Preventative DENTISTRY | Cosmetic DENTISTRY | Restorative DENTISTRY

The most effective way to fight the progression of tooth staining is through regular scheduled professional cleanings and your personal home care. Coffee, tea, red wine, cranberry juice, and dark soft drinks are all working against your bright smile. Smoking, berries, and soy sauce are also staining agents to consider. Brush immediately after consuming anything with a high staining potential. If you can’t brush, eat some crunchy vegetables and drink water to clean your teeth. Use a straw to drink certain beverages, but most importantly, make an appointment to get a proper cleaning and then stick to the recommended intervals. It’s the only effective way to keep your smile clean and bright.

Teeth whitening is a well-established procedure that is both safe and effective. Clinical studies have shown that the bleaching gel does not damage the teeth when used under direct dental supervision. There can be some minor sensitivity shortly after whitening in some patients, but bleaching carries with it no adverse
side effects.

We do not recommend the over-the-counter consumer tray bleaching systems because the trays seldom fit precisely which causes burning of the gum tissue. Come see Dr. Pinedo and get your teeth whitened safely and correctly.

It depends on three factors: the natural tooth structure that it was built upon, the particular procedure that was performed, and the care and maintenance performed afterward. Drs. Pinedo, Cheng and Mann are all obsessively detail-oriented and the patient can be confident that all treatments will be performed methodically and with the quality of expertise only 20+ years as a dental professional can provide.

Yes! Modern Implants are incredible, in strength, durability and natural appearance. They also function just like real teeth. They should be cared for just like a real tooth and need to be kept clean. We encourage our patients to take care of ALL of their teeth. Avoid tooth grinding and extra-hard foods that can put pressure stress on your teeth. Treat your mouth with respect and it just might last a lifetime.

They are the same thing. They usually become necessary when teeth have become weakened from: older, large fillings, have broken, have fractured or have had root canal therapy. They look natural and fit completely over the tooth to protect it from any further damage.

There are three basic types: porcelain crowns (the most cosmetic), porcelain on top of gold (cosmetic and strong) and solid gold (the strongest but least attractive).

Absolutely. We are experts in Tooth Reshaping (Enameloplasty). Dr. Pinedo is a big believer in keeping as much natural tooth structure as possible, usually keeping Veneers as a secondary option. With Tooth Reshaping techniques, natural teeth can be effectively sculpted into more attractive shapes and sizes. We believe that the natural smile is the best, longest lasting smile.

Each patient is different and has a unique number of issues to treat. Generally, whitening, veneers, crowns and bridges will take 1 1/2-2 hours and require two visits. The second visit lasting 30 minutes. Reshaping teeth and MI paste therapy can take less than 30 minutes. Complicated procedures are treated on an individual basis. Once we make an examination, a solid course of treatment will be planned and presented to the patient for their information and approval.

Absolutely! Old silver/amalgam fillings are constantly coming loose through age and movement due to temperature expansion and contraction. We will gently replace the metal with composite/porcelain fillings that look very natural. The dark color near the gumline may indicate the need for a new crown that’s either redesigned to properly tuck under the gumline or a change to a pure porcelain crown that never shows a dark line along the gums.

It is possible to have periodontal diseases and not know it. In it’s early stages it is usually painless and often without noticeable symptoms. The unfortunate truth is that 4 out of 5 people have active periodontal disease and are not aware of it. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, but there are many other contributing factors, including-

Smoking or chewing tobacco

Certain medications- Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives, blood pressure drugs, and others that cause dry mouth.

Pregnancy, puberty, menopause, oral contraceptives- all cause changes in hormone levels resulting in increased gum tissue sensitivity to bacteria.

Systemic diseases- Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV, etc.

Possible genetic role- patients with a family history of tooth loss may be predisposed to gum disease. They should be extra attentive to their gum health.

Red and inflamed gums or bleeding gums- Gums should never bleed, even when flossing or brushing vigorously.

Bad Breath- caused by bacteria in the mouth

Loose teeth

New spacing between teeth

Receding gums

General tenderness and discomfort

The best way to avoid gum disease is through a healthy diet and regular check-ups with your dentist.