expertise of maxillofacial surgeons.  Let's dive in!

An oral infection can be very troublesome and lead to various discomforts in the mouth and jaw. Signs & Symptoms of an Oral Infection Generally speaking, the most common symptoms of oral infections are: swelling and/or redness fever recurring bad breath bleeding and/or sore gums tooth, gum or jaw pain sensitivity to either hot or cold foods Additionally, there may also be swelling of the gums, jaw or lymph nodes which can contribute to discomfort and even make it difficult to open your mouth fully. Bad breath is one of the first warning signs that something may be amiss with oral health. You should speak with a dental professional if you experience any type of discomfort for more than a day or so, as it could be indicative of an underlying infection that needs treatment. If you think something might not be quite right with your oral health but haven’t noticed any other obvious symptoms apart from bad breath, then it might be wise to take precaution and contact a dentist as soon as possible – don’t wait for other signs such as pain or swelling to set in. Dental professionals will usually carry out a physical examination during which they’ll assess for any symptoms typical of an oral infection such as redness around the lining of your gum tissue. Prevent Oral Infections The best way to prevent a future oral infection is to practice proper oral hygiene.

Are you considering dental restorations? Discover the different types of dental restoration available, such as fillings, bridges and crowns, in this comprehensive overview.