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Tooth Colored Fillings for Kids & Children – Los Angeles 90044

Posted on December 30, 2020 by admin

pediatric dentist

Tooth-colored fillings are one of the latest developments in modern dentistry. These natural-looking dental fillings are being used today to replace amalgam or metal materials in repairing teeth that have decayed, fractured or chipped. They are designed to mimic the natural look of your teeth so it’s virtually impossible for anyone to notice the difference between the filled tooth and your child’s natural teeth. 

Tooth-colored fillings can be recommended for both restorative and cosmetic dentistry applications, including:

  • Closing gaps between teeth
  • Straightening teeth 
  • Repairing chipped teeth
  • Repairing decayed teeth

Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resins and porcelains. They are safe, comfortable, and react more like your natural teeth.

Benefits of tooth-colored fillings

Tooth colored fillings:

  • Can be used to treat very small cavities that are hard to fill using other materials like amalgam. 
  • Are safe, comfortable, and react more like your natural teeth.
  • Are easy to repair, since the material is not as durable as tooth enamel, and so it tends to wear over time. It can also be easily reapplied if damaged in an accident..
  • Offer a firm bonding with your teeth which creates stronger, more protected, and comfortable dental fillings
  • Restore the structure, look and feel of your teeth. These teeth restorative materials help to recreate teeth that not only look natural but respond effectively to biting force.
  • White fillings can be used on front and back teeth without compromising aesthetics. And they can be replaced if damaged.

The right candidate for tooth-colored fillings

The key to determining if tooth-colored fillings are the ideal option for restoring your teeth is to seek consultation with your dentist in Los Angeles. When recommending tooth-colored fillings, Dr. Heivi Kim will take into account the current condition of your teeth, the location of the teeth involved, the size of the area to be restored and the biting forces being placed on the teeth. That way, you can achieve a healthy-looking smile.

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How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Los Angeles CA

Posted on November 19, 2020 by admin

Tips for brushing

Parents need to make an important decision when it comes to deciding the type of dentist their child should visit. Pediatric dentists and most family dentists have the expertise, tools, and compassion to handle children’s dental concerns. That said, children require a certain level of care, so it’s important to choose a dentist who has the training, experience, and compassion to keep your child comfortable for the entire visit. 

Some of the things to consider when choosing a pediatric dentist include:

  1. Relaxing and kid-friendly dentist office 

Children love fun and games, so they’ll be naturally repulsed by a sterile and rigid environment. Being required to sit still or be in perfect behavior can be daunting and stressful for energetic and curious kids. A kid-friendly dental office should be designed to meet the unique needs of children by providing a degree of freedom with fun activities, games, child-sized chairs, friendly staff, bright walls with exciting pictures and graphics, entertainment features like cartoons or movies, and so on. 

  1. Availability of kid-specific treatments 

Although dental tools and equipment are largely standard, a kid’s dental practice should have smaller tools and less scary equipment, removing anything that is unlikely to be used for children treatments. Pediatric dentistry mostly focuses on preventive care, so the dental practice should be more focused on delivering relevant treatments to help prevent decay and tooth damage, such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments, mouth guards, and so on. More importantly, pediatric dentists should help ease a child’s dental anxiety by providing treatments in a gentle manner and using comforting or soothing words. 

  1. Continuity of dental care 

All dentists go through the same training, but specialists such as pediatric dentists get an additional 2-3 years of training to better handle children-specific dental issues. As your child grows, he/she is likely to require a broader range of dental services that include orthodontic care, cosmetic treatments like veneers and teeth bleaching, root canal therapy, and so on. So it’s important to choose a dental practice where your child is likely to receive all or most of their dental care until the age of 18 years. Working with one dentist who’s familiar with your child’s oral problems makes it easier to follow up on the needed dental care for optimal oral health. 

Ensuring that your child has a pleasant experience during dental appointments is important for their long-term oral health, as they will be more willing to keep regular checkups and seek timely treatment when problems arise.

To learn more about pediatric dentistry, contact our kid’s dentist in Los Angeles CA to schedule your appointment.

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Does My Child Need Dental Crowns? | Los Angeles CA

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

dental crowns

In dentistry, a crown refers to the surface area of the portion of the tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel. In the event that this layer gets damaged due to decay, chips, fractures, or deep stains, your pediatric dentist may recommend that your child get an artificial dental crown to fix the problem. 

Crowns can be made from tooth-colored materials such as porcelain and composite resin, metals such as gold, silver, and nickel/chromium alloys, or a fusion of porcelain and metal to combine the benefits of each type of material. The custom-made crown or cap will be permanently bonded to the damaged tooth in order to restore its natural shape, size, strength, function, and appearance (for tooth-colored crowns). 

But Should Your Child Get a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are used to either restore the function of a damaged tooth, or to improve its appearance. There are other treatments that can be used to address the same issues, so your preference for your child may not necessarily be dental crowns. Moreover, if you’re child is not in pain from decay or tooth damage, they may not need to seek urgent treatment yet, provided the tooth is still functional. 

That said, there are several dental issues that may require treatment with dental crowns, including:

  • A chipped, broken, or fractured tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks
  • Weakened filling 
  • Very large cavities 
  • To strengthen and improve appearance of restored tooth after root canal therapy  
  • To protect primary teeth (baby teeth) for children at high risk for tooth decay

Learn More About Dental Crowns for Kids

Depending on your child’s specific case, your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate material for your custom dental crowns, restoring the function and appearance of your mouth. To learn more about dental crowns, please visit your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles CA today. 

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Reasons Keeping Your Child’s Routine Dental Exam is Essential | Los Angeles CA

Posted on September 22, 2020 by admin

routine dental exam

Most pediatric dental professionals recommend that your child get their teeth professionally cleaned during a routine dental exam at least twice a year. However, your child may require more frequent cleaning and checkups if they are at greater risk of dental problems, like during orthodontic treatment. Otherwise, a comprehensive dental examination is necessary at least once a year, which includes an oral exam among other important checks to ensure your child’s total oral and general wellbeing.

Professional cleanings during a routine dental visit are necessary for the following reasons:

  1. Maintain Balance with Your Child’s Immune System 

The mouth is exposed to a myriad of health risks unlike other parts of the body. Besides the helpful and unhelpful bacteria living in your child’s mouth, they are exposed to other dangers in the food and drinks they consume. Your child needs to take special care of this environment to avoid any problems. Since the mouth contains harmful bacteria and useful bacteria, your child’s immune system is actively fighting the harmful bacteria to prevent it from causing harm. Professional teeth cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria to such an extent that it overwhelms the immune system and allows disease.

  1. To Prevent the Buildup of Tartar 

Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque on the surface of the teeth, while professional teeth cleaning removes tartar (hardened deposits that cannot be removed through regular brushing). This prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth that may lead to decay, gum disease, and other oral and body issues.

  1. Prevent Oral Diseases 

Once the buildup of plaque and tartar is uncontrollable, it causes gum inflammation and bleeding, which is known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, the severity of gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the infection spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This increases the risk of diabetes going out of control, as well as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Final Note 

Cleaning your child’s teeth at home using good brushing technique and flossing can help to prevent most oral issues. And with regular professional teeth cleaning, you can have peace of mind that your child’s mouth is in the best condition possible.

If it is time to schedule your child’s routine dental visit, contact your children’s dentist in Los Angeles CA to get started.

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When Your Child Should Visit an Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles CA

Posted on August 21, 2020 by admin

emergency dentist

Not all dental problems can wait until working hours to be addressed. Some come with unbearable pain while others would only get worse and lead to other problems if left unattended. Such situations are why you need an emergency dentist.

Here are a few problems that emergency dentists can help with:

Severe Tooth Damage

If one of your teeth gets knocked out of its socket or a large piece of it breaks off, you will need emergency dental care to reverse the symptoms before the nerve dies.

Excessive Pain

Too much pain in the mouth may mean something is not right with your gums, teeth or jaws. Of course you can ignore the pain if it is short-lived, but if it lasts more than 30 minutes without getting better, consider seeking emergency dental care to be checked.

Abscess or Pus Drainage

Sudden pus drainage and visible abscess are obvious signs your gums are infected. An emergency dentist will administer antibiotics to you to prevent the condition from spreading as they establish the cause and the right treatment for it.

Gum or Mouth Bleeding

A knock or bite on your lip that leaves you bleeding for a few minutes may not be worth worrying about. However, if the treatment seems to take abnormally long to recede, consider seeing an emergency dentist as soon as you can to prevent too much loss of blood.

Your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles that offers care for all kinds of dental emergencies. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a toothache, or swelling that won’t stop, our experienced emergency dentist is always up for the task to see that your problem is addressed. Call us today!

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Preparing for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist | Los Angeles CA

Posted on July 29, 2020 by admin

first visit dentist

Pediatric dentists are different from general dentists in that they are capable of addressing most dental issues for your little ones. So if you already have access to a quality dentist, then all that’s left is to prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist.

While your child’s teeth erupt slowly over the first couple of years, and they’re seemingly easy to clean and take care of, you may be putting your child’s smile at risk if you wait too long before taking him/her to the family dentist. Studies suggest that pre-school aged children are more likely to develop cavities if their first dental checkup is delayed. Moreover, an estimated 25 percent of children develop cavities by the age of four years. 

To prevent this and to ensure optimal oral health for your child, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule your child’s first appointment with your pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts. The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry further claims that visiting a dentist by the age of two years can help reduce the risk of early childhood cavities.

Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Today 

Even if the first tooth is yet to appear, it’s never too early to visit a dentist for your child so you can discuss oral hygiene, a healthy diet, fluoride options, and so on to give your child a dazzling and healthy smile. Keep in mind that your loved one’s smile is vulnerable from the moment the first tooth sets in, and even before that. 

With a good pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, your child will be comfortable and fearless about dental visits in the long-term, which will make it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene. In addition, you can have peace of mind that your child will have convenient access to quality, essential dental care under one roof.

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What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do? | Los Angeles CA

Posted on June 30, 2020 by admin

pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentistry is an approach to oral health care where all your needs can be met at every stage of life. Babies, children, and teenagers have different dental needs at different points in time. A qualified pediatric dentist is skilled in providing comprehensive oral care for both baby teeth and permanent teeth, as well as any tooth restorations or replacements your child may require at any point in life. 

What to Expect

Like general dentists, your kid’s dentist focuses on ensuring good oral hygiene and optimal condition of your teeth. However, this dental professional can address the unique needs of children for a number of conditions. Common procedures include:

  • Regular professional cleanings 
  • Dental fillings and crowns 
  • Gum disease treatment 
  • Tooth extraction 
  • Root canal therapy 
  • Tooth replacement 
  • Orthodontic care

The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child for a dental checkup as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday. This is important to prevent the most common dental problem for children, early childhood cavities, and other oral issues that can affect your child’s smile, especially by the age of four years. 

As you prepare for your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist, you should create a list of any medical conditions, current medications, and allergies your child has. You should also note down your pediatrician’s contact information in case the dentist needs more information. In addition, it’s important to note down any harmful dental habits that your child has picked and may affect his/her smile in the long run. Sucking habits, whether it’s a finger, bottle, or pacifier may adversely affect the development of primary teeth and the jaw, and should be corrected as early as possible. 

Dental visits also provide the opportunity to learn about the best oral hygiene practices. Depending on your child’s age when visiting the dentist, there are different things you may want to learn about taking care of his/her mouth. This is an important time to find out about preventative oral care, including proper brushing technique, flossing, diet, the use of sealants, fluoride treatments, and so on. 

Schedule Your Appointment

By finding a qualified pediatric dentist near you, you can have peace of mind that all your children’s oral health needs will be met under one roof, with consistent dental history. 

Schedule your child’s appointment by contacting your children’s dentist in Los Angeles today!

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Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids | Los Angeles CA

Posted on May 29, 2020 by admin

tooth-colored fillings

There are several types of dental fillings, but the most popular ones today for kids are tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made in a way to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth, plus they’re strong enough to restore the form and function of a chipped or decayed tooth. Moreover, they can be used to treat very small cavities that are hard to fill using other materials like amalgam. Another advantage of tooth-colored composite fillings is that they are easy to repair. Fillings tend to wear over time and may be damaged in the event of an accident. Composite fillings can be easily reapplied without having to remove the original filling which make it a simple procedure for kids.

What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?

The advantages of tooth-colored fillings include:

  • Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resins and porcelains. They are safe, comfortable, and react more like your natural teeth.
  • Composite fillings offer a firm bonding with your teeth which creates stronger, more protected, and comfortable dental fillings.
  • Dental fillings restore the structure, look and feel of your teeth. These teeth restorative materials help to recreate tooth that not only looks natural but responds effectively to biting force.
  • White fillings can be used on front and back teeth without compromising aesthetics. And they can be replaced if damaged.

Are tooth-colored fillings the best choice for my child?

The key to determining if tooth-colored fillings are the ideal option for restoring your teeth is to seek consultation with your dentist. When recommending fillings, your pediatric dentist will take into account the current condition of your teeth, the location of the teeth involved, the size of the area to be restored, and the biting forces being placed on the teeth. That way, you can achieve a healthy-looking smile.

To find out the best tooth restoration options for your child, schedule your consultation with your Los Angeles pediatric dentist today!

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When Your Child Should Visit an Emergency Dentist | Los Angeles CA

Posted on April 23, 2020 by admin

emergency dentist

It can happen to anyone. Your child falls off a bicycle, trips during a hike, or falls while doing chores and injures their mouth. For many, such injuries do not require a visit to an emergency dentist. However, there are times when an emergency dentist is the best solution for ensuring the health of your child’s teeth and gums after injury.

Reasons to Visit an Emergency Dentist

It can be challenging to figure out if your child’s condition requires an emergency dental visit.  Fortunately, there are common situations that are clear issues that need immediate attention, including:

  • Severe Tooth Damage – If one of your teeth gets knocked out of its socket or a large piece of it breaks off, you will need emergency dental care to reverse the symptoms before the nerve dies.
  • Excessive Pain – Too much pain in the mouth may mean something is not right with your gums, teeth, or jaws. Of course, you can ignore the pain if it is short-lived, but if it lasts more than 30 minutes without getting better, consider seeking emergency dental care to be checked.
  • Abscess – Sudden pus drainage and visible abscess are obvious signs your gums are infected. An emergency dentist will administer antibiotics to you to prevent the condition from spreading as they establish the cause and the right treatment for it.
  • Gum or Mouth Bleeding – A knock or bite on your lip that leaves you bleeding for a few minutes may not be worth worrying about. However, if the treatment seems to take abnormally long to recede, consider seeing an emergency dentist as soon as you can to prevent too much loss of blood.

Contact Your Emergency Pediatric Dentist

If you think your child needs immediate dental treatment, do not hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles.  Your child’s dentist will be able to help you determine if a dental visit is necessary and give you suggestions for helping keep your child comfortable until your visit.  The goal of emergency dentistry is to attend to the immediate needs of the patient in order to preserve their overall oral health, so your dentist is here to help when a dental emergency arises.

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When to Choose Dental Crowns | Los Angeles CA

Posted on March 12, 2020 by admin

dental crowns

When it comes to repairing tooth damage, your dentist will likely present two options: a filling and dental crowns. The best restorative treatment depends on the type of damage, severity, and location in your mouth.

In general, fillings are used to repair tooth damage that affects less than 50% of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, can be used to repair all kinds of tooth damage, but are mostly recommended for broken teeth, large cavities, and to fill gaps between your teeth, by either adding volume to a natural tooth or as part of a dental bridge or implant.

Here are some reasons for the popularity of dental crowns:

Wide Range of Treatment

Fillings can be successfully used to repair minor tooth damage. However, large fillings tend to be unstable, requiring the support of a dental crown. Rather than get a quick filling that won’t last very long, you can choose dental crowns to treat various dental problems, including:

  • Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy
  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • To replace large fillings
  • To fix chips and cracks
  • To close small gaps between teeth
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth

Cosmetic Smile Makeover Options

When you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth front teeth, your dentist may recommend tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin to restore or enhance the look of your smile. Tooth-colored crowns also referred to as white fillings, have become increasingly popular, compared to the traditional metal fillings because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile.

Durable and Long-Lasting Materials

There are many different materials that can be used for dental fillings, including metals such as gold, silver, and stainless steel. These materials are incredibly strong and durable, giving you a long-lasting restoration for your molars. To repair your front teeth, you can choose composite and porcelain materials for a strong and durable restoration, though it may not last as long as metal fillings.

To find out if dental crowns are right for you, contact your dentist in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation.

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