Dental Services Los Angeles, CA
Most people need a wide range of dental services during their lifetime. Dental emergencies can arise without warning and can leave lasting damage. Repairing cracked, broken, or infected teeth may require complex care. Many dental patients also wish to improve the appearance of their smile. Dental services can range from basic to specialized care, as well as a range of cosmetic procedures.
Dental services at Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS in Los Angeles can help keep your mouth healthy. Our team offers general dentistry, including checkups and cleanings. We treat mouth injuries, tooth decay, and other common dental concerns. Call us today at (310) 402-0156 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Emergency Dental Services
During a dental emergency, each second counts. Do not delay in seeking care. Instead, contact a dental provider right away. Dental emergencies can include:
- Knocked out or loosened teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Abscessed teeth
- Severe mouth bleeding
- Lost or damaged oral appliances
- Severe dental pain
A qualified dental provider can determine how to handle the emergency. If the issue cannot wait until the next business day, the provider may schedule an after-hours appointment. In some cases, the provider may direct the patient to the nearest emergency room. If a patient needs hospital care, the provider can schedule a follow-up appointment. The dental team provides ongoing care to make sure the issue is resolved.
“A qualified dental provider can determine how to handle the emergency.”
Checkups and Routine Care
The American Dental Association recommends dental checkups every six months. During a checkup, dentists examine the teeth for signs of decay. They assess the patient's gum health and look for signs of oral cancer. Sometimes providers may take an X-ray or perform other imaging tests. Imaging tests can reveal problems lurking below the gumline.
Checkups typically include a thorough professional dental cleaning and keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy. Biannual cleanings fight decay by removing plaque and tartar. These substances can trap bacteria against the tooth and gum line. Patients who skip their dental cleanings may be at risk for cavities or gum disease.
“Professional cleanings keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy.”
Cosmetic Dental Services
Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry that aims to enhance the aesthetics of one's smile. It can benefit patients with broken, chipped, discolored, gapped, misaligned, misshapen, or worn teeth. Popular types of cosmetic dental services include, but are not limited to:
- Dental bonding
- Dental bridges
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Dental veneers
- Inlays and onlays
- Teeth whitening
Additionally, at least one study has shown that patients' feelings of satisfaction with their own smiles are directly linked to feelings of self-confidence. In other words, enhancing one's smile often has the side effect of improving one's overall quality of life. Some cosmetic dental services also have restorative benefits.
“Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry that aims to enhance the aesthetics of one’s smile.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in Los Angeles, CA
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws. It is most popularly associated with the teeth straightening method of braces. While some people mistakenly believe that braces only have cosmetic benefits, they also come with great functional and health advantages. For example, misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean, making them more prone to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Additionally, malocclusion can make it challenging to chew correctly, leading to headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMJD), and shoulder or back pain. Aside from braces, other orthodontic devices include special fixed appliances, space maintainers, aligners, jaw repositioning appliances, lip and cheek bumpers, palatal expanders, retainers, and headgear.
“Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. What happens during a dental checkup?
Q. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Q. What are some orthodontic devices?
Q. What are some examples of digital dentistry?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. Why does the dentist use fluoride mouthwash in the cleaning?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Other Dental Services
Many dentists have started incorporating new dental technologies into their practices – offering services like laser dentistry, teledentistry, online patient portals, and more. All of these offerings can help expedite the treatment process and increase accessibility.
Other examples of digital dentistry at work include CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacture), cone-beam CT, dental lasers, digital X-rays, and optical scanners. These assist dental teams in providing patients with the most accurate diagnoses and best care possible, with the added bonus of extra comfort.
“Many dentists have started incorporating new dental technologies into their practices – offering services like laser dentistry, teledentistry, online patient portals, and more.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does it matter if my child knocks out a tooth?
A. Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that prematurely losing baby teeth is harmless. In reality, they act as placeholders for the permanent adult teeth, and premature loss can cause tooth crowding and other problems. If your child has lost a baby tooth, preserve the tooth by keeping it moist and get to a dentist right away.
Q. Do I still need to see a dentist if I do not have any signs of dental health problems?
A. Everyone should see a dentist. As mentioned earlier, many potential dental health problems can go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Only a dental professional can ensure that your oral cavity is in good condition and prevent any health problems from developing.
Q. How long do cosmetic dentistry services take?
A. The answer varies on a service-by-service basis. Additionally, some patients choose to take on several cosmetic dentistry procedures for a full "smile makeover." Generally speaking, the more services you choose to take on, the longer it will take.
Q. Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
A. It is never too late for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can help improve one's oral health and functionality. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first checkup with an orthodontist by no later than seven years old.
Q. Are digital dental X-rays safe?
A. Yes. Digital dental X-rays emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays and considerably less radiation than all other types of X-rays. Additionally, we will only recommend X-rays if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its own approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS in Los Angeles deliver the care you need. Call us at 310-402-0156 to learn more about our services and policies.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Dr. Robert B Tamaki, DDS was established in 1985.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, CareCredit, Check, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Westchester
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