by Kurt Schneider | Feb 18, 2014 | Teeth Whitening
Those who have recently moved to Newport Beach or who have not visited a dentist in many years may have questions about how to choose a Newport Beach dentist. A relationship with a dentist can last for decades, and the care of one’s teeth depends on that relationship being a good one. How a dentist conducts their patient care, what techniques he or she uses, and other factors can be important in choosing the right dentist. Below are some tips for choosing the right dentist in Newport Beach. Check with Insurance Company Some insurance companies provide dental insurance coverage. In order for it to apply, patients may need to see dentists in the approved network. Checking with your insurance provider to find out if there is such a restriction can save lot of time, money and frustration down the road. Get Recommendations People will gladly reveal bad experiences they had with a dentist, as well as good ones. Ask friends, family members and coworkers for recommendations. Coworkers may be among the best referrals because they share the same dental plan and will know who is covered and who isn’t. Check Availability Some dentists may not be accepting new patients. Others may not offer office hours that fit a person’s schedule. This can be a deciding factor on whether or not that is the right Newport Beach dentist to see for you. Make an Appointment After the research has been done, it is time to make an appointment. Schedule a simple semi-annual cleaning. Observe the waiting room and take note of the number of patients and the overall appearance of...
by Kurt Schneider | Feb 4, 2014 | Health News
The term “root canal” strikes fear in the hearts of even the bravest patients, but there is no longer a reason to fear this procedure. The old way of performing root canals has fallen by the wayside, and new treatments are virtually pain-free, leaving patients feeling better, without having to spend days recovering. Instead of putting off your root canal, take a moment to understand what you can expect from your Irvine dentist when you undergo this procedure. What Is a Root Canal? A root canal is the procedure that removes the infected or decayed pulp from a tooth. This allows the tooth to be saved so you don’t have to get it extracted. The pulp needs to be removed, because, if left untreated, it can cause the tooth to become abscessed, which is a far more painful condition. The bacteria can also cause infections. How Much Will It Hurt? Many people are concerned about the potential pain of the procedure, but the pain that the infected pulp causes before the root canal is far more intense than the root canal procedure. Advances in local anesthetics now allow dentists to perform root canals while patients feel little to no pain at all. Remember, leaving the tooth untreated will cause you more pain down the road, so be sure to schedule your root canal before the situation requires more invasive treatments. Your Irvine dentist knows all the latest techniques to perform your root canal quickly and with as little pain as possible. The term “root canal” is no longer one of which to be fearful, and having this procedure can...
by Kurt Schneider | Jan 21, 2014 | Invisalign
Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Important Good oral hygiene is important not only because it affects your smile, but because it has bearing on your overall health, as well. With regular checkups, your dentist can watch for signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to health issues including stroke, heart disease, gum infections, and low birth weight or premature births. These issues and others can be avoided or caught early if you visit your Newport Beach dentist regularly. Gum Disease Prevention Your dentist will instruct you on the proper ways to brush and floss your teeth. Doing these things and having regular checkups can help prevent the development of gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum diseases. Should you develop one of these diseases, your dentist can map out a treatment plan to correct the problem. Oral Cancer Detection Some form of oral cancer kills one American every hour. By seeing your dentist regularly, signs of oral cancer may be caught early enough to treat, thus increasing your chances of a successful cure. Healthy Smile Maintenance A healthy smile boosts your confidence, which in turn can have a positive effect on your social and professional life. With regular cleanings and good oral care, your smile can open new doors for you. Improved Overall Health Your Newport Beach dentist can help safeguard your overall health. Did you know that there is a relationship between bad oral health and inflammatory diseases like diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease? Those regular checkups and cleanings will keep teeth and gums healthy, and that can help reduce the chance you’ll develop a more serious health...
by Kurt Schneider | Jan 14, 2014 | Invisalign
If you are an adult who has been in a car accident that had an impact on your teeth, you may be wondering how you can repair them without looking like a teenager. Sure, you should not be worried about such things, but we do traditionally associate braces with teenagers. Thankfully, there are other options so that you don’t have to feel self-conscious about getting your teeth straightened after the trauma of a car accident. Newport Beach Invisalign is exactly what you need. With Newport Beach Invisalign, you can be the only one who knows about the fact that you are getting your teeth straightened. No one else will see the invisible “braces,” so being embarrassed is a non-issue. In fact, more and more people are resorting to this as an option to straighten their smile, without having to worry about traditional braces and some of the pain that is associated with them. Having dental work done at all is never fun, but, if you have to have it done, you may as well use a method that is as painless as possible, avoiding the wires and the pain that can come from the traditional metal brackets that can hurt the inside of your mouth. Invisalign makes the whole procedure less painful, as well as less obvious than the traditional route you might take to get your teeth straightened. Don’t avoid having your teeth straightened or avoid smiling because of your teeth. Use the option that suits your lifestyle best,...
by Kurt Schneider | Jan 2, 2014 | Porcelain Veneers
Make the Most of Winter Downtime In the warmer months, you probably want to be outside doing something active, like gardening or playing at the beach. The winter months bring colder temperatures that keep you inside more often, so why not make the most of them? Take care of the things you would not want to deal with in warmer months, so that when things heat up, your to-do list is already complete. Get your dental work done. Have a visit with your Orange County dentist. Whether you need a cleaning or need more extensive work from your Orange County dentist, why not have it done while you are waiting for the weather to warm up? Any cosmetic work you have done will also give you some added motivation to get ready for spring socializing. Clean out the closets. Now is a great time to clean out the closets. Since you have to pack up your holiday decorations anyhow, why not sort boxes as you go? You can donate your items to charity or try to get them organized for a future yard sale or some extra cash on an online auction or local sales group. When it comes time for spring cleaning you will have this portion of the job already done! Finish craft projects. If the weather is keeping you in the house, take the time to finish all those craft projects you started ages ago. If you are no longer interested in them, consider donating the materials to a shelter, school, or even a residential placement...