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Can Dental Veneers Be Replaced?

Three older ladies with linked arms, smiling and shopping together

Veneers are an amazing long-term cosmetic treatment that can transform your smile into something you’ll want to show off daily! Veneers are permanent, but as with anything they are subject to wear and tear over time. In this post, we’ll explore veneer replacement and some other key facts about veneers!

Are Veneers Permanent?

Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent procedure. This means that they are an irreversible procedure. That is because the process involves removing a layer of the enamel from the surface of the teeth. This is done because the tooth needs to be shaped in order for the veneer to be bonded to the surface. With great oral care, veneers can be expected to last for 15 years. They are a popular cosmetic procedure for adults of all ages.

Replacing Veneers

Yes, porcelain veneers can be replaced! Some signs that you may need to replace a veneer include a chip or crack; decay to the natural tooth underneath; effects of gum disease; or a bad fit. The replacement process won’t differ greatly from the initial veneer application process. Dr. Tin will remove the veneer as well as the residual bonding agent from the tooth. Then, new impressions will be taken to ensure your brand new, custom-fit veneer. Once the new veneer is available, Dr.Tin will once again bond the veneer to the tooth, and you’ll have that stunning smile back!

Porcelain Veneers in Elk Grove, California

Think you might be a good candidate for porcelain veneers? The road to a perfect smile starts with a consultation here at Villa Vista Dental. Get started by calling our office today. Or, you can go online and request your visit using our convenient form. While you’re at it, check out the array of other cosmetic services we offer!

Call us today to learn more about porcelain veneers!

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Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Smiling older black couple with the man standing behind the woman and enfolding her in his arms

Dental implants and dentures are part of a subcategory of dentistry called “restoration.” This type of dentistry fixes gaps in your smile caused by missing or damaged teeth, restoring it so you can eat, talk and smile with confidence again. Villa Vista Dental in Elk Grove, CA, offers both dental implants and dentures. We want you to understand the differences before deciding which choice is best for you. As always, we’ll be here to help you make the best decision for your particular situation.

Dental Implants

If you want something that is as close to your natural teeth as possible, then implants are the way to go. A titanium screw is surgically inserted into your healthy jawbone below the gumline where your tooth root used to be. As it heals, the jawbone grows around the screw. Once the healing is complete, the implant is topped with a restoration that matches the rest of your teeth. It functions just like a real tooth. You brush and floss it just as you would a natural tooth. Eating and speaking are no different with a dental implant than with a regular tooth. It is possible to have multiple dental implants, but this procedure is not usually the best choice if you have many teeth that need replacing.

Partial Dentures

This is an affordable option if you are missing a string of teeth. Rather than have an implant inserted for each tooth, you can opt for a partial denture that is held in place on the sides by either implants or functional teeth. This is a hybrid between implants and dentures. Your restoration will be custom-made to match your teeth and look as realistic as possible.

Full Dentures

If all, many, or most of your teeth need to be replaced then this is a choice to consider. Great advances have been made in denture technology in recent years. George Washington probably would have smiled a lot more if he had access to the comfortable and realistic dentures that are made today. No more nightmare dentures held together with metal springs! Full dentures are kept in place with denture adhesive or mini dental implants. Dentures are easy to clean and maintain.

Smile Restorations at Villa Vista Dentistry

As you can see, there are more tooth replacement options available than ever before. Sometimes that makes it harder to make a decision! Help is here in Elk Grove, California. Our team can assess your individual case and make recommendations based on your budget, your oral health, and your smile expectations. Contact us today for a consultation.

Call us today to learn more about dental implants!

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What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Artistic rendering of a dental implant with the titanium post in the jawbone on the left and the post topped with a dental crown on the right
LEFT: The titanium implant post fuses with the jawbone RIGHT: The implant is topped with a dental crown

If you need to improve or restore your smile, then dental implants may be a good choice. But what is the dental implant procedure? In this blog, we’ll explain what dental implants are, the benefits, and how they are placed.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an oral procedure that can improve your smile if you have a missing tooth or missing teeth. Specifically, dental implants are metal posts that support replacement teeth. The post is made from titanium, a strong, corrosion-resistant metal. The post is capped with a dental crown and the end result is a natural-looking smile. Implants can last for a very long time. Watch the videos under our Dental Implant FAQ for more information.

What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant procedure requires multiple trips to our office. First, you’ll make an appointment so that we can determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. We do this by determining if your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. If you are a good candidate, then you can schedule an appointment to place the dental implants. Dr. Ricky Tin will drill a hole into your jawbone so that the implant can be surgically placed. This might sound intimidating but Dr. Tin is experienced with the procedure and stays up-to-date with the latest dental technologies. His gentle care will make the procedure as painless as possible.

After this part of the dental implant procedure, your jaw will begin to heal and the bone will start to grow around and fuse with the implant. This creates a strong base for replacement teeth. Once the implant and bone have fused completely, we’ll place the replacement tooth on top of the implant. The crown will be specially made to match your natural teeth. Several implants can be done at the same time if necessary to complete your smile.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are great because they are permanent fixtures that won’t move around in your mouth when you’re talking or eating. They are also very long-lasting if you care for them correctly by brushing and flossing every day. Using fluoride toothpaste and eating a diet low in carbs and sugars can also help keep your implants in good shape. Dental implants look and feel more natural than other tooth replacement options. Another benefit is that they act like a tooth root, therefore they help maintain good jaw strength and density.

Dental Implants at Villa Vista Dental

If you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants, then give our team in Elk Grove a call to schedule a consultation. We can also discuss other options available to you to restore your smile such as veneers and dental crowns. We offer a number of payment options which gives you another thing to smile about.

Call us today to learn more about dental implants!

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How to Prevent Gum Disease

Artistic rendering describing the states of gum or periodontal disease

What Is Gum Disease?


Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral health condition that occurs when plaque–a clear, sticky film–builds up in your mouth. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen or red gums, loose teeth, receding gums, changes in bite, and bad breath that won’t go away. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is the precursor to gum disease. When gum disease occurs, it pulls the gums away from the teeth to form pockets that bacteria and debris start to build up in. The plaque will spread to under the gums if the pockets become infected. If the infection is left untreated, it could destroy the gum tissue and bone. The result is that your gums are no longer able to support your teeth.

What Causes Gum Disease?


Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, there is a good chance you will develop gum disease. However, there are other reasons why you might have gum disease. Genetics can sometimes play a role. About 30% of people are more predisposed to developing gum disease. People who smoke are also at a higher risk. Misaligned teeth also create a hazard because they are harder to floss and brush well enough to get rid of the plaque. Some other causes of gum disease include stress, poor nutrition, grinding teeth, dry mouth, and hormones. Gum disease can also be associated with diseases like HIV, IBS and leukemia.

Treating Gum Disease


At Villa Vista Dental, we have special equipment to detect and treat gum disease. We offer laser gum therapy for advanced gum disease. By avoiding scalpels and sutures, your recovery time is much faster. If you think you may have gum disease, don’t wait to call for a consultation. If left untreated, gum disease can be very harmful to your overall health.

How to Prevent Gum Disease


The best prevention is practicing good oral health habits every day. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and using toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth. Additionally, a diet low in sugar and carbs and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Another great way to prevent gum disease is by coming in for regular checkups and cleanings. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

Gum disease is easier to treat in its early stages.

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Straight Teeth Faster with Six Month Smiles

Black mother, daughter and father smiling in front of green trees

For those who are considering orthodontic treatment, time can be a deterrent. Traditional braces may need to be worn for up two years! Not everyone is interested in the lifestyle adjustments, look, and feel, that come with wearing braces for that period of time. The good news is that Six Month Smiles is a faster option. It’s safe, effective, and great for anyone who doesn’t want to wait for straighter teeth!

All About Six Month Smiles


Want straighter teeth by your next dental checkup? Then Six Month Smiles may be for you. Essentially, Six Month Smiles is an orthodontic appliance that focuses mainly on straightening the front six teeth. Six Month Smiles uses tooth-colored wires and brackets that are more discreet than traditional braces. They are most well-suited to those with mild to moderate misalignment. Individuals with complex bite issues should schedule a consultation first to see if it’s the right treatment.

Straight Teeth Faster


Are you tired of hiding your smile because of tooth gaps or misaligned teeth but unsure about committing to a year or more of wearing metal braces? Then you have even more reasons that this option might be great for you. Even though the brackets are less noticeable, they are still effective at straightening teeth within mere months. As a result, you get the benefits of a huge difference to the look and feel of your smile in a shorter period of time. This makes them a great option for busy adults.

Villa Vista Orthodontics


If you’ve been considering options for getting a better, more beautiful smile, call us and ask about our budget friendly options. We offer ClearCorrect® and Six Month Smiles®, both alternatives to the hassle of wearing traditional braces. We want to help you achieve your ideal smile in a time frame that works for you!

Call us today if you’re ready to discuss your straightening options!

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What Foods to Avoid with Dentures

woman eating a carrot

Dentures are a wonderful way for those who’ve lost all of their teeth to be able to eat, talk, and smile as they would before. But just like with natural teeth, there are some foods that you should avoid eating with dentures to prevent any complications as you begin to enjoy your new smile.

Foods to Avoid When You First Get Dentures

As you adjust to your new dentures, you should slowly adjust to eating hot foods as you get used to your new heat tolerance level. You should also slowly introduce softer, more textured foods, like rice and beans, over time.

Foods to Avoid in General

Although you can enjoy most of the foods that you like to eat with dentures, there are some foods that you should steer clear of to avoid any issues with your new smile. This includes:

  • Sticky Foods. Sticky foods, like certain candies or peanut butter, because they can shift your dentures out of place and cause discomfort.
  • Hard Foods. Hard foods require you to apply pressure from your jaws to bite down, which can shift your dentures. Apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots are all examples of hard goods.
  • Certain Meats. Pork chops and steak all require time to tenderize, which can put pressure on your dentures and gums.
  • Foods with Small Pieces. Foods with seeds (like sesame and poppy seed rolls), popcorn, and some nuts and seeds can get stuck under your dentures, which can cause irritation and discomfort.

Aside from these foods, you can enjoy all of the foods that you normally eat. Remember to remove your dentures periodically to rest your gums and to thoroughly clean your dentures daily.

Customized Dentures at Villa Vista Dental

If you’re missing all of your teeth, you don’t need to settle for uncomfortable, ill-fitting dentures. Our staff at Villa Vista Dental can create a customized, modern, and comfortable dentures that can restore your smile.

Contact us for a consultation today!

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5 Causes of Tooth Discoloration

woman wearing a hoodie smoking a cigarette

You know that taking good care of your teeth is all about keeping good habits. But what about bad habits? There may be ways that you’re sabotaging your oral health without even realizing it. Several habits can lead to problems like discoloration that can be hard to treat or reverse. Here are a few habits that you should avoid if you want to maintain bright, white teeth.

1. Using Tobacco Products

Smoking and using chewing tobacco is a quick way to stain teeth and cause discoloration. These products contain particles that will stick to the teeth and create a brownish hue. Not only that, cigarettes and tobacco products can cause oral and lung cancers. We recommend quitting as soon as possible if you use these.

2. Staining Beverages

Coffee, tea, and wine are some of the most popular beverages consumed by American adults. The problem is that they can also cause a lot of extrinsic staining on your teeth. That means that the dark tint these drinks create stay on the enamel, or outer layer of the teeth. If you’re not ready to give up your favorite morning or evening drink, try drinking them through a straw. This will reduce the chances of staining. When you do drink coffee, wine, and tea, be sure to drink plenty of water to rinse and brush teeth after if possible.

3. Abrasive Tooth Cleaning Products

“Natural” whitening products like charcoal toothpaste, baking soda, or fruit can create irreversible staining by eroding the enamel of the teeth. Unlike extrinsic staining, this type of staining is harder to fix. We recommend avoiding these types of products for tooth cleaning. If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened, let us know. We are happy to talk to you about professional whitening.

4. Bad Brushing Technique

Forgetting to brush or not brushing correctly is a surefire way to stain teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each day. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush. Many people brush their teeth too hard. This can also lead to enamel erosion and staining that’s difficult to correct. Brush gently and in circular motions.

5. Ditching the Dentist

Not prioritizing your biannual dental appointments will not only contribute to discoloration and staining, but it will also increase your chances of developing cavities, plaque and gingivitis. Coming in for regular cleanings is necessary for a bright, healthy smile.

Interested in Whitening Options?

Call today if it’s time to set up a checkup. Let us know at your appointment if you’re interested in whitening options for your teeth. We have solutions to help you achieve your brightest smile!

Want to avoid tooth discoloration?

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Toothache Pain Relief Options

Brunette woman cringes in pain and touches her cheek due to a toothache

Toothaches can happen for a variety of reasons. If you’ve ever had a severe toothache, you know how much they can affect your ability to function. Trouble eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, or even concentrating can be side effects of a toothache.

A severe toothache is considered a dental emergency because it could signify a deeper issue, like advanced decay or an abscess. Call our office if you’re suffering from new or worsened tooth pain. Additionally, there are a few ways you can manage your pain from home until we see you.

1. Use A Cold Compress

If your toothache is so bad that it feels as though it’s radiating from your cheek and face, use a cold compress for some quick relief. Soak washcloths or dishrags in cool water and place them in the fridge. Switch them out intermittently as they begin to become warm on your face. Doing this will help reduce pain and swelling.

2. Take Over-The-Counter Medication

Anti-inflammatory pain medication is available at your local drugstore and can bring fast relief and help to reduce swelling. Ibuprofen and aspirin are the best options until we can see you. If you need a stronger medication, call us first. Do not take a friend or family member’s prescribed pain killer.

3. Eat Soft Foods

Avoid hard, hot, and cold foods until your problem is addressed. Applesauce, scrambled eggs, low-sugar yogurt, purees, and other soft foods are best to help you not aggravate the area in pain.

4. Be Gentle While Brushing & Flossing

Brush gently around the area in pain and try to not place too much pressure on it. A few times a day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to cleanse and reduce pain.

Toothache Treatment in Elk Grove, CA

We’re so sorry if you’re experiencing dental pain! Rest assured, there is a solution and we can help you find it. So please don’t delay calling us if you have a toothache.

Tooth pain driving you crazy?

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Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Brunette man with facial hair in a gray shirt strokes his chin while wondering if he needs root canal therapy

For some, just hearing that you might need root canal therapy is enough to cause a toothache. But how do you know that you may need to get one? Here are some of the warning signs to look out for.

Why Would I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy is required when the pulp, the innermost soft layer of a tooth, becomes damaged or infected. The cause of this could be advanced decay or even serious trauma to the tooth such as a bad chip, break, or a bad crown. Additionally, if you’ve had a lot of dental work done around the tooth, it might have sustained enough damage to require root canal treatment.

How Do I Know If I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Common warning signs that indicate you need root canal treatment include severe and throbbing pain (especially when you apply pressure on the tooth), your tooth becoming darker, extreme sensitivity, and swelling around the tooth.

The Root Canal Therapy Procedure

After we have determined that you require root canal therapy, we will first numb the area around your tooth so you won’t feel any pain during your procedure. We will then remove the infected pulp from your tooth and clean out the canals to remove all traces of infection and damage from the area. After the tooth is cleaned out and free of infection, we’ll fill the canals with a special material called gutta-percha to strengthen the tooth and ward off future infection. Then, the area will be fortified with a filling or dental crown, depending on the extent of the damage.

How to Prevent Root Canal Therapy

In order to prevent root canal treatment, it is important to maintain exceptional oral health habits. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss daily, brush your tongue every day, stay hydrated with water, chew only sugar-free gum, consume a balanced diet, and come visit our Villa Vista Dental team for cleanings and exams twice a year, even if your teeth seem perfectly healthy.

Don’t Delay Receiving Treatment

If you are feeling pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, don’t wait to see a dentist. It’s better to catch things as early as possible to prevent further damage.

Schedule a checkup today!

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Abscessed Tooth Symptoms & Treatments

Brunette man cringes in pain and touches his cheek due to an untreated abscess

Tooth abscesses can be debilitating painful and are almost always an indication of a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Here’s how you can tell if you have an abscessed tooth and how you can properly treat it.

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that is due to a bacterial infection. Abscesses can either occur at the tip of the tooth root or on the gums beside the tooth root.

Abscesses are caused by injury due to prior dental work or advanced decay. Signs of an abscess include severe pain that can radiate, sensitivity to temperature or pressure, fever, swelling, foul smell or taste in your mouth, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Abscess Treatment

If you suspect that you have an abscess, you must seek treatment from a dentist right away. They will take an X-ray and conduct any other necessary tests to confirm that you have an abscess, and then develop a course of action from there. Usually, they will drain the abscess, and may have to perform a root canal (if you have infected pulp) or pull the infected tooth entirely. You will also have to take antibiotics in order to kill off any of the bad bacteria that have collected in your mouth over time. You may also be prescribed painkillers and be required to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.

Preventing a Tooth Abscess

In most cases, abscesses are due to neglect and lack of proper dental hygiene. To avoid an abscess, you should be sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to maintain good oral health. Seeing your dentist regularly is also a good way to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and strong.

If you believe you have an abscess and require treatment or if you have any questions about how to improve your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our staff at Villa Vista Dental. Contact us to schedule an appointment!

If you have any questions about any oral health issue, contact Villa Vista Dental!

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