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 Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Three smiling cartoon women with porcelain dental veneers. — Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

You can achieve a beautiful white smile with good oral hygiene and teeth whitening, but for a permanent transformation, veneers are the best treatment. These thin porcelain shells cover deep stains, small gaps, and other imperfections. How long do they last?

Do Dental Veneers Last Forever?

Because we remove a little bit of enamel from your teeth before placing veneers, the veneer process is permanent. We replace veneers when necessary, though if you take care of your teeth, you can expect veneers to last 15 years or more. Veneers don’t require any special care. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings at the dentist will keep your veneers in great shape.

What’s the Veneer Process Like?

We’ll first make sure you’re eligible for veneers. You need to be free from gum disease and tooth decay. Once we’ve determined your eligibility, we’ll discuss your smile goals and design your custom veneers. We can use the porcelain shells to lengthen uneven teeth, close small gaps, cover stains, and hide small chips and cracks. Next, we’ll shave a bit of enamel off your teeth so the veneers aren’t bulky. Impressions of your smile then get sent to a lab where your veneers are made. We’ll make sure they fit and then bond them to your teeth!

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The more veneers you get, the more expensive the treatment will be. Veneers are also a cosmetic service, which means your insurance provider may not contribute. We’ll always provide an accurate price estimate before beginning work. We also offer patient financing options to divide the cost into manageable payments. Because veneers are permanent, many patients are happy to invest in a smile transformation.

Dental Veneers at Villa Vista Dental in Elk Grove, CA

Dr. Tin and the team love helping patients get the smiles of their dreams. Whether you want all your front teeth covered with veneers or just a few, your smile will look stunning and natural. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation for veneers, please contact us today!

Dental veneers can give you the perfect smile!

How to Prevent Morning Breath

Cartoon of a girl with green breath coming out of her mouth. — Image by Natalia Ovcharenko from Pixabay

After a good night’s sleep, waking up to bad breath, though nothing uncommon, is frustrating. We experience foul breath in the morning because saliva naturally decreases while we’re sleeping and this increases odor-causing bacteria. Poor oral hygiene, snoring at night, breathing through the mouth, and smoking are also some other causes of halitosis. Here are some preventive measures you can take to sustain a less odorous breath.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Since bacteria activity is the cause of bad breath, practicing good oral hygiene is key to warding off bacterial growth. Start with flossing everyday. The food stuck between your teeth can create a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to get into those hard-to-reach areas as well! Brush twice a day, especially once at night, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. The tongue is another hotbed for bacteria, so it’s best to brush your tongue thoroughly with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper for fresher breath.

Drink Water

Breathing or snoring through the mouth while sleeping can cause dry mouth, leading to sour breath. As a result, staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, starting in the morning and before bedtime, can help produce the saliva necessary to combat halitosis. A general rule of thumb according to Harvard Health Publishing is to drink 2-3 cups of water per hour, and more if you’re sweating.

Don’t Miss Your Dental Appointments

Regular checkups and cleanings are important for overall dental health, but they’re also key preventive measures to curb bad breath. A dentist can identify any serious issues that might contribute to bad breath, clean your teeth thoroughly, and provide more personalized tips for eliminating the stink. It’s suggested to visit your dentist twice a year or as recommended.

Preventive Care in Elk Grove, CA

Dr. Ricky Tin and our team at Villa Vista Dental value preventive care, and we’re devoted to bringing unrushed, comprehensive consultations to meet your dental needs. If you’re up for your regular exam or have any concerns you’d like to address, we’d love for you to contact us!

We have some tips for fresher breath in the morning!

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 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!

Why Does the Dentist Use Fluoride?

Patient in the dental chair receiving a fluoride treatment.

There’s an incredible, natural way to prevent decay and bacteria growth on your teeth: fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen your teeth and bones every time you brush your teeth or drink tap water. Another way to reap all the benefits fluoride can offer is through fluoride treatments at your dentist’s office, which we offer at Villa Vista Dental!

What Is Fluoride & What Does It Do?

Fluoride is an ionized form of fluorine, a natural mineral. You can find it in water, soil, air, and rocks. Fluoride supports strong bones and teeth because it mineralizes the enamel, or hard outside layer of the teeth. That’s why fluoride is often found in tap water and toothpaste to help ward off bacteria naturally.

Fluoride Treatments in Elk Grove, CA

At Villa Vista Dental, we offer easy fluoride treatments as part of our preventive dental services. It only takes minutes to complete a fluoride treatment, and all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let us apply a fluoride solution to your teeth. Because the solution bonds to your teeth instantly, you don’t need to do any after care or maintenance. In fact, you’re free to eat and drink after a fluoride treatment!

Fluoride treatments should just be one of the many ways you prevent cavities and decay. Nothing beats visiting Dr. Tin twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations along with brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Of course, you should also manage your habits (e.g., avoid smoking) and maintain a healthy diet to protect your teeth further.

Affordable Preventive Dentistry at Villa Vista Dental

If you are due for a dental appointment, we offer a range of services to help all smiles in need. Contact us to schedule your appointment today and learn more about our flexible financing options!

Fluoride treatments can prevent cavities!

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!

Tips to Avoid Dental Cavities

Family brushing their teeth together in front of the bathroom mirror.

From cavities to gum disease, many common dental issues can be avoided with preventive care. Today, we want to provide you with some information about how cavities develop along with some tips to avoid dental cavities. With this new knowledge, you’ll put yourself on the path for a lifetime of oral health.

What Is a Cavity?

Dental cavities are damage in your tooth enamel that gradually develop into tiny holes, or cavities, if left untreated. If cavities aren’t addressed, they keep growing into the sensitive inner layers of your tooth. This can result in toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.

What Causes Cavities?

There are several things that can contribute to cavity development: oral bacteria, a diet high in sugar, and poor oral hygiene. As the bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar that you eat, it produces acid. Over time, this acid wears away on tooth enamel. Without good dental cleaning habits, this can result in cavities.

What Are Tips to Avoid Dental Cavities?

Now for some good news: cavities are often preventable. Here are some tips for keeping your smile free from cavities.

1. At-Home Oral Hygiene

The best thing you can do to protect your pearly whites is to have an at-home oral hygiene routine. This means brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing each day.

2. A Healthy Diet

Another way to avoid cavities is to limit your sugar intake. If oral bacteria have less sugar to feed on, they’ll produce less acid. Combined with regular brushing and flossing, this can keep your teeth cavity-free.

3. Regular Dental Checkups

Our final tip to avoid dental cavities is to keep up with your dental checkups. At Villa Vista Dental, we recommend that our patients receive a professional cleaning every six months or so. This allows our team to spot and treat any potential cavities or other issues before they become a more serious problem.

Cavity Prevention in Elk Grove, CA

Dr. Tin is a big proponent of preventive care! We offer many preventive treatments that can keep your smile healthy including dental sealants, fluoride treatments, custom mouthguards and oral cancer screenings. To ask our team any questions about these services or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!

Preventive exams will help keep your smile cavity-free!

Dos & Don’ts for a Hollywood Smile

Young professional woman with a beautiful smile.

Most people aren’t born with perfect smiles, and that includes celebrities, too! If you’ve been comparing your smile to those that you see on the red carpet, you shouldn’t! Most celebrities have received high-end dental work to achieve their red-carpet-ready smiles. Want to get a smile that shines just as bright as the Hollywood stars? Here’s what you need to know about cosmetic dentistry!

Cosmetic Dentistry Don’ts

There are many at-home remedies and over-the-counter products that claim to improve your smile’s appearance, especially whitening products! You can even buy cheap veneers and clear aligner trays online! Some of these products can do permanent damage to your teeth. Getting an expert dental opinion and examination is the best route when altering your smile’s appearance. Your dentist will be able to determine if teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental treatments are the right option for your smile and oral health. Whether you’re considering a product from the store or something you read about online, the best rule of thumb is to ALWAYS consult with your dentist before trying or buying!

Cosmetic Dentistry Do’s

First and foremost, find a trustworthy, skilled dentist who offers a variety of cosmetic dental treatments! Your smile can completely change your overall look, so finding a competent, experienced dentist for cosmetic dentistry treatments is crucial! You want to ensure your dentist can help bring your dream smile to life and give you a smile you feel confident behind. Once you find a dentist you love, take the time to work with them to explore your cosmetic treatment options to determine the perfect route for your smile makeover.

Common Cosmetic Procedures

There are many different dental treatments that can be used to enhance your smile. The most common are teeth whitening, teeth straightening and dental veneers. Dental veneers can be used to correct the look of just one or two teeth, but they can also be used to totally transform an entire smile. Dental crowns can also be used to correct the size, shape or color of a tooth. Dr. Tin and the team at Villa Vista Dental offer all of these services and more. During your consultation, we can explore the many options available to give you a beautiful smile that fits your budget.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation in Elk Grove, CA

Ready to transform your smile? At Villa Vista Dental, we believe everyone deserves to have a smile they feel great about. If you’re looking for a high-quality dental practice in the Elk Grove area, our Villa Vista Dental team is ready and equipped to take care of your cosmetic dentistry needs! Please contact our office to schedule your consultation!

Dr. Tin provides many cosmetic dental treatments to enhance your smile!