What is Invisalign treatment and how much does it cost?

Invisalign Treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces. Invisalign treatment typically costs about the same as braces. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount. Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a FREE consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Kathiriya will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile, how long it would take to complete it and how much it will cost based on your insurance coverage.

What issues can dental veneers address?

Dental veneers can effectively address various cosmetic concerns, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or worn teeth, misaligned or uneven teeth, gaps between teeth, and teeth with irregular shapes or sizes. Dental veneers are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a natural and aesthetic result. They are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, giving you a beautiful and natural-looking smile.

What are the benefits of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can enhance your smile by removing stains and discoloration, giving you a brighter and more confident smile. It is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Consider any existing tooth sensitivity or sensitivity to certain products. Teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some individuals. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity or gum problems, it's important to discuss this with Dr. Kathiriya to determine the most suitable whitening option for you.

How can I prevent dental cavities?

To prevent dental cavities, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Encourage children to develop good oral hygiene habits early on. Teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques and ensure they visit the dentist regularly.

What options are available to replace a missing tooth?

There are several options to replace a missing tooth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. The best option for you depends on your specific needs and oral health condition. Please reach out to our office if you want to consult with Dr. Kathiriya about your case.

What is the best age for children to start visiting the dentist?

Children should start visiting the dentist around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and allow the dentist to catch any dental problems early on.

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies at Home

If you experience a dental emergency at night or over the weekend when dental offices are usually closed, you may not know what to do. You may not even know whether your situation warrants immediate care or if you can wait to be seen by a dentist. At Riverside Dental, we try our best to accommodate patient's emergency needs during weekends and off-hours. Please call us at 818-784-5889 for any dental emergencies.

Here's a quick summary of what to do for some common dental problems:

Toothaches

First, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Chipped or Loose Tooth

Save any pieces of chipped tooth. If there's bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-out Permanent Tooth

Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth), and rinse off the tooth root with milk or water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. Make sure it's facing the right way. Never force it into the socket. If it's not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk (or cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt, if milk is not available). In all cases, see your dentist as quickly as possible. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

Objects Caught Between Teeth

First, try using dental floss to very gently and carefully remove the object. If you can't get the object out, see your dentist. Never use a pin or other sharp object to poke at the stuck object. These instruments can cut your gums or scratch your tooth surface.

Lost Filling

As a temporary measure, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain) or use an over-the-counter dental cement. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Lost Crown

If the crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. If you can't get to the dentist right away and the tooth is causing pain, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area (clove oil can be purchased at your local drug store or in the spice aisle of your grocery store). If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use super glue!

Abscess

Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum that usually is painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.

Conclusion:

Handling dental emergencies at home can provide temporary relief and prevent further complications until you can see a dentist. However, it’s crucial to seek professional care as soon as possible to address the underlying issues and ensure proper treatment. By being prepared and knowing how to respond, you can manage dental emergencies effectively and maintain your oral health. For any dental emergencies or to schedule a regular check-up, contact our dental practice in Sherman Oaks, CA. Experience the difference of top-tier dental services by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kathiriya and her dedicated team at Riverside Dental Practice. Your smile deserves nothing less than the best!