Patients often come to our practice seeking advice on ways to correct aesthetic dental problems. These patients may require cosmetic dental procedures or treatment for a number to correct a variety of cosmetic defects - to repair a malformed bite or crooked teeth, to treat an injury, or just to improve their overall appearance. For these and many other reasons, cosmetic dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession. But whatever their reason for seeking treatment, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile.

In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for cosmetic dentistry.  We all understand that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to increases self-confidence.  Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury reserved for movie stars, and the professionals at our Marin County Dentist Office are able to improve your smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshapen, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. Procedures used in the practice of cosmetic dentistry can also change the overall shape of teeth, whether they are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped to create a more attractive smile.

Some of the more common procedures involve:

• Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth
• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
• Improve or correct bites
• Lighten or brighten the color of teeth
• Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Replace missing teeth
• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

Which techniques should be used to improve your smile? Before making any decisions, your dentist will need to do a complete dental exam. It is very important to identify any underlying issues that may affect the results of any cosmetic dental procedure. Your Novato Cosmetic Dentist will also discuss your lifestyle with you to determine the best treatment for you. Contact your cosmetic dental professional for more information and to take the first step towards obtaining the smile of your dreams.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth becomes infected. Bacteria grow above and below the gum line, eventually causing the gum tissue to separate from teeth. It is a disease that is far too common, and patients  are often surprised to find there are other serious physical complications associated with the disease. Even though patients at Marin Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry know they always receive exceptional cosmetic restorations, they love knowing they are always getting exceptional care of their gums and overall oral health as well.

Periodontal disease, heart disease and stroke may seem to be completely unrelated, but research has shown that people suffering from gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Researchers have also found that oral infection is a risk factor for stroke.
 
Heart Disease and Stroke
Research has further proven that the presence of periodontal disease can aggravate existing heart conditions.  There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke and periodontal disease, some of which are

Oral bacteria affect the heart – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria. Some of these strains of bacteria can enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the coronary arteries.  This buildup contributes to clot formation, putting the individual at greater risk.

Immune System – Individuals who have high levels of oral bacteria may also have weaker immune systems. This may set off a chain of events that have been shown to contribute to the onset of certain forms of heart disease.

Diagnosis
Since periodontal disease appears to be a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, it is important to seek immediate treatment.  Initially, yourhygienist or denitst  will conduct a thorough examination to assess the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.
 
Treatment
If surgery is indicated, however, patients no longer have to face invasive gum surgery. Our office uses non-surgical periodontal treatment a patient-friendly alternative to painful gum surgery. For you this means less discomfort and pain, less treatment time, and a significantly shorter recovery time.

On the day of your first procedure, we’ll numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. We use special mcirosnic instuments, anti microbial rinses and site specific antibiotics as needed.  In additon, a tiny laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and gum, and the infection is cleared away. Typically we do a section of the mouth at a time.  Also, critical to each appointment is teaching each patient the best and easiest home care techniques to maintain their oral health.

Our patients report very little discomfort after having non-surgical periodontal treatment, so it is likely that you'll be able to carry on with the rest of your day as usual. If you think you may be at risk for Periodontal Disease, please contact our office immediately at (415) 450-6284 to set up an appointment for an examination and consultation.

You’ve probably already heard that dental implants are an excellent permanent solution for missing teeth. But what are they, and why are they being used increasingly in place of traditional tooth replacement methods? At Replacement Tooth Dentistry in Novato, CA, we’re experts in this area of dentistry, so let’s take a look at the three basic components of a dental implant.

The Dental Implant Fixture
The Dental Implant Fixture is the part of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration”. Osseointegration simply refers to the process where the implant and surrounding tissue grow together, creating a permanent, new structure. This portion of the dental implant lies below the gum line and is sometimes referred to as the “artificial root”. The implant fixture is made of bio-compatible titanium in a screw-shaped design, and the surface is microscopically roughened, increasing its total surface area and creating greater bone-to-implant contact.

The Dental Implant Abutment
The abutment of a tooth implant is the stub portion of the fixture that will sit slightly above the gum line with a protruding surface that the crown or bridgework will rest upon. In order for the implant fixture to have time to fully integrate with the bone, the abutment is usually attached to the implant fixture by your Novato Dental Implants Dentist several months after the titanium screw portion is placed.

The Dental Prosthesis
This is the part of the implant unit that is visible and will become your new tooth. “Prosthesis” refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that is supported by the implant and the abutment described above. Depending on how this dental work has been designed, it can either be cemented or screwed into place. The placement of the dental prosthesis is the final step in the implant process.

If you are missing one or more teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. But each patient has different needs, and we invite you to contact us at (415) 450-6284 to schedule a free consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Left untreated, dental infections and periodontal disease will not only affect the appearance of your smile but, can destroy your oral health. Neglecting routine at-home oral and professional care places you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone density. At some point when you finally do try to “catch up” you may face painful complications that require extensive cosmetic procedures in order to restore the appearance of your smile.

Prevention is the key to maintaining a beautiful healthy smile. By making your dental care a priority you can save you the future cost and embarrassment of dental disease. At our Novato General Dentist office, one of our goals is to educate our patients on effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Even the most consistent routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to maintain a healthy smile. Practicing good at-home oral hygiene is vital, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be really effective.

Many of our patients understand the importance of following good oral health by following proper oral hygiene routines and avoiding damaging food and drinks. As we eat, drink, and speak a sticky bacterial film called plaque coats tooth enamel and oral tissue. Flossing and brushing help to remove some plaque build-up but cannot eliminate it completely. The plaque that is not removed hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar continues to build up on teeth, causing dental decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss unless it is removed through regular professional cleanings.
 
You can take control of your dental health by:

1. Maintaining a proactive at-home cleaning schedule (to reduce daily plaque build-up)
2. Seeing your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings (to remove tartar and give you a “clean slate” for brushing and flossing).

It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health routine. Start by scheduling a visit with Family Dentistry, Marin County, CA for a professional teeth cleaning to give yourself and your family the best possible chance for optimal oral health.

Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, is a common occurrence in almost everyone’s lives.

We understand the concern and sensitivities most people have about bad breath. Our Cosmetic Dentist office views bad breath as a medical or dental condition which needs to be treated. We assure you all of your questions will be treated with the understanding and courtesy they deserve.

Determining the source of the problem is the first step in restoring bad breath. Temporary bad breath is typically caused by food and drink. Chronic bad breath has a dental basis in 90% of cases. It can be associated with periodontal gum disease and other dental concerns. However, bad breath can also be a symptom to much more severe diseases.

What leads to bad breath?

Here are just a few causes for less that sweet breath:

• Periodontal disease
• Certain foods, such as garlic and onions
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Damaged fillings
• Diabetes
• Dry mouth
• Reflux

If medical concerns appear to be the cause of your breath condition, our office will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

If the condition has a dental basis, we will develop a treatment plan custom made for you. Treatments vary greatly depending on the root cause. From repairing damaged fillings and cavities, to treating periodontal disease, we will diagnose and treat the condition. We will then design a home care program to fit your needs.

What can I do to maintain Fresh Breath?

Here are some of our recommendations to maintain fresh breath:

• Brush at least twice a day
• Floss and use an interdental cleaner at least once a day
• Use a tongue scrapper daily
• Avoid foods such as onions, garlic, and cabbage
• Chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist
• Use sugar free breath mints
• Use proper mouthwash (Alcohol-free)

If you have concerns about bad breath, we will help you determine the cause and the best way to treat it.  Call us today to schedule an appointment! We will work with you to help you have the sweet, fresh breath you deserve! 

Are you one of the many people that still have metal fillings? These can be very noticeable inside your mouth. Advances in technology have made those metal fillings a thing of the past. Today, you can have a bright vibrant smile using tooth colored composites or all porcelain Cerec restorations, which match the color of your natural teeth.

Your Novato Cosmetic Dentist uses metal and mercury free materials to quickly and comfortably improve your appearance and protect your teeth from fractures or stress. The result is natural looking teeth, without the worry of metal fillings showing through when you smile.

Tooth Colored Restorations can be used to:

• Replace silver/mercury fillings
• Protect exposed tooth roots from gum recession
• Close visible gaps in the front of your teeth
• Restore cracked or chipped teeth
• Mask stains
• Restore decayed teeth

Depending on how damaged your teeth are determines the restoration type and materials to use so your teeth are esthetically pleasing and retain their full structure. Silver or mercury filled teeth can often cause fractures, which could lead to extensive tooth damage, and leave your tooth too weak to support a filling.

For the individual with significant damage to their teeth, all porcelain restorations are recommended. All porcelain, Cerec Restoration is available at your Novato Cosmetic dentist. Modern porcelain is as strong as your natural teeth. Once bonded, it will strengthen your remaining tooth structure. Cerec restorations for crowns are metal free, and are completed in just one visit!

Whether you need a small filling, or more extensive porcelain restorations, tooth colored materials are used to ensure an esthetically pleasing outcome. The degree of damage ultimately controls which material is right for you, so schedule an appointment today!

For a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months. During your regular visit to Novato General Dentist, our dental hygienist will evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease and discuss the findings with you and your dentist in order to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.

A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.

Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the underlying bone structure to gradually disintegrate. Ultimately your teeth become loose, putting you at great risk of losing teeth.

General dentistry and a routine of regular visits to Family Dentistry in Novato, California for cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored. Routine dental cleanings also include polishing of your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining.

When you hear the word dentist, does a general feeling of anxiety overwhelm you? Do you have a fear of needles, fear of pain and discomfort, or very sensitive teeth?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone! An estimated 30-40 million adults avoid the dentist yearly because they find the idea of getting a check-up, cleaning, or dental work too stressful. If you fear or stress the dentist for any reason, your Novato Dentist can make your next visit to the dentist relaxing and stress free, with Sedation Dentistry!

Due to medical advances in oral sedatives, dentists can allow patients to be in a deep state of relaxation and make it possible for them to have dental procedures without feeling anything.  Our dental office uses the latest in sedation technology and patient care methods.

We will discuss the best treatment plan to ensure your dental experience is stress and anxiety free. We will tailor the treatment or combination of treatments to suit your needs because every patient is different, so selecting the correct method is of the utmost importance.

Oral health is a link to overall heath, and neglecting dental check-ups because of fear or stress can lead to long term dental issues. This in turn will lead to more visits with costly and difficult repairs.

We can help you reduce the stress and anxiety involved in coming to the dentist.

Call us today to determine if sedation dentistry is right for you!

Did you know, knowledge about your dental health is a key link in knowing your overall heath? It is estimated that over 90% of all adults have some form of periodontal disease, and only a trained dental professional can determine the extent of the disease in your mouth.

Periodontal Disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection to the gums and bone around your teeth. This disease destroys the tissue and bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and is almost as widespread as the common cold.

Numerous independent research studies indicate periodontal disease has links to:

• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Strokes
• Respiratory Disease
• Pre-term low birth-weight babies
• Overall health issues

Periodontal disease begins when a sticky film of bacteria, known as plaque, builds up under your gums. If not removed, plaque will harden and become tartar, which can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning. If this is not treated, the plaque will irritate the gumline, resulting in Gingivitis. There is usually little to no discomfort at this stage. The only indication of the disease will be redness of the gums, swelling, and bleeding.

Some people, due to lifestyles, habits, or other factors may be more susceptible to periodontal disease. You may be at risk if you:

• Are under chronic stress
• Clench or grind your teeth
• Have diabetes, auto-immune diseases, systemic diseases, or heart disease
• Wear braces
• Have a receding gum line
• Smoke or chew tobacco
• And many more!

If you have any of these risk factors, or any of the early warning signs of periodontal disease, make an appointment for a dental check up immediately! If diagnosed early enough, nonsurgical treatments can be used to stop the diseases progression.

For tips to keep your teeth and gums their healthiest, contact your Novato Cosmetic Dentist today!

When you look in the mirror are you disappointed to see old or dark looking teeth dulling your smile? If so, you know how important white, bright teeth can mar your appearance. More patients than ever are taking advantage of teeth whitening options to turn back the clock on their aging teeth as cosmetic dentistry becomes more accessible and wide spread. Consumers can use over-the-counter teeth bleaching treatments at home or receive custom whitening in the office a dental professional. These two types of treatment are not created equally as the formulations, expected results, and treatment processes are different.
 
Professional whitening treatments are administered in our Marin County Cosmetic Dentist Office. These treatments are peroxide formulations that will actually bleach dental enamel and drastically whiten the appearance of your teeth.
 
Professional whitening treatments are:

• More effective than over the counter products because the whitening formulation contains a greater concentration of whitening agent.
• Faster than over the counter products—most patients see significant results in just one or two visits.
• More predictable than over the counter products. Working with a dental professional, you can better control the level and quality of whitening achieved.

Home whitening treatments, on the other hand are:

• Less expensive than professional whitening treatments, because they are less effective and take weeks or even months to achieve full results.
• More of a risk, because you cannot closely control the process and may end up with uneven enamel whitening, dental sensitivity, or gum irritation.

Before deciding on cosmetic whitening, it’s important that you consult with a dental professional to ensure optimal results. Professional whitening treatments allow you to better control your results, avoid sensitivity, and optimize bleaching to enhance your overall smile. Please feel free to contact Novato Cosmetic Dentistry Office for further information.