Patient Safety
To protect our patients and ourselves, our staff wear masks, gloves, glasses, as well as hospital scrub uniforms. We strictly observe all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. All instruments are cleaned, disinfected and routinely sterilized as recommended by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control. Whenever possible, disposable single use items are used to ensure your safety. Handpieces (drills) are sterilized with a state-of-the-art sterilization unit specifically designed for this purpose. All surfaces in the treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each patient.

Patient Comfort
You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand and share your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. If there is anything else we can do, let us know. In addition to topical and local anesthetic, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for those patients who may need a little more.

Emergencies can occur at any time. Our 24-hour answering service can alert the doctor of your need. With early morning, lunchtime and late afternoon appointments, you can be seen at a time that is convenient for your busy schedule. Our number is (949) 673-9460.

Hygiene
An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon your individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided for children under the age of thirteen and for those adults when appropriate.

Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.

Orthodontics
For patients, adults and children, who have crowded or crooked teeth, spaces between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma due to protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults.

Dental Implants
A remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a "bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The advantages of implants for patients with dentures are: denture stability, increased patient comfort and confidence.

Crowns
A "cap", "jacket" or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. This may also be recommended after root canal therapy has been completed as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns can strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry
For the smile you have always wanted, our computer-imaging system allows you to "preview" what your smile could look like. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding, natural-looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching.

Tooth Decay and Repair
Utilizing an intra-oral camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache.

Periodontal Disease
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Our on-staff periodontist is available to treat your periodontal disease and save your teeth.

Oral Surgery
The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases.

Bridges
A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw.

Root Canal Therapy
If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth.

Dentures
Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular exams to ensure their health, comfort and appearance. Gum tissues are in a constant state of change. Periodic relining of the dentures may be necessary to ensure a tight and comfortable fit.