When is Dental Sedation Appropriate?

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Usually, dental treatment is minimally-invasive enough that sedation is not generally necessary. But for patients with high levels of anxiety, or who experience various degrees of dental fear, sedation may be a necessity for nearly every dental treatment.

Aside from anxiety, however, dental sedation can also help patients complete necessary restorative and other dental treatments in less time and in significantly more comfort. Depending on your medical history, your specific needs and preferences, and your dentist’s recommendation, you might benefit from an appropriate dental sedation option, as well. (more…)

filed under: Sedation Dentistry

Why Are Third Molars Called ‘Wisdom’ Teeth?

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Originally, third molars were referred to as ‘teeth of wisdom’ but ever since the 19th century, we’ve been calling them ‘wisdom’ teeth – why? Contrary to what it may seem, these teeth actually have nothing to do with the amount of wisdom you may or may not have. In fact, third molars coined this term because they generally erupt in our late teens and early twenties – previously known as ‘the age of wisdom.’ So we are certainly wiser by the time our third molars come in, they just don’t indicate (or bring) any wisdom – that comes with age. (more…)

filed under: Wisdom Teeth

3 Myths Debunked About Dental Implants

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Dental implants offer a complete tooth restoration, unlike some other replacement options for lost teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth already or are facing an extraction, losing your adult teeth can cause many unexpected difficulties and complications. While dental implants have become increasingly popular for their incredible ability to restore functionality and esthetic appeal, there’s a lot of misinformation being spread as well. Unfortunately, there are quite a few myths out there that you may have heard – don’t let that keep you from getting the dental care you need. So let’s clear some of those up! (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants

When Do You Need Oral Surgery?

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Oral surgery may be more common than you think – it’s certainly a lot less scary than you’re probably imagining. If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, like Dr. Hofkes, don’t be alarmed. From placing dental implants, removing tumors, to grafting bone and gum tissue – oral surgery is only used to better your health. Deciding whether you need oral surgery or not depends on your individual situation, there are certain conditions that may require surgery (such as; cancer, wisdom teeth, and severe forms of dental conditions like malocclusion, gum disease, TMD, etc.). So, if you’re wondering, “do I need oral surgery?” It’s definitely time for a visit to your dentist. (more…)

filed under: Oral Surgery

3 Reasons To Call Your Emergency Dentist

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Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen to anyone and they’re not only restricted to occur during convenient hours. If you’ve ever felt tooth pain after your dentist’s office closes, you probably understand. That’s why there are dentists – like Dr. Hofkes at Cerritos Dental Surgery – who are there for you 24 hours of the day 7 days a week when it’s an emergency. But, what constitutes a ‘dental emergency?’ You may be surprised, but not all tooth sensitivities and aches need immediate attention. On the other hand though, there are several reasons you may need to contact your emergency dentist – let’s go over the top 3. (more…)

filed under: Emergency Dentistry

Are You Afraid Of The Dentist?

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Fear of the dentist is (unfortunately) common, whether you’ve previously had a bad dental experience or not. For some people, it could be a mild, underlying anxiety that causes hesitation, but for others – it can be an actual phobia, causing them to delay dental visits for months or years on end. While some people associate the dentist with uncomfortable procedures, these days are long over. Your dentist wants you to be comfortable, that way they can make sure your mouth is as healthy as can be – and that’s where sedation dentistry comes in, especially when you’re afraid of the dentist. (more…)

filed under: Sedation Dentistry

What Causes Jawbone Deterioration?

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When most people think of oral health, their teeth, gums, and other soft tissues are the first thing that comes to mind – rarely do people think about the condition of their jawbone. However, jawbone loss can not only change the size and shape of your jaw and face, but it can be detrimental to your oral health entirely. So, what causes jawbone deterioration? There are actually several different oral conditions and circumstances that can lead to bone loss – gum disease, facial trauma, and tooth loss are just a few. Fortunately, many of these conditions are preventable. But, even if they weren’t, modern dentistry may be able to protect the shape and structure of your jaw after all! (more…)

filed under: Bone Grafting, Patient Education

Do Dentists Still Pull Teeth?

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That may seem like a silly question but with today’s advanced dental technology there are so many ways to save teeth, do dentists ever really need to pull them? The answer is, yes. There are still reasons that a patient may need a tooth extraction. However, today, tooth extractions are only performed when all else fails (not counting wisdom teeth, of course). In today’s blog we discuss why dentists still pull teeth.

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filed under: Patient Education, Tooth Extractions

Are Wisdom Teeth Dangerous?

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Wisdom teeth, or your third (and last) molars, typically erupt anywhere from the late teens to early twenties. Surprisingly, that’s actually how they got their name, “wisdom” teeth, because this age range is know as the “age of wisdom.” Regardless, however, they do not indicate anything about your actual intelligence. In fact, they could cause more harm than good, especially when they come in misaligned since they can affect any surrounding (and otherwise healthy) teeth. In order to protect your oral health, your dentist may recommend extracting these teeth – because they can be dangerous in certain instances. (more…)

filed under: Wisdom Teeth

3 Tips To Fight Oral Cancer

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While there is a lot of misinformation out there about cancer and prevention – there are a few things we know for sure. First, to prevent (and fight) cancer, you’ll need a strong immune system. The best way to achieve that is to make sure you’re getting all of the proper nutrients each day. Next, knowing the risks to contracting oral cancer can help to avoid becoming considered “at-risk.” However, with oral cancer, age is one of the biggest risk factors – and while we can’t control getting older, we can control our unhealthy lifestyles and habits (like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol). (more…)

filed under: Oral Cancer