Month: January 2014

A Patients’ Glossary of Dental Implants

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with implants, you’ve probably just begun researching your options. As your research continues, you’ll need to know some key terms. Over the past few days, we’ve answered frequently asked questions about the cost of dental implants and discussed whether the procedure is worth the investment in time… Read more »

Four Dental Technology Trends to Look for in 2014

You might think your dentist is boring and old fashioned, but general dentists and dental specialists get to deploy some of the coolest, most cutting-edge technology in their offices every day. And, as the industry diversifies and the price of equipment drops, more dentists can utilize lasers, 3D imaging, and digital technology to provide better,… Read more »

Why Do Dental Implants Cost So Much?

In yesterday’s post, we discussed whether receiving dental implants was worth the investment in time and money. Determining the return on investment for the procedure is a highly personal matter, but for the right patient, dental implants can provide a new lease on life. However, the cost intensive nature of the treatment presents an obstacle… Read more »

Are Dental Implants a Good Investment?

Once an adult tooth is lost, it’s gone forever . . . or is it? Dental implants provide a secure, long-lasting tooth replacement option that features a true-to-life design meant to mimic the crown and root structure of a natural tooth. Moreover, dental implant posts can be used to replace one tooth or a full… Read more »

Is Third Molar Extraction Surgery Safe?

Some high profile news stories emerged in the past two years detailing how apparently healthy young people have died as a result of routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction surgery. In most cases, the patient passed away as a result of an adverse reaction to the anesthetics or sedatives administered to manage discomfort during the… Read more »

Do You Need a Simple or Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

The average human jaw can accommodate 28 teeth. However, sometime during the late teens or early twenties, about 75% of the population develops four (or more, in some cases) additional molars. These teeth, referred to as wisdom teeth or third molars, can cause crowding if they grow in normally. If they grow in at an… Read more »

Busting Two Common Misconceptions about Dental Sedation

You may have seen billboards around town advertising “sleep dentistry” or an “anxiety-free dentist,” and if you live with anxiety or fear associated with visiting the dentist, those promises probably seem pretty attractive. But are these guarantees too good to be true? Today, Shawn Hofkes, DDS, a Cerritos CA dentist with specialized training in sedation… Read more »

The Secret to a Beautiful Smile (Even If You Don’t Have All Your Teeth!)

Beauty, and what we find beautiful, is highly subjective. However, when it comes to a beautiful smile, there are a few common denominators: bright white enamel and a general lack of stains, chips, and breaks. The (arguably) biggest detractor from the overall beauty of your smile is missing teeth. Whether you lost them to gum… Read more »

How Well Do You Know Your Wisdom Teeth?

When you think about it, wisdom teeth seem like an exercise in poor design. The average human jaw can comfortably accommodate 28 permanent teeth. Yet, sometime around the college years, four additional teeth try to squeeze in there. So, why develop wisdom teeth at all? Today, Cerritos, CA dentist and oral surgery expert, Dr. Shawn… Read more »

What is Advanced Dentistry?

Every dentist can provide routine preventive care, those twice-yearly checkups and cleanings meant to remove built up plaque and tartar and keep an eye on developing oral health issues. But once a serious oral health problem has been diagnosed, who do you trust to provide the cutting-edge care you need to return your smile to… Read more »