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!

Why Are Digital X-Rays Better Than the Traditional Film?

Computer screen showing digital X-rays.

During your annual dental appointments, you may get X-rays taken to give your dentist a full picture of your oral health. In the past, dentists used film X-rays to get the job done. But today, many are opting for sleeker, quicker digital X-rays for their patients. Which one is better?

Why Do I Get X-Rays at the Dentist?

When it comes to your dental health, there’s plenty more than what meets the eye. You might have a crack in a tooth, a hard-to-see cavity, or impacted wisdom teeth that might not be growing straight. Or perhaps you might have a tumor or abscess or some sinus issues caused by dental problems. Dr. Ricky Tin can determine these and more by taking full X-rays of your teeth, gums and jaws to get a full picture of your dental health.

What Are Film X-Rays?

Film X-rays are traditional X-rays that are taken with a camera and developed on sheets of film afterwards. Film X-rays expose patients to small amounts of radiation.

What Are Digital X-Rays?

Digital x-rays use X-ray sensors instead of traditional photo film to generate detailed images of a patient’s body. Digital X-rays live on a computer or other device, allowing them to create more detailed, clear images versus film x-rays.

What Is the Difference Between Digital & Film X-Rays?

Digital X-rays produce more detailed, sharper images than film X-rays, allowing your dentist to detect even more from a single image than they could from a film X-ray. They also produce less radiation than film X-rays, making them safer. Plus, they take up less storage space (since they’re completely digital) and don’t require the use of environmentally unsafe chemicals to produce.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Elk Grove, CA

At Villa Vista Dental, we use low radiation digital X-rays to deliver even more powerful, accurate care to our patients! If you’re looking for a dental office that offers top-notch, state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive treatment plans, look no further than Villa Vista Dental! We offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments for the whole family. Contact us to schedule your visit today and check out our financing page to learn more about our affordable treatment plans!

Digital X-rays are safe and effective!

Use Your Dental Benefits Before the End of the Year!

A computer screen showing information about dental insurance.

We’re in the final stretch of 2021. There’s probably a lot on your to-do list with the holidays fast approaching. Amid all the hustle and bustle, we want to give you an important reminder. Make sure to use your dental benefits before the year ends!

You Either Use Them or Lose Them

Dental insurance generally runs on a year-to-year basis. Any dental benefits you have paid for that haven’t been used by the end of the calendar year will most likely expire. That means that after meeting your deductible, all those “dental dollars” you’ve already earned with your monthly insurance payments will go down the drain.

Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits for Preventive Services

Wondering how to use up your dental benefits before you lose them? The first thing we advise patients to do is to check and see whether or not they’ve gotten all their dental cleanings for the year. Most insurance plans cover two every year, and it always feels great to get a professional cleaning done.

Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits for Restorative Services

We know it can be easy to delay getting dental treatment because of the higher cost of major procedures. This is a good time to discuss with Dr. Tin about finally getting that restorative treatment you’ve been delaying. If you’ve met your deductible, it might make financial sense. In some cases, we can split up the treatments so that part of the procedure is covered by this year’s dental benefits, and the rest can be scheduled in 2022 when your insurance benefits renew.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Elk Grove

If the ins and outs of dental insurance are leaving you feeling confused, don’t worry—the Villa Vista Dental team is there for you! Contact our knowledgeable team and we will be happy to answer any financial questions you might have. We’re also ready to get your end-of-year appointments scheduled before things get even busier.

Use your dental insurance benefits before they expire!

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!

Preparing to Welcome New Patients

Smiling man in the dental chair.

Are you thinking about setting up a visit with us here at Villa Vista Dental? We are always happy to welcome new patients. To learn a little bit about how we get ready for your visit, and more of what to expect at our office, keep on reading.

How Does Our Team Prepare When We Have a New Patient on Our Schedule?

It’s always exciting to get a new patient! While most dental check-ups are fairly routine, first visits are somewhat unique, since we have never met you or looked at your teeth. Dr. Tin and the rest of the staff are very thorough, so they’ll review any background information that you supplied in advance. That way, they’re primed on some of your history by the time you get in the chair.

How Should I Prepare for My First Visit?

The patient has a little bit of work to do when starting at a new dental practice, too. After making your appointment, access our new patient forms on our website and complete them in advance. Additionally, don’t forget to forward or bring with you any dental or health records that you think our dental team may need. And last, but not least, you’ll want your insurance card, if you have one.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Our Office

We pride ourselves on offering a relaxing, welcoming, and safe setting. You can make yourself comfortable and enjoy a range of amenities, including wifi and television. We also ensure that all our patients feel completely safe throughout their visit by adhering to a number of COVID-19 safety precautions. You can read more about the steps we’re taking on our website.

Welcome to Villa Vista Dental

We’re glad we can look forward to meeting you as a new patient. We know you’ll be pleased with the range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures we offer here at our Elk Grove, CA practice.

We love welcoming new patients!

Dental Emergencies Only During COVID-19

Graphic stating that operations are paused during COVID-19

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, our Elk Grove, CA dental office is open only for emergencies. The safety and health of our patients, our employees, and our community are our top priorities. We will let you know when we are once again able to provide our patients with the quality care and the safe environment that is a hallmark of our practice.

Villa Vista Dental adheres to the strict safety standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have always been extremely mindful of our patients’ health and safety and will be even more vigilant in the future. Rest assured when we do welcome you back that our office and equipment will be thoroughly disinfected.

Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones

We encourage all of our patients to protect themselves and their families by following the recommendations from the CDC. For example:

Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible.
When it is necessary to go out, keep at least six feet away from others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then dispose of it.
Disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
Do not share dishes or utensils.
Get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet.
Take extra precautions if you are sick to reduce the spread of the disease.
Even if you feel healthy, be mindful of the health of others. Some people are asymptomatic when they have the disease and can unknowingly spread it to others.

Keep Brushing & Flossing!

We recognize that many of you are experiencing unprecedented upheavals and challenges in your daily lives and routines. Please take good care of your mental health as well as your physical health and your oral health. We encourage everyone to take some time for positive, uplifting activities to help relieve stress.

Emergency Dentist in Elk Grove, CA

Villa Vista Dental thanks you for your loyal patronage and regrets the inconvenience our temporary closure will cause to those with scheduled appointments and plans for smile improvements. Our team looks forward to welcoming you again to our office as soon as this crisis has passed. We are here for you if you experience a dental emergency, call us at (916) 691-6800. We’ll get you in as soon as possible!

Call us today if you have a dental emergency!

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.

What Schooling Does a Dentist Need?

Dark-haired woman wears a graduation cap and floral dress, shrugs her shoulders, and wonders about dental education

When you’re at the dentist’s office, laying in the reclined chair with the light overhead and getting ready to get some dental work done, we bet knowing that your dentist went to a good school and has years of training and experience would help you feel a whole lot better about what’s to come. You can rest assured knowing that not everyone can just open up a dental practice and that being a dentist requires years of education and training.

Dental School

Program Accreditation

Folks who want to be dentists have to attend a dental school for four years. Some soon-to-be dentists attend dental school while earning a bachelor’s degree while others attend after completing their undergraduate studies. These programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in order for their students to become licensed dentists.

Student Application & Acceptance

Getting into dental school is no easy feat. In order to be enrolled, one must have a high grade point average, pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and nail interviews with school instructors. Once in dental school, prospective dentists work intensely on their coursework in classes and in lab settings. Students in dental school also spend time working in actual dental offices to ensure mastery and readiness for their careers.

Steps After Graduation

Licensure

In order to actually start practicing dentistry, graduates have to get a license, which entails passing written tests and exams. Dental licenses must be obtained from the National Board Dental Examination, and dentists must participate in continuing education to keep their dental license.

Optional Specialization

A dental school graduate can go into general dentistry or pursue a specialized field, such as orthodontics or pediatrics. Specialists must continue their education for an additional 14 months to 6 years in the form of certificates, master’s or doctoral degrees, and residency programs, depending on the field.

We Offer Dental Care of the Highest Quality

At Villa Vista Dental, we hold ourselves to high standards when it comes to education and training. Our dentist, Dr. Ricky Tin, continually pursues advanced postdoctoral coursework, and he has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. We keep up with the latest dental advancements so you will continue to receive the highest level of care possible.

Additional questions about our team’s educational or professional background?

Ask us!

Stress-Free Dental Office

blonde girl smiling

In a lot of ways, stress can be seen as a part of modern day living. We stress about work, about our relationships; some of us stress about everything! Studies show that a huge percentage of people (up to 75% of all Americans!) also feel some anxiety about visiting the dentist. At Villa Vista Dental we understand the stresses we all feel in our day-to-day living, but we go out of our way to make your dental visits as convenient and stress-free as possible.

Friendly Team

Everyone at Villa Vista Dental is dedicated to making sure all of our patients have a pleasant dental experience from start to finish. Dr. Tin, our administrative personnel, dental hygienists, and dental assistants are all here to help all of our patients feel at ease.

If you’re feeling anxious about your appointment or any upcoming procedures, talk to us! We are happy to talk you through it, helping to mitigate any stress you may feel from the fear of the unknown. The more you know, the more confident you will feel!

Advanced Technology

Our dentist Dr. Tin is dedicated to staying up-to-date on advancements in dental technology and treatments to provide you with the highest quality, most gentle and convenient care possible. Our office has the latest in dental equipment, including Galileos® 3D imaging, which allows us to get a complete view of your entire mouth in one pass, and CEREC® same-day dentistry, a revolutionary system that enables Dr. Tin to create and place dental crowns in the same visit.

Office Amenities

Our philosophy at Villa Vista Dental is that going to the dentist shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Even our own Dr. Tin had his share bad dentist experiences and struggled with “dental phobia” so he has designed our office with your comfort in mind.

The following amenities are available at Villa Vista Dental:

Blankets & Pillows
Complimentary Beverage Bar
Free WiFi & iPads
LED TVs with Netflix & Hulu Plus

Check out our office tour to get a better idea of what’s available to help make you feel comfortable when you come to Villa Vista Dental!

Convenient Hours

Between work, chores, family and/or social responsibilities, it might seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything. Although it can be tempting to avoid the dentist because you think you don’t have the time, Villa Vista Dental is committed to your smile, and we are open both early and late to accommodate you!

Are you an early bird? Come visit us on a Monday, Thursday, or Friday when Villa Vista Dental opens at 8 a.m. Is an evening appointment more your speed? Our office is open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We even have Saturday hours (by appointment only).

Call or email us to schedule your appointment today!

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