SERVICES
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments to instantly improve the look of your smile. Porcelain Veneer is a thin veneer of custom made porcelain applied directly to the teeth. Porcelain has natural translucency that truly mimics natural tooth structure and gives your smile enhanced aesthetics.
They can correct a multitude of imperfections, including changing the color and shape of teeth, making crooked teeth appear straight, correcting gaps and spaces between teeth, and making the arch wider (which creates a fuller smile, by giving greater support to the lips and cheeks.)
At Fuller Smiles we diligently plan each veneer with precision and detail to suit your needs and desires. The journey to your dream smile begins with understanding what your aesthetic goals are. Once the dentist knows what you are looking for, we will begin the process by taking some pictures of your smile, 3D scanning your teeth and taking impressions to build a mock up of your desired smile. Next, that mock up will be tried in to get your feedback and note any changes that you think will suit your needs. Once you approve the transformation of your smile, we will focus on to making room for the veneers in your mouth, so the tooth structure is slightly reduced by less than one millimeter. Finally, the new veneers are fitted, and cemented onto your teeth with a composite resin that bonds the veneers to tooth structure.
Dental Crowns
A damaged tooth that cannot function safely without the risk of fracturing needs the stability and protection of a crown. Damage like this occurs when a tooth has been broken, has a large filling, or has undergone root canal therapy.
The dental crown covers the part of the tooth above the gum line and restores a tooth back to full functionality while preventing bacteria to come in contact with the underlying tooth structure. The crowns are designed to withstand high forces of chewing and biting.
We make crowns with highly aesthetic biocompatible materials, which meet our personal high standards as well as the highest industry standards.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that fills any spaces where you might have missing teeth. It’s composed of a “pontic” (the artificial tooth) that has a crown attached to either side that literally “bridges” the gap in your smile between your missing teeth.
Dental bridge provides necessary support in the areas where the teeth are missing. It Prevent your natural teeth from shifting out of place and into the missing tooth space, prevents your facial muscles from sagging in the area of missing teeth, provides necessary surface area for proper chewing function and last but not the least restores a confident smile.
We make crowns with highly aesthetic biocompatible materials, which meet our personal high standards as well as the highest industry standards.
Root Canal
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
We use cutting edge technology with high magnification to be able to clean the diseased pulp.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental Inlays and Onlays are restorations used to repair back teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay. Inlays and Onlays can also be used to restore teeth that have minor fractures lines.
Inlays and onlays are a rather conservative treatment option that conserves the natural tooth structure and provides a hermetic seal between the natural tooth structure and the restoration to prevent micro leakage and decay.
We make Inlays/Onlays with highly aesthetic biocompatible materials, which meet our personal high standards as well as the highest industry standards.
Invisalign
Imagine straightening your teeth without needing to use wires or brackets. With the Invisalign system, you can do just that. This system uses clear BPA-free plastic aligners, custom made to fit your teeth.
Each set is worn for about two weeks (or 5 days with acceleration), then exchanged for a new set. The aligners are barely visible when worn, they move your teeth efficiently and discreetly. This is a perfect solution for people who are constantly in the public eye and wish to straighten poorly aligned teeth.
Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants and how do they help? Put simply, dental sealants protect the natural grooves and fissures of your molars from the accumulation of bacteria which can cause decay.
Children, in particular, benefit from dental sealants. When permanent molars erupt, they have newly exposed, hard-to-clean fissures and grooves where bacteria can collect and produce the acids that cause dental decay. Dental sealants offer a protective shield for those areas.
At Fuller Smiles, our commitment is to help our patients and their families achieve and maintain a high level of oral health. To that end, we use biocompatible materials that are safe for children and adults.
Gum Care
Did you know the leading cause of tooth loss for older adults is untreated or undiagnosed gum disease? Early signs of gum disease are halitosis(bad breath), gums that are swollen, tender, bright pink/red, or bleeding.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek dental care immediately. Losing even one tooth to gum disease is unnecessary, particularly when early intervention is so successful.
Failure to brush or floss your teeth properly can lead to gum disease as well as cavities. If this is the case, more frequent professional cleanings can help prevent tartar buildup. Also, certain medicines can lower the body’s resistance and make a person more vulnerable to gum disease.
The first step in treatment is to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth with special dental instruments. At Fuller Smiles, we use ultrasonic instruments to break up the hardened deposits of tartar above and below the gum line. This deep cleaning removes the bacterial colonies that cause the infections that make gums bleed. Depending on the severity of the problem, periodontal measurements may be used to helps determine how effective healing is progressing during subsequent visits.
In some cases, medication is needed to help fight the bacteria; the medicine is placed in the gums to help slow or stop the bacteria’s growth. Special mouthwashes are also recommended to help with the healing process and to keep bad bacteria from growing.
Night Guard
If you wake up tired with a tight jaw or sensitive teeth, it’s time to get help. Grinding your teeth or snoring might be preventing you from getting a full night’s sleep. People are under a great deal of pressure these days.
It seems there are stressors at every turn, so grinding and clenching your teeth unconsciously is not surprising. The damage bruxism could be causing to your teeth and oral health may be extreme. Cracked or broken teeth are common among such individuals.
Simple interventions like the nightguard provides a gentle, simple solution by making a custom ramp for your grinding habits that allows more room for your tongue. Nightguards are custom made to fit your mouth.
Teeth Whitening
If your teeth aren’t as bright as you’d like them to be, your smile might not provide you with the confidence it should. Luckily, at Fuller Smiles, you can find a wide range of in-office and at-home solutions for teeth whitening to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Call or make an appointment online today, and visit the offices in Long Beach, Culver City, California, to see what a healthy, bright smile can do for you.
How does teeth whitening work?
Professional teeth whitening procedures use a hydrogen peroxide bleaching solution to brighten your teeth and give you a more brilliant, attractive smile. Teeth whitening is available in the Fuller Smiles office, or you may get an at-home treatment to take with you after your appointment. Sometimes, the bleaching agent is exposed to light or heat to enhance the effects.
What causes tooth discoloration?
A variety of foods and beverages can stain your teeth, but some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration are:
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Soda
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coffee, tea, or wine
- Cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products
If you eat, drink, or use any of these on a regular basis, they could be to blame for any stains you’re noticing. Try to limit your consumption of these, especially after you’ve had a whitening treatment.
What’s the difference between in-office and at-home whitening treatments?
All the whitening solutions Fuller Smiles offers are safe and effective, and all of them are more effective than over-the-counter options available at your pharmacy. However, there are some pros and cons to both in-office and at-home treatments.
An at-home whitening kit allows you to whiten your teeth at a time that fits your schedule, but because they feature a weaker bleaching agent, you’ll need to repeat the process every night for about two weeks. Many people choose this option because of the convenience, and some people prefer to use a weaker bleaching agent to protect especially delicate tooth enamel.
An in-office teeth whitening treatment at Fuller Smiles usually takes one or two appointments, each between one and two hours. During this treatment, your whitening trays will be fit specifically to your mouth, ensuring that the whitening solution is applied adequately across the surface of your teeth. Because a dentist supervises professional in-office teeth whitening, a stronger bleaching agent is used, providing more noticeable results, much faster.
At Fuller Smiles, your dentist will recommend the best teeth whitening solution for you, based on your teeth, the health of your enamel, and your overall oral health. If you’re interested in a brighter, whiter smile, call Fuller Smiles today to make an appointment, or make one online using the online scheduling tool.
Emergency Dentistry
Knocked-out teeth, a mouth wound, or a cracked tooth should all have you headed to an emergency dentist right away. Fuller Smiles’s dental experts in Long Beach, Culver City, California, can serve the emergency dental needs of everyone in your family. If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you, or use the convenient online booking system.
What is an emergency dentist?
An emergency dentist treats dental and mouth injuries that need immediate attention. A good many dental emergencies are situations that involve saving broken or knocked-out teeth. Making it to Fuller Smiles as soon as you can after your injury, preferably within 30 minutes, could mean the difference between saving and losing your injured tooth.
Is it time to call an emergency dentist?
If you’re worried about a severe mouth injury you or a family member has sustained, it’s the right time to call an emergency dentist. Immediate treatment calls for immediate action. Common dental emergencies often include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- A loose permanent tooth
- Severe tooth or mouth pain
- Bleeding inside your mouth from your cheeks, tongue, or gums
- An injury to your face or mouth
- Swelling in your tongue, gums, or mouth
- A severely cracked or broken tooth
- A laceration or tear on your lips
You may not be dealing with a dental emergency if you chip a tooth but it doesn’t appear as if you’ll lose the tooth entirely. Even so, it’s a good idea to contact one of the experienced dentists at Fuller Smiles so they can tell you how to handle your tooth until you can get to the office.
What should I do when my tooth is knocked-out?
Act quickly, and there’s a good chance you can save a knocked-out tooth. Without immediate dental care, there’s a chance you’ll lose the tooth. Do your best to rinse your mouth and the damaged tooth. Swish warm water around your mouth and rinse the tooth in warm water, being careful to avoid touching the tooth’s roots.
Hold the tooth by the crown (the smooth white top part) as you rinse it. If it’s possible, place the tooth back in your mouth and into the gum where it was knocked out. Close your mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with your fingers or gently bite down on it to help it stay in place until you can visit Fuller Smiles. Call immediately, or have someone call for you to explain the situation.
If you are unable to place the tooth back into its socket, put your tooth in a small cup of milk to help preserve it until you get to the dental office. In the event of a dental emergency, call Fuller Smiles for expert assistance.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
One of the fears associated with going to the dentist is that the dentist will end up pulling one or more teeth. This fear often will prevent us from going to the dentist for our regular check ups and cleanings necessary for good oral hygiene. The truth is that dental extractions are just another part of good oral hygiene and are quite uncommon compared to the number of simple examinations that we should be exposed to.
Although there are many treatments available to save a tooth, extraction is sometimes the only option.
Here are some of the reasons when extraction is necessary:
- Sometimes there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired.
- Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
- People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
- Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent, durable option for replacing badly damaged or missing teeth. This surgical option can take longer than crowns or bridgework to complete, but the results are worth the wait. For more information on dental implants, call Fuller Smiles today or make an appointment online to visit their office in Long Beach, Culver City, or California.
What is dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is used to replace a tooth that’s missing, or that’s been too badly damaged to save with a crown or filling. During dental implant surgery, a titanium root is installed and fuses directly into the jawbone to replace the tooth’s natural root. A crown, or artificial tooth, sits atop this titanium root to mimic the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
While installing a dental implant is more involved than having a crown or bridge put in, dental implants are a durable, long-lasting alternative, and they may be an option even when crowns or bridges can’t support your surrounding teeth.
Why would I need a dental implant?
If you’re missing a tooth, have a badly broken or decayed tooth, or have just recently had a major root canal procedure and your natural tooth is not salvageable, a dental implant may be your only option. Dental implants are often used when the surrounding teeth are not healthy enough to support a bridge, or when a secure fit can’t be achieved with a bridge. Dental implants won’t move, shift, or make noise in your mouth the way bridges or dentures can.
To have a dental implant installed, the jawbone beneath it must be healthy and stable enough to support the implant. In cases where the jawbone is too soft or too thin to support the implant, bone grafting can be used to add support.
What are the benefits of a dental implant?
Dental implants are an excellent option for people who want a durable, long-lasting solution to a missing or broken tooth. A dental implant can:
- Help you speak clearly
- Help you eat comfortably
- Stop other teeth from shifting and moving within the jawbone
- Withstand more wear and tear than bridgework or dentures
While installing a dental implant can be a more involved procedure than having a bridge put in, the lasting results speak for themselves.
What’s it like to get a dental implant?
Dental implant surgery occurs during multiple visits to Fuller Smiles spread out over several months. During your first visit, you receive sedation, so your dentist can place the implant. The first step of implant surgery is to remove any remnants of the tooth that’s being replaced if they exist. This can mean removing pieces of broken tooth or separating the root from the socket. Once complete, any jawbone grafting that’s necessary will be performed.
Your dentist will then place the dental implant so that the bone can begin healing around it and securing it in place. This will take at least a few weeks, and when the healing is complete, you’ll return to Fuller Smiles so that an abutment and a crown can be placed on top of the implant, completing it. Once the implant is fully secured, it should stay in place just like a regular tooth.
If you need a dental implant, call Fuller Smiles today, or make an appointment online.
IV Sedation
Your next trip to the dentist doesn’t have to feel like a nerve-wracking experience, thanks to IV sedation. At Fuller Smiles in Culver City, and Long Beach, California, an experienced team of dental experts offers IV sedation to patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist. If the thought of seeing a dentist fills you with dread and anxiety, IV sedation is available to help you relax and unwind. Call Fuller Smiles or book an appointment online today to learn more.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation is a form of sedation dentistry that dulls pain and calms your mind and body. While IV sedation is not intended to fully put you asleep, you may feel relaxed enough to slip in and out of consciousness throughout your visit.
Who needs IV sedation during dental treatments?
The Fuller Smiles team recommends IV sedation to patients with anxiety about visiting the dentist. While dental phobias are common, they pose serious threats to your oral health. Many people with fears of the dentist simply don’t visit regularly. Others put off major or minor dental work to avoid visiting altogether.
This puts you at risk of developing a number of dangerous oral health conditions, such as:
- Tooth pain
- Gum inflammation
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth loss
Without early intervention, these problems worsen until you ultimately need major dental work or oral surgery. IV sedation helps calm those fears, so you can relax in the dentist’s chair while your Fuller Smiles dentist takes care of your mouth. Overall, IV sedation gives you a chance to form a better relationship with your dentist and face your fear without discomfort.
How can I prepare for IV sedation?
Prior to the exam, you must tell your Fuller Smiles dentist about any medications you are taking. Better yet, bring the medications to the appointment, so the team has all the information they need to get started.
The American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists recommends avoiding food and drinks at least eight hours prior to any dental procedure that requires IV sedation. However, the Fuller Smiles team always provides more detailed instructions on eating and drinking prior to your visit.
IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia, which does put you completely to sleep. It does, however, make you feel tired, groggy, and disoriented. That’s why the Fuller Smiles team asks that a trusted friend or relative accompanies you to the visit to take you to and from your appointment.
As the medication given during IV sedation wears off, avoid partaking in your usual activities for the rest of the day — driving, work, exercise, etc. — as you may feel a little out of it after the procedure.
IV sedation is a helpful way to see your dentist without fear of pain and discomfort during your appointment. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call Fuller Smiles or book online today.
Pediatric
Baby teeth are the primary teeth that appear within your child’s mouth from around the age of six months old. Although only a temporary factor in the long term composition of your baby’s mouth, they are never the less, an important stage in the growth of the child and as such, proper oral hygiene should be maintained from the moment they appear.
Not only will this serve to keep the child’s mouth healthy from the off set, and therefore minimize any risk of problems to the gums later on, it also allows the child to learn from the youngest age, the importance and regularity with which oral hygiene should be approached.
It is important for the parent to be aware of the importance of their child’s primary teeth and to appreciate the consequences of not implementing rigorous hygiene from the very beginning. Baby teeth are not immune to tooth decay and in spite of their temporary nature, they are of fundamental importance in the health and development of the surrounding gum and permanent teeth.
At age six most children have ample dexterity to start developing responsibility for his or her own oral hygiene, nonetheless, parents should check behind their child’s effort. At age six, generally baby teeth start to be lost and replaced by erupting adult teeth. The exfoliation of baby teeth progresses throughout the life of a child until about age 13 when usually all of the baby teeth have been lost and replaced by adult teeth. Baby teeth serve many important functions for a developing child: chewing function and efficiency, appearance and self esteem, speech, enunciation and language development, and they hold a space in the mouth for the subsequent eruption of eventual adult teeth.
Primary teeth essentially allow the adult teeth to find their way through the gum in the correct fashion, and as such, act as a guide for the final development of the mouth. For this reason, the importance of the care and upkeep of baby teeth should not be overlooked.