WHAT FACTORS MIGHT KEEP ME FROM OBTAINING DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If you are one of the million Americans have lost teeth, you know how difficult it can be to choose a desirable option. With many different treatments available for tooth replacement after tooth loss and extraction, it can be overwhelming making a choice without having the education you need to make a knowledgeable decision. Dr. Darren Gonzalez of Santa Rosa, California is available to assist patients in knowing more about solutions such as dental implants and determining if they are good candidates. WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT? A dental implant is a titanium post used to replace teeth in the smile. They act as a tooth root replacement and can replace one, several, or all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower dental arch. The dental implant is strong, durable, and provides a sturdy foundation for restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, not everyone is considered an appropriate candidate for dental implants, so scheduling a consultation visit with Dr. Darren Gonzalez is the first step in learning more! WHAT MIGHT KEEP ME FROM BEING AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS? A full evaluation with Dr. Darren Gonzalez is the first step in learning more about the use of dental implants to restore the smile. During this time, he will decide if a patient is a good fit for this restoration. Some of the factors that might make a patient a poor candidate for dental implants include: * Insufficient jawbone to support the dental implant * Habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or excessive alcohol consumption * Uncontrolled diabetes * Cancer, radiation, or chemotherapy patients * Patients who have severe bruxism and do not use oral appliances to protect their teeth * Individuals who have severe tooth decay or periodontal disease Are you considering dental implants? If you want to learn more about the use of dental implants to restore the smile’s function and beauty, now is a great time to connect with Dr. Darren Gonzalez and his team in Santa Rosa, California. He accepts new patients in his practice, conveniently located at 1515 Montgomery Drive and can be reached to book an appointment at (707) 542-1532.

WHAT TO DO WITH A KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

Emergency dental situations can happen at any time to anyone. Often times, they happen and patients are unsure as to how they can address the problem. This is especially true when patients experience the loss of a natural, adult tooth. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million teeth are lost due to trauma to the mouth, often accidents and sports injuries. When Santa Rosa, CA area patients experience a knocked-out tooth, they may be unsure what to do. Below is a little information from Dr. Darren Gonzalez and his team regarding the steps to take when a natural tooth is lost due to injury. FIRST AID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH Permanent teeth are the teeth in the smile that are intended to last a lifetime. If a permanent tooth has been lost from the smile, it is important that patients follow these steps to increase the chance of reattachment with Dr. Darren Gonzalez: * Keep the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the roots. * Rinse the tooth off with water and gently remove any debris or dirt * Place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in position * Keep the tooth moist, either in the mouth or in a glass of milk if it cannot be reinserted * Call the dentist right away to get into the office as soon as possible to attempt to reattach the tooth Reattachment is not guaranteed, but the sooner the patient comes into the office and follows the above directions to protect the tooth, the more likely it can be resolved. Patients should not wait more than a few hours to get into a dentist’s practice with a knocked-out tooth as time is of the essence in situations such as this. If patients have knocked out a baby tooth, it should not be preserved or reattached as it can damage the permanent tooth underneath. SCHEDULE AN EMERGENCY DENTAL VISIT IN SANTA ROSA, CA Do you need an emergency dental appointment and live in the area of Santa Rosa? Please call our office location at 1515 Montgomery Drive at (707) 542-1532 today to find out about our availability.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DENTAL BRIDGES

Have you recently experienced tooth loss and found that the gap left behind is impacting your confidence and self-esteem? If you are considering your options for restoring the function, health, and appearance of the smile following tooth loss, it is time to speak to the team at Darren Gonzalez, DDS Family Dentistry to discuss solutions. For many, restorations such as dental bridges are often suggested to replace one or several teeth in a row.  WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?  Just as a bridge attaches one area of land to another, the dental bridge is used to “bridge the gap” that is left behind after one or more teeth are extracted or lost. The dental bridge restoration is one of the simplest ways to replace a missing tooth. The restoration is made of acrylic and includes false teeth fused to crowns. The crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth as supports, allowing the false tooth or teeth to fill the space. Dr. Darren Gonzalez uses strong, durable porcelain materials to create a dental bridge to ensure that it looks as natural as possible when bonded in place.  WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE DENTAL BRIDGE?  Dental bridges are incredibly versatile. They can replace one or several teeth in a row and utilize the surrounding healthy teeth for support. These durable restorations are made to last many years with proper care, and they are more permanent than removable partial dentures. Many patients also love that dental bridges and other restorations made of porcelain are stain-resistant, ensuring they look great!  HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M A CANDIDATE FOR A DENTAL BRIDGE?  Dental bridges are suitable for many individuals who are struggling with restoring the smile after tooth loss. The best way to determine candidacy is by visiting with a dentist in the Santa Rosa, California area and undergoing an initial evaluation. Dr. Darren Gonzalez and his team can assist! Call (707) 542-1532 to request a consultation visit at 1515 Montgomery Drive. With a thorough examination and a conversation with a quality restorative dentist, patients can find the treatment most appropriate for their needs.

Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety in Kids

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for kids. The unfamiliar environment, strange sounds, and uncomfortable procedures can trigger anxiety in even the bravest of young patients. As parents and caregivers, we want our children to have healthy teeth and gums, but how do we manage their dental anxiety? In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed during their next visit to the dentist. TIPS FOR MANAGING DENTAL ANXIETY IN KIDS Dental anxiety is common among children, but there are ways to help manage it. Here are some tips on how to make dental visits less stressful for your child: 1. Start Early: The earlier you start taking your child to the dentist, the more comfortable they will be with the process. 2. Communicate: Explain to your child what will happen during their dental visit and answer any questions they may have. This will help alleviate any fears or uncertainties they may have about visiting the dentist. 3. Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging words and positive reinforcement can go a long way in making your child feel at ease during their appointment. 4. Distractions: Bring along a favorite toy or book for your child to take their mind off of the dental procedure. 5. Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises with your child before and during their appointment to help them relax. 6. Sedation Options: Talk with your dentist about sedation options that may be available for particularly anxious children, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives. By using these tips, you can work together with your dentist in helping manage any anxiety issues that might come up when trying to maintain good oral health habits! CONCLUSION Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many kids. However, with the right techniques and strategies, it's possible to manage this anxiety effectively and make dental visits more pleasant for both parents and children alike. Remember to start by choosing a child-friendly dentist who understands how to work with anxious kids. Also, help your child prepare for the appointment by explaining what they can expect during the visit. Use positive reinforcement and distractions during appointments to keep your child calm. By following these tips and being patient with your child's progress, you can help them overcome their fear of the dentist and maintain good oral health habits throughout their lives. To learn more, visit Darren Gonzalez DDS at 1515 Montgomery Drive Ste B, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, or call (707) 542-1532.

How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

A tooth can be pulled for a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay, infection, or injury. While the thought of having a tooth pulled may seem scary, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. Your natural smile will be completely restored afterward! The dentists at Darren Gonzalez DDS want to help you restore your beautiful smile as quickly as possible.  PREPARING FOR YOUR EXTRACTION PROCEDURE During your visit, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and jaw for your comfort. After treatment, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from our team. These steps can help to reduce swelling and pain as well as promote a healthy blood clot and help the healing process. To aid you in your recovery process, we have listed some helpful tips below. If you have any questions regarding the healing process, please do not hesitate to contact us. * Stick to soft foods after treatment to avoid irritation to the gums. * Avoid smoking as it inhibits healing. * Limit movement of your jaw after surgery. Avoid opening the mouth all the way for the first couple of days. You can begin to do this once you feel comfortable. * Keep a steady flow of salt water rinses throughout the recovery period. Mix one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and gently swish the solution in your mouth for thirty seconds, then spit out the water. Repeat this process at least four times a day to promote healing and to help remove blood clots and debris from the surgical site. * Take any prescribed antibiotics or pain medication as instructed by our office. If you are concerned about potential side effects, please discuss your concerns with our staff. * Rinse and repeat the same saltwater mouthwash until you are cleared to do so at home. * Maintain proper dental hygiene as you heal. Continue to brush and floss every day, paying special attention to the surgical area. * Visit one of our offices after a week to have your stitches removed. * Visit us again during your regular cleaning appointments so we can monitor the healing of your gums. Relax! The healing process takes time, but following these tips will help to ensure that you have a good post-operative experience. Get in touch with Darren Gonzalez, DDS, at 1515 Montgomery Drive Ste B, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, or call (707) 542-1532 for the best dental care tailored to your unique needs.