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My Blog
Posts for category: Dentistry
Unhappy with the state of your smile? If so, Dr. John Chu of South Pasadena, CA, offers patients porcelain veneers to help improve their self-esteem and aesthetic appeal. Read on to learn more.
More about Veneers
Generally constructed from porcelain, veneers are thin covers that are placed over the front of teeth to cover a myriad of dental issues, including:
- Uneven surfaces
- Chipped, cracked or fractured teeth
- Stained or discolored surfaces
- Oddly shaped or crooked teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
Veneers are advantageous in that they have a longer life expectancy and color stability than other dental procedures. Additionally, the translucent porcelain material veneers are made of is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and other pigmented foods and beverages.
How are Veneers Made?
The whole procedure takes about three appointments to complete:
- Diagnosis and treatment plan creation
- Tooth Preparation
- Bonding
During the first appointment at our South Pasadena office, your cosmetic dentist conducts an exam to eliminate any underlying issues like decay. Next, oral measurements are taken and sent to a lab where the custom veneers are constructed.
The second appointment involves your cosmetic dentist removing small amounts of enamel from your dental surface to accommodate the veneer's shell. This properly aligns teeth and prevents protrusion or discomfort. This visit lasts about one to two hours, and only local anesthetic is required.
During the final visit, veneers are placed bonded or cemented on the tooth surface. There is a two-week adjustment period that follows in case you feel certain changes to need to be made, such as the size or shape of the veneer.
Interested? Give Us a Call
If you'd like to speak with your South Pasadena, CA, cosmetic dentist, Dr. John Chu, don't hesitate to contact him at his office by calling (626) 799-0852 today.
Dental implants are now considered the most preferable way to replace missing teeth, even over removable dentures. Today’s dental implants have been in development since the 1960s, when a scientist discovered that metal readily fuses to human bone. If you have one or more missing teeth and would like to replace them, this treatment should be an option on your list as a solution. These are some of the most frequently asked questions for patients who want a better smile with the help of dental implants. You can seek even more answers when you visit your dentist in South Pasadena, CA.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
Dental implantation is a surgical procedure, and you will be properly numbed or relax beforehand. A small amount of bone tissue will be removed to make room for the implant, so that it can be placed inside the indentation. Expect that you’ll experience minimal discomfort during the procedure—the appointment should only take about an hour or two of your time.
Are Dental Implants Removable?
One of the great things about dental implants is that they are not removable. With standard dentures, you’re required to take them out each night so that they can be cleaned, soaked, and maintained. All you have to do is brush your teeth regularly when you have a dental implant. It is permanently attached to your jaw and will remain healthy as long as you put oral hygiene high on your list of daily priorities.
How Long Can You Expect Dental Implants to Last?
There’s no actual time limit for how long a dental implant can or will last. It performs the same function as your other rooted teeth. It will remain in place for as long as you desire it to stay there—as long as you brush, floss, and see your South Pasadena, CA dentist regularly for check-ups. You will just need to have the crown (the whole, white tooth restoration that shows above the gum line) checked and possibly replaced every 10 years or so.
More FAQs Will Be Answered at Your Appointment
Dental implants help patients fill in major smile gaps and restore their smiles. Call (626) 799-0852 today to schedule a visit with Dr. John Chu or Dr. Mary Lin at their office in South Pasadena, CA.
Following these helpful hints could help you preserve the health of your smile.
Of course you don’t like the idea of dealing with a dental emergency, but unfortunately they happen more often than you may realize. Whether cracking a tooth during lunchtime or incurring a dental injury while in the heat of a game, a dental emergency can happen anytime. If you break, chip, or lose a tooth, just keep calm and call your South Pasadena dentist Dr. John Chu for treatment.
A dental emergency always warrants a trip to our office, but it’s still important to be able to treat your symptoms right away to ease any discomfort you may be experiencing before you come in.
How to handle pain and swelling
For those with minor to moderate pain and swelling, many patients find the relief they need from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If you would like to ease your pain and inflammation without medication, then it’s time to pull out the ice packs. Icing the affected side for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day can ease your pain and swelling.
How to handle the tooth
Whether you’ve knocked out your entire tooth or only chipped off a piece, there are specific ways to handle the tooth to make sure you don’t cause further damage to it. If you have knocked out a tooth, always hold it by the crown only and never the roots. If possible, try to place the full tooth back into the socket. If this doesn’t work then you will need to keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or water.
A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you see your South Pasadena dentist within an hour of the incident. If you’ve chipped a tooth, also try to gather any pieces you can and place them in a protective container.
How to manage bleeding
Did you bite into your cheek or tongue? Bleeding can often result from common soft tissue injuries like this. For more minor issues you can apply pressure to the area using gauze or a soft towel. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than 15 minutes, then it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.
Don’t ignore a dental emergency or try to treat the issue yourself. Even the most minor problems can become worse if you don’t receive the proper care from your South Pasadena dentist. We handle all of your dental needs, from emergencies to routine care. Come in immediately if you are experiencing a true dental emergency and let us preserve your oral health.
If you travel by air for your job, or for a vacation, you may notice tooth pain during or after the flight. Even divers experience the same pain. The reason: changes in pressure. Lower air pressure like in the cabin of a plane typically “squeezes” parts of the body that are filled with air and that are lined with firm walls such as the middle ear spaces, and sinus cavities of the skull (located around the tooth area). This pain happens often during ascension and descending of the airplane. A healthy tooth is not affected by changes in pressure, but if have you any tooth decay or had dental work done, problems can occur rather quickly.Knowing When to Contact John Chu, DMD
Why is it important to remain an active member of a dental association, such as California Dental Association (CDA)? Mainly, the CDA fosters a community of California dentists to champion for patients’ oral health care. As an active member of the CDA, Dr. John Chu, South Pasadena cosmetic dentist, understands the importance of remaining a member of dental associations such as the CDA.