Tooth Extractions – Staging

Kind and Compassionate Tooth Removal in Canoga Park

If you’re searching for a dentist for a tooth extraction, chances are you’re feeling worried and a bit stressed. The dental procedure for tooth removal is complex, but when you work with a kind and welcoming dental practice, the process can be much easier. If you live or work in the Canoga Park area, The Dental Health Group can help. Our lead dentist,  Dr. Erwin Abad, works with patients to explain the steps of tooth extraction.

When is Tooth Removal Necessary?

Some teeth need to be pulled because they are severely decayed, have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Sometimes, dentists need to perform a tooth extraction because teeth are impacted (such as removing wisdom teeth) or for orthodontic treatment.

Keep in mind that modern dentistry has many ways to replace an extracted tooth. After a tooth is removed, our dentists will discuss the replacement options to ensure that the empty space does not cause problems related to chewing ability, jaw joint, or shifting teeth. In addition to your health, it’s important to us that you feel confident about your smile.

What is the Tooth Extraction Process?

An extraction has several steps. First, the dentist will need to numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums with a local anesthetic. Throughout the procedure, you will likely feel some pressure, but the numbing around your nerves will prevent sharp pain. If you do experience pain, please let us know.

Next, depending on the size and condition of the tooth, the dentist may need to section the tooth before removal. This is a common procedure where the dentist cuts the tooth into sections and removes each section one at a time. We typically need to do this if the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove the whole tooth at once.

After tooth extraction, the dentist will have you bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. We recommend that you do something relaxing like watch TV or listen to music during this time. After about 45 minutes—or a bit longer for some patients—a clot will form. For the 72 hours following tooth removal, avoid vigorously rinsing the mouth, sucking on straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol. In addition, avoid vigorous exercise for a few days. If your heart’s pumping too fast right after the procedure, it may cause fresh bleeding from the extraction site.

How Will I Feel After the Tooth Removal Process?

Our dentists will always be upfront with you about what to expect. After a tooth is extracted, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling. Applying an ice pack or unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your regular dental routine after 24 hours. This routine should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once daily. Good oral hygiene will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. Patients are always encouraged to contact the office with any questions or concerns in the days following their tooth extraction. Our dentists are here to help you every step of the way!

Contact The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park Today

While it may seem scary, remember that a tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and that our experienced doctors and staff will have you in good hands. Don’t let the tooth removal process cause you to worry. Schedule an appointment with The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park today. We are happy to hear your concerns and make a personalized treatment plan.

Dentures – Staging

The Dental Health Group Offers Restorative Dentistry and Denture Care

While dental dentures are one of the oldest forms of restorative dentistry, new advancements in dental care and improved technology have made denture care easier than ever. The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park can enhance your smile, eating ability, and oral health.

Our goal is to offer dental dentures that are natural looking and undetectable. In addition, our experienced dentists can help you transition to dentures for the first time or replace an existing set that has become worn or discolored.

How Can Dental Dentures Help Me?

Dentures are used when a person’s original teeth have experienced significant decay or are badly damaged. Whether you need a full or a partial denture, this carefully fabricated appliance is custom-designed for each patient. It replaces the preexisting teeth while providing support for the lips, cheeks, and lower face.

  • Modern dental dentures are fabricated to look similar to your original teeth in color and size.
  • Dentures completely restore your smile and solve many chewing problems.
  • Additionally, dentures can help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

If you’re searching for a reputable and experienced dentist knowledgeable in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park is ready to meet you. We are currently accepting new patients, and we invite you to schedule a consultation to meet our caring staff.

What Do I Need to Know About Denture Care?

Modern-day dental dentures are durable, comfortable, and long-lasting. If you’re new to needing dentures and understanding how to care for them, here’s some helpful information to get you started.

  1. The first step will be creating the immediate denture. This is a short-term protective appliance that is inserted into your mouth after the extraction of the teeth. This denture allows your gums and tissues to heal and prepares you for the second step.
  2. The conventional denture is custom-made for your mouth and is fitted after complete healing. Depending on your individual needs, you may be equipped with an upper denture that covers the upper row of teeth and the roof of the mouth or a lower denture that is horseshoe-shaped to accommodate the lower row of teeth and the tongue. In some cases, patients may need both upper and lower dentures.

We have two primary materials for making dentures and will choose the best option based on what you need and your preferences.

  • Porcelain: Porcelain is the material that’s been used for decades to craft dentures. It provides a natural look, although it can be more expensive than acrylic.
  • Acrylic: Many of today’s dentures are made in a dental lab from durable acrylic that sits lighter in your mouth and fits better than traditional porcelain. Hardly anyone will realize you’re wearing dentures!

Depending on the age you receive dentures, there is a possibility that over time, the appliance may need to be replaced or refitted to keep the jaw alignment normal and comfortable. While dentures are of course different from natural teeth, regular dental examinations are still necessary to check gums and tissues for disease or change.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If you’re searching for a knowledgeable, welcoming dentist in the Canoga Park region that has experience with denture care, contact The Dental Health Group today. Our doctors specialize in cosmetic procedures. We go the extra mile to make sure your dentures feel great, look natural, and improve the shape of your jaw. Call 818-718-2000 with questions or to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Teeth Cleaning – Staging

Overdue for cleaning your teeth? Our dentists can help!

While most people know that routine dental care is vital to good health, making an appointment can be challenging. If you’re in the Canoga Park area and need an appointment for teeth cleaning, dentists at The Dental Health Group are accepting new patients! All ages can benefit from preventative dentistry and regular teeth cleaning appointments. These twice-yearly visits can help stop tooth decay, gingivitis, halitosis (chronic bad breath), and periodontal disease. When we work together, your mouth stays healthy, and your smile looks its best!

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

When you visit The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park for routine teeth cleaning, our dentists will take you through a multi-step process to help you look your best and stay healthy. Here’s what you can expect from routine teeth cleaning appointments:

  1. Plaque removal. Tartar and plaque develop on your teeth and above and below the gum line. While this buildup is a natural result of eating and drinking, failure to remove it can result in periodontal problems. While following a routine of twice daily brushing and flossing at home helps, home care is not enough to remove all bacteria and deposits from the teeth and gums. The only way to completely clean the teeth and gums is by visiting the dentist. An experienced dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized dental equipment to remove damaging buildup and check for signs of infection, tooth decay, and oral cancers.
  2. Fresher breath. Do you have bad breath even after you’ve brushed your teeth? Chances are it’s a sign of developing periodontal disease. Routine teeth cleanings can combat this problem by removing the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Visiting the dentist for professional teeth cleaning can improve bad breath and stop gum disease in its tracks.
  3. A healthier-looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can wreck your smile and lower your self-esteem. Routine teeth cleanings and cosmetic dentistry options can rid your teeth of these unsightly stains.

How often should I schedule routine teeth cleanings?

Routine cleanings should be scheduled twice a year, but those who experience difficulty with home care (due to arthritis, reduced mobility, or sensory challenges) should schedule routine teeth cleaning with a dentist more frequently. The Dental Health Group staff can provide you with an appointment schedule that meets your unique health needs.

What can I expect during dental cleanings?

Regular teeth cleaning with our dentist consists of evaluating your mouth for gum disease, inflammation, pocketing of the gums, tartar buildup, and stains caused by food, smoking, or medication. We will also clean, floss, and polish your teeth, examine your x-rays and discuss any additional treatments that may be needed.

How can I schedule my teeth cleaning appointment?

The Dental Health Group is accepting new patients! Visit our contact page, provide some basic information, and schedule an appointment. Our team will promptly reach out to you.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If it’s been a long time since your last teeth cleaning appointment, don’t delay! Contact The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park today. We look forward to seeing you!

Canoga Park’s Best
Cosmetic Dentistry

Safe and Trusted Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures from The Dental Health Group

A beautiful smile boosts confidence and self-esteem. At The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park, we pride ourselves on being the best cosmetic dentistry office in the area. Transforming stained or crooked teeth is both science and an art form. Our practice combines dental skill and expertise with scientifically approved cosmetic dentistry procedures, and the results can completely redesign your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Offered at The Dental Health Group

A woman with perfectly white teeth and a radiant smile talks into a microphone

Want Whiter, Brighter Teeth? We Can Help!

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Years of drinking coffee, smoking, or taking certain medications can result in yellow or brown-stained teeth. There are many teeth whitening procedures available, but not all of them are safe for your long-term health.

The Dental Health Group believes in providing the best cosmetic dentistry in the Canoga Park area, so our professionals use the Zoom! In-Office System (fast results requiring an office appointment) and the Zoom! Take-Home System (slower results in the comfort of your home). Clinical studies have shown that teeth whitening administered through a dentist’s care is the safest option. If you’re satisfied with the color of your teeth, give us a call to find out more.

Tired of Looking at Chipped, Cracked, or Damaged Teeth? Let Us Help!

Many patients who live or work in Canoga Park have visited us for dental bonding. Bonding is one of the best cosmetic dentistry procedures for repairing chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth. First, our dentists thoroughly clean the surface of the tooth or teeth and apply a bonding liquid. Then, a plastic resin in a color matching your natural teeth is sculpted into place by the dentist. The resin bond is then smoothed and polished for a sparkling new look.

Is Straightening Crooked Teeth a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

If you suffer from crooked teeth, we can help. Braces and retainers can move teeth into alignment. These interventions not only improve the appearance of the teeth and smile but also help to reduce the oral health problems that can occur when teeth are crowded together. Our orthodontic dentistry will help you achieve a confidence-boosting, healthy smile!

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If you’re looking for the best cosmetic dentistry practice in Canoga Park, CA, make an appointment with The Dental Health Group today. We are accepting new patients, and we take most insurances. Our staff can help you determine which cosmetic dentistry procedures your insurance may cover. Please explore our website to learn more about our full menu of services. We look forward to seeing you!

Dental Implants Dentures

Restorative Dentistry in Canoga Park

If you’ve experienced significant damage or tooth decay, you may require a dental implant or dentures. Both dentures and implants are lab-designed replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. At the Dental Health Group in Canoga Park, dentures are one of our restorative dentistry specialties. We’ve helped patients from all over Los Angeles return to eating anything and smiling confidently.

Understanding Dental Implants and Dentures

Dental implants are inserted into a person’s jawbone where an individual tooth or teeth are missing. The titanium post bonds with the bone and creates a strong foundation that mimics what we have with our natural teeth. While dental implants are often desired because having a complete set of teeth is essential for eating a healthy, well-rounded diet, having implants also preserves a person’s facial structure and prevents further deterioration in the mouth and oral cavity.

If you have several missing teeth, dentures may be the better option for restoring health and functionality to your mouth. Unlike dental implants permanently inserted into a patient’s jawbone, dentures are a removable, lab-fabricated appliance inserted into the mouth. Dentures are designed to replace several natural teeth and support the facial structure around the cheeks and lips.

If you live or work in the Canoga Park area, having a qualified dentist work with you for dental implants or dentures can change your life! When properly done, dentures and implants can help you rediscover the comfort and joy of eating, speaking, and laughing.

What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

If you have recently relocated to Canoga Park or are a new patient at The Dental Health Group, we will start with a dental/radiographic examination to fully understand your oral health and restorative dentistry needs. Once we have information about your health history, we can proceed with the dental implant procedure or begin discussing which type of dentures would suit your lifestyle.

For most patients, dental implants will involve two surgical appointments several months apart.

Appointment #1: For this appointment, the titanium posts are placed in the jawbone. For the next several months, the posts gradually bond with the bone. During this time, you will wear a temporary denture and eat a soft diet while your customized implant or bridgework is manufactured.

Appointment #2: After the post has bonded to the jawbone, the dental surgeon will connect the dental implants to each post. From start to finish, the entire procedure of both appointments usually takes between six to eight months, and most patients experience little or no disruption in their daily lives.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If you’re searching for a friendly, knowledgeable dentist in Canoga Park, CA who has experience with dental implants and dentures, make an appointment with The Dental Health Group today. Restoring smiles is truly our passion. Whether you have worn dentures before or you are considering this for the first time, our goal is to keep you comfortable and informed at every step of the process. Send us your questions! We look forward to seeing you here soon.

Dental Bridges for
Your Teeth

Your teeth play a vital role in communicating, chewing food, and maintaining good health for the entire oral cavity. Tooth loss can happen at any age, either through an accident, poor oral hygiene practices, or naturally due to age.

Regardless of how tooth loss occurs, the missing tooth or teeth must be replaced to ensure the health and proper functioning of your mouth and jaw. If you need to replace missing teeth, a bridge or partial denture can be a solution that puts you on the road to good health and a smile you’ll be proud to share.

Understanding the Procedures for a Dental Bridge and Partial Denture

If you live or work in the LA Valley and are searching for a reputable dentist skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, The Dental Health Group can help! A dental bridge is a custom-crafted device inserted into your mouth to replace the missing teeth. Because each bridge is made specifically for your mouth, the artificial teeth will blend in naturally with the teeth nearby. Bridges can be permanently attached to your gums and jawbone (also called fixed bridges), or they can be removable (known as a partial denture).

What’s the difference between a fixed dental bridge and a removable bridge?

While both options for bridges fill the gap between your teeth, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a professional dentist. Removable bridges, or partial dentures, can be taken out of your mouth and cleaned. While a removable bridge may be more convenient, a fixed bridge provides more stability to the rest of your teeth and mouth. As a result of the bridge, your lips and cheeks will maintain their natural shape and appearance. Additionally, a bridge can reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent speech disorders that develop due to missing teeth.

What is the Procedure for a Dental Bridge?

If you have recently moved to the LA Valley or are a new patient at The Dental Health Group, we will start with a dental/radiographic examination to fully understand your restorative dentistry needs and the condition of your teeth.

For most patients, a bridge will involve two appointments to complete.

Appointment #1: The dentist will remove a portion of the enamel and dentin from the teeth on either side of the gap. Because the bridge must be fabricated to the measurements of your bite and mouth, we’ll take molded impressions and send them to the dental lab where the bridge will be constructed.

Appointment #2: The bridge will be fitted into your mouth for this appointment. The procedure will vary depending on whether you have a fixed or removable bridge. Dental crowns are placed on the adjacent natural teeth to support the bridge. We’ll show you the correct method to brush and floss around this area so you can keep it clean.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If you’re searching for a friendly, knowledgeable dentist in the LA Valley who has experience with dental bridge procedures, make an appointment with The Dental Health Group today. When you come into our office, we will give you a full consultation and answer your questions before beginning any work. Bring your questions or give us a call at 818-718-2000. We look forward to meeting you.

Need a Dental Crown
Procedure?

While the dental crown procedure has been around for decades, modern technological advances have made it an easier and longer-lasting treatment for dental problems than ever before. So if you’ve been told you need a dental crown, don’t worry! The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park can help restore your smile and oral health.

Our goal is to provide restorative dentistry that is undetectable. Our highly-qualified and experienced dentists can provide new dental crowns or replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that feel natural and blend perfectly with your other teeth.

How Can Dental Crowns Help Me?

If you live or work in the Canoga Park area and are searching for a reputable dentist skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, The Dental Health Group is accepting new patients.

  • Crowns offer support to teeth that have significant decay or are badly damaged.
  • Modern crowns look completely natural and blend with your other teeth.
  • A crown can improve your smile and solve chewing problems.
  • Additionally, a crown can help reduce your risk of gum disease.

Understanding the Procedure for a Dental Crown

If you have recently moved to the Canoga Park, CA region or are a new patient at The Dental Health Group, we will start with a dental/radiographic examination to fully understand the condition of your teeth. For most patients, the dental crown procedure requires two appointments.

Appointment #1: During the first appointment, the dentist will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.

Appointment #2: During the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. The new crown will be cemented into place, and you’ll leave the office with a beautiful new tooth. In addition, you will be shown the correct method for brushing and flossing to keep the crown and surrounding area clean.

Regardless of age, many people experience unexplained pain in their back teeth. This pain may be caused by hairline cracks developing in the part of the tooth that comes into contact with food. When a dentist places crowns on these teeth, it can relieve pain and discomfort and allow the person to regain full dental function and eat all kinds of foods again. In addition, for teeth near the front of the mouth, older fillings or crowns can cause appearance problems due to staining or chipping. For both of these issues, dental crowns or dental bridges can provide a pain-reducing, appearance-boosting, long-term solution.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

If you’re searching for a friendly, knowledgeable dentist in the Canoga Park region that has experience with dental crown procedures,  make an appointment with The Dental Health Group today. We look forward to seeing you!

Oral Surgery

Cosmetic Dental Surgeons in Canoga Park?

The Dental Health Group is a trusted provider of oral surgery for patients throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our dentists are board-certified dental surgeons offering a full range of surgical care for the mouth, teeth, and facial area for patients requiring oral surgery. Highly qualified and with state-of-the-art equipment, our dentists make your health and safety their top priorities.

We do everything possible to make the Dental Health Group a welcoming and stress-free environment. However, we understand that many patients may have worries about the pain of oral surgery or the costs associated with treatment. Contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll gladly go over the specifics of your procedure and answer any insurance questions you may have. Your confidence and dental health matter to us!

Why You May Need a Dental Surgeon

There are a few common procedures that require the expertise of an oral surgery dentist.

Removing Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth extraction is common between ages 17 and 25, and when handled by a qualified specialist, it is a safe and complication-free procedure. If you or your teenager have experienced pain related to your wisdom teeth, call us for a consultation.

Inserting Dental Implants

It’s relatively common for adults to lose a permanent tooth, whether due to an accident, injury, or significant decay. Missing a tooth can lead to difficulties with eating and can negatively impact self-image. Our team can explain the entire dental implant process, which is highly effective for replacing missing teeth. In addition, our dental surgeons have specialized training in this area that will ensure you experience optimal results and come away with a smile you’ll love to share.

Bone Grafting

Being told you need bone grafting to repair your teeth or jaw may sound frightening, but for a dentist with oral surgery experience, it’s a common procedure. Whether you’ve experienced an accident or injury or need to improve bone density in your jaw because bone loss has occurred, the Dental Health Group can guide you through the process so proper healing can take place.

Contact The Dental Health Group Today

Located in beautiful Canoga Park, CA, our office welcomes patients from all across the Valley. If you’ve been told that you need oral surgery, make an appointment with our dentists for a consultation or just give us a call at 818-718-2000. If you’re new with us, we’ll listen to your health history and explain all of your options before recommending a path forward. Your care is our passion. We hope to see you soon!

Inlays & Onlays

If you’re worried about the integrity of your smile, you should know that there are many options to restore the look of your teeth and the strength of your bite. One way is to use inlays and onlays.

What is a Dental Inlay or Onlay?

Inlays and onlays are both small pieces of custom-made porcelain that are fixed to the tooth to fill a gap in the enamel. These pieces restore strength to a damaged tooth, preventing it from further breaking or cracking, and improving its overall appearance.

The flat surface of dental onlays provides more coverage for your teeth. If you have an onlay, it will cover nearly all of your natural enamel. An inlay is similar to an onlay, but it has more of a concave shape to fit into the hollow inner portion of your tooth. When you visit our office in Canoga Park, Dr. Abad will determine whether inlays, onlays, or both are required for your teeth.

Either way, dental inlays and onlays are durable, long-lasting, and virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.

How are They Applied?

The process for both onlay and inlay procedures typically involves two appointments and begins with an examination of your teeth and gums. Dr. Abad will then decide which one is appropriate for you based on the condition of your teeth. Once he has determined which procedure will be used, he will then prepare your teeth by removing any decay from the root of the tooth and the surrounding areas.

Next, Dr. Abad will take an impression of one or more of your teeth to create an exact replica. The lab requires this to create a custom-fit dental inlay or dental onlay. When the impression is all done, we’ll send it away to our lab so they can make sure everything is correct before sending it back to us.

When the restoration is ready, you can finally try them on at your second visit. Dr. Abad will make any necessary adjustments before affixing them into place with dental cement, then he’ll polish the area until it blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Give a Fresh Start to Your Smile

The Dental Health Group understands that having a beautiful smile is an important part of feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. That’s why we’re here to help with dental onlay or inlay treatments. These procedures are designed to restore the natural beauty of your smile, giving you back the confidence to smile without worry.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have and speak with you about all of our cosmetic dental procedures. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 818-718-2000. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Dental Bonding

The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park Can Help!

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, consider dental bonding. Gaps, cracked enamel, and chipped or discolored teeth can benefit from this common cosmetic dentistry procedure.

At The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park, we recommend dental bonding as an alternative to porcelain teeth veneers for those seeking cosmetic enhancement. In addition, if you have teeth that have been damaged due to an accident or injury, are excessively stained due to smoking or medications, or if your teeth naturally have spaces or gaps, dental bonding can be an effective restorative procedure.

How does dental bonding work?

When you visit us in Canoga Park, Dr. Abad will meet with you to discuss your health history and your goals for improving your smile. Once he has determined that dental bonding is the best course of treatment, we will gently etch your teeth using a specially formulated bonding liquid. After the liquid sets, the dentist will apply a plastic resin and sculpt it into the desired shape. Finally, the dentist will trim, smooth, and polish the resin to give it a natural appearance. With dental bonding, gaps, staining, chips, and cracks can disappear, leaving you with a beautiful and brilliant smile!

Key Benefits of Dental Bonding

– Stains and discoloration disappear

– Repairs cracked or chipped teeth

– Eliminates or reduces gaps between teeth

Considerations for dental bonding

We can usually complete the bonding procedure in a single office visit, and patients are often amazed by how significantly it improves the appearance of their teeth. It’s important to note that the resin used for dental bonding is not as strong or as durable as the enamel naturally found in your teeth. For this reason, we recommend refreshing the bonding resin every three to five years, along with maintaining a regular schedule of teeth cleaning and dental exams and checkups.

How do I schedule an appointment for the dental bonding procedure?

To get started, contact us to schedule your appointment. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure. We can also discuss payment and financing options, as well as determine what portion of the procedure your insurance will cover.

Contact The Dental Health Group in Canoga Park Today

Don’t let gaps between your teeth dampen your self-esteem! Call 818-718-2000 to schedule your dental bonding appointment with The Dental Health Group today.