Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Oral health and dental hygiene is a top priority of Dr. Shital Kazi. Our patients often come to us for different types of dental procedures and treatments, many of which are prevented by following proper at-home dental hygiene regimes and visiting us in San Lorenzo, CA for regular examinations and cleanings. We make sure all of our patients understand the importance of keeping up with their dental hygiene and taking their oral care very seriously.

Proper dental hygiene does a variety of things for our patients, including helping patients:

• maintain fresh breath.


• keep their teeth and gums clean.


• prevent swollen and bleeding gums.


• have more comfortable professional cleanings.


• reduce the risk of gum disease or periodontal disease.


• reduce the risk of tooth loss as they get older.

In addition, by battling gum disease through proper dental hygiene, patients can reduce the risk of needing more expensive dental procedures, such as implants, dentures, or bridges later.

The important practices of dental hygiene include brushing and flossing twice a day, using a fluoride rinse, visiting us every six months for a professional cleaning and examination, and reducing the intake of sugar, soft drinks and otherwise unhealthy foods that cause tooth decay and wearing down of the enamel. Visit us here at Lewelling Dental Care to keep on top of good dental hygiene.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign

Getting straighter teeth and improving an overbite or cross bite used to require metal braces that were often uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing to wear. However, Dr. Shital Kazi offers her patients additional options, including Invisalign. Invisalign offered here at Lewelling Dental Care are effective at straightening the teeth and improving minor bite issues.

Here is what you can expect from Invisalign:

Patients who request Invisalign from our San Lorenzo, CA dental practice do so for a variety of reasons. Some opt for Invisalign simply for the fact that they are invisible, while others like that they are removable. Invisalign braces also benefit patients by not staining their teeth and allowing them to have proper oral hygiene and dental health throughout the course of treatment. We invite you to learn more about Invisalign by contacting us directly here at Lewelling Dental Care at 510-276-6040.

Clear Braces

Teeth, which are protruding, crooked or crowded can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. But fixing orthodontic issues is important for more than cosmetic reasons. Crooked or crowded teeth can be hard to clean, which increases your risk of gum disease. Crooked teeth can also cause abnormal wear of the teeth. In some instances, misaligned teeth can even lead to jaw pain.

Lewelling Dental Care offers options when it comes to orthodontic care. We offer traditional braces and clear braces. Traditional braces are made of metal and are an excellent option in order to straighten and align teeth. Traditional braces can also correct bite issues.

In addition to metal braces, Lewelling Dental Care also offers clear braces. Clear braces are translucent and may make some people more comfortable with the idea of getting braces.

Braces work by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. The amount of time braces will need to be worn varies based on the extent of the orthodontic issue. Dr. Kazi will be happy to discuss orthodontic treatments and recommend what would work best in your situation.

In addition to orthodontic services, Lewelling Dental Care offers general dentistry, periodontal care, cosmetic dentistry and prosthetic treatments. For more information on orthodontic treatment options or to make an appointment please call Lewelling Dental Care at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner grinds their teeth at night, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding is a very common condition. Teeth grinding can lead to sore gums and a sore jaw. It can also cause headaches and can wear down teeth. In some instances, it can even lead to loose or fractured teeth. Although the cause of teeth grinding is not always known, stress and certain sleep disorders may play a role.

At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer a solution for teeth grinding. Night guards are coverings worn over the teeth while you are sleeping. It creates a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. A night guard prevents damage to the teeth and gums due to teeth grinding.

Although stock night guards are available over the counter, they are often uncomfortable and don’t fit well. This might increase pain and make the situation worse. At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer custom made night mouth guards.

The process of creating a custom made night guard is simple. An impression is made of your teeth. The night guard is then created in a laboratory. Because the night guard is custom made to fit your mouth, it is more comfortable than a stock mouth guard.

For more information on night guards or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care, at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.

Full Dentures

Getting full dentures involves removing all the natural teeth and replacing them with prosthetic teeth. At Lewelling Dental Care, we understand if you are transitioning into full dentures, you’re likely to have questions. Our dentist and staff are happy to walk you through the process and answer all of your questions.

Having full dentures does not mean you will compromise appearance or function. In fact, getting full dentures can be beneficial in the following ways:

• Improved Appearance: Dentures can replace missing teeth and give you the confidence to smile again. Also, missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag. Full dentures can prevent this from happening.


• Restore proper chewing and speaking: Missing teeth can mean difficulties chewing and eating. It can also cause problems speaking. Getting full dentures will help improve chewing and speech difficulties associated with missing teeth.


• Increased Self-esteem: Improving your appearance and smile is not only about looking better, but it can increase confidence. Improved confidence and self-esteem carry over to almost all areas of your life.

Getting full dentures can improve your appearance, functioning and quality of life. Dr. Kazi and her staff at Lewelling Dental Care want you to have a positive dental experience. We aim to provide excellent customer service to meet your needs.

For information on full dentures or other services call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040.

TMJ

Jaw joint pain can interfere with proper sleeping, eating and other health problems, including headaches. At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Kazi provides treatment for jaw joint pain, which is often caused by temporomandibular disorder.

The temporomandibular joint connects your skull and lower jaw and controls jaw movement. In some instances, problems with the joint can develop leading to the following symptoms:

• Pain in the jaw


• Trouble chewing


• Facial pain


• Headaches

Jaw joint pain can be frustrating and inhibiting.  The good news is treatment is available. Dr. Kazi diagnoses and treats TMJ at our office.  Treatment may include education on symptom management and possibly wearing a night guard. Jaw joint pain can be successfully treated, so it does not have to interfere with your daily life. Dr. Kazi and her caring staff can offer you solutions for jaw joint pain.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, call Lewelling Dental Care today at (510) 276-6040. We offer convenient appointment times including evening and Saturday appointments.

Inlays/Onlays May Be a Great Option for Repairing Your Damaged Teeth

At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Kazi wants to provide you with options when it comes to repairing damaged teeth. Since each patient’s dental needs are different, the best treatment for one patient may not be the best treatment for another.  That’s why we provide options for replacing teeth damaged by decay or injury.

Traditional fillings, also called direct fillings, are a good choice for patients who need to repair damaged teeth. However, when restorative needs are more than a filling can provide, inlays and onlays are the ideal dental option.

Inlays/onlays are used to repair a tooth, which has been damaged by decay, such as a cavity or injury. These molded dental prosthetics are applied to the damaged tooth, preserving its structure and the health of your smile. 

Some advantages of an inlay/onlay are it often covers less area of a tooth than a traditional filling. This means more of the natural tooth is preserved. In addition, inlays/onlays fit precisely, which reduces the amount of bacteria that can get between gaps or spaces. Inlays/onlays are also stronger than traditional fillings and tend to last longer.

Dr. Kazi will be happy to discuss inlays/onlays with you and help you decide what works best for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040.

Sports Guard

Playing contact sports is not only a great way to get exercise, but it can also be fun. Nothing ruins the fun and competition of sports faster than an injury. While people participating in sports often remember protective gear, such as helmets and pads, sports mouth guards are also an essential piece of equipment.

Dr. Kazi and her staff at Lewelling Dental Care can provide custom fittings for sports mouth guards. Whether you are an adult or child, you need to protect your teeth during contact sports, such as football, lacrosse, wrestling and other sports where physical contact is possible.

A sports mouth guard can limit injuries to your teeth, tongue and the soft tissue in your mouth. For example, a properly fitted sports mouth guard can prevent teeth from damage, such as chipping or fractures.

Although over the counter sports mouth guards can be purchased in sporting goods stores, they may be uncomfortable and not provide proper protection. Dr. Kazi will custom fit a sports guard for your mouth. A custom fit mouth guard provides a better fit and better protection against injury.

After a mold of your teeth is taken, a guard is made out of thin plastic, which allows for easy breathing and speaking. Both of which comes in handy on the playing field.

Call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040 and have Dr. Kazi custom fit you for a sports mouth guard.

Partial Dentures

Here at Lewelling Dental Care, we aim to offer our patients with comprehensive services that suit their diverse needs, including those patients who need dental prosthetics. If you have just several missing teeth and you’re seeking an aesthetic, affordable and non-permanent prosthetic, partial dentures are one option for filling gaps in one or more areas of your smile. Inconspicuous mental framework keeps partials securely in place when worn and also allows them to be easily removed for cleaning, care and adjustments.

To find out if partial dentures or other prosthetic like bridges and implants are right for you, call us here at Lewelling Dental Care.

 

Deep Teeth Cleanings

Even the most rigorous among us, who brush and floss properly on a daily basis, cannot gain the results you would get through a professional, thorough teeth cleaning.  Thorough teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar that easily collects and becomes almost impossible to remove with household dental products. We provide thorough teeth cleanings to our patients to help protect the teeth from decay and address plaque buildup in gum pockets, where periodontal disease can easily develop. Since the gums are frequently overlooked in the daily teeth cleaning process, we recommend that our patients consider periodic teeth cleanings to preserve and protect their periodontal health.  Call us directly to schedule an appointment for this essential and effective oral health service.  

Tooth Colored Fillings

When you have a cavity, a filling ensures that your tooth is preserved from further decay and the risk of infection is minimized. In the past, fillings were primarily completed with dental amalgam, which was effective and economical but highly visible and unaesthetic. Thankfully, we now have a better solution available.  Tooth colored fillings fill cavities while being virtually indistinguishable from your tooth enamel, even in easily visible portions of the mouth.  They also offer a number of material benefits that our Lewelling Dental Care patients find favorable, including resistance to structural changes due to hot and cold temperatures, less sensitivity and long lasting integrity that may never require replacement.

To determine whether or not tooth colored fillings are the best option for you, we welcome you to visit us and get the answers to all of your questions.

Bonding

Bonding is an effective method for correcting a tooth chip, fracture, gap, or even lengthening a tooth that is too short or has been broken. A vast number of structural issues can be addressed through the process of bonding.

By using composite, tooth-colored resin, the enamel of a tooth can be coated, protected and expanded to create a restorative and/or cosmetically pleasing result. Bonding is also effective when a restoration exceeds the limits of a filling but doesn’t call for a full crown or veneer.  We offer this service to Lewelling Dental Care patients who are seeking a quick and secure smile fix.

Crowns

Crowns are a great way to restore a damaged tooth.  They save the natural tooth structure and avoid the need for extractions.  Crowns are useful in a wide range of situations and are a great way to:

• ·         Restore broken teeth


• ·         Support other prosthetics, like bridges


• ·         Protect a weakened tooth


• ·         Cover and support large fillings


• ·         Cover a dental implant

Porcelain crowns are even cosmetically pleasing, blending in with the rest of your smile.  This makes the crown an excellent restorative choice for visible areas of the mouth.  This aesthetic restorative is highly favorable and provides patients with a beautiful, discreet and reliable restoration.  If you are in need of a crown, please contact the office and learn more about how we can help you restore your smile.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns  

Veneers

Many of us wish we could change something about our smile.  We might want to improve our alignment and brightness or correct chips and cracks.  While there are many ways to improve the cosmetic appearance of our smiles, veneers provide my patients with the opportunity to completely makeover their smile look.  Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are individually crafted to meet an individual patient’s needs.  Some of the many cosmetic problems veneers can correct include:

• ·         Discoloration


• ·         Cracks


• ·         Chips


• ·         Gaps


• ·         Misalignment

Since veneers cover your existing tooth structure, you can create a truly picture perfect smile.  San Lorenzo, CA patients that have chosen veneers have been thrilled with the results of their new makeover.  In as little as two visits to the office, you can find confidence in a new, beautiful smile.  Veneers are a great way to completely makeover your smile, but they aren’t for everyone.  If you are interested in this cosmetic dental service, schedule an appointment at my office.  I’m happy to help patients decide if veneers are the best option for their smile needs.

TMJ

If you regularly experience morning migraines, swollen cheeks and sore jaw muscles, they could be caused by a condition known as TMJ.  TMJ occurs when night grinding, stress or injury put a lot of pressure on the temporomandibular joint.  Fortunately, this common condition can be easily fixed.  Patients that visit my office can find relief with custom night guards that reduce pressure on the affected joint.  In addition to the long term relief that night guards provide, you can take a few steps to relieve pressure at home:

• ·         Eat soft foods


• ·         Avoid chewing gum


• ·         Perform exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles


• ·         Apply heat or ice to temporarily relieve pain

For long term relief from TMJ, visit me at the office where I can better diagnose any issues.  I look forward to helping all of my patients better their dental health and find relief from their pain.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

Languages Spoken

I always want to make sure that my patients feel comfortable and that they are able to communicate their dental needs effectively.   For this reason, there are a wide number of languages spoken at my practice.  Clients that communicate in Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati, Tagalong, and Portuguese can rest assured that my staff and I will be able to accommodate you throughout your procedure.  If you or someone you know is in need of dental care, but is having difficulty communicating due to a language barrier, let them know about our office.  We strive to effectively communicate to all of our patients their dental needs.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

Our Caring and Professional Staff

When you visit the dentist you should feel comfortable and confident that you are in good hands.  I always want to make sure that my patients know that my staff truly cares about their dental needs.  There is no need to feel uneasy or nervous during a dental visit at Lewelling Dental Care.  You are never going to be treated as just a number.  When you come in for a dental appointment, whether it is for a specific problem or just for a checkup, you can feel comfortable knowing that our caring and professional staff is there to help you and understand your specific needs.  We are always here to alleviate dental discomfort and better your oral health.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

If you snore loudly while you sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is a condition defined by a respiratory interference that occurs when you’re asleep, primarily due to tissue blockage in the throat or by the tongue.  Many people are unaware that they have it apart from the most common symptoms of loud snoring and daily fatigue.  If left untreated, sleep apnea can be detrimental to your health and create many systematic risks and indirect complications, such as daytime drowsiness. Dental care can help you find relief from your sleep apnea through an aptly named approach called sleep apnea dentistry.  I suggest a few different oral surgery procedures to my patients that are suffering from sleep apnea:

 

·         Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty – this procedure removes any excess tissue in a patient’s mouth and throat, making it possible to breathe more easily during the night.

·         Maxillomandibular advancement – the jaw is moved forward, leaving more room behind the soft palate.  This reduces airway obstruction.

·         Tracheostomy – a final resort for patients that have not found relief from other treatments.  A tube is inserted into the throat and keeps the airway open throughout the night.

To find out the best route for relief of your sleep apnea and nightly snoring, please make a visit for a sleep apnea dentistry consultation.

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

Advanced Training – FAGD

I am always striving to stay up-to-date with the latest dental advancements and technologies.  In recognition of these efforts I am very thankful to have been awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry.  After more than 900 hours of education and preparation, I am now trained in modern general dentistry, Invisalign, TMJ, and sleep apnea and snoring.  With this knowledge and experience, I look forward to helping my patients with their dental care every day.

 

My commitment to dentistry and to my patients does not mollify after receiving this award.  I am currently pursuing a Mastership Award through the Academy of General Dentistry that requires another 600 hours of continuing education and training.  I look forward to learning more and more about how I can better the health of my patients’ smiles.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi