Dental Directory - Pacific Dental Group in Oxnard, California

Did you know that LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation? It is the incoherency of light from a laser that is successfully used within laser dentistry.

It is never too early to begin visiting the dentist. In fact, some babies need to see a dentist within a few days of being born. It’s true about one in every 2,000 infants is born with teeth. Known as natal teeth, they are typically on the lower gums.

Do you think lasers are a new technique used in dentistry? They have actually been used since 1994!

It’s not common, but people diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis sometimes develop ankylosis. This condition is characterized by abnormal stiffening or fusion of the jaw joint along with the popping and grating sounds associated with TMJ.

Grinding your teeth at night a disorder called bruxism by dentists can wear away at your teeth, leading to cavities and tooth breakage. If you think you’re a grinder, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-made night guard to slow the damage.

The tooth fairy is just as susceptible to inflation as the rest of the economy. American children now receive an average of $3.00 under their pillows for each tooth. This is up from $2.10 in 2011, and way up from the average nickel or dime in the 1950s.

Have bad breath that good cleaning habits won’t help? Check with your dentist. Foul breath can be a sign of gum disease, an infection or a poorly fitted dental appliance, or of general health problems including chronic acid reflux or frequent sinus infections.

Children don't have to be very old to start a regimen of proper dental care. Brushing should be started when the first tooth appears, usually when a child is around six months old. Use a very soft brush or damp cloth to wipe teeth clean until they're old enough to try brushing for themselves.

Lasers can be used in biopsies. During these procedures, lasers can remove a small piece of tissue so it can be examined for cancer.

Ancient Greek philosophers Aristotle and Hippocrates wrote about dentistry in their journals. They observed the growth of teeth from gums, the treatment of decaying teeth, and even the use of wires to realign teeth and stabilize jaws much like today.

Soft tissue dental lasers can reshape your gum tissue, while hard tissue lasers can heal teeth and bone. Hard lasers can even be used to extend the length of an existing crown for better grip strength, as well as improve the appearance of "short stump" teeth.

Did you know that lasers have been approved for use in dental procedures since the 1990s? They were first approved for use on gums and soft tissues, but later received approval for use on hard surfaces, like teeth.

To prevent gum disease and other oral health problems, you should be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams. In the meantime, be sure to contact your dentist if you notice any signs that could suggest oral health problems, such as red or swollen gums, or loose permanent teeth.