Wisdom Teeth

Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

As we enter our teens, we may see wisdom teeth start to pop up in the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars. They can be kept in the mouth if they are healthy and aligned, but that is not typically the case. They often come in crooked or become impacted, causing pain and infection. Dr. Tommy C. Le is a Santa Ana dentist who can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Complications

Misalignment is a common issue with wisdom teeth. They may erupt horizontally or become angled inward or outward. This alignment issue can affect adjacent teeth or even damage the nerves and jawbone. If this is a possible issue, then your dentist will have your wisdom teeth removed.

Impaction is another common issue. This occurs when the tooth only partially erupts through the gums. This is not a good thing, as this allows bacteria to cause an infection around the tooth. An infection can cause swelling and a stiff jaw. In addition, wisdom teeth that have partially erupted are hard to reach and, as a result, can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

If you do need to have your wisdom teeth removed, do as it as soon as possible. The procedure is easier when you're younger. As you age, the recovery time is longer.

Painful Wisdom Teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or worse yet - an infection - it's probably time to have them removed. Contact Santa Ana dentist Dr. Tommy C. Le for a consultation at (714) 542-7400.

www.123dentalsa.com

Dental Implants for Permanent Tooth Replacement in Santa Ana, CA

Keeping good care of your teeth still sometimes cannot prevent them from being lost. Accidents and injuries to the mouth can cause a tooth to fall out; altering the way one eats and speaks. Here at 123 Dental in Santa Ana, CA, Dr. Tommy C. Le is repairing smiles permanently with dental implants.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that has the ability to last a lifetime, unlike bridges and dentures. Implants are inserted into the bone socket to bond with the jawbone just like a normal tooth, so its stability and durable qualities are unlike any other option for replacement.

Dr. Le inserts a titanium post into the bone socket to serve as the tooth’s root. An abutment is then attached to the post to serve as the base for the new tooth. The post will need three to six months to bond with the jaw bone, so during this time a temporary crown will be placed so you can continue normal function. When the healing process is complete, the permanent tooth replacement will be cemented into place. The tooth replacement, a crown, is made to look and feel just like one of your natural teeth so it will blend right in and complete your smile!

If you are missing one or more teeth and are looking for a replacement to last a lifetime, dental implants may be the option for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tommy C. Le in our Santa Ana, CA dental practice, call 123 Dental at (714) 542-7400 or visit our website, www.123dentalsa.com. 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain when they are growing in and can cause just as much pain once they are grown in. Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to grow often need to be removed. Dr. Tommy C. Le of 123 Dental in Santa Ana, CA has used his expertise to perform many wisdom teeth extractions for our patients.

Wisdom teeth can grow in at bad angles that damage other teeth and create hard-to-reach areas. Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to grow in at all become trapped in the jawbone. These teeth can cause a lot of pain and can harbor bacteria when they only emerge partially. Even when wisdom teeth do grow in normally and with enough room, they can hard to reach, which can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar.

To begin the process, Dr. Le will make an incision in the gums if it is necessary to reveal the tooth. If bone tissue also needs to be removed, it will be removed at this time. The tooth will be rocked back and forth until it is loosened enough to be pulled out. Breaking the tooth into section sometimes helps for complex cases.

If your wisdom teeth are growing in, an examination will be able to tell you if they should be removed. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tommy C. Le at 123 Dental in Santa Ana, CA, call us at (714) 542-7400 or visit our website, www.123dentalsa.com. 

Cosmetic Dentistry in Santa Ana, CA

Having confidence in your smile can allow you to take on any situation.  Your smile is often the first thing someone notices about you, and when you are not comfortable showing off your smile, it can be a serious hit to your confidence. Here at 123 Dental in Santa Ana, CA, Dr. Tommy C. Le and his associate dentists have expertise in cosmetic dentistry, so no matter what dental issue you are unhappy with, Dr. Le and his associate dentists can give you a smile to be proud of!

From minor chips, to major smile overhauls, to simple whitening, Dr. Le and his associate dentists are able to perform many procedures to improve a smile. For teeth that have chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration, Dr. Le and his associate dentists offer dental bonding (ie white fillings). Bonding is a resin smoothed over an imperfection, hardened, and polished for natural look. For professional whitening, the office provides a couple of different options. Depending on your current shade and the level of whiteness you would like to be at, 123 Dental staff can create results six to ten shades whiter!

Another option for teeth that are cracked, chipped, crooked, misshapen, or discolored, Dr. Le offers Lumineers, veneers, and Snap-On Smile. Dr. Le will talk with you and examine your teeth to find out which option is best for you. Lumineers and veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of your existing teeth. Snap-On Smile is similar but it is removable.

Being unhappy with your smile does not have to be life-long. To discuss your cosmetic desires, schedule an appointment with Dr. Tommy C. Le or his associate dentists of 123 Dental here in Santa Ana, CA. Give us a call at (714) 542-7400 or visit our website, www.123dentalsa.com. 

Family Dentistry For All Ages in Santa Ana, CA

Finding a caring, gentle, and affordable dentist who can treat all ages is not easy for families. Dental care is important for kids, adults, and seniors, and at 123 Dental in Santa Ana, CA, we can provide the highest quality, gentle, and affordable dentistry. Dr. Tommy C. Le and his associate dentists offer the expertise, services, and technology needed to provide patients of all ages with healthy mouths.

Whether your family member is in need of general dental care like exams and cleanings, restorative care, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, preventative care, or periodontic care, Dr. Tommy C. Le, and his associate dentists have the experience and knowledge to deliver successful and gentle procedures. In our kid-friendly atmosphere, kids who are afraid of the dentist will find comfort here at 123 Dental. We understand the fear that kids may have seeing the dentist and aim to make them feel relaxed.

Here at 123 Dental, we strive to keep updating our technology as it continues to advance. With technology like digital x-rays, the Panorex, and intraoral cameras, we are able to see your teeth and jaw structure like never before. Electric handpieces and rotary endodontics allow us precision and more comfortable procedures. We also have the ability to detect oral abnormalities early with our oral cancer screenings.

If you are looking for a dentist who can provide a vast amount of oral care for all ages, Dr. Tommy C. Le and his associate dentists here at 123 Dental are your best bets. To learn more about our Santa Ana, CA dental practice, please call us at (714) 542-7400 or visit our website, www.123dentalsa.com.