Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Improve Your Grin with Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding can repair that chip in your tooth or fix the gap that has kept you from smiling your entire life. Thanks to modern dental technology and your Dentist in La Jolla, you can flash your pearly whites with a simple procedure known as Dental Bonding.

According to Wikipedia, Dental Bonding, or Adhesive Dentistry, is a restorative cosmetic dental technique that your dentist uses to bond tooth colored resin in order to repair gaps and cracks. Dental Bonding can also be used to replace silver amalgam fillings and fill cavities.

When you schedule an appointment with your San Diego Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen will determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Bonding. You will need to have healthy teeth and gums before your dentist proceeds with Dental Bonding.

When Dr. Michael Buonocore wrote a paper on the benefits of adhesive dentistry and acid etching it revolutionized modern cosmetic dentistry. Although Dental Bonding technology has changed over the years, it is the work by Dr. Buonocore that began the evolution of acid etching products.

In 1979, Dr. Irwin Smigel broadened the use of Dental Bonding by using it to close the gaps in-between teeth. Dr. Smigel also used Dental Bonding to re-contour the mouth using Dental Bonding instead of crowns. During this time, he also used Dental Bonding to lengthen teeth that were too short.

If you are deemed a good candidate for Dental Bonding, your dentist will choose a resin color that best matches the tooth or teeth. After the color has been selected, your dentist will etch or abrade the surface so that the tooth will bond. After the etching, your dentist will apply a conditioning liquid so that the resin can adhere. Once the tooth or teeth have been prepared, your dentist will apply a very durable plastic tooth colored resin material before molding and smoothing it into the proper shape. Once satisfied, your dentist will cure the Dental Bond with a blue light or laser. After the resin has hardened, your dentist will shape and trim before polishing it to match the rest of the surface on the tooth.
No preparation is required for Dental Bonding, and unless it is being used for a filling, no anesthetic is required. Dental Bonding takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete per tooth and may require additional visits if more than one tooth is being bonded.   

For more information regarding Dental Bonding, schedule an appointment with your Dentist today who can determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Bonding. 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Stop Procrastinating and Find a New Dentist

If you are moving to a new town or state, or just simply want to find a new dentist, it is imperative that you do your research. Locating a good dentist takes time and is more than searching through your local yellow pages.

Whatever your situation, ask your friends, family members and co-workers who they would recommend. Find out whom they trust when it comes to regular dental checkups and you will have a head start when it comes to finding a new dentist. 

If you are moving and didn’t get a referral from your old dentist or do not know anyone in the area go online and do a search. A few websites act as search engines. All you have to do is type in your city and what kind of dentist you are searching for and you will be given a list of recommended dentists in your area. You can also check out the American Dental Association website where you will find a list of ADArecommended dentists.

Once you have a list of dentists that fit your lifestyle, go to the dental practices website. Click on the services page and look for detailed descriptions of the treatments that are catered for.

If you are in search of a Cosmetic Dentist, find one who is accredited and keeps up with continuing education. Cosmetic Dental procedures are constantly changing and you want to locate a dentist who specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, attends regular classes, and knows the current trends when it comes to dental restoration.

Read the About Us page. A good Dental website will have team member profiles so that you can check out the staff’s credentials, as well as the dentists.

Look for dental articles. A dental blog will tell you that the dentist you have your eye on is keeping his patients informed when it comes to modern dentistry with informative and educational blogs that both enlighten and entertain.

A good dental practice will give you a tour of the practice. A picture truly does paint more than a thousand words. Check outthe gallery and make sure that the dental equipment looks new and modern.  

Choosing a good dentist doesn’t have to be something you keep procrastinating about. Thanks to the internet you have the tools to find the perfect dentist whether you are looking after a family of four, a single mom with a toddler, or fresh out of college living on your own.

Trust your inner voice, call those dentists on your list, and make your appointment today.  Your new smile really is just a phone call away.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Chronic Halitosis is Uncomfortable for Everyone

If your party invitations are few and far between, you could be suffering from bad breath, and although 95 percent of men and women experience halitosis at some point in their lives, chronic bad breath is something completely different. According to CNN, 80 million people in the United States deal with chronic halitosis
A number of things can cause bad breath, but the number one reason is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing twice and flossing once a day and skipping regular appointments with your Dentist in La Jolla could be to blame.

Those food particles that you didn’t take care of after lunch will promote bacteria growth around your gums and between your teeth. Try rinsing with a mouthwash or water after meals if brushing and flossing isn’t an option. Make sure to brush your tongue as well as this can help reduce bacteria. Bacteria will live on your tongue creating an unpleasant odor, much like rotten eggs. Because the bacteria are so far back it is difficult to brush with a normal toothbrush. You can rid yourself of the sulfur compounds by gargling with mouthwashes that contain chlorine dioxide and gargle with your tongue out. Your La Jolla Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen, also recommends that you invest in a tongue scraper and make sure that you rinse after each use.

If you do have bad breath but take care of your teeth and gums, your diet could be to blame. Eating odorous foods such as onions, garlic and spicy foods could be the reason that people avoid you at all costs. After you eat, the saliva in your mouth breaks down the food. Once digested the foods that you eat are absorbed into your bloodstream and eventually settle into your lungs causing bad breath. The odor from these types of foods will stay put until all it has completely left your body.

Chewing tobacco and smoking could also be the reason for your chronic halitosis, stained teeth and irritated gums. Talk to your doctor or dentist about quitting if you are having a tough time kicking the habit.

Your 92307 Dentist also warns of gum disease. Bad breath is a sign that you may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease could damage your jawbone and even cause your teeth to fall out. Schedule an appointment with Dentist in San Diego who will be able to determine if your bad breath is caused by gum disease.

Of course, health problems could also be the reason that others can’t stand to be near you. Bronchitis, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, postnasal drip, dry mouth or acid reflux are just a few of the reasons people have halitosis. 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry Has Certainly Changed

Dentistry has certainly changed over the years, but thanks to modern techniques and your Dentist in La Jolla, Dr. David Kitchen, you do not have to resort to the drastic measures that our ancestors did when it came to cosmetic dentistry and tooth whitening.

Tooth whitening has been around for thousands of years with the ancient Egyptians whitening their teeth around 4,000 years ago. White teeth symbolized beauty, wealth, and power and was achieved using a wine vinegar paste that was applied to the teeth.


Although it sounds disgusting, the ancient Romans used urine to bleach their teeth as the primary agent in urine is ammonia. Barbers got into the act around 1600 when they added dentistry to their list of duties. These early hair cutters would file down clients teeth before applying an acid that would whiten teeth. This seemed to work quite well, but led to enamel erosion eventually causing tooth decay. 


Cosmetic Dentistry has been around just as long as tooth bleaching with the Etruscans fashioning dentures out of bone and ivory around 700 B.C. It was also common practice to make dentures from animal or human teeth. This practice actually lasted until the 1800’s even though the resulting dentures, that were extracted from the dead or sold by the living, smelled horrible and rotted quite quickly.  Around six or 7 BC, the Etruscans would also use gold bands to hold replacement teeth.
In 200 AD, gold was used by the Etruscans to make dental bridges and dental crowns. According to archaeologists, this practice was most probably for restorative purposes as opposed to cosmetic issues. The ancient Egyptians would hammer seashells into their gums to replace missing teeth and could be classified as a somewhat archaic form of dental implants.

Cosmetic Dentistry was probably first used by the ancient Mayans who would drill holes into the front of their teeth to display semi precious stones such as turquoise, Lapis lazuli, malachite, fluorite and even some types of coral.

Porcelain teeth hit the scene in the 1800’s with the invention of a rubber material, known as Vulcanite. The rubber material was created in 1840 as a base for people who needed false teeth. This made denture wearing easier and more comfortable.


These early cosmetic dental procedures paved the way for dentists like Dr. David Kitchen in La Jolla. If you would like a no obligation consultation, schedule an appointment with your Dentist in San Diego today.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

You Could Have Cavities Underneath Your Fillings

You may be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, but that does not mean tooth decay is not lurking underneath your dental restorations. Old fillings can be harboring cavities that if left untreated could become abscessed. Schedule an appointment with your Dentist in La Jolla if you have dental fillings that are 10 years or older. You may not feel any pain, but chances are those old fillings could be harboring tooth decay.

Old silver amalgam fillings can leak or contain gaps that allow food particles to seep underneath the filling. Unfortunately, if your 92037 Denist did not properly fill your tooth, you could be asking for trouble. Dr. David Kitchen will tell you that cavities under fillings can cause additional tooth decay to form.

According to your San Diego Dentist, cavities can also develop under your dental crowns. If this occurs, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment for a dental check up with Dr. David Kitchen.

Unfilled teeth will always be stronger than teeth that have been filled, and fillings rarely last for the rest of your life, which means they will need to be replaced over time. Some reasons for replacing may be obvious such as a broken filling or the need to replace a silver amalgam filling. Unfortunately, damage and decay, whether it is underneath a crown or a filling can usually only be detected by a Dentist in San Diego.

After you have a cavity filled, you are more susceptible to tooth decay underneath, especially if you do not practice good oral hygiene. Other reasons that may cause cavities underneath your fillings include leaks and cracks around the restoration itself. If the decay is not taken care of as soon as possible, you could be asking for more cavities.

Fillings can leak if there is a gap between the tooth and the filling itself. Even a tiny leak can cause debris, food, bacteria, and plaque to make its way under the filling eventually causing tooth decay.

The best way to find out if you have tooth decay under your crowns, tooth colored or silver amalgam fillings is to schedule an appointment with your 92037 Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Are you a Good Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

Ask your Dentist in La Jolla, Dr. David Kitchen, about teeth whitening, especially if you have been less than happy with your not so pearly whites. Your San Diego Dentist has the tools to give you a smile that you will be proud to show off.

Tooth whitening in La Jolla is more affordable than you think, and will last much longer than over the counter tooth whitening products that you will find at your local pharmacy.

Your teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, your teeth will bear the brunt of your actions. Eating food with strong colors can also wreck havoc with the color of your teeth. Smokers will notice a yellowish tinge to their teeth, while older people will experience darker teeth as they age. Other causes could included tartar build up, fillings and tooth decay. If your teeth have experienced some sort of trauma, the blood vessels and nerves inside your teeth can also become darker over time due to the trauma.

According to your 92037 Dentist, your teeth can also become stained from medication. Certain antibiotics such as Tetracycline can darken your teeth, and if prescribed to a child with baby teeth could affect the adult teeth that have yet to erupt.

You can keep your teeth white if you avoid food and drink such as red wine, coffee, and tea. Brush and floss regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned by your La Jolla Dentist for whiter, brighter teeth. Quit smoking and you will not only help your teeth, but your body as well.  

At home, whiteners and toothpastes do work, but have to be used continually, which can be expensive. According to your San Diego Dentist, some of those same whiteners could be extremely abrasive. So much so, that they could slowly be removing the enamel on your teeth.

Talk to your La Jolla Dentist about In-Office tooth Whitening. Dr. Kitchen will determine whether your teeth would benefit from whitening from the inside out, or from the outside in. Internal bleaching is the only option that is available if you have discoloration because of root canals.

Although there are no known side effects, tooth whitening can cause tender gums and increased sensitivity.


If you are tired of looking at your reflection in the mirror only to dislike what you see, contact Dr. Kitchen for a no obligation tooth whitening consultation. 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

What Did You Eat over the Holidays?

Even if you ate healthy during the holidays, you are probably still due for a dental check up with your Dentist in San Diego. Munching on baked chips instead of fried or enjoying pretzel sticks instead of that plate of nachos may have helped your waistline, but it certainly didn’t help your teeth.

Starchy foods like French fries and white bread can get caught in-between your teeth. Once that starch has converted to sugar, it will begin to form bacteria. The enamel on your teeth and starchy foods don’t get along, and if you didn’t rinse after every bite over the holidays, play it safe, and schedule a dental checkup with your La Jolla Dentist, Dr. David Kitchen.


There is nothing better than giving your teeth and gums a clean bill of health at the start of the New Year. Make an appointment online or by phone today and take care of those cosmetic dentistry issues for the last time.

A New Year and a new you is what 2014 is all about. Schedule a no obligation consultation with your 92037 Dentist and talk to Dr. Kitchen about tooth whitening, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, or any other Cosmetic Dental procedure that you have been considering. If you have been toying with the idea of replacing your silver amalgam fillings for natural looking fillings, talk to your Dentist in San Diego. 

Your smile is the first thing that is noticed when you first make eye contact. If you are afraid to make new friends with an open mouth grin, it is time to make an appointment for a no obligation Cosmetic Dental consultation. Just imagine how great you will feel when you no longer have to feel self-conscious about your smile.

During your consultation, your La Jolla Dentist will do a thorough examination in order to determine what Cosmetic Dental procedures would be best for you and your particular situation. Dr. Kitchen will also take x-rays and perform any other treatments deemed necessary. The cost, amount of time needed and anything else that pertains to your particular situation will be discussed at that time as well.


If you can’t remember the last time, you saw your 92037 Dentist it’s time to pick up the phone or go online and schedule an appointment for a dental check-up. A healthy mouth does a body good and if you don’t look after your teeth and gums, you could be asking for problems that are more serious. Don’t put it off any longer. Make anappointment with your Dentist in San Diego today.