Orange Dental Care
                               DR. PETER M. KIM
                               COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY






714-744-6000
3533 E. Chapman Ave., Ste L, Orange, CA 92869

 

Dental
Crowns

TMJ

Implants

Teeth
Whitening


Dental Crowns

A crown (cap) is a restoration that is placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure. There are many different types of crowns, full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, full metal crowns... Your dentist will explain the advantage and disadvantage of each kind for you.

The process of making a crown includes many steps that start in our office with preparing the teeth and taking impressions from the tooth/teeth involved. Then a temporary crown or bridge is placed on your teeth.

The impressions are sent to the lab. In the lab a mold of the teeth is poured and the work begins.

There are multiple steps and different technicians work on the mold to fabricate a crown or bridge. The completed work is sent back to the office and after necessary checks and adjustments it is cemented onto your teeth.

Back to Top
 


Teeth Whitening

Teeth stain during our lifetime due to consumption of a variety of foods and drinks (Coke, spicy food, coffee...) New technology of teeth whitening has enabled dentists to whiten teeth without any change or damage to the tooth structure.

Almost all the whitening methods are similar in concept but some are much more effective because of the way the whitening material is delivered to the teeth. The other factor in effectiveness of the method is the concentration of material, which is the reason why over the counter whitening systems usually don t give patients the result they are hoping for.

The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in office whitening. Tray whitening is when a custom tray is made for the patient after an impression is taken, then a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and he/she will wear the tray for a few hours a day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. Sensitivity of the teeth is a normal complication of this method of whitening and is almost always transitional.

In office whitening on the other hand is the most effective method of whitening. There are a few different ways that are available for example, Britesmile, Zoom, Laser whitening....But in all these methods the process is similar and you can have your teeth whitened in one session with great results. Your dentist can give you more detailed information and tell you which method is more suitable in your case and which one is indicated for your teeth.

  

   Back to Top
 


Dental Implants

Dental implants represent one of the most dramatic advances in modern dentistry.  Every year, tens of thousands of dental implant procedures give people a second chance for their teeth.  Potential dental implant patients have many questions regarding exactly what this procedure is and what it can accomplish. Dr. Kim's practice offers the benefit of implant placement surgery & crown performed at the convenience of one location.


 

What Are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a crown (the part you see above the gum), and the root (the part hidden under the gum, within the jawbone).  It is the root that actually holds the natural tooth in place.  

When a person is missing a tooth, the dentist must decide how to re-create  the crown portion, and he must choose the best method to hold it in place.  Dental implants were created for this purpose

Dental implants are metallic cylinders that are placed into the jawbone where original teeth once existed.  These root-like cylinders are used to secure a replacement tooth in place in a spot where a tooth is missing.  Dental implants can also be used to secure loose teeth in place by being installed alongside the loose teeth and anchoring to them with splinted crowns.  This will allow the loose teeth to function better and last longer in the mouth.

Dental implants are made of various biomaterials.  Most commonly, a surgical metal called titanium is used, because it is the most compatible with human biology.  They are surgically placed in the jawbone, right in the dentist’s office, using a local anesthetic.  Approved and tested implant systems are very successful.  In fact, some have lasted more than 20 years with a better than 90% success rate.  Patients who have good oral hygiene and take care of their new teeth can enjoy implants that last a lifetime.

 Back to Top

Why Do I Need Dental Implants?

People lose one or more teeth for a wide variety of reasons, including infection, gum disease, accident or injury.  When natural teeth are removed, many problems occur.  The remaining teeth shift, rotate and become crooked.  An improper bite will develop, making it very difficult to chew food properly.  Spaces and gaps between teeth may cause embarrassment, problems with speech, and lack of self-esteem.  Dental implants, when properly placed, can restore missing teeth, thereby eliminating these potential problems.  People who have teeth replaced with dental implants report better ability to chew food and eat properly, renewed confidence while speaking, and better self-esteem.

Self Test:

If you have been thinking about getting dental implants, you are probably wondering if you are a possible candidate for this procedure.  You can take this simple test to see if this procedure might help you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Am I missing one, two, or more teeth?

  2. Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or because I am missing teeth?

  3. Do I lack confidence when I smile, speak or eat?

  4. Am I having trouble eating, chewing, or speaking properly?

  5. Are my teeth loose, or am I getting or in need of treatment for advanced gum disease?

  6. Do I have dentures that slip or cause sore spots when I chew?

  7. Do my dentures need to be relined frequently because of bone resorbtion?

  8. Do I carry my complete or partial dentures in my pocket or leave them at home?

  9. Am I having any problems with existing crowns or bridges, either functionally or cosmetically?

  10. Are the teeth holding my bridge loosening or moving?

  11. Can I wait three to nine months for the entire implant process to be completed?

  12. Will I be willing to commit to the high standard of home care that is necessary to properly maintain a dental implant?

  13. Will I follow up with regular dental checkups?

  14. Do I believe that my life could be improved if my teeth were improved?

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you may be a candidate for the dental implant procedure.

 Back to Top

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth.  They support replacement teeth in virtually the same way that your natural tooth root supports your natural teeth.  

Various replacement options are possible:

  • Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering adjacent teeth is no longer necessary.

  • Dental implants can be used as anchors to support a fixed bridge.

  • Dental implants can support loose teeth by being splinted to them.

  • Dental implants can support replacement teeth for an entirely toothless jaw

  • Dental implants can provide stability for a complete denture, thereby eliminating unsightly moving and clicking associated with dentures

Dental Implants are actually an amazing procedure, actually giving you a second chance for your teeth!

Back to Top

What Exactly Does Dental Implant Involve?

First, you will need to discuss your options with your dentist.  Together, it will be decided if you are a good candidate for dental implants.  The dentist will take a complete dental history, x-rays, and complete a thorough oral examination.  If you are a candidate for implant surgery, the procedure is as follows:  

1. Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone. This is usually done right in the dentist’s office, with a local anesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately four months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as ‘osseointegration’.

2. Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the implant, whereby the dentist will attach the post to the implant.  The function of the post is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia. 

3. The last phase is the restorative phase.  The dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach to the implants.  This will require several visits.  Once completed, your mouth will be restored to natural looking, strong teeth.  

Back to Top
 


Veneers & Laminates

This is how you can get a beautiful smile quickly. Veneers or Laminates are a thin shell of porcelain or resin that is bonded to the surface of the teeth to change their shape, shade and position to improve the cosmetics of your teeth and smile and/or replace and restore the lost tooth structure where it is indicated

Your dentist will do a complete examination of your teeth and will determine if veneers are indicated for you. Usually with veneers it is possible to improve the esthetics of your teeth and smile dramatically.

Veneers can improve the shape of your teeth, make your teeth as white as you want and give you the smile you have always wanted. Veneers are bonded to your tooth structure, which gives them strength.

Also because they are very thin, they are considered one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. Most of the times very little or no tooth structure is removed before placing veneers. Ask your dentist how veneers can improve your smile.

  

   Back to Top
 


Root Canal Treatment

Every tooth consists of three different layers. From the outside, first there is Enamel (the outer layer of the teeth which is the hardest part of the body). The second layer is Dentin (the inside hard layer) and then we have the Pulp (which is an empty space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located)

If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances for example when you have a large cavity, or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. Regardless of the reason for this contamination or damage to pulp tissue, the treatment is usually Root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected and dead tissue. Then the space is disinfected and sealed with special materials.

Now-a-days, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and material and are more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is done your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on you tooth to protect it against fracture.

Back to Top


Root Canal Re-treatment

When a root canal treatment fails, the first course of action that is usually taken is trying to re-do the root canal treatment. It is usually done by an Endodontist (root canal specialist) or an experienced general dentist

The process is very similar to Root canal Treatment, the difference is that besides taking any remaining infected tissue out, the doctor has to take old filling material, any posts and crowns or any other obstacle in the pulp space out to be able to successfully disinfect and seal the area of the root canal.

After the root canal treatment is done your restorative dentist will place a crown to protect the tooth against fractures.

Back to Top

 


Inlays & Onlays

Inlays or onlays are lab made restorations that are placed on teeth when the cavity or lost tooth structure is too large to be restored by a simple filling. The process of making an Inlay is very similar to a crown. After the tooth is prepared it is cemented or bonded to the tooth

There are different materials that inlays are made of, gold, porcelain and composite resins are among them. Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are cosmetic alternatives to fillings and are very strong compared to regular white fillings. Gold inlays and onlays are also good alternatives but their appearance has made them less popular.

Your dentist will explain to you when an inlay or onlay is a good treatment option for you. In general, inlays and onlays can replace most of back teeth fillings and provide a better alternative to conventional filling. At the same time they are more conservative than crowns.

As far as the cost is concerned, because the process of making an inlay or onlay is similar to a crown, its cost is also comparable. When long-term longevity of inlays and onlays are considered, though, they can end up costing less than traditional fillings.

Back to Top

 


TMJ

TMJ is the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw (skull). The terms TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is one the most complicated joints of the whole body. One that allows forward and backward moves as well as rotations and side to side movements.

TMJ is the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw (skull). The terms TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is one the most complicated joints of the whole body. One that allows forward and backward moves as well as rotations and side to side movements.

TMJ is often referred to as the complications and problems with this joint. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ problems are:

  • Pain

  • Limitation of movement of the lower jaw

  • Clicking sounds

  • Muscle spasm

  • Locking of the jaw

Some causes of the disease are genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, trauma, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Diagnosis of such conditions and evaluation of causes are done by dentists experienced in TMJ problems and treatments. Some common treatments are Night Guards, Bite Guards and Bite Adjustments. Your dentist will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for you.

If you experience any TMJ problem or symptoms please let us know. The doctor will be happy to evaluate your situation and offer the best treatment possible.

Back to Top

 


Teeth Sealants

Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits and fissures and grooves of (usually) molars to prevent decay on these surfaces

Majority of decays on back teeth starts on grooves and pits of chewing surfaces, especially during the first few years after their eruption. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins prevents these kinds of decay.

Sealants are one of the most effective methods of preventing decays on the surfaces where they are places. Although it is still a possibility that decay may happen on surfaces in between the teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall chance of having cavities.

Back to Top

 

Home Terms of use Disclaimer Our Practice contact us Copyright © 2005 Solution21
Dental Website Design & Marketing by Solution21