Procedures

Same Day Emergency Dental Care in Orange County

Accidents don't wait for an appointment. This is something Dr. Ibrahim understands all too well. This is why Garden Grove Dental Arts offers the Orange County area's most comprehensive same-day emergency dental care services. Just call 714-537-5700 and be sure to tell the receptionist that your situation is an emergency.

What should I do In case of a Dental Emergency?

Immediately call Dr.Ibrahim at the main office number. If there are emergency non-dental injuries, or if you cannot immediately reach our office, then seek medical assistance at the closest emergency room. Make sure to leave us a message so that we can get you in to our office as soon as possible.

What should I do if I have a broken tooth?

If there are other medical emergencies, seek care at the closest emergency room,

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Apply gentle pressure to the gums, not the tooth, to stop any bleeding.
  • If possible, save any tooth pieces that have broken off.
  • Call our main number as soon as you are able and identify your situation as an emergency.

The sooner you can get in to our office the better, as it will give us the best chance to save as much of your original tooth as possible. We will do everything we can to make sure you are seen that same day.

For more information on Same day Emergency Dental care, click here!

Children Care and Prevention

Young teeth have special needs, making every child's tooth care especially important for healthy developing smiles. Dr. Marianna will discuss a care and prevention plan that addresses these special needs while promoting good dental hygiene for the whole family.

When do children need to start seeing the Dentist?

The sooner the better, but certainly by age two. An early dental visit lets Dr. Ibrahim examine your child's teeth and gums to make sure there are no early problems. Your child's first visit may just be to get them comfortable with the office, or for a quick examination

What kind of care do infants need?

Good dental hygiene starts even before there are any visible teeth. Parents need to wipe the gums of infants with a damp soft washcloth after each meal and before bed. Once teeth emerge, parents should brush them with a soft toothbrush. To prevent tooth decay, no child should be put to bed with a bottle of anything other than water. A visit to Dr.Ibrahim is recommended before the second birthday. Ask her if a fluoride supplement is necessary.

What kind of care do children need?

As with adults, dental care for children focuses on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Some children are especially prone to tooth decay because of diets that are heavy on sweets or poor dental hygiene. Since their teeth are still developing, they have some special needs as well:

  • Just like adults, children’s teeth need to be brushed with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Brushing before bedtime is especially important, but brushing in the morning and after eating is recommended whenever possible. Dr. Ibrahim suggests that you help younger children with their brushing until they are capable of properly doing it themselves.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is small enough to reach all their teeth. Replace it when the bristles start to wear.
  • Try to minimize the amount of toothpaste children swallow. They only need a pea-sized amount on their brush, and they should be taught how to rinse and spit.
  • Dr.Ibrahim recommends dental appointments for children every 6 months. These visits will include a thorough examination and a professional cleaning by Dr.Ibrahim.
  • Children need to start flossing every night before bed once they get their permanent teeth.
  • In their teen years, Dr. Ibrahim will discuss whether braces or extractions are recommended to keep teeth straight and uncrowded.
  • Dr.Ibrahim may recommend fluoride supplements.

What prevention is possible with regular dental visits?

Regular dental visits serve two important purposes – to regularly give teeth a very thorough cleaning, and to examine teeth and gums for signs of serious problems. Children can resist cavities with good diet and proper dental hygiene. Dr. Ibrahim can discuss specific methods to fight tooth decay, including fluoride treatments and special sealants for children’s permanent molars

Why is care and prevention important for children?

Dental problems tend to get worse when left untreated. When your children see Dr.Ibrahim for regular visits, small problems won’t have a chance to become major concerns. Good hygiene and dental visits are cost-effective, too. It costs much more to have teeth repaired and replaced than it does to have regular exams and cleanings.

My child can’t or won’t let a dentist get near their mouth. What can Dr. Ibrahim do?

Fear of strangers is normal and healthy for children. You can help your child get past these common fears by bringing them to your own routine dental visit. When your child meets Dr. Ibrahim and watches you being treated, it can make it easier for them to get comfortable with their own visit. Dr. Ibrahim and the whole dental team are experienced at working with children, and they will do everything they can to put your child at ease and keep the experience stress-free.

more information on Kids Dental care

Dental Crowns

Crowns are restorations that replace the entire visible structure of a severely damaged tooth. A bridge is a replacement tooth anchored by crowns or existing teeth on either side.

What is a Crown?

Sometimes the surface of a tooth becomes too badly damaged to be fixed with a filling or other dental technique, but the root structure beneath the gums is still strong. In this case, Dr. Ibrahim can cement a crown or “cap” on the old tooth. This crown will completely cover what is left of the existing tooth, and will be sized and shaped just like the original healthy tooth. Crowns are made of different materials, and the circumstances of each patient will determine which material is best.

All Porcelain or All Ceramic Crowns

These crowns offer the advantage of a very natural appearance, and for this reason are often used for front teeth. Porcelain can be created to perfectly match your surrounding teeth, making the crowns almost indistinguishable. This type of crown does require considerable preparation, leaving less of the existing tooth, and it is often challenging for the dentist to get a fit as tight as with a gold crown. Their beautiful, life-like appearance continues to make them a popular choice

Porcelain-over-Metal Crowns

This popular crown type provides an excellent combination of aesthetics and durability. The porcelain is color matched to your existing teeth and fused to a metal base. With a metal center, this type of crown can never match the translucency of a natural tooth or an all porcelain crown, and a thin darker line can develop where it meets the gum. However porcelain-over-metal crowns look very natural and are exceptionally strong and durable.

Gold Crowns

Gold is an excellent material for crowns because the material is extremely workable and provides an excellent fit between the crown and the existing tooth. Gold requires the least preparation of the existing tooth, keeping more of the original tooth structure than is possible with other methods. There is no possibility of gold crowns chipping, and since they are not as hard as porcelain crowns, they are not as likely to cause wear on other teeth. The downside of gold may be its distinctive appearance. In the back of the mouth, where gold is often used, this may not be an issue. However, when it is visible in your smile, the gold crown will make an obvious contrast with natural teeth.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns are considered permanent dental restorations. With proper hygiene a dental crown will probably last from ten to fifteen years, but could last much longer.

Bridges

If you want to fill the space left by a missing or removed tooth, a dental bridge might be the solution you’ve been looking for. There are several types of dental bridges to choose from:

  • Cantilever bridges are used to replace a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the affected area.
  • Maryland bonded bridges include artificial teeth and gums, and are held in place by a metal frame.
  • Traditional bridges are the most common, and literally bridge the gap of an empty tooth space by securing a false tooth using crowns on the teeth on either side.

Bridges

If you want to fill the space left by a missing or removed tooth, a dental bridge might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

There are several types of dental bridges to choose from:

  • Cantilever bridges are used to replace a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the affected area.
  • Maryland bonded bridges include artificial teeth and gums, and are held in place by a metal frame.
  • Traditional bridges are the most common, and literally bridge the gap of an empty tooth space by securing a false tooth using crowns on the teeth on either side.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They use the existing tooth as a base and fit the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, and prevent further damage. An inlay is done when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. An inlay is used when the damage is a little more extensive.

The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural and you or anyone else won't be able to tell the difference.

Root Canals

In the past, teeth with diseased nerves have been removed from the mouth. However, through a root canal, most of the diseased tooth can be salvaged. In most cases, the root canal procedure is a simple treatment that involves little to no patient discomfort.
Within the walls of each tooth, a strand of dental pulp – the substance that supplies the tooth with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue and blood vessels – laces downward into the root. If the dental pulp becomes diseased, the pulp dies, cutting off the nutrients and nerve signals which the tooth needs to be healthy. If the diseased pulp is left in the tooth, the tooth will become infected, forcing it to be extracted.

Root canals allow the dentist to remove the pulp, clean the canal and seal the tooth, effectively protecting and saving the tooth. After an opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the dental pulp chamber, the pulp is removed. The canal is cleaned out, and the pulp chamber is permanently filled. The dentist will proceed by putting in a temporary filling. Afterwards, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling or a crown, depending on the location of the tooth within the mouth.

Call us to learn more about the root canal treatment and whether this option is right for you.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of plastic or porcelain that cover just the visible portion of your teeth. They can fix most cosmetic problems and totally transform a smile in just two appointments.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of plastic or porcelain that cover just the visible portion of your teeth, typically the front and the chewing surface. They can fix most cosmetic problems and totally transform a smile in just two appointments. Veneers are usually placed on front teeth that can be seen when you smile, and can be used to resurface just one or several teeth. They are similar to artificial fingernails in size and appearance, and serve a similar function as they are bonded to the natural surface to improve appearance. But veneers are very firmly and permanently bonded, and are custom designed for the exact fit and color for your teeth. When you see a complete smile makeover, very often the person has received a new set of porcelain veneers.

Am I a good candidate for Veneers?

If you have one or more teeth that are healthy, but need some cosmetic improvement, you should talk to Dr.Ibrahim about veneers. People get veneers for a variety of reasons, but the result is always beautiful new teeth that make your smile more youthful and attractive.

Why do people choose to get Veneers? What can Veneers do?

Veneers completely cover the front of your teeth, giving them a brand new, healthy appearance. Since veneers can change the size and shape of a tooth, they can be used for a variety of purposes. They can:

  • Close spaces between teeth.
  • Lengthen and change the shape of teeth.
  • Whiten stained teeth that resist conventional whitening.
  • Improve the appearance of chipped, cracked or worn teeth.
  • Protect teeth from further damage.

Are Veneers a good option for a total Smile Makeover?

Yes. In fact, when you see a total smile makeover, very often what you are seeing is a brand new set of beautiful porcelain veneers. They can totally transform a smile in as little as two visits.

Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings are part of a proper oral hygiene program. Cleanings help fight plaque, the major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and serious gum disease. Why do I need regular dental cleanings?
The fight against plaque is a major component of preventative care, and Dr.Ibrahim can be your main ally in this effort. While daily brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against plaque, the professional cleaning is more thorough than the brushing and flossing you do at home. Even proper brushing alone can’t remove the tartar that accumulates at the gumline. Good hygiene and regular dental cleanings are cost-effective, too. It costs much more to have teeth repaired and replaced than it does to have regular exams and cleanings.

What happens during a Regular Dental Cleaning?

Usually an exam and cleaning are scheduled during the same appointment. Your dental hygienist is an expert at giving teeth this thorough regular cleaning known as a prophylaxis or “prophy.” Stubborn plaque and tartar will be removed with specially designed dental tools. Tartar is the plaque which has hardened at and even below the gumline. Your hygienist can clean tartar below the gumline as well in an intensive cleaning called Scaling and Root Planing. Often the last step in the cleaning is polishing.

How often do I need Cleanings?

Many adults require cleanings every six months. If your mouth is prone to tooth decay, tartar buildup or gum disease, Dr. Ibrahim will recommend more frequent appointments.

Bonding

Dental Bonding is a wonderful and safe technique for fixing cosmetic flaws in teeth and even replacing damaged tooth structure. It is a fast and affordable way to conceal stains and cracks, fill gaps, and restore chipped or broken teeth. Dr. Ibrahim uses a moldable plastic, called resin, to cover existing teeth or replace missing part of the tooth structure. Once the resin hardens and bonds to the existing tooth, it blends in and looks very natura

What can Bonding do?

  • Change the color of teeth.
  • Whiten teeth that are too dark or stained.
  • Hide cracks in teeth.
  • Close spaces between teeth.
  • Lengthen small teeth.
  • Restore chipped or broken teeth.
  • Restore decayed teeth.
  • Restore worn teeth.
  • Protect teeth from further damage.

What can I expect during my Bonding procedure?

Bonding is typically a one-appointment process, but like most dental procedures your visit will probably start with an examination and any necessary cleaning. Dr. Ibrahim will then prepare the particular tooth or teeth by applying a very mild etching solution. This solution slightly roughens the surface of the teeth so the resin bonding material can attach with a very strong bond. A conditioning gel may be applied at this time.

The bonding material is actually soft and flexible, and can be molded like putty or clay. It is a composite resin that will be colored to match the natural shade of your teeth. Dr. Ibrahim will mold and sculpt the resin to cover the affected teeth or replace the missing tooth structure. A high intensity light will be aimed at the sculpted bonding material, quickly turning it hard and durable. Often Dr. Ibrahim will repeat this procedure, applying multiple thin layers, so the entire procedure could take more than an hour. Once hardened, the bonded restorations are very strong, and will look and feel very much like your natural teeth. Finally, all new surfaces are smoothed and carefully polished.

How does Bonding work?

Basically, bonding is a composite resin that is molded to replace tooth structure or is applied in a thin layer to cover part of an existing tooth. This resin is a soft putty-like material that can be colored and shaped according to the patient’s needs. A high intensity light turns the flexible resin into a hard durable material that looks like natural tooth.

ZOOM Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for teeth whitening in Orange County, Dr. Ibrahim is the answer to your search for a whiter, brighter smile. Everyone wants a whiter and more attractive smile, but for most people, bleaching toothpastes and over-the-counter whitening kits just don’t produce the long-lasting whitening effect that professional teeth-whitening services do. Give us an hour of your time, and you’ll see what a dramatic impact your visit will have upon your smile. We promise the improvement will not go unnoticed, and you’ll make a visit to our offices a regular part of your dental routine.

There are a number of reasons that even healthy teeth can become dull and stained over time: haphazard dental hygiene, coffee, tea, red wine, cigarettes, and even age are just a few of the common contributors to a smile that isn’t looking as good as it should. Minerals, food particles, and staining agents penetrate the surface of the enamel that covers a tooth, leaving a permanent discoloration that can become more severe over time. While over-the-counter toothpastes and bleaching kits may help, they don’t have the same dramatic effect you’ll get from a visit to the dentist, and many spend hundreds of dollars on ineffective products each year.

For pain-free and effective teeth whitening in Orange County, a visit with Dr. Ibrahim is bound to make you a lifelong fan of the procedure and the fantastic results you’ll see following just one visit. There are a number of methods used to whiten teeth, but the most common involves applying a peroxide-based bleaching gel directly to the surface of the teeth. When the gel mixes with oxygen, it whitens the surface of the tooth without damaging the structure, giving you the smile you desire without any unwanted side effects. Call today to schedule your appointment, and see what a whiter and more confident smile can do for you!

Cosmetic Fillings

Cosmetic fillings are a tooth-colored alternative to traditional amalgam fillings, and are used to replace areas of decay in a tooth. They are less noticeable than amalgam fillings and improve the appearance of your smile.

Why do I need a Filling?

A cavity is tooth structure that has been weakened by decay. When Dr.Ibrahim removes this decay, she replaces the removed structure with a filling to protect and retain the structure of the tooth. It is called a filling because it fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed.

What are Cosmetic or Tooth-Colored Fillings?

When Dr. Ibrahim removes tooth decay, she replaces the removed structure with a filling to protect and retain the structure of the tooth. Traditionally, dentists have used metal amalgam fillings for this purpose. Cosmetic fillings, also known as Composite fillings or Tooth-Colored fillings, are a tooth-colored alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. They are made of a composite plastic resin, and they look just like natural teeth.

What are the disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are much darker than natural tooth structure, so they stand out in sharp contrast with the color of your teeth. This is sometimes called the metal-mouth look. Amalgams can corrode, leak and expand over time, potentially weakening teeth and eventually lead to tooth frature. Additionally, many are now concerned over the health consequences of mercury content in amalgams.

What are the advantages of Cosmetic Fillings?

The most obvious advantage of the cosmetic fillings is that they are nearly invisible in your mouth. They won�t stand out as dark spots in that beautiful smile you�ve been working hard to get. Cosmetic fillings bond very tightly to your existing teeth and work extremely well for small cavities. There is obviously no danger of metal-sensitivity.

Am I a good candidate for Cosmetic Fillings?

Anyone who has a filling in their mouth or needs a cavity filled should certainly ask Dr. Ibrahim about cosmetic fillings. They are strong and durable and look almost invisible. If you want the very best for your smile, then you want to use materials that appear very natural and tooth-like. That is exactly what cosmetic fillings were designed for.

Can I have my old Amalgam Fillings replaced with Cosmetic Fillings?

It s very likely that you can, since removing the old amalgam is usually a quick and easy procedure. Dr. Ibrahim will have to examine the tooth structure under and around the old filling to see if more extensive dental work is necessary, but if not, she can give you a new cosmetic filling in the same appointment.

What can I expect from the Cosmetic Filling procedure?

Once the cavity has been treated or the old amalgam filling has been removed, the process is very similar to the dental bonding procedure. Dr. Ibrahim will prepare the tooth so that it is ready to bond tightly with the new filling. The filling made of composite, a plastic resin that is very flexible and can be molded like putty. She will apply the resin in layers, hardening each layer as she goes with a high intensity light. This is a one-appointment procedure that gives beautiful long-lasting results

Gum Disease Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by plaque. It is the earliest and most easily treated from of gum disease, as it only affects the gums, but it must be treated to avoid more serious gum disease..

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is early stage gum disease which affects only the gums and not the surrounding bone and tissue. Symptoms include gum inflammation and infection. It is a serious problem which afflicts perhaps up to 90% of adults, but it is treatable and reversible. If left untreated, it can develop into severe gum disease that can cause permanent tooth and jaw damage. If you have symptoms of gingivitis, make an appointment with Dr. Ibrahim for a thorough examination and proper treatment

What causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammation and infection of the gums. It can be caused by trauma to the gums or by irritating rough edges of teeth or dental work, but is usually caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on our teeth. It reacts with the food we eat to produce acids and toxins that cause tooth decay. Newly formed plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar or calculus. This hard layer of tartar forms at and below the gumline and cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar causes decay even faster than plaque alone and irritates the gums. The resulting inflammation and infection of the gums is called gingivitis. Untreated, this condition can develop into a serious gum disease, called periodontitis. Gingivitis will appear as:

  • Red, or reddish-purple swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed very easily, even with gentle brushing (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
  • Gums that hurt only when touched
  • Gums that have a shiny look
  • Gums that have receded from your teeth
  • Continuous bad taste in mouth or bad breath
  • Mouth sores
  • Brushing and flossing regularly
  • Quitting tobacco use
  • Making regular dental visits for examination and cleaning

You can reduce the risk of Gingivitis by brushing and flossing regularly, quitting tobacco use and by making regular dental visits for examination and cleaning your teeth..

What can Dr. Ibrahim do about Gingivitis?

Dr. Marianna will give your mouth a thorough examination to see if any of your teeth or dental work has rough edges that are contributing to this problem. You will receive a thorough cleaning above and below the gums. This will usually include a process called scaling, where the dental professional uses instruments to scrape the tartar off teeth below the gumline. Scaling is followed by a smoothing procedure called planing to make sure there are no rough surfaces to continue irritating the teeth. Dr. Marianna can further describe the procedure and the techniques for making patients completely comfortable during the appointment.

Why is it important to treat Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the milder and very treatable form of gum disease that affects just the gums. Untreated gingivitis can develop into serious gum disease, called Periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and permanent damage to your jaw. This is preventable. If you develop the signs of gingivitis, see Dr.Ibrahim for a thorough examination and treatment

Periodontal Disease Peridontitis

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. While gingivitis (the earlier stage of gum disease), affects only the gums, periodontitis is inflammation and infection that has spread to surrounding tissue, including tooth and bone and systemically then travels throughout your body.

What is Periodontitis?

Gum disease is categorized by severity. Gingivitis is milder, treatable and reversible early-stage gum disease that affects only the gums. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease, where the inflammation and infection have spread to surrounding tissues.

What causes Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is caused by plaque, which unremoved, causes a gum infection which spreads to surrounding tissue. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on our teeth. It reacts with the food we eat to produce acids and toxins that cause tooth decay. Newly formed plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar or calculus. This hard layer of tartar forms at and below the gumline and cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar and plaque combine to accelerate tooth decay and irritate gums. The resulting inflammation and infection of the gums is called gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis creates pockets of plaque, tartar and bacteria between your teeth and gums. This spreads infection below the gums, eventually causing bone and tissue loss. This condition, known as periodontitis, is the biggest cause of adult tooth loss.

What causes Periodontitis?

Periodontitis will appear as:

  • Red, or reddish-purple swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed very easily, even with gentle brushing (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
  • Gums that hurt only when touched
  • Gums that have a shiny look
  • Gums that have receded from your teeth
  • Continuous bad taste in mouth or bad breath
  • Mouth sores
  • New spaces between teeth
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Teeth that are loose or a bite that changes

How can I prevent Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease, which results from untreated gingivitis. If you have symptoms of gingivitis, contact Dr. Ibrahim for a thorough examination and treatment. You can reduce the risk of gingivitis greatly by:

  • Brushing and flossing regularly
  • Quitting tobacco use
  • Making regular dental visits for examination and cleaning

What can Dr. Ibrahim do about Periodontitis?

As with a case of gingivitis, you will receive a thorough cleaning above and below the gums. This will usually include a process called Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning), where the dental professional uses instruments to scrape the tartar off teeth below the gumline. Scaling is followed by a smoothing procedure called Root Planing to make sure there are no rough surfaces to continue irritating the teeth. She can further describe the procedures and the techniques available for making patients comfortable during the appointments.

Why is it important to treat periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Not only are your gums, teeth and the bones of your jaw at risk, but the infection and bacteria from periodontitis can lead to heart disease and stroke, and pregnancy complications. Inhaling bacteria from your mouth can also cause Pneumonia. If you have any symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis, contact Dr. Marianna for a thorough examination and treatment.

Oral Cancer

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancers, so Dr. Ibrahim is the first line of defense. Ask her about oral cancer screening at your next regular visit.

What is oral cancer?

The following are signs of oral cancer. Make an appointment immediately for a thorough examination if you suspect a problem:

  • Small, white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, lip, gum tissue, cheek lining, the hard or soft palate or other mouth area.
  • Often pale, but can be dark or discolored
  • A deep, hard edged crack
  • Often initially painless
  • Could eventually cause a burning sensation or pain
  • A sore or lesion that bleeds easily or does not heal in two weeks
  • Any part of the mouth that changes in color
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips or tongue
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
  • A change in the way the teeth fit together or the fit of your dentures
  • A sore throat or a feeling like something is stuck in th throat

How can Dr. Ibrahim help?

Dr. Ibrahim is the first line of defense because regular dental visits are an opportunity to thoroughly examine your mouth. Not only are regular dental visits part of the good oral hygiene that reduces the risk of oral cancers, but dentists are often the ones who detect oral cancers first. Ask Dr. Ibrahim to discuss oral cancer screening with you at your next visit.

What can I do to reduce the risk of Oral Cancer?

Tobacco use is, by far, the biggest cause of oral cancers, however the following may help reduce your likelihood of oral cancers:

  • Quitting or reducing smoking and smokeless tobacco use
  • Quitting or reducing alcohol consumption
  • Practicing good oral hygiene
  • Regular dental examinations
  • Yearly cancer screenings for soft tissue in mouth

Toothaches

There are many possible causes for a Toothache. Two of the most common dental causes are the presence of a cavity or an abscess. Some of the other causes of toothache are quite serious, so you should certainly consult Dr. Ibrahim for a proper diagnosis.

Do I have a Cavity?

A Cavity, or Caries, is a hole in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay. If you experience pain when eating something cold or sweet, and the pain goes away fairly quickly, you may have a cavity. If it is a cavity, the sooner you get it taken care of, the less severe the damage will be. See Dr. Ibrahim for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Do I have an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth, or periapical abscess, is an infection of the tissue inside of a tooth with a dead nerve. Often this is the result of an untreated severe cavity. The pain and pressure comes from a buildup of fluid inside the tooth. Since the nerve is dead, the tooth will not be sensitive to cold, but is usually very sensitive to the touch. This painful condition needs to be treated immediately to prevent further infection and damage.

Why should I take care of a Toothache?

First, the toothache could be a sign of a non-dental problem, and not a problem with the tooth itself. If the problem is with the tooth, early treatment is important, because Dr. Ibrahim wants you to keep as much original tooth structure as possible. An early cavity can be filled before the tooth abscesses and needs a root canal. An early abscess can be treated with a root canal, instead of tooth extraction. A tooth that is too far damaged and infected may have to be extracted to prevent further damage to the mouth, and extraction is always Dr. Ibrahim�s last resort.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth Sensitivity is a very common problem that can be treated effectively by Dr. Ibrahim with different products and techniques.

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

The sensitive parts of the tooth have been exposed due to damage to the enamel or recession of the gums. The enamel on the outside of your teeth, the hardest substance in your body, protects the inner sensitive part of your teeth. Sometimes this enamel gets cracked, worn or decayed. Your gums also protect the sensitive roots of your teeth by forming a tight seal where the gums meet the teeth. Gums sometimes recede from their natural position and expose the roots of the tooth. Typical causes for this recession are gum disease, or even just brushing teeth too hard and vigorously, or clenching a bad bite.

What can I do about sensitive teeth?

If your brushing is forcing your gums to recede, you need to discuss proper brushing technique with Dr. Ibrahim to prevent further damage. Special tooth pastes can help sensitive teeth by either desensitizing the tooth or by filling the tubules in the dentin that are exposing the nerve. These toothpastes typically take at least a month to work. Visit Dr. Ibrahim for a thorough examination and for a recommendation of products. .

Teeth Grinding Bruxism night guard

Bruxism is either the clenching or grinding of teeth, or both of them together. Dr.Ibrahimwill often recommend a mouth appliance to prevent damage to your teeth, and stress reduction to change the behavior Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is either the clenching or grinding of teeth, or both of them together. It is usually a greater problem at night when one is unaware that they are doing it. Often the patient�s partner will be the first to notice it as they can hear the noise coming from the other side of the bed. It is commonly believed that this subconscious nighttime bruxism is due to stress and anxiety. It also could be a bite problem.

h2 class="green">What damage does Bruxism do?

Grinding can damage teeth by scraping and wearing away the surface. This can be cosmetic problem, as teeth shorten and change shape, and can lead to sensitive teeth as the enamel becomes worn. Clenching can cause muscle strain and fatigue, earaches and headaches, and put severe stress on the hinge of the jaw, the temperomandibular joint.

How can Dr. Ibrahim treat Bruxism?

Dr. Ibrahim will give you a thorough examination to see if your teeth or dental work has been damaged by the bruxing. Though there is no sure treatment for bruxism, it has been positively linked to stress and anxiety. Dr. Ibrahim will probably suggest modifying your behavior to bring down the stress in your life. To prevent damage to your teeth, she will prepare a custom-fitted plastic appliance (NIGHT GUARD) for you to wear when you sleep. This won�t stop the bruxing, but the plastic of the appliance will prevent your top and bottom teeth from contacting each other.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that emerge, usually during your late teens to early twenties. For some people the wisdom teeth emerge through the gums and have enough room to grow in naturally. For others, wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause structural damage to the jaw and other teeth. They can also provide a place for bacteria to gather since they are hard to reach and clean. These potential problems make it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth so that larger problems do not arise. Routine x-rays during a dental exam can reveal if you will need to have your wisdom teeth removed.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!

Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and can require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.

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Dental Implant

A dental implant is a permanent new root for a missing tooth. It is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone. An abutment and crown is then placed on the implant to provide a new tooth that is permanent and looks just like a natural tooth.

How are dental implants different than dentures?

Dentures are a removable set of teeth or partial set of teeth that need to be removed and cared for in a special manner. They can often feel bulky and are difficult to get used to. Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth that can be cared for just like natural teeth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth, they are permanent, you can eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment, and they procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive.

Who can place a dental implant?

Your dentist may be able to perform implants in their own office based on their training. If not, they will recommend you to an implantologist, cosmetic dentist, or another specialist that will perform the procedure.

How much do implants cost?

The price of your dental implants will vary based on the level of experience of your doctor, how many implants you are having placed, amount of insurance coverage, and more. Schedule a consultation with us to determine a price for your implants and a financing plan if necessary.

Do dental implants hurt?

No. A local anesthetic will be given before the procedure so that you do not feel any pain. If you have anxiety or fear you should discuss sedation options with your dentist.

How long do implants last?

NWhen cared for properly, implants should last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the success of your implant.

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