Total Family Dental Group

Dental Exam Torrance Dental exams play a vital role in helping you maintain your dental health and overall health and well-being. Even if you are careful about your everyday dental hygiene, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential for ensuring continued good dental health. Our specialist for dental exam in Torrance encourages our patients to visit at least every six months. Even if you no longer have your own natural teeth, regular dental exams can he...lp ensure your continued good dental health and catch early signs of dental conditions that are best treated when caught early. As a part of your preventative health care routine, our Torrance dental exam expert will clean your teeth and evaluate your current dental health state. Any facial, neck or oral abnormalities will be noted, and X-rays or other diagnostic tools may be recommended to better diagnose any issues or to check for cavities along the gumline or between the teeth. Our dentist may discuss your dental hygiene routine and diet with you in order to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. We may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you better reach all areas in your mouth and reduce or eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. Torrance Dental Exam Specialist Our expert for dental exam in Torrance may also discuss any medications you are taking and your tobacco or alcohol use. Treatment recommendations may include cosmetic procedures that can enhance your smile, tooth restoration options to protect your dental health from the risks associated with missing or severely damaged teeth and periodontal treatments to help improve gum health or correct periodontal disease. Preventative measures, such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments, may also be recommended if you have a history of cavities or dental decay. Our Torrance dental exam specialist will evaluate your overall dental health, your risk of dental disease and examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. We will also check your bite and clean any buildup from your teeth before polishing them to a shine. Contact our dentist in Torrance today to learn more or to schedule your next dental exam. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//dental-exam-torran/

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Torrance The four permanent molars in the rear of your mouth are called wisdom teeth. In some cases, the jawbone or mouth simply is not large enough to accommodate these teeth, and they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, may be prone to infection and can cause other teeth to shift out of their positions. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, our expert for wisdom teeth extraction in Torrance can help. The last teeth to erupt in the mo...uth, wisdom teeth may not appear until the late teens or early 20s. Although some wisdom teeth can erupt normally without affecting dental health, many people suffer from impacted wisdom teeth, which may grow at an angle, remain trapped in the jawbone or only partially erupt. Our Torrance wisdom teeth extraction specialist may recommend that those with impacted wisdom teeth have them extracted, particularly if they are suffering from pain, infection, bone damage, damage to other teeth or development of cysts. Torrance Wisdom Teeth Extraction Expert If our dentist for wisdom teeth extraction in Torrance determines that you are a candidate for wisdom teeth extraction, your procedure may begin with imaging tests to determine the relationship between the teeth and the bone. Local anesthesia will be used to eliminate pain during the procedure, and while you should not feel any discomfort, you may experience a sensation of pressure. If you are nervous, anxious or fearful about the procedure, our dentist may be able to provide you with sedation options that can allow you to enjoy a more relaxed experience. After your wisdom teeth extraction procedure, our Torrance wisdom teeth extraction expert will provide you with instructions to facilitate healing. It is essential that you maintain the blood clots in the sockets in order to protect the healing site. In the first 24 hours after your procedure, avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages, and maintain a soft diet. For the first week after your procedure, avoid using a straw, smoking and participating in overly strenuous activities. Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or your prescription pain medication as directed. Contact our Torrance dentist to learn more or to schedule a consultation. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//wisdom-teeth-extra/

Dental Bridges Missing one or more teeth can significantly affect your smile, your ability to chew and your ability to speak. Dental bridges can replace missing teeth, span the gap and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Our Torrance dental bridges dentist can use porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or other materials to create a bridge that can be supported by your own natural teeth, dental implants or a combination of the two. A dental bridge can provide you ...with an attractive new smile and restore your ability to eat easily, speak clearly and live confidently. The process for receiving dental bridges generally takes at least two dental appointments. When dental bridges are supported by crowns, the teeth adjacent to the gap will need to be healthy and strong. If not, they may need root canal therapy before the procedure can proceed. These teeth will then be carefully contoured to allow room for the placement of the crowns. Our specialist for dental bridges in Torrance will then take dental impressions so that the laboratory can prepare your new dental crowns and bridge. A temporary bridge and dental crowns will be placed to protect your teeth and provide you with a temporary restoration. Once your crowns and bridge is completed, you will return to our offices to have them permanently bonded to your teeth. Torrance Dental Bridges Specialist Dental crowns can last seven years or longer when maintained properly. Good dental hygiene is essential to preserving the health of the teeth supporting the bridge and adjacent to it. Brush at least two times daily or after you eat. Use fluoridated toothpaste to speed remineralization and strengthen dental enamel. Floss every day, and use a floss threader to clean around the bridge and remove plaque and particles that could irritate the gums or cause cavities along the roots. Regular visits to our Torrance dental bridges dentist can help ensure that your dental crowns and bridges are strong and the teeth supporting them are healthy. If you need dental bridges in Torrance, give us a call today to schedule a consultation with our Torrance dentist to learn more about your options. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//dental-bridges-tor/

Composite Fillings Torrance Composite fillings are used when teeth are decayed or have suffered minor damage. They are a popular alternative to amalgam fillings, which are silver in color and made of a special mix of mercury, tin and other metals. Unlike amalgam, composite fillings can be made to closely match the color of your own natural teeth and can provide a surprisingly subtle restoration. If you have a cavity, our specialist for composite fillings in Torrance will firs...t examine your tooth to determine the extent of decay. Instruments, dye, dental X-rays and fluorescence can all help our dentist locate decay so that it can be addressed and treated. A composite filling can generally be placed in a single visit. Our Torrance composite fillings dentist will first numb the area so that your procedure will be free of discomfort or pain. Hand instruments, air abrasion or lasers may be used to remove the decayed portion of tooth. The area will then be contoured for the filling, after which a lining made of glass ionomer, eugenol or other materials may be placed to protect the tooth against sensitivity. Torrance Composite Fillings Expert An etching liquid will be painted onto the surface of the tooth to roughen it so that the composite resin filling can bond more securely with the tooth. This reduces the risk of decay developing beneath the filling. The composite resin, a putty-like material, is then applied layer by layer, and carefully cured using a special light. Once it is completed, our Torrance composite fillings dentist will shape it, polish it and finish it so that it blends in flawlessly with your other teeth. A tooth that has been filled may experience a slight increase in sensitivity for a few days or even a week. This will subside over time. Fillings can last more than a decade when properly maintained. Brush your teeth twice daily, use fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit our dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and dental exams. If you need composite fillings in Torrance, we can help. Contact our dentist in Torrance today to learn more or to schedule your consultation. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//composite-fillings/

Oral Surgery Oral surgery is an essential procedure that can be used to treat a number of dental health conditions. Our specialist for oral surgery in Torrance may recommend oral surgery for those with third molars, or wisdom teeth, which can often develop problems or increase the risk of problems for adjacent teeth. When there is inadequate room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth, they may push the other teeth out of proper alignment, or they may not fully erupt and become impa...cted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain or infection and increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Removing impacted wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth that are likely to crowd other teeth is often recommended in order to maintain good dental health. Our Torrance oral surgery specialist also uses dental surgery for those who are receiving dental implants. Dental implants are a dental restoration that replaces the tooth root of a tooth that has been lost due to trauma, decay or infection. Implants can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures, and suitable candidates must have healthy bone density and must be strong and healthy enough to undergo dental surgery. Good dental hygiene after the procedure is essential to reducing the risk of post-procedure complications. Torrance Oral Surgery Expert Dental surgery may also be recommended to treat certain TMJ disorders. If you suffer from TMJ disorders and have been unable to achieve pain relief through lifestyle changes, medications and noninvasive treatments, our expert for oral surgery in Torrance may recommend certain procedures that can provide significant relief, alleviate your pain and correct specific jaw joint disorders or injuries. Oral surgery may also be necessary to correct certain congenital problems of the jaw joint, unequal jaw growth, to correct the fit of dentures or for bone or soft tissue grafts to restore areas that have deteriorated due to gum disease or other dental health conditions. It may also be needed before certain orthodontic treatments. Our Torrance oral surgery expert can explain your options to you as well as the risks and benefits of any procedure. Contact our dentist in Torrance to learn more or to schedule your consultation. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//oral-surgery-torra/

Dental Implants Torrance Tooth loss can have a significant effect on your life. You may suffer from a loss of self-esteem, feel self-conscious about your appearance, change your diet, suffer from speech impediments and be faced with uncomfortable dentures or dental bridges that require the alteration of healthy tooth structure. Another alternative is available: dental implants. Our expert for dental implants in Torrance can restore your beautiful, healthy smile with artificia...l tooth roots that fuse with your jawbone just like your own natural tooth roots. Tooth loss is quite common particularly with age. In fact, most adults over the age of 35 have lost at least one tooth. Most frequently, teeth are lost due to cavities, accidents or severe gum disease. Restoring lost teeth is essential to maintaining good dental health. Dental implants are generally made of biocompatible titanium, and they are implanted into the socket of the missing tooth. They are allowed time to heal as the jawbone begins to grow around them before the prosthetic tooth is attached to them. Our Torrance dental implants specialist can use dental implants with dental crowns to replace single missing teeth or with dental bridges to replace several missing teeth. We can also use several dental implants to provide a support for dentures and replace an entire arch of teeth. Torrance Dental Implants Specialist Our specialist for dental implants in Torrance recommends dental implants as a healthier alternative to most other tooth replacement option for patients who are healthy enough to undergo dental surgery. That is because dental implants are designed to look, feel and function just like your own natural teeth and help preserve your jawbone density. Once your implants have healed, you will be able to eat anything you want, your facial structure will be preserved and you can have the confidence that accompanies this type of permanent tooth restoration. Not all our patients are candidates for dental implants. If you smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled high blood pressure, you may be at an increased risk of suffering certain types of complications, infection or implant rejection. However, dental implants have an extremely high success rate of more than 98 percent. If you are missing one or more teeth, our Torrance dental implants expert can help you learn if you are a candidate for the procedure. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//dental-implants-to/

Dentures Dentures are a dental restoration option that can restore the appearance and function of your teeth, stimulate your gums and help maintain your facial muscles. Our specialist for dentures in Torrance can use partial dentures when only some of your teeth are missing or complete dentures when all of your teeth are missing. Our Torrance dentures dentist can help you determine if you are a candidate for dentures. Partial dentures tend to consist of a metal framework desi...gned to hold the denture in place. The replacement teeth and a gum-colored base are connected to this framework for a natural-looking restoration. Complete dentures are composed of an acrylic gum-colored base and replacement teeth and are held into place using suction and gravity. In some cases, dental implants can be used to support either full or partial dentures. If you are a candidate for dentures, you will need several appointments with our specialist for dentures in Torrance. Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive evaluation and a series of dental impressions and images and that will help our dentist measure your bite, the space between your jaw and other critical elements of your smile. Models may be created to help determine the best shape, position and color for your new smile before your final denture is made. Once your denture is completed, our dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Torrance Dentures Specialist Our Torrance dentures dentist will provide you with instructions for wearing your new dentures so that you can adjust to them. You may need to wear them constantly over the first few days, but once necessary adjustments are made, you will generally need to remove them at night to allow your gum tissues to rest. Your new dentures will need to be cleaned just as your own natural teeth, and our dentist will provide you with instructions for doing so. You will also need to keep them moist when they are not being worn. Although denture adhesives should not be necessary if a denture fits properly, some patients may be more comfortable using one. However, if you notice that your dentures are no longer fitting as well as they once did, you may need to contact our dentist for an adjustment or further evaluation. If you have lost teeth, contact our Torrance dentist today to learn more about your options for tooth replacement. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com/ar/dentures-torrance/

Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers use tooth-colored porcelain to cover the front surface of teeth in order to conceal imperfections or improve their appearance. They are bonded to teeth to create a strong, durable finish, and the porcelain not only reflects the light naturally but also resists stains unlike natural teeth, which tend to absorb stains over time and suffer from enamel loss. Our specialist for porcelain veneer in Torrance can help you determine if you are a can...didate for porcelain veneers. Our Torrance porcelain veneer dentist can use porcelain veneers to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, including teeth that are worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, uneven, gapped or misshapen. Porcelain veneers can also improve the appearance of teeth that are stained or discolored due to fluorosis, trauma to the tooth, tetracycline or other medications and large fillings. The procedure for receiving porcelain veneers can require between two and three dental visits. You will need dental appointments for evaluation, preparation and application. Our specialist for porcelain veneer in Torrance will talk to you about your treatment goals and work with you to determine the best way to achieve those goals. Your teeth will need to be strong and healthy enough for dental veneers. In order to allow for placement of the new veneers, your teeth will need to be prepared. A small amount of enamel will be removed, and your teeth will be carefully shaped. Dental impressions and images may be taken to ensure your new veneers fit well. Temporary veneers may be placed to protect your prepared teeth and prevent sensitivity. Torrance Porcelain Veneers Specialist You will return in one to two weeks once your new veneers have been made. Our Torrance porcelain veneer dentist will check your new veneers for fit and color. They may need to be trimmed, and the color may need to be adjusted to your specifications. Once the look is just right, special cement will be applied, and the veneer will be bonded to your teeth using a special light. If you are ready to learn more about how porcelain veneers can give you a bright, beautiful new smile, contact our Torrance cosmetic dentist today and schedule your consultation. http://www.totalfamilydentalgroup.com//porcelain-veneers-/

Dental Crowns A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth entirely to protect and restore the tooth’s surface area. Unlike a dental filling that simply fills in a small portion of the tooth to repair a smaller area of damage or decay, a crown is bonded into place permanently and it is designed to function just as your own natural teeth. Our specialist for dental crowns in Torrance can help you determine if you are a candidate for a dental crown. You may need a dental cr...own if you have suffered severe damage to a tooth, have a tooth that has suffered from substantial decay, have had a root canal or have a tooth that has serious cosmetic anomalies. Our Torrance dental crowns dentist can use crowns to restore or reinforce the natural structure of the tooth, protect a structurally compromised tooth or improve a tooth’s appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal. Each has its own benefits or advantages, and you will need to discuss your needs and preferences with our dentist for dental crowns in Torrance to determine which may be best for you. If you are a candidate for a dental crown, your tooth will need to be prepared, which means that the tooth’s surface will be contoured, and a portion of the enamel will be removed to make room for the crown. Our dentist will take a mold so that the lab can make your new crown. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth, and once the crown is finished, it will be permanently bonded to your tooth. Torrance Dental Crowns Specialist Dental crowns have an average lifespan of seven to 10 years. However, they can last much longer if well maintained. Brush your teeth after meals, avoid snacking, and floss daily and carefully around your crown. Eat a healthy diet to nourish your teeth and gums, and visit our Torrance dental crowns dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and dental checkup. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call our Torrance cosmetic dentist today.

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that can be customized to fit your unique smile. They are bonded to the fronts of your teeth and can be used to treat numerous cosmetic issues, including stains, chips, misalignments, misshapen teeth and other damage or abnormalities. Our expert for dental veneers in Torrance can use dental veneers to completely transform a smile from ordinary to extraordinary. Dental veneers are made of translucent ceramic, which allows the l...ight to penetrate and reflect just like it does with your own natural teeth. They can be used alone or as part of a smile makeover that includes teeth whitening, orthodontics or other procedures to enhance or correct the appearance of your smile. Highly durable, dental veneers are strong, stain resistant and can remain in place up to 20 years or more. If you are a candidate for dental veneers, our Torrance dental veneers dentist can often create your new smile in as few as two dental visits. At your first appointment, your teeth will be prepared, a process that may require the removal of a small amount of dental enamel. Your teeth may be gently buffed or reshaped, and dental impressions or molds will be taken so that the dental lab can create your new veneers. The right shade will be chosen based on a number of factors that consider your needs and goals. At your second visit, our expert for dental veneers in Torrance will use a special etching liquid to roughen the surface of your teeth and ensure a strong, durable bond. The veneers will be checked again for fit and color, and then special cement activated by light will be used to bond the veneers to your teeth. Although dental veneers are strong and long lasting, you can take steps to keep them in good shape for life. Avoid using your teeth as tools, which can cause your restoration to fracture, and avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, which can dissolve the bonding. Brush twice a day, floss every day and visit our expert for dental veneers in Torrance every six months to keep your smile healthy and looking great.

Causes of Tooth Decay Although tooth decay is highly preventable, it continues to affect both adults and children. In fact, dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disorder and affects the majority of children between the ages of 6 and 19. A shocking 90 percent of adults also have some degree of dental decay. Our dentist in Torrance recommends the right balance of good dental hygiene, regular professional cleanings and routine dental exams in order to prevent tooth... decay and maintain good dental health. Tooth decay begins when the bacteria that live naturally in your mouth begin to break down the sugars in the foods you eat. They form a white, sticky substance called plaque. The acidic byproduct of the bacteria then wears down the dental enamel in a process called demineralization. Plaque tends to accumulate along the gumline and can be more difficult to remove from the chewing surfaces from teeth, which means those two locations are more vulnerable to cavities. You can protect yourself from tooth decay by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing every day. Use fluoridated toothpaste, which can help your teeth remineralize more quickly, and an antimicrobial mouth rinse to kill additional bacteria. Routine checkups every six months can catch dental decay at its earliest when it has done little damage and can be easily treated. Dental decay that is not treated may need to be evaluated by our specialist for root canal therapy in Torrance, who may be able save the tooth using a root canal treatment or other therapies.

Some habits can harm your teeth. Learn more about them here: