What is a Tooth-Colored Filling?

Fillings help restore teeth that have been damaged due to decay. Therefore, if you’ve ever had a cavity, to treat it, your dentist removed the decayed portion of the tooth and then “filled” the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived. At All Coast Dental, we utilize white (tooth-colored) fillings. Composite resins or tooth-colored fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing.

Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and can prevent further decay. When a dentist gives you a filling, they first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cavity with a filling material. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth.

If you have questions regarding dental bonding and/or white fillings, please give us a call. 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.  

Electric Toothbrush Apps

We’ve talked before about the differences between electric and manual toothbrushes, but manufacturers are constantly coming up with new special features. All Coast Dental treats patients with a variety of needs, and it’s possible that some of them might benefit from the smart phone apps now being programmed.

Manual toothbrushes require users to brush for two whole minutes twice a day. People who do so get the same result as electric toothbrush users, but most people do not brush nearly that much. Of course, for people with disabilities who are unable to brush normally, an electric toothbrush may be worth it. Some of the apps provide feedback on how long a patient has been brushing, which parts of their mouth they frequently miss, and whether they ought to adjust the toothbrush’s settings.

There are also a number of apps meant to develop healthy habits in children. Some apps allow them to play video games while they brush, in order to get them to do it longer. Others provide a reward system or an educational video. Whether these apps are useful depends a lot on the user, but they could potentially be a big help for parents who have had difficulty getting their children to brush normally.

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.

 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At All Coast Dental, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. 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.  

Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. If this ever were to happen to you, our doctors at All Coast Dental are here to assess the situation.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, please give us a call. 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.  

Dental Anxiety in Patients

It is one thing for anxiety to affect your daily relationships, but when it starts to impact your overall health then it becomes a problem. Dental anxiety, or dental phobia, is much more serious than just getting sweating palms and sleepless nights before an appointment – it’s a paralyzing fear of dentists or dental treatment. Luckily our doctors at All Coast Dental have the tools, techniques, and gentle touch to help make regular dental visits as comfortable as possible for you.

The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will better be able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more relaxed. In addition, ask your dentist what’s happening at every stage of the procedure. This way you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, give us a call so we ease your fear. 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.  

Diet and Dental Health

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay; therefore the foods you eat and how frequently you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Our doctors at All Coast Dental can’t monitor your every dietary move, but they can suggest some tips for you to keep in mind when choosing your meals and snacks.

Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables, contain some type of sugar; however, they are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of them also contain important nutrients. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken, or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids). Calcium-fortified juices, milk, and other dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D and help promote healthy teeth and bones, reducing the risk of tooth loss. Cheese unleashes a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to the teeth, protecting them from the acid that causes decay and helping rebuild tooth enamel on the spot.

If you have questions regarding diet and oral health, please give us a call. 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.  

The Benefits of Dentures

If you have missing teeth, our doctors at All Coast Dental have a variety of treatment options to replace them to help you improve your appearance and smile. One of these options is dentures. Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. While they may take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they are a non-invasive form of treatment that provides great benefits.

Today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. There are two main types: full and partial. With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are a removable alternative to dental bridges. After you schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, they will determine which type is best for you.

If you think you may benefit from dentures, please give us a call. 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.