The loss of a tooth can have a profound impact on both oral health and confidence. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a transformative solution – bone grafting. In this blog, our team at Cerritos Dental Surgery in Cerritos, CA explores how the grafting procedures can play a pivotal role in stabilizing your smile after tooth loss, providing a foundation for durable and natural-looking tooth replacements
(more…)Your Third Molars And Your Oral Health
As you age into your smile, there are certain pivotal moments. During these times, it is important to keep a close eye on your oral health, and a prime example of this is when your third molars start to develop. As you reach your later teen years and into your early twenties, you need to pay attention to the growth of your wisdom teeth.
Our office at Cerritos Dental Surgery in Cerritos, CA understands the risks that come along with ignoring the growth of your last set of molars. Take some time to talk with an oral health expert about whether your need to go, and if so, we can help you with wisdom teeth extraction. This process can help you to avoid shifting alignment and damage to your teeth, as they simply might not have enough room at the back of your jaw. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a consultation!
(more…)Fighting Against Oral Cancer
One of the best reasons to take care of your oral health and get preventive treatment is to decrease the chances of oral cancer. This is a scary thing but can be an unfortunate reality, with around three percent of cancer cases being in the mouth.
Cancer cannot always be prevented, but it can be detected early with oral screenings. In today’s blog, we’re here to help inform our patients about the symptoms of oral cancer and the treatment options available. Cerritos Dental Surgery of Cerritos, CA, offers oral pathology treatment for our patients.
Read more: Fighting Against Oral CancerWhat Can Cause Cancer In The Mouth
Several risk factors can increase the chances of developing oral cancer. Heavy tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and genetics are just some of the leading causes. Reducing the amounts of alcohol that you drink and decreasing cigarette usage may help limit your chances. In addition to this, there are also preventive measures you can take.
Like other forms of diseases, oral cancer can be examined early. Especially if you begin to experience symptoms such as a sore or bleeding throat, chronic dry mouth, repeated infections, or irritations, you should visit a pathologist.
Visiting Your Pathologist
At your appointment, the doctor will check your mouth, lips, and gums for signs. A biopsy can be performed in which a small amount of your oral tissue will be taken and sent to a lab for examination. Getting a biopsy is beneficial because it can help detect early stages of cancer, which means you can start your treatment early.
If it is determined that you have cancer, there are several forms of treatment available. We understand how difficult this journey can be, and we will help you stay as comfortable as possible throughout your diagnosis and treatments.
Treating Oral Cancer
All patient’s symptoms show and progress differently, so there will be a variety of options to help manage them. At Stage 0, when this has not spread, there is the possibility to remove the affected tissues and stop the spread.
During Stage One or Two, the tumor has spread but only a small amount. Along with removing the tissues, chemotherapy or radiation can be used to target the affected area.
If you progress into Stage Three or further, a continuation of chemotherapy and radiotin will occur.
We know that this can be anxiety-inducing and worrisome for our patients. However, it is our goal to make this as easy as possible and return you to normal health. To allow for the earliest possible detection, continue seeing your dentist regularly and bring up your concerns if you begin to show symptoms.
Don’t Put Off Your Exam
At the offices of Shawn Hofkes, DDS, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, brilliant smile. Please call 562-584-4082 today to schedule your dental appointment with us. We welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
How We Conduct Safe And Gentle Tooth Extractions
When a tooth sustains major damage, or develops an infection too advanced for a root canal, then oral surgery could be necessary to protect your smile from major complications. Our team can comfortably and gently extract teeth to protect the smile as a whole. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist talks about our approach to tooth extraction.
(more…)All-On-Four Offers A Full Smile In One Day
Dental implant dentures are long-lasting and strong, but placement could take multiple visits. However, with All-On-Four implant dentures our team can provide a full smile in as little as one appointment. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist talks about the benefits of the All-On-Four implant denture system.
(more…)Caring For Your Smile With Dental Implants
If you are exploring placing dental implants to replace a missing tooth, learning how to care for your new prosthetics is paramount to long-term success. While an implant mimics the tooth it replaces, you must pursue daily oral hygiene to prevent it from failing.
At your Cerritos, CA dental office, we help patients adjust to life after losing a tooth. By providing valuable prosthetics, we help you regain the function of a full bite. In today’s blog, we discuss methods for best caring for your new implant. Follow these suggestions and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles!
(more…)Our Guide to Sedation Dentistry
For many individuals, dental visits can provoke anxiety and fear, leading to delays in receiving necessary dental care. Patient comfort and care are our priority, so we offer several methods to keep you calm while you receive the care you need. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist describes the three commonly used types of sedation in dentistry: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
(more…)Treatment For TMD And Bruxism
Do you have discomfort in your jaw, or a persistent headache? If so, this could be related to strain in your jaw. Treatment could alleviate discomfort and also save your team from complications down the road, such as injury or missing teeth. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist talks about how we improve oral health with our custom nightguards.
(more…)Let A Night Guard Protect Your Teeth
If you’ve invested time and money into expensive restorations, why wouldn’t you protect them? Millions of people suffer from bruxism and it’s damaging their teeth. Bruxism causes one to grind or clench their teeth unconsciously during sleep. Over time, this habit can lead to various dental and health issues. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist’s office talks about how night guards provide an effective solution to protect our teeth and promote better health.
(more…)Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Smile Beauty
Do you have concerns with the appearance of your smile? If so, don’t go through life hiding your teeth or feeling embarrassed. Instead, talk to our team about a solution. In today’s blog, your Cerritos, CA, dentist’s office talks about our approach to cosmetic dentistry, and the treatments we have to improve smile beauty.
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