Panorex Imaging

As a dental office that provides patients with a full range of care options, we at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach use the latest technology. Monitoring the eruption of wisdom teeth, the integration of an implant, and the health of the jaw bone all require rigorous x-rays. We use the Panorex, a device that provides a panoramic view of the patient’s mouth, allowing us to provide a superior quality of service.

A patient does not need to prepare for examination with a Panorex anymore than they would for a traditional x-ray. They will simply remove jewelry and other objects and then bite down on the plastic bite stopper on the Panorex machine. (The device may be lowered or raised to match a patient’s height.) Panels will then descend and rotate around the patient’s head while the x-rays are emitted. The whole process takes less than twenty seconds.

Images produced by the Panorex are highly detailed. Although they do not show soft tissues well, they allow us to more accurately predict tooth migration and detect changes in the vertical dimension of a patient’s jaw bone. They are commonly used for planning complex extractions and implant placement. They also subject the patient to fewer x-rays than traditional x-ray photographs and don’t require patients to hold film in their mouths.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How to Care for Dentures

As part of commitment to our senior patients at All Coast Dental, we want to ensure that they understand how to care for their dentures. Getting full or partial dentures will require a major change in a patient’s oral hygiene routine, but it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Regardless of whether or not dentures are supported by implants, they should be removed on a nightly basis. If the dentures aren’t supported by a bar, this will give the gums a chance to rest, but even if they are, the gums and tongue still need to be brushed (don’t forget to get in between abutments). Doing this before putting the dentures back in each morning will increase blood flow, preventing numbness.

Dentures must always be kept moist. They may be left to soak in cleaning solution or clean water, but never water that is hot enough to warp them. Like the natural parts of a patient’s mouth, dentures should only be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush; however, dentures also require specially-designated toothpaste. This is because they lack the natural protective film on teeth which protects them from gritty minerals. The entire denture needs to be brushed, not just the false teeth.

Damage to dentures should only be repaired by a professional. It is expected that they will have to be refitted from time to time, so it is important for denture patients to maintain their relationship with their dentists.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Warning Signs of a Failing Implant

We’re proud of the implant work we do at All Coast Dental. Implants allow us to vastly improve patients’ quality of life and have a very high success rate. However, it is possible for things to go wrong over years of wear and tear or for us to have to correct work done elsewhere. A failing implant is a dental emergency which patients should know how to recognize.

In the immediate aftermath of an implant placement, some pain and bleeding are expected. However, if a patient’s pain is severe and does not improve, the implant may have been placed on a nerve. This is excruciating and will not result in proper fusion of the implant into bone. If the incision wound does not stop bleeding after a few days patients should seek help, and if they seem to be having an allergic reaction, it may be caused by the implant’s metal.

No matter how old an implant is, it should not move. If it does, it needs to be replaced. We will also want to monitor the amount of jawbone tissue a patient has for the first few years following the implant’s placement. If too much bone tissue is lost, there is a great risk of the implant failing later on.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Orthodontics before Implants

At All Coast Dental, we’re proud to be able to offer patients a number of services for their dental needs, including implants and the ClearCorrect invisible aligners. However, when patients have multiple dental problems, they may not know which to address first. In most cases, orthodontic corrections should be made prior to placement of implants.

In the first place, until tooth alignment is corrected, there may not even be room for an implant, let alone another crown. But even when there is, it is important that the teeth be in as good alignment as possible before the implant is placed, because once it’s in, it’s (hopefully) not going to move. An implant is a titanium screw which the jaw bone tissue has fused with. It’s not going to be pushed around like natural teeth, and ClearCorrect is for mild cases of misalignment.

None of this is to say that a person who already has an implant has no hope of receiving orthodontics. It will depend on the position of the teeth and whether the implant-supported crown is in the front or back of the mouth. Sometimes implants can even be useful anchors for corrected dental arches.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Teething Safety

We welcome children as patients at All Coast Dental, including those who are getting their first teeth. We understand that caring for babies is a nerve-wracking experience, especially with a parent’s first child, and parents are often looking for advice. We thought our patients would appreciate some information about how to soothe babies’ teething pain safely.

Giving babies something cool to gnaw on is one of the most reliable methods of comforting them; the main problems are that the item must not be a choking hazard or cold enough to hurt them. Generally, teething items should be chilled, not frozen. A large piece of rubber or plastic, such as a teething ring, may not warm quickly enough in a baby’s hands if it came straight from the freezer.  This is also true of metal spoons.

On the other hand, frozen washcloths provide babies with moisture to suck without presenting a choking hazard. Another consumable option is popsicles or ice cubes placed in a mesh bag. Some parents also get good results from pressing on their baby’s gums with their fingers. Teething usually starts when a baby is about six months old, and our hygienist and dentists can teach parents to brush their baby’s teeth as soon as the first one begins to erupt.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Inlays and Onlays

Damage or decay to a tooth can cause weakness and sensitivity. Not to mention, it can also affect the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, there is a simple and attractive solution here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA. Inlays and onlays are able to replace decayed or damaged tooth tissue when it is too much for a filling to hold.

Inlays are restorations that are for the chewing surface of a tooth, minus any cusps. Onlays are for the chewing surface of a tooth, plus one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays work well when there is too much damage or decay for a filling to hold but not enough that a full crown is needed. That is also why inlays and onlays are commonly referred to as partial crowns. Both inlays and onlays can be made of gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. The composite resin and porcelain options will be matched to the color of your tooth so it looks natural.

Inlays and onlays can not only restore the health of your tooth, but they can also help give you back a smile you are proud to show off. To schedule an appointment with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Natural-Looking Dental Bridges

Tooth replacement is important for eating, talking, self-esteem, and even jaw structure. When replacing a tooth, it is nice to have a replacement that blends right in with your other teeth. Here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we are able to create natural-looking bridges to replace missing teeth.

Dental bridges are usually made from metal, ceramic, or ceramic covered metal. The options with ceramic will help the bridge look just like the rest of your natural teeth. A bridge closes the gap by placing a replacement tooth, called a pontic, between two crowns. The crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the open space. Bridges may last for fifteen years or longer with good care.

In order to create a bridge, first, the adjacent teeth will be reshaped to fit crowns on them. An impression will then be taken of the area so we can send it to a dental laboratory. There, a custom bridge will be created just for you. You will wear a temporary bridge while the permanent one is being created. The process usually takes two or three weeks. The final bridge is cemented into place and the next time you smile or go to eat something, you will be happy with your natural-looking, strong replacement.

If you are missing a tooth, it is important to replace it as soon as you can. To schedule an appointment with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904. More information about bridges can be found on our website. 

Custom Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Have you ever tried store-bought whitening kits only to find that they did not get you the results you desire? It may be time to try a professional approach. Here at All Coast Dental, we make it easy. You can take home our custom teeth whitening trays to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home and on your own time.

When dark foods and drinks like cola, blueberries, or coffee have left teeth darker than you would like, we have a solution. We can create you a set of custom trays that you take home and wear for a short period of time over a few days. This system has the professional strength that works while still keeping the convenience factor of at-home whitening. To ensure the perfect fit, we use impressions of your teeth to create the custom trays. We give you a whitening gel that is placed into the trays and worn for your recommended amount of time. They are able to be worn at day or night, depending on what works the best for your schedule. Using our professional system, our patients often see smiles four to eight shades whiter.

Stained or discolored teeth can really bring confidence down. Stop hiding your smile and make an appointment with us for our custom take-home whitening trays. To schedule an appointment in our Pacific Beach, CA office, call All Coast Dental at (858) 270-4904. More information about teeth whitening can be found on our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Dental Crowns to Restore Function and Smiles

An injured tooth due to damage or decay should be saved, if it can be. It is always ideal to have your natural teeth. This is why at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we can provide dental crowns for patients who have damaged teeth with an intact root.

A cracked or weakened tooth can be painful and it can lead to infection. Not to mention, they will often turn dark or make your teeth appear unhealthy looking. Dental crowns are like a cap that goes over the whole tooth to strengthen it, repair the look of it, and protect it from further damage. It fully restores the function of the tooth while repairing the look of your smile. The crown can be made of gold, porcelain-covered metal, or all porcelain. The options with porcelain are what give you the natural-looking crown.

To create the crown, first any decay is removed from the tooth and the tooth will be reshaped for the crown to fit. An impression is then taken so a dental laboratory can use it to create your custom crown. When the crown is placed, it may feel odd in your mouth; however, after a few days of getting used to the new structure, it will feel just like the rest of your teeth.

Do not let damage or decay completely ruin an otherwise healthy tooth. To schedule an appointment with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904. More information about our practice can be found on our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

If is Isn't Decay, Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain, especially when you are trying to enjoy your favorite frozen treats during summer.  While sometimes sensitive teeth can mean there is a cavity or worse, an infection, often it is just simple habits that create the problem. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we want our patients to come in for an examination if they are having sensitivity to make sure it is not decay. We also want patients to know what can cause sensitivity when it is not decay.

Sensitive teeth are often caused by worn down tooth enamel. When enamel is worn down, the dentin shows through which contains tiny tubes that lead to the center of the tooth where all the nerves are. To avoid wearing down your enamel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first thing you want to remember is to not brush too harshly. To remove plaque, all it takes is a soft toothbrush with a light touch.  In addition to abrasive brushing, grinding your teeth is another common culprit. Ask us about a night guard if you suspect you grind or clench your teeth at night.

Enamel can also be worn down by brushing too soon. Yes, it is true, you can brush too soon! The foods we eat contain acids that can soften enamel. Wait at least thirty minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing so the enamel can re-harden. In addition, very acidic foods and drinks like soda pop should be limited.

Sensitivity can often be resolved by changing your habits. To schedule an appointment with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Foods to Avoid with TMJ Pain

When dealing with a TMJ flare-up, it is nice to know which foods to avoid as to not aggravate the condition. It is also good to know what to avoid to stop a flare-up from happening in the first place. At All Coast Dental, we know how frustrating TMJ pain can be. Steer clear of these certain types of foods to keep a pain-free jaw.

Hard and Crunchy

Hard and crunchy foods are more difficult for the jaw to chew through than softer foods. Because of the force the jaw needs to exert to bite through them, hard and crunchy foods can irritate the TMJs and lead to pain. Stay away from crunchy foods like chips and popcorn as much as possible. Harder foods like raw vegetables are also difficult on the jaw joints. However, since veggies are still an important part of your diet, just cook them so they are softer.

Chewy

Chewy food is another common culprit for jaw pain. Caramels, chewing gum, and even tougher cuts of meat are irritating because of the amount of chewing needed to break them down. The constant chewing motion can easily cause a TMJ flare-up. Stay away from chewy candies. If you use gum to freshen your breath, think about trying mints. Also, stick to tender cuts of meat and if you want seafood, choose fish instead of chewy shellfish.

TMJ pain can be frustrating and it can feel like eating makes it worse. However, just changing your eating habits can make a big difference. To schedule an examination with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary. At All Coast Dental, our doctors would like you to know that before he or she considers extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore your tooth.  You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but other reasons for the procedure may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.

Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

When a tooth is lost or is extracted, it may seem okay to leave the space open if it is not bothering you, but it is actually very important to fill that space quickly. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we offer several options for tooth replacement and we want our patients to know why it is important to replace a missing tooth sooner rather than later.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate. As we get older, the deterioration speeds up. Bone loss can hinder the success of replacement in the future. When a single tooth is lost, the other teeth will shift towards that open space. This creates differences in your bite. This can also introduce gaps between teeth which can become hard-to-reach areas that collect bacteria. Gums can also become irritated if the matching tooth on the opposite set of teeth clacks up against it instead of the tooth that used to be there.

If multiple teeth are missing, the jaw can actually change shape as it deteriorates which will change facial structure. When most or all teeth are missing, facial muscles can begin to sag which makes a person appear older than they are.

At All Coast Dental, we have several options for tooth replacement including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. To schedule an appointment at our Pacific Beach, CA office, call us at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

TMJ/TMD

TMD can be a very painful condition to deal with. It can also be frustrating, but there are treatments for it. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we are relieving our patients of pain by providing them with custom night guards.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is a condition where the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ), is dysfunctional. The joint can become enflamed, swollen, and tender. It can cause aching around the ear and face, difficulty chewing, and a clicking or popping sound. The joint may also lock the mouth open or closed.  

There are several things that can contribute to TMD. If the TMJ disc is eroded or moved out of place, it can cause TMD. Arthritis or damage by injury can also cause TMD. Often, grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw can also lead to TMD. Grinding and clenching is especially a problem at night, when a patient may not know he or she is doing it.

A night guard is available less the effects the pressure put on the jaw by TMD. Surgery for TMD is sometimes needed, but often just changing the way the jaw muscles are used through behavioral treatment is enough to provide relief. Our night guards are made completely custom from an impression of your teeth, so it will provide you with the best possible relief.

If you are experiencing a sore jaw, clicking sounds, or suspect you grind your teeth at night, come in for an evaluation. To schedule with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Dental Crowns

Weak teeth can cause pain, further injury to the tooth, cause soft tissue injury, and decay. When a tooth is weakened, it must be protected and re-strengthened so it can continue a functional life. Here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we utilize dental crowns for this purpose.

A dental crown is like a cap that goes on a tooth. The entire part of the tooth that is visible outside of the gums is covered by the crown. At All Coast Dental, we are able to make a dental crown look just like one of your natural teeth; no one will be able to tell the difference.

Crowns may be made of gold, porcelain fused to metal, or full porcelain. The options with porcelain are made to look and feel like one of your own teeth. To ensure that the crown is exactly right for you, we take impressions of your tooth after it is carefully prepared for the crown. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the custom crown will be created.

To prepare your tooth for a crown, we will first remove any decay. We will then reshape the tooth by filing down the sides. While the tooth is being created by the laboratory, you will wear a temporary crown.

Crowns are durable, long-lasting, and they look great. If you are experiencing pain to a tooth, call All Coast Dental to set up an appointment. Our Pacific Beach, CA office may be reached at (858) 270-4909. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

SOL Soft Tissue Diode Laser

Gum disease is detrimental to oral health. It can spread infection, cause the loss of teeth, and cause a great deal of pain. At All Coast Dental, we know fighting gum disease is essential for our patients’ oral and overall health. That is why here in our Pacific Beach, CA office we utilize the SOL soft tissue diode laser.

Updating technology is what allows us to provide the best and latest treatments. The latest in gum disease treatment is laser therapy. To treat gum disease, the bacteria that have taken over must be eliminated. We now use the soft tissue laser together with the traditional scaling and root planing procedure to remove tartar deposits below the gum line and better eliminate the bacteria that causes gum disease.  Using a laser may result in less swelling, bleeding, post procedure sensitivity, and tissue damage.  Healing time is also often reduced.

When it comes to gum disease, taking the proper precautions to avoid it and fighting it with the right tools is essential for bringing back your oral health. To learn more about the SOL soft tissue diode laser, call All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA at (858) 270-4909. To learn more about our practice, visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Professional Teeth Whitening

A bright and shiny smile is something that so many of us desire, but it can be difficult to maintain. We understand that even with a good dental hygiene routine, teeth can still look discolored. It is for this reason that at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we offer custom take-home whitening trays.

Our professional whitening system is able to whiten a smile by four to eight shades. Since it is able to be taken home, our patients can whiten their teeth from the comfort of their own home! Even though this system is used at home, it is very different from store-bought kits. Our system is made custom so you get the best results!

We first create the custom whitening trays by taking impressions of your teeth. The trays fit your teeth exactly so the whitening gel conforms to every area of your teeth. We then give you the whitening gel to put inside the trays. The trays are worn for a short period of time for a few days. You can wear them at night or during the day, depending on what you prefer.

If you are hiding your smile due to discoloration, staining, or yellow teeth, it is time to try a professional whitening system! To schedule your consultation for our custom take-home whitening trays, call All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA at (858) 270-4909 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Dental Bridge for Tooth Replacment

An open space in a smile can cause hygiene problems, functional problems, and it can really alter the way one’s smile looks. Replacing a missing tooth is important. Here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, one of the options we have for tooth replacement is a dental bridge.  

A dental bridge is a popular option for tooth replacement that has been around for a long time. They are able to be made to fit in with the rest of your teeth, so the restoration is not obvious or even detectable! To apply a dental bridge, we attach the replacement tooth to two crowns that are attached to your existing teeth.

In order to place a bridge, first we must prepare the surrounding teeth. The teeth that are adjacent to the open space will act as the foundation for the bridge. They are reshaped so that a dental crown can fit on each of them. Next, we take an impression of the teeth and the surrounding area so a dental laboratory can create a custom bridge. The bridge, again, consists of two crowns and a replacement tooth in the middle. There are also options for when there is only one tooth next to the open space. During the creation process, you will wear a temporary bridge. This creation process may take a few weeks. When the permanent bridge is ready, we cement it into place.

To re-complete your smile, a dental bridge may be the perfect option. To schedule your consultation with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call us at (858) 270-4909 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Full and Partial Dentures at All Coast Dental

Dentures are a popular and effective way of replacing missing teeth. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we offer several options for dentures. We want to stress to our patients how important it is to replace teeth and give them several options to match their lifestyle.

Replacing teeth is about more than being able to chew. Our teeth help us talk, laugh, smile, and convey emotion. They even help keep the structure of our jaw and face! When they go missing, the jawline slowly begins to deteriorate, making facial muscles sag. This often makes patients appear older than they are.

In our Pacific Beach, CA office, we offer full and partial dentures. While partial dentures are like removable bridges, full dentures replace all of the teeth in the mouth.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, full dentures are a great option for you. They are made to bring back the best-looking and most fitting smile to you. They are available to be placed conventionally or immediately, for our patients’ convenience. Dentures give you back that ability to talk, laugh, and eat confidently. When taken care of just like normal teeth, they can last a very long time.

If you are missing some, most, or all of your teeth, dentures should be an option for you to consider. To schedule a tooth replacement consultation with All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904. Appointments may also be set up through our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Dental Bonding for Natural-Looking Restorations

It is nice when there are tooth restoration options that also keep cosmetics in mind. That is exactly what we have here at All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA when we offer our patients dental bonding. Dental bonding is a dental procedure used to correct damage and imperfections while improving upon one’s smile aesthetics at the same time.

When there is a crack or chip in a tooth, for safety, functionality, and for the sake of a nice-looking smile, dental bonding is used to smooth over the chip or crack and make the tooth appear as good as new. Dental bonding can also be used for gaps and misaligned teeth. In addition, bonding can be used to whiten teeth for a long time.

To apply dental bonding, your dentist will etch the surface of your tooth. This is to create tiny grooves that the composite resin will bond with better. The composite resin chosen will match your tooth color so that it blends in with your smile and the restoration is not noticeable. The resin will be shaped over the imperfection or painted over the surface of the teeth for whitening. A light is used to harden the resin which is polished afterwards. Polishing the tooth makes it shine like a normal tooth. In one simple appointment without major surgery or dental work, your smile is fixed.

If you are concerned about your smile or want a smile upgrade, schedule an appointment for a dental bonding consultation. To schedule, call All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net.