Dental Services
Preventative Care: The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. As a team, we are true believers that preventative care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. We focus on thorough exams, checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary. Early detection is vital in identifying oral cancer. We use a technology that detects oral abnormalities, including pre-malignant lesions and oral cancer. The technology identifies, evaluates, and monitors areas that are difficult to observe under standard light. We also know that routine cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride are all helpful in preventing dental disease. A review of your medical history can help us stay informed of your overall health and determine if any health factors can impact your dental health. Detecting dental problems early can help prevent costly and time consuming procedures.

Restorative Treatment: Unfortunately, teeth may become less functional due to wear, decay, trauma or extraction. We are able to treat this problem by placing tooth colored fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants.

Esthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry: We know the look of your smile is important to you. We can discuss with you several options to have the smile you've always wanted. Some treatment options include teeth whitening, veneers, porcelain inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges and orthodontics.

Children: We welcome children in our office because we care about your child's oral health. We know you want the best dental care for your child, and to promote a positive experience for your child's dental visit.

(Refer to Happy Visits under Your First Visit.)
Fillings
(Silver Amalgam vs. Invisible Composite):		 Restoring a decayed tooth is most commonly accomplished by removing the decay and placing a filling. In our office, fillings can be an amalgam (silver) filling or a composite (white) filling. There are times when the conditions in your mouth allow any of the two to be acceptable but there are times when one choice has definite advantages over the other. We will always discuss the pros and cons with you.

Bonding: Bonding is a quick, painless in-office procedure to repair cracks, chips, gaps between teeth or cover stained teeth to enhance your smile. Bonding is also used to protect exposed roots of teeth, to reshape crooked or misshapen teeth, replace old or unattractive silver fillings and to stabilize loose teeth.

Crowns: Crowns or caps for teeth look and function just like natural teeth. Our dental team may recommend a crown if your tooth has enough decay that it cannot hold a filling, or if your tooth is cracked or broken and in danger of cracking down into the root if left unattended. A crown covers your tooth completely and fits snugly at the gum and protects what remains of the natural tooth. The crowns are usually all porcelain or porcelain on gold. Sometimes so much of the tooth is missing that a buildup or post will be required to make the tooth under the crown strong.

Veneers: Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin shell that is placed over the front or visible parts of the tooth. With proper care, your new veneers will greatly improve your appearance and increase your confidence for years to come.

Bridges: When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to move from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches. The option for replacement is a bridge. A bridge is two crowns placed on the two teeth on either side of the space and a fake tooth replaces the missing tooth. The bridge is placed permanently in your mouth and is not removable. The teeth look like individual separate teeth.

Partial Denture: People sometimes refer to partial dentures as a bridge, but they are not. They most commonly have a metal framework and attach to existing support teeth. They are removable.

Full Denture: When a patient is missing all their teeth, a full denture can be made to replace them. Over the years a denture can wear out and need replacement. Also over the years your mouth can change and the denture no longer fits correctly. Sometimes a reline can be done to properly fit the denture.

Root Canal: Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected, or the root dies. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth. Things to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. For the root canal, the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp and carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth. The dentist then fills and seals the space. After the procedure is complete, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.

Implants: Today, the preferred method of tooth replacement is dental implants, especially if dentures or bridges don't work for you. Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants also help preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by the natural roots. The benefits of implant treatment help to minimize the bone deterioration process; look, feel and function like natural teeth; eliminate pain of ill-fitting dentures and partials; and are often easier to clean than traditional tooth replacements.

TMD/TMJ: People who suffer from symptoms such as headaches, ear aches, tenderness of the jaw muscles, or dull, aching facial pain may suffer from TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorders). The muscles and joints may not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. These disorders can have a variety of causes, and can be treated. You may also have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Since tooth clenching, or grinding, headaches, jaw pain or discomfort, clicking, grating, or difficulty in closing your jaw can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. At Aliso Niguel Dental Group, our initial and yearly exams include checking for these symptoms.

Orthodontics: Our team of doctors can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special x-rays and photographs, we can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. If you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, misplaced midline, spacing or crowding, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Whitening: Wherever you look, teeth are WHITE. Dr. Wilson, Shahzadi, and Diaz can brighten your smile with powerful whitening treatments that lighten discoloration caused by coffee, cigarettes, medication or aging. You'll notice the difference immediately. Our team will custom fit you for a tray containing whitening gel at your visit, and then you will continue treatments at home.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

What We Do