5 Reasons You Should Start Regularly Seeing the Dentist in 2024

extended family grouping of six

It’s not uncommon for patients to delay their oral care. Whether cost is a concern, or you have a hard time trusting dentists, it’s essential to invest in your oral health for good overall well-being.

As we step into the new year, it’s an opportune time to change your habits. Here are five compelling reasons you should start regularly seeing the dentist this year!

1. Preventive Care Lowers Dental Costs

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to dental issues. Regular check-ups allow your local dentist to identify potential problems early on, preventing the need for costly and invasive procedures down the road.

2. Maintain a Fresh, Confident Smile

A healthy smile is a confidence booster. Regular dental cleanings help remove stubborn plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone may miss. This not only enhances the aesthetics of your smile but also contributes to fresher breath!

3. Safeguard Your Overall Health

Oral health is intricately connected to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Most chronic diseases like gum disease are irreversible. By prioritizing regular dental check-ups, you’re also contributing to your overall well-being.

4. Personalized Oral Care Guidance

Going to the dentist isn’t just about getting treatment. Dental visits also serve as a valuable source of guidance for your oral care routine. From recommending the right toothbrush and toothpaste to providing personalized advice on flossing techniques, your dentist can empower you to take better care of your teeth at home.

5. Preserve Your Natural Teeth

While dentistry is constantly evolving with advancements like dental implants and dentures, nothing is quite as good as your natural teeth. By attending regular dental appointments, it’s possible to prevent tooth loss, and dental emergencies and maintain your natural smile for years to come.

Schedule a Dental Appointment in Elk Grove, CA

Starting the year with a commitment to regular dental visits is a small but impactful habit that can significantly contribute to your overall health and well-being. Schedule your appointment today and make 2024 the year of a healthier, happier smile!

Please contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment!

Tips To Give Your Children Good Oral Health Habits

Cartoon of a child learning to brush his teeth at the dentist. — Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

As parents, we always want to set a good example for our children, whether it’s teaching them to speak politely or use good table manners. Another part of life where we want to give our kids the tools to succeed? Oral health! Here are some tips you can share with your family to help them learn how to take the best care of their smile.

Always Brush Before Bedtime

Getting your child ready for bed isn’t always an easy feat, even without adding toothbrushing into the mix. While it may be hard at first, make sure your child understands the importance of brushing their teeth before they go to sleep every night. The more often they do it, the easier it will become!

The Two-Minute Rule

Maybe your child knows that brushing their teeth every day is important but do they know how long they should be brushing? The standard recommendation is two minutes. Depending on how young your kid is, this may feel like an eternity. But if you make it fun by playing a two-minute song they can stick it out for, then they’ll get used to brushing for the right amount of time.

There’s Nothing Scary About the Dentist

Just like adults, kids should see the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. When your child visits the dentist from a young age, it becomes part of their yearly routine. Besides the obvious advantage of better oral health, they also won’t grow up feeling afraid of dental offices. Hopefully the good habits they develop will continue into adulthood.

Family Dental Care in Elk Grove, CA

Contact Villa Vista Dental to schedule preventive care visits for your family. Let us know if you have any specific concerns. Dr. Tin and the rest of our friendly team are always happy to share advice that can make a difference in your child’s smile. We offer a wide range of services for the entire family to keep everyone’s mouth healthy!

Good oral health habits developed at an early age pave the way for a healthy smile!

Why Are Custom-Made Mouthguards Better Than Store-Bought?

Photo of a mouthguard to protect against sports injuries or bruxism.

Is your jaw sore when you wake up in the morning for no apparent reason? Do you often take an elbow to the mouth during your weekly basketball game? Did your kid get hit in the face with the ball last Saturday at their soccer game? These are just a few scenarios that indicate a mouthguard might be just the thing you need to manage a healthy, intact smile.Villa Vista Dental offers custom mouthguards in our Elk Grove, CA dental office. Read on to learn more about why custom mouthguards are even better than store-bought ones.

Why Would I Need a Mouthguard?

If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, you run the risk of chipping or breaking your teeth, which can cause decay. The causes of bruxism are varied, but it is typically caused by sleep apnea (a sleep disorder), bite issues, or stress and anxiety.

If you play a contact sport like hockey, football, basketball, soccer, rugby, lacrosse or boxing, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. However, there are many other sports where a mouthguard is a good way to prevent a dental emergency. Sports injuries are a common cause of tooth loss.

Custom Mouthguards & Nightguards

At Villa Vista Dental, we can create a custom mouthguard or nightguard specifically for your smile. These are different from a store-bought mouthguard, which may come in a standard size that doesn’t fit snugly over your teeth. Unlike boil and bite or one-size-fits-all mouthguards that are made from flimsy materials, our mouthguards are comfortable and sturdy enough for longtime use.

How Much Does a Custom Mouthguard Cost?

We do everything we can to make our treatments and services affordable for our patients at Villa Vista Dental. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate of your treatment and help you select one of our flexible financing options to pay for it.

How Do I Care for My Mouthguard?

Caring for your mouthguard is simple — all you need to do is rinse and brush it after use. Allow it to completely dry before wearing it again.

Comfortable Custom Mouthguards in Elk Grove, CA

A custom mouthguard from Villa Vista Dental in Elk Grove, CA can protect your teeth if you suffer from bruxism or play a contact sport. Uncomfortable mouthguards rarely get used. Let us create a mouthguard that will fit your mouth and provide both comfort and protection! Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

Custom mouthguards protect your teeth from damage!

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Graphic showing a laser gum treatment.

Visits to our dental office are primarily to help you maintain or achieve stellar oral health. We strive to make our office as comfortable as possible. Having up-to-date dental technology is another way Dr. Tin strives to make his patients more comfortable and his treatments more effective. In recent years, laser dentistry has become part of this new style and has many benefits!

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry consists of high-powered lasers, with their own wavelength of light, that allow us to perform a variety of procedures. The benefits of laser dentistry include the following!

Laser Dentistry Minimizes Bleeding

Some dental procedures, like those associated with gum disease or decay, can cause bleeding. Laser dentistry utilizes highly concentrated light beams that cauterize as they cut. This results in less bleeding, both during the treatment and through recovery.

Laser Dentistry Can Reduce Dental Anxiety

One major benefit is that lasers are fast and effective for hard and soft tissue! Typically, this means that multiple areas can be treated simultaneously, which can reduce the amount of time the patient spends in the dental chair thus reducing dental anxiety.

Laser Dentistry Reduces Infection

Did you know that lasers sterilize the affected area during treatment? Because of this ability, there is a reduced chance of complications caused by the spread of bacteria. The risk of infection is also reduced.

Laser Dentistry Promotes Quick Recovery

The precision of a laser is something that might never be duplicated. Laser dentistry operates with such precision that there is often minimal trauma to the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissues. The laser only targets the treatment area, which can result in quicker recovery.

Laser Dentistry Is Minimally Invasive

Lasers function without the pressure or vibration that you may associate with most dental tools. They also eliminate the need for scalpels and stitches. That means that the patient is less likely to feel discomfort during and after the procedure.

Discover What Laser Dentistry Can Treat in Elk Grove, CA

Laser dentistry has many benefits! For example, it has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease. If you’re interested in laser dentistry for one of your treatments, schedule an appointment with Villa Vista Dental today. We’d love to go over your options.

Laser dentistry makes your dental treatment more comfortable!

How Can I Reduce My Dental Anxiety?

Woman relaxing at the dentist with headphones to help with dental anxiety.

According to a study done in 2017, between 50 and 80% of adults in the country experience some form of dental anxiety. That’s a lot of folks who are worried about visiting the dentist! Do you struggle with dental anxiety? It’s important to know that there are steps you can take to alleviate that feeling. Here are some tips for managing your dental anxiety so you can receive the oral health care that your smile needs.

Use Your Dental Office’s Amenities

Chances are that your dental office has some assortment of patient amenities available. Villa Vista Dental offers a number of extras to help our patients feel at ease. These include soft blankets and pillows that you can cuddle up with to feel more comfortable in the dental chair. Additionally, noise-canceling headphones eliminate the sound of the dental tools in action. We also offer TVs with a variety of shows to watch in the treatment rooms. They can distract you from the dental work you’re getting so you don’t think about feeling anxious. Any combination of these could be used to encourage relaxation. They’re available as a free service to dental patients.

Ask Your Dentist about Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is used to help patients through more intensive procedures like oral surgery. However, it can also be used to keep patients who experience dental anxiety feeling calm and content. Villa Vista Dental offers two types of sedation. The more mild nitrous oxide helps most patients feel relaxed. If another step is needed, we offer oral conscious sedation. These are both safe sedation choices. Not all practices offer sedation, so it’s worth asking your dentist what they have available. Our Elk Grove team always considers what option would be right for your unique situation.

Managing Dental Anxiety in Elk Grove, CA

Want to discuss your dental anxiety in more depth in a private setting? Contact Dr. Ricky Tin at Villa Vista Dental. We are happy to chat with you about what can be done in order for you to receive the dental treatments you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

We can help you manage your dental anxiety!

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Photo of an electric toothbrush next to a regular toothbrush.

Next time you go to the grocery store or your local drugstore, have a look at the dental section. Chances are you’ll see a wide variety of toothbrushes coming from an array of companies and coming in many different designs and colors. So how in the world are you supposed to pick the “right” one?

Too Many Choices?

The fact is, there’s not one perfect toothbrush that’s right for everyone. However, there are some tips you can follow to find a great one.

1. Check Bristle Firmness

One thing you’ll want to confirm is whether or not a toothbrush has a soft bristle. Soft bristles are the way to go! If the bristle is too hard, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums, rather than helping you maintain great oral health.

2. Decide on the Right Size & Grip

Toothbrushes come in different sizes and with different grips. You want one that will be easy to use depending on your age, mobility, and lifestyle. After all, if you have a toothbrush that’s annoying to hold and manage, then it might prevent you from brushing as often as you need to.

3. Find the ADA Seal of Approval

There are some dental products out there that have a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. This means that the professional association vetted the products and found them to be effective.

4. Consider Electric

There’s nothing wrong with manual toothbrushes when used correctly, but many people find electric toothbrushes are easier to use and give a better clean. If you can afford it, consider going for an electric toothbrush that does most of the hard work for you. Another advantage of electric toothbrushes is that most have a 2 minute timer so you are sure to brush long enough.

5. Ask Your Dentist

When in doubt, ask your dentist. They’re operating in the world of dental tools day in and day out, and they should be up-to-date on the best products out there at that moment. On top of that, they know your dental health history and they can help figure out the specific toothbrush that works for your specific smile needs.

Preventive Dental Care in Elk Grove, CA

The Villa Vista Dental team is here to help you maintain excellent oral health. If it has been six months or more since your last visit, it’s time to give us a call. Brushing with the right toothbrush is awesome but you can’t keep your smile in tip top shape all by yourself! We look forward to seeing you soon for a professional hygiene cleaning and dental exam.

Choose a toothbrush that will make you want to brush!

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth if They’re Almost Always Removed?

Masked dental professionals holding surgical tools are looking down on a patient ready for wisdom tooth extraction.

Most people only think of wisdom teeth in one particular situation – when they need to get them removed. Wisdom teeth are our third set of molars and they don’t erupt until we are near adulthood, around the ages of 17 to 21. This is also where they get their name. By the time they come in, you’re probably (hopefully) a bit wiser.

The Problem with Wisdom Teeth

Generally by the time wisdom teeth come in, an individual who had misaligned teeth has already had braces. Crowding caused by wisdom teeth can move teeth out of alignment. These aren’t the only problems caused by erupting wisdom teeth. Some signs of trouble you might experience are jaw pain, gum tenderness, stiffness opening your mouth all of the way, or infections behind your last tooth. Why do we have these teeth when we usually have to get rid of them the moment they make their grand entrance? That’s a very good question!

Changes in Our Jaw

Over the years, human jaws have gotten smaller. This, in turn, means there may not be enough room in our mouth for all of our teeth. It’s not just about wisdom teeth either. Some people may need to get one or more of their other teeth extracted to prevent crowding. This means that humans used to have room in their jaws for 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth. Now some people barely have room for 28 teeth.

Changes in Our Diet

The fact that jaws are smaller has been proven by comparing fossil evidence. This is mostly due to the fact that the type of food we eat and how we eat that food has significantly changed over time. We don’t need the extra chewing power provided by wisdom teeth like our ancestors did when most food was tough and hard to chew. Because our diet consists of more soft or processed foods, our jaws are weaker and smaller. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is a matter of discussion among scholars.

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Elk Grove, CA

If you suspect that your wisdom teeth aren’t coming in correctly, Villa Vista Dental can help. Our team will take images of your teeth to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. If it is determined that it will be best for your oral health to remove them, you can feel confident scheduling your wisdom tooth extraction with Dr. Tin. He has removed many wisdom teeth as part of our restorative services. Our team will provide you with excellent care and thorough aftercare instructions. Contact us for a consultation today!

Our team provides gentle wisdom tooth extraction when needed!

Why You Shouldn’t Fear a Root Canal

Man with his hand to his cheek because of tooth pain.

If you’ve been experiencing painful toothaches accompanied by extreme sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to different temperatures, you might be suffering from an infected tooth root. When an infection spreads down to your tooth roots, the life of the tooth is threatened. Is it possible to save the tooth? That’s where root canal therapy comes in! Root canals play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy smile.

Why Get a Root Canal?

Root canals have a reputation for being painful, long procedures. Actually, the truth is that they’re not that much different from any other restorative treatment, like getting a cavity filled. A root canal is designed to remove infected tissue from the tooth root and salvage any of the tooth’s natural healthy tissue. Infections typically spread to the root because of an untreated cavity or decay that is caused by poor oral hygiene or trauma.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Your body will send some signs to alert you when it is invaded by infection. Here are some of the typical signs that indicate you have an infected tooth root.

Severe toothache that throbs when you bite down
Sensitivity to hot & cold temperatures
Tooth discoloration
Painful, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad taste in mouth
Bad breath
Chips or cracks in teeth
Wiggly tooth
Gumline abscess

Procedure for Root Canal Therapy

Before you get root canal therapy, Dr. Ricky Tin will take x-rays of your tooth to identify the extent of the infection in your tooth. Our team will then carefully numb the area around your tooth to help make your procedure pain free. During the procedure, we will dry the area around your tooth and drill a small hole into it to access the infected tissue. Next Dr. Tin will flush out all of the infected tissue, replacing it with a substance called gutta percha before sealing up the tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage to your tooth, we may close out the procedure with either a filling or a crown. If a crown is needed, we offer Cerec Same Day crowns.

Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal

It’s common to feel pain or sensitivity around your tooth after root canal therapy, and you can use over-the-counter pain medication to help with it. Our team will give you thorough aftercare instructions to help you heal faster. Once your tooth is healed, you can proceed with your regular dental care regimen. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day to prevent infection and visit Villa Vista Dental twice a year to prevent or treat cavities in their early stages.

Affordable Root Canal Therapy in Elk Grove, CA

If you are experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection, contact our office to schedule a consultation right away. We promise you that the pain of an ongoing infection and subsequent tooth extraction are far worse than root canal therapy! Villa Vista Dental proudly offers a variety of financing options to make our services affordable. Our staff is always willing to help answer any questions you might have about your visit, so don’t hesitate to give us a call. We look forward to seeing you!

Root canals eliminate pain & save your tooth!

What Your Tooth Pain May Be Telling You

Dark haired woman with her fingers to her cheek because of tooth pain.

Living life to the fullest with tooth pain can be very difficult. Things like speaking, chewing, and even yawning can cause sharp pain. If you’re currently experiencing tooth pain, Villa Vista Dental will help you find a solution so you can become pain free. Read on to learn about some of the common causes of tooth pain.

Reasons You May Be Experiencing Tooth Pain

The first step to combatting tooth pain is to identify the underlying cause. There are many factors that may be causing your tooth pain. Dr. Tin will seek to discover what is causing your tooth pain before determining a treatment plan that best suits your situation. Here are some of the most common reasons for tooth pain.

Cavities

Decay causes the dental pulp inside the tooth to become swollen so that it puts pressure on the tooth’s nerve.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Dental trauma can damage or expose the tooth’s nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

Enamel Erosion

Enamel is the protective outer layer of teeth. When enamel is lost it exposes the sensitive dentin layer underneath.

Gum Recession

Gum recession exposes the tooth’s roots. This can cause extreme sensitivity when brushing or eating hot and cold foods.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease causes soft tissue inflammation and can lead to tooth decay.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding wears down teeth over time and can expose sensitive nerves.

Whitening Treatment

After a whitening treatment, you may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.

Schedule Your Tooth Pain Consultation

Are you suffering from chronic tooth pain? The sooner you seek treatment the better. Tooth pain can indicate a serious underlying dental issue. The longer you wait, the more severe the dental problem may become, eventually resulting in a dental emergency. At Villa Vista Dental, Dr. Ricky Tin and our knowledgeable team have years of experience diagnosing and treating dental pain. Our mission is to help patients regain a healthy, pain-free smile. Please contact our office to schedule your dental consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Come see us to eliminate your tooth pain!

Don’t Avoid Your Dental Cleaning Due to COVID

Cartoon of a family of four standing next to an oversized tooth and toothbrush.

Are you one of those people who has put off their dental care due to the pandemic? We understand the conundrum, but we are here to assure you that you can safely visit Villa Vista Dental. The last thing we want is for your teeth to suffer. Read on to hear how we’re keeping our patients safe while keeping their teeth healthy.

COVID-19 Protocols at Our Practice

There’s nothing more important to us than the health of our patients and our staff. As such, we have developed a plan to service our patient’s smiles safely and effectively during this time. We are currently following any and all CDC guidelines and tracking them as they evolve and change. This includes social distancing, sanitizing, and any other protocols that help to make our office safe and comfortable for everyone in it! Additional time has been scheduled between appointments and a Covid-19 questionnaire has been implemented to ensure that everything runs smoothly and exposure to illness is avoided. Comprehensive information about our COVID-19 protocols is available on our website, and you can always call our office with your questions!

The Importance of Routine Dental Care

It’s so important that you keep up with your dental care now that our offices are back up and running. With regular dental care we can catch issues early and prevent them from becoming something much worse. If you keep up with your visits every six months and continue with a good oral care routine at home, you will likely keep your smile beautiful and healthy for years to come.

Dental Health & Wellness in Elk Grove, CA

We believe that dental care is about more than just the health of your smile. We’re here to keep our patients’ smiles looking great and their whole health in check. Villa Vista Dental takes a comprehensive approach to dental health. We look forward to seeing our regular customers back in our office. And as always, new patients are welcome. Make an appointment by calling us directly or clicking the contact link.

Don’t put off getting the dental care you need!

Category: Dental Health