Dental Options for Common Smile Problems

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Dental issues run the gamut, but some will cause permanent damage to your smile if you don’t take action. When your teeth become that far gone, your prospects for being able to smile confidently any time soon are grim. You are meant to have a full set of permanent teeth. Unlike other species, we don’t grow new teeth when we lose them as adults. There are many ways in which you could end up disappointed with the way your smile looks. Cavities, gum disease, cosmetic problems, misalignments – all of these things can greatly lower your quality of life.

Restorative Dental Procedures

Luckily, there are solutions to every dental issue. Have cavities taken a toll on the health of your teeth? Are you one of the many Americans who has periodontal (gum) disease? Once severe problems like these take hold, eating, chewing, (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Power Eating for Better Teeth

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Sugarplums may dance around this time of year, but sugar itself is detrimental to healthy teeth. Any food which contains large amounts of sucrose will increase and intensify the production of plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm which will adhere to your teeth, and eventually turns into tartar when it hardens. Plaque and tartar on your teeth will result in gum disease and tooth decay, over time. Do you think you know which foods to stay away from in order to avoid cavities? Conversely, are you aware of foods which can actually reduce plaque production?

Raw Vegetables

Plaque is a mixture of acid, food debris, and germs. Chomping on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli will actually dislodge and remove food bits while you eat. Nutritional dynamos, cruciferous veggies also (more…)

filed under: Nutrition, Patient Education

The Trouble with Tooth Abscesses

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From stains to cavities, your teeth can go through a lot in a lifetime. When a tooth is cracked or infected, it can sometimes develop an abscess, or pocket of pus, on its root. The trouble with tooth abscesses is that they can make restorative treatment more difficult than usual. When one develops, the symptoms can include fever and swelling around the tooth, as well as severe levels of pain and sensitivity, and treating the condition is the only way to relieve the discomfort. (more…)

filed under: Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry, Tooth Decay

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Tips for Addressing Dental Emergencies

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A dental emergency refers to any sudden pain or damage to the oral cavity. When you experience one of these situations, you should call our office immediately. Leave detailed information so we can call you back and schedule a visit. However, if the problem s potentially life threatening, call 911 or visit the emergency room. In addition, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate the issue before you see Dr. Hofkes.

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filed under: Emergency Dentistry

FAQs: What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

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When you lose a tooth or even multiple teeth, you may find simple daily activities, such as eating or speaking, become difficult. In addition, you may feel hesitate to engage in social situations or interact with friends. Don’t let tooth loss have a negative impact on your life, especially when replacement options, such as innovative dental implants, can return your smile to full function and health.

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filed under: Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s

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We’ve come a long way since the days when dentists replaced patients’ missing teeth with those of dogs, baboons, and even cadavers (not even kidding). And while there have been remarkable advances in the materials, function, and fit of dental prosthetics and implants, not everyone realizes how many different groups of people can benefit from their use. Dr. Shawn Hofkes, who offers dental implants in Cerritos, CA, debunks misconceptions about tooth replacement options. (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants, Dental Prosthetics

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Community Spotlight: Asian Food and Crafts at the 626 Night Market

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What’s the best part about having healthy teeth and gums? For some people, the answer is a beautiful smile. Others appreciate a life without fear of cavities or root canal treatments. Us? We love being able to eat our favorite foods, something that’s a serious challenge for someone with missing teeth or a bad toothache. It’s no wonder that we have food on the brain—the 626 Night Market is on our calendar for Sunday, August 17th. Just a half-hour drive from Cerritos to Arcadia seems well worth your while, especially if you share our passion for Asian cuisine. Inspired by traditional Asian night markets, the event showcases food, crafts, and live music from more than 200 vendors.

Dr. Shawn Hofkes, whose office performs tooth extractions in Cerritos, CA, explains circumstances in which an extraction may be your best option. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that a tooth needn’t be severely decayed or damaged to warrant an extraction, although both are common causes that would warrant removal. (more…)

filed under: Community Events, Extracting Wisdom Teeth

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Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?

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Think about the last time you treated a minor burn or a skinned knee. If you’re like most people, you headed immediately to your home first aid kit. Gauze, antibiotic ointment, bandages – you’ve got it covered. Now, think about what you would do if you or a family member breaks or chips a tooth. Is your first aid kit fully stocked, or will you end up scrambling for the necessary supplies. Your Cerritos, CA emergency dentist Dr. Shawn Hofkes shares his list of must-have items for your dental first aid kit. (more…)

filed under: Emergency Dentistry

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