Dr. Tomazin and his Team offer you a wealth of combined experience. We take pride in our ability to communicate and deliver the highest level of dentistry to our patients.
Did you know laser use in dentistry is increasing? Lasers can make procedures more comfortable, easier, and create better results compared to traditional methods of treatment. At our Riverside High Tech Dental Office, we currently have four different lasers in the practice. The Periolase MVP-7 is a Nd:YAG laser used for treatment of moderate and severe gum disease. Instead of removing bone and tissue, it treats periodontal disease through regeneration and with minimal discomfort. Traditional gum surgery is very painful due to scalpel and stitches. Periolase patients often only take over the counter pain medications like Tylenol or no pain medications after their procedure. The reason for these patients being so much more comfortable is that the laser actually promotes healing in the areas treated.
The Waterlase is an Er:YAG laser for is used for the removal of decay from teeth and for reshaping the bone underneath the gums for cosmetic and structural reasons. Again, as with the Periolase MVP-7 there is minimal discomfort with removal of bone with the Waterlase versus traditional scalpel and drilling of bone with burs. Again, no stitches or sutures necessary. A side bonus is that many times we can do fillings with the Waterlase without anesthesia!
We also have a diode laser used by our dental hygienists to help disinfect gum diseased pockets and to kill additional bacteria during cleanings. This laser can also be used to reshape gum tissue without the use of scalpels. And last but not least, we have the DIAGNOdent cavity detection laser which helps us detect tiny cavities before we can find them the traditional way by poking them with an explorer tip. By taking care of cavities at this smaller stage, we can remove less tooth structure and keep the tooth stronger. Also, combined with the Waterlase, these early cavities can easily be filled without anesthesia in most cases. If you’re interested in laser dentistry, call our Riverside Laser Dental Office at 951-686-3666.
Denture FAQ’s from our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness Office:
There are many questions patients’ have when it comes to their current dentures not fitting properly and/or how to care for them once they receive them. Dentures are a huge investment and in order to protect this investment, proper oral hygiene and denture care are extremely important. Here are some FAQ’s regarding dentures:
Why is my denture not fitting properly anymore?
As we age our mouth changes rather the gum/bone ridge shrinks over time leaving dentures feeling loose. Ill-fitting dentures can cause trauma and impair speech and eating.
How often should my denture be replaced?
Are you noticing sores in your mouth or feel like your denture(s) is loose? Visit our Riverside cosmetic and dental wellness office so that we can examine your denture and possibly realign and adjust your denture to provide better comfort. At times, we may also recommend replacing your denture with a new denture for ideal fitting and comfort.
What is an implant supported denture?
An implant supported denture is highly-recommended for the majority of denture wearing patients. Dental implants are very small titanium posts that are “screw-like” in size and width. They are placed in the jaw bone in order to gain retention for a new denture. Implant supported dentures can be fixed or removable depending on your oral condition. Implant supported dentures are a very common procedure at my Riverside implant and dental wellness office.
How do I care for my denture(s)?
Removable dentures should be brushed at least once a day to remove food debris, plaque, and stain. They should also soak in a denture solution overnight or at the very least water. Fixed dentures should be flossed and brushed at least two times per day.
How often should I have dental exams/cleanings?
Fixed denture wearers should be seen quarterly and removable denture wearers should be seen twice a year. These visits will include a thorough soft and hard tissue examination and denture debridement by one of the dental hygienists’ in my office.
The “gold standard” in treating tooth decay by dental professionals for the past 50 plus years has been fluoride. However, years of research discrediting the beneficial claims the American Dental Assoication has placed on fluoride is now coming to light. Some of you may have heard about some possible harmful side effects of fluoride. Or you may be struggling with cavities in your own mouth even though you are using a fluoride toothpaste and rinse. There is increasing evidence that fluoride may not be the best tool in fighting cavities and it may actually be harmful to you. If you read your toothpaste label, most will tell you to call a poison control center if you ingest too much. Why is that? If fluoride was harmless, that label would not be necessary. There are plenty of controversial and debatable topics on the safety of fluoride and any quick internet search will expose you to both pros and cons on the safety of this substance. Some dentists are still recommending fluoride pills for children to ingest. I highly disagree with this practice because of the risks of fluorosis (a permanent staining of the teeth) and the possible health risks associated with fluoride poisoning.
There is also an increasing amount of research that shows that fluoride is not very effective at fighting decay. With more money being spent on cavity research, findings indicate that focusing on acid reduction in the mouth is more effective at reducing cavities than just regular brushing and rinsing with fluoride products. Carifree makes a product which is university tested and studied that helps reduce cavities by fighting the acid levels in our saliva. One of the main ingredients isxylitol which is used as a sugar substitute due to it’s sweetness. There is an increasing amount of research which shows that xylitol is a far superior product than fluoride in fighting decay. Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that has no known toxic side effects. When reviewing chewing gum, candies, or dental products look for the ingredient xylitol, which used after each meal can lower your risk of tooth decay. Xylitol also stimulates a healthier flow of saliva. We can now fight decay more effectively and without the potential harmful effects of fluoride. Our dental team will assist you in making the right preventative choices when it comes to choosing safe and effective dental products for you and your family. If you have any questions please contact our Inland Empire Preventative and Dental Wellness office at 951-686-3666.
Oral cancer is one of the deadliest cancers out there. It has an 80% survival rate if detected early but unfortunately, only 1/3rd of the cases are found at this early stage. The 2/3rds rather the majority of oral cancer found late only has a 50% survival rate. Those who are lucky enough to survive oral cancer are often disfigured by removal of significant portions of facial tissue and bone structure. There are a few technologies out there to help detect cancerous and precancerous lesions but they are still rare. Our Riverside Cosmetic and Implant Dental Office has invested in the VELscope oral cancer screening system. All new patients get a complementary screening at our Riverside high tech office along with their comprehensive examination. Here’s a video which shows a little about the procedure and talks about oral cancer:
Protecting children is part of our job or more like an instinct as a parent. We strive to always be aware of their surroundings to prevent bumps and bruises, prevent illnesses, provide a well-balanced diet etc. Unfortunately, studies indicate that dental care and prevention are lacking among children in a big way. Did you know that a report by the U.S. surgeon general revealed that over 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses? As a parent and dental professional this is extremely alarming. Here are some tips on how to protect the window to your child’s soul….their smile.
1. Visit the dentist regularly. At 1 year of age children should be seen for their first dental visit. It is highly recommended that children be seen twice a year for dental exams/cleanings. Building a cavity prevention plan for your child with his/her dental hygienist or dentist will keep both you and your child smiling.
2. Proper oral hygiene. Brushing for 1-2 minutes twice daily is essential. Brushing with water is acceptable or add a pea-size drop of toothpaste to the toothbrush. Flossing can be a more difficult task however if the teeth are close together/crowded you must help your child by flossing these areas.
3. Proper diet/vitamins. Follow the FDA’s guideline on nutrients for your child. Stocking your shelves with fruits and vegetables to allow your child to receive vitamin C, vitamin B-12, and calcium is important for tooth and gum health.
4. Limit juices and sodas. The citric acid in these drinks can quickly erode the enamel of baby and adult teeth. We recommend diluting juice 50/50 with water and avoiding soda. If your child does not take to the watered down version of juice then have them swish with water after they are finished drinking their juice.
5. Limit snacking. Frequent snacking can cause an acid overload which can lead to tooth decay.
6. Avoid sippy cups and bottles to put your child to sleep. Breast milk, infant formula, and milk all contain lactose which is a milk sugar. Over time, this habit can also lead to tooth decay.
Our Riverside cosmetic dental office is child-friendly and provides dental care for children of all ages. Our dental team is a family and we consider each patient a part of our extended family. We would be honored to treat you and your children with your dental needs. Please contact our Riverside cosmetic and family dental office at (951)686-3666.
Dr. Tomazin and his Team offer you a wealth of combined experience. We take pride in our ability to communicate and deliver the highest level of dentistry.