- (562) 445-3363
- 8077 Florence Ave, #107
- Downey, CA 90240
- Hablamos Español
Do you feel anxious when you go to see your Downey dentist?
You’re not alone. Many patients experience dental anxiety for a variety of reasons. One reason is not understanding the services your dentist recommends.
We believe the more knowledge a patient has, the less anxiety they’ll feel. And that’s why we wanted to give you the inside scoop on some of the most common dental procedures.
We’ll explain these procedures, why you need them, and what you can expect at your appointment.
If you have any questions about these procedures, please let us know. There’s no such thing as a dumb question! The more education and insight we can provide, the more comfortable we hope you’ll feel.
Your Downey dentist regularly performs the following common dental procedures. If you have any questions about them, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation.
The most common dental services we provide are dental cleanings and check-ups. We recommend that patients visit their Downey dentist at least every six months (more for patients with a history of periodontal disease) for these services.
No matter how well you clean your teeth, there are always going to be some areas in your mouth that are hard to reach. In those areas, plaque and tartar will build up. When these substances continue to build up, they can lead to decay and tooth and gum infections.
Regular cleanings supplement your dental home care routine to help prevent dental diseases.
During a dental check-up , your Downey dentist will evaluate the health of your:
They’ll also perform an oral cancer screening.
Dental examinations help us monitor your health and catch issues early. The sooner we diagnose something, the better. We can treat the issue in the early stages when it’s easier and less costly to treat, and there’s less chance of a poor prognosis.
Dental fluoride helps strengthen the enamel to prevent dental decay. We provide fluoride treatments for children and high-risk adults. A fluoride treatment takes just a few minutes and is typically added to the end of a cleaning appointment.
Fluoride is an element found in nature. It’s been proven effective in preventing dental caries (decay), reducing the need for costly dental services.
Some people worry about fluoride toxicity, and this is a valid concern. Anything in high doses – even things that are good for our health – can become toxic.
Therefore, providing fluoride in the right concentration and dose is essential.
Your Downey dentist offers topical fluoride treatments, meaning the fluoride remains on your teeth and is not ingested. Topical treatments are safe and effective.
If you have any concerns about fluoride, please talk to our team at your next check-up.
Composite fillings are the safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing filling option. The composite resin contains ceramic and plastic, making it durable and long-lasting. Plus, we can match the shade of the filling material to the shade of your teeth. No one can tell you’ve even had a filling!
Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can be toxic. The
danger with older, amalgam fillings is that they can release mercury into your bloodstream. High levels of or long-term mercury exposure can lead to:
Patients who present with a cracked or fractured tooth often need a dental crown to support the remaining healthy tooth structure. Patients with deep decay, root canal treatment, or large fillings can also benefit from dental crowns.
A dental crown fits over the entire tooth, adding structure and reinforcing the tooth to prevent further breakdown.
Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain fused to metal, or 100% porcelain.
Sensitivity to cold or bite pressure can indicate a cracked tooth . Some patients have significant cracks but are asymptomatic, while others have minor cracks and experience severe symptoms.
Your dentist will check for cracks in the teeth during each examination. And if you’re experiencing symptoms, they’ll perform diagnostic tests to determine which tooth is cracked. From there, they’ll recommend the best course to help relieve your symptoms as quickly as possible.
Another common dental procedure in Downey is the placement and restoration of dental implants .
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth. A screw is placed into the jawbone, serving as the root, and a crown is placed over the screw.
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are another common dental procedure performed by your Downey dentist. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over your front teeth. They help correct the appearance of teeth that are:
Dental bonding is also referred to as chairside veneers. Using composite resin, we can mimic the appearance of porcelain veneers for a fraction of the cost. However, the composite resin isn’t as long-lasting or stain-resistant as porcelain.
Not everyone needs every common dental procedure we’ve mentioned in this blog. The treatment you need will depend on your unique needs. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to our services.
When you come in for your comprehensive examination, your Downey dentist will determine your needs based on their diagnoses. They’ll create a customized treatment plan consisting of services that address any conditions you have (decay, gum disease) and any goals you’ve told us about (straightening or whitening your teeth).
At this examination, we want you to feel free to ask any questions you may have. We also want to hear about your oral health and cosmetic dental goals.
Together, we can create a treatment plan to help you attain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile.
Are you ready for better oral health? Contact Downey Dental Arts using our online contact form or call us at 562-445-3363 to schedule a consultation.
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