General Dentistry in Fountain Valley, CA

Advanced Gum Treatment- Deep Cleanings

Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics offers two non-surgical deep cleaning procedures, scaling and root planing, to ensure that you remain healthy, safe, and free from periodontal (gum) disease. Scaling is the process of removing tartar from the surface of the tooth, while root planing is the process of smoothing the surfaces of the tooth’s roots and removing any infected structure. Both scaling and root planing are used to help fight against gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Unlike traditional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing are deeper cleanings used specifically to treat gingivitis. To learn more about periodontal disease or our dental services, please call us soon.

Comprehensive Exams and Prophylaxis (Cleanings)

During your normal six month appointments at Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics, you will receive a comprehensive exam and prophylaxis (cleaning). Unlike scaling and root planing, which are used to treat gingivitis, prophylaxis is a thorough preventive cleaning that involves one of our dentists or dental hygienists removing plaque and calculus to keep you healthy and prevent periodontal (gum) disease. The prophylaxis will also include teeth polishing to remove any surface stains and give you a beautiful, bright smile.

As part of your exam, we will evaluate your X-rays and existing dental treatments (fillings, crowns, etc.). We will also screen you for any signs of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Attending these check-ups at least once every six months is absolutely essential to your oral health. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your appointment, please contact our office today. We always accept new patients!

Digital X-rays

Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics is equipped with the latest dental X-ray technology: digital radiography. Also known as digital X-rays, this technology has the ability to capture and store highly accurate, digital images of your teeth instantly. Using roughly 1/10^th of the radiation that traditional X-rays use, digital X-rays are a safe and convenient way for our dentists and dental team to determine the state of your oral health. If you would like to learn more about digital X-rays or the other dental technology we use, please call our office soon.

Extractions

Unfortunately, it is occasionally necessary for a tooth to be extracted in order to maintain your oral health. These cases need to be diagnosed before deciding on extraction; if at all possible, our dentists will recommend another alternative treatment that allows you to keep your natural tooth, such as a root canal. When extractions are necessary, however, we will provide the utmost care and make you as comfortable as possible. Call Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics today to learn more about extractions and how to avoid the necessity of one.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride, a natural mineral found in most foods and water, has been proven effective in the fight against tooth decay. Many products, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses, contain fluoride. This fluoride is essential to developing and strengthening the teeth as well as fighting against tooth decay. If you or your child is not receiving enough fluoride, the dentists at Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics may recommend taking a fluoride supplement for protection against tooth decay. To learn more about the benefits of fluoride and preventive dentistry, please call our office soon.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used when a filling is not enough and a crown is too much to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. Inlays and onlays can be created using tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain, for a result that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Your custom inlay or onlay will replace the missing part of your tooth and is placed and fitted to complete your natural tooth. For more information on inlays and onlays or any of our other services, please call Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics and schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today.

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras are tiny, pen-sized instruments that allow us to take pictures of your mouth. These pictures can be shared with you so that you can see exactly why we do what we do. In addition, the information saved by the intraoral cameras can be shared with other dentists, healthcare providers, and insurance agencies as necessary. If you would like to learn more about intraoral cameras or dental technology, call Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics today! We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Night Guards and Sports Guards

Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics provides custom night guards and sports guards to protect your teeth. Night guards are used for those who suffer from bruxism, or night-time teeth grinding. This custom appliance is created using impressions of your teeth for a comfortable fit that allows you to breathe and prevents your teeth from grinding. Sports guards, on the other hand, are recommended for anyone who participates in a sport or other physical activity. Also created using impressions of your teeth, sports guards will protect your teeth and mouth from sports-related injuries. To learn more about our protective appliances, please call or visit our office soon.

Root Canals

When a tooth’s inner nerve becomes decayed, damaged, or infected, a root canal may be necessary to restore its health and function. Root canals are often recommended over extractions because they allow you to keep the tooth and do not cause problems down the road with the adjacent teeth. Root canals can typically be completed at Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics in one or two appointments. Following the treatment, our dentists will place a porcelain crown to protect the tooth and restore its beauty. Call today for more information on root canals.

Sealants

To protect the back teeth against tooth decay, our dentists may place dental sealants. Sealants are made of a tooth-colored or clear material. They are placed on the chewing surfaces of the back molars, where tooth decay occurs most often. By covering up the pits and grooves of these teeth, sealants will create a smooth surface that is easy to keep clean through regular flossing and brushing. We recommend having sealants placed on these back teeth as soon as they erupt, which usually occurs between the ages of six and twelve. We invite you to learn more about sealants and preventive dentistry by contacting Fountain Valley Dental Esthetics soon.