Newport Beach General Dental Services

General dentistry covers a broad variety of procedures. Though general dentistry deals mainly with preventative treatments, many dentists continue their training to include cosmetic and restorative procedures. Below you will find information on a couple of restorative and cosmetic procedures that can be performed by general dentists.

Dental Fillings

Teeth can be damaged by tooth decay, dental trauma, or natural wearing. In such cases, dental fillings are used to repair the damaged tooth structure. The procedure requires the damaged portion of the tooth to be removed before the filling can be placed. Then the dentist will fill the open space of the tooth with a filling material. Your dentist will help you decide which material is appropriate for your filling.

Bonding

When a tooth is chipped or cracked, your dentist may recommend a restorative procedure called bonding. In a bonding procedure, your dentist will use composite resins as glue to attach a special material to the damaged tooth. The material applied to the tooth is shaped and colored to match the rest of the tooth, producing a seamless cover over the damaged area.

*Please call our office for details (949) 760-0363 or visit Newport Beach Dentist if you have any questions.

Dental Crowns in Newport Beach

A dental crown is a solution to strengthening or repairing a damaged tooth. A dentist custom fits a crown to entirely cover or "cap" an existing tooth.  Dental crowns are made of ceramic or porcelain, improving the stability, appearance, shape and/or alignment of the tooth.

Why get a dental crown?

The following issues can be addressed with a dental crown:

• Broken or cracked tooth
• Unsightly appearance of teeth
• Tooth with large filling
• Weak tooth from root canal 
• Space between teeth
• Dental bridge procedure

Dental Crown Procedure

If the dentist finds that a crown is the right solution to your dental problem, it usually takes two visits for the dentist to put in a dental crown.

The first dental crown appointment involves preparing and shaping the tooth, taking an impression, and placing a temporary crown. A dental lab will use the impression to build a custom crown for the patient.

On the second visit, the dentist will apply the finished crown to the tooth and cement it in place. Another evaluation will be performed to check the fit and appearance of the new dental crown.

At Image Dental we provide all porcelain crowns, which means that there are never any grey lines or exposed metal, usually apparent from traditional crowns.

Newport Beach Dental Crown Consultation

Dr. Steve Ngo of Image Dental is a Newport Beach dentist specializing in aesthetic cosmetic dentistry. Serving patients in Irvine and Orange County. Image Dental offers a complete range of dental services with specialties in dental crowns, implant dentistry, laser dentistry, and Invisalign.

Schedule an appointment to see if you're a candidate for dental crowns, call us @ (949) 760-0363 or fill out our convenient online contact form.

Newport Beach Dentist Before After Photos - "The Proof is in the Pudding"

The Proof is in the Pudding - Highlighting Our Before & After Galleries

Have you ever heard the saying "the proof is in the pudding"?

Chances are you have, as this is a commonly used phrase that has taken a different meaning in our current time: that the evidence and actions are there.

In our specific case, we wanted to direct your attention to our Newport Beach dentist before and after photos. The before and after gallery is our way of portraying the actions & evidence to users who are interested in dental work in the Orange County area, specifically Newport Beach.

So without further ado, Image Dental OC would like to present year's worth of various dental procedures performed on actual patients inside Dr. Steve Ngo's dental practice with their approval to feature on our website. We currently have different before and after galleries for different procedures.

Newport Beach Dentist Before & After Photos

Cosmetic Dentistry Before & After Photos

Dental Veneers Before & After Photos

Dental Implants Before & After Photos

Braces Before & After Photos

Controversial Topic: Potential Dangers of Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings have been around far longer than any other type of dental filling. As such, there are several people who are sporting silver, amalgam fillings in their mouth today.

Some have had absolutely no problems related to their fillings, while others claim their amalgam fillings are the reason why they are now suffering from serious problems and disease.

What Both Sides Are Saying…

Amalgam fillings are considered dangerous because of their mercury content. They consist of roughly over 50% mercury. Mercury is considered a highly toxic chemical that can cause serious neurological damage.

When metal mercury is implanted into the mouth to prevent tooth decay from spreading, it releases its vapors into your mouth that you inhale. The inhaled mercury content is then released into the bloodstream. It’s a very microscopic amount, but biological dentists believe that over time this builds and causes changes that negatively impact the body.

The Other Side

On the other hand, the FDA have allowed the use of amalgam fillings in the mouth because they are not convinced by the current evidence that the mercury vapors inhaled from your amalgam fillings cause any significant harm. They do acknowledge that mercury vapors are released, however they do not acknowledge any damage as a result.

Who to Believe?

This is where the controversy lies: biological dentists show concern for both the environment and their patients by warning them of amalgam filling dangers while non-biological dentists see no issue suggesting amalgam fillings to patients who cannot afford alternatives.

You have to ask yourself: is it worth the risk? By leaving mercury fillings in the mouth, you are effectively taking a chance at the possibility of developing ailments as you become older. It’s difficult to pinpoint mercury fillings as the cause, but we believe in the philosophy of it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Dr. Steve Ngo, Image Dental OC’s dentist, happens to be a biological dentist in support of avoiding amalgam fillings. We offer safe amalgam removal at our Newport Beach dental office. We replace all amalgam fillings with more biocompatible materials such as composite fillings.

How Important is Fluoride for Children?

Children should always brush AND floss.

Recent research has revealed that cavities in children have gone up more than 15 percent. You’re probably wondering… “why is this?”. Good question.

A spokesperson for the American Association of Pediatric Dentists, Dr. Michael Ignelzi, has revealed a few habits that should be broken because of this alarming news. Dr. Ignelzi believes a big reason to the rise in cavities is due to the amount of fluoride children are receiving.

Fluoride can be found in tap water, or public water sources. Many parents opt for bottled water because of its on-the-go convenience. It’s certainly better to drink bottled water over sugar-infested drinks, but bottled water does not give children the fluoride that their mouths could benefit from.

Dr. Ignelzi acknowledges the concern of skeptics who believe fluoride is a toxic substance but still believes that its positives outweigh any negatives associated with it. Fluoride is very important for both developing teeth and permanent teeth in children.

Aside from this, children are snacking far too often on food items that can be replaced with so many other healthy options. Typical culprits include candies that are filled with sugar, as well as drinks such as sodas. Don’t be fooled by fruit juice as it too contains a large amount of sugar. In simple terms, sugary foods and oral health do not mix. Fluoride is the agent that interrupts the demineralization process that takes place when sugar combines with the bacteria in our mouths.

2 Dental Habits That Should Be Broken

A popular habit both children and adults find comfort in is to wash out their teeth with water after a thorough brushing. Dr. Ignelzi advises that this should not be done because when you wash your mouth out with water, you’re also washing away most of the fluoride toothpaste that you just spent a couple of minutes trying to apply to your teeth.

The other habit that parents are susceptible of is not introducing their children to fluoride toothpaste until the age of 2. Dr. Ignelzi urges parents to start using fluoride toothpastes in grain-sized amounts until your child turns 3, and then start using a pea sized amount until they turn 6.

On top of a general lack of fluoride usage, many children are simply not finding the motivation to brush their teeth. Educating children is important in the sense that not only should they know how to properly brush their teeth, but also should be aware of the consequences of what happens when you don’t.

Your Newport Beach dentist takes pediatric dentistry very seriously because the earlier good habits form, the better off your children will be. 

*Source

Why Smoking is Bad for Your Oral Health

Our bodies, especially our mouths, were not made to cope with the dangers of smoking tobacco. Your oral health and smoking is one of many concerns doctors and dentists have had with the habit. Staying away from the habit or quitting the habit can keep you away from many oral health problems that could potentially arise from smoking. Those who smoke will often shy away from the dangers of their addictive habit because it’s something they would rather not expose themselves to.

However, it’s important to be aware of the risks as a motivation tool to kick you in the right direction. Keep in mind, the damage done from smoking can be reversed with time, BUT don’t use this as an excuse to pick up the habit believing that you will magically quit one day. It’s important to understand that nicotine in tobacco plants is one of the most addicting substances known to humans.

The question remains, “what are some of the reasons why I should stop smoking?” The interesting thing about this question is that simply from the oral standpoint alone are enough reasons as to why you should kick the habit: decayed teeth, receding gums, consistently bad breath, orthodontic appliance interference, oral cancer, decreased saliva production resulting in dry mouth, yellow or discolored teeth, and inability to heal quickly following an oral procedure.  

It’s very similar to a vicious cycle: you smoke, your tooth becomes decayed, you require a procedure such as dental filling or perhaps even worse, and then you run into complications because your mouth’s ability to heal is diminished, resulting in unwanted scenarios and painful experiences.

Decreased saliva is a huge reason as to why you would even need an extensive oral procedure in the first place. Saliva is responsible for fighting off the bacteria in your mouth. These are the same bacteria that cause decay to our teeth when things get out of control, and it’s easy for things to get out on control when you smoke.

Keep in mind; this is just the oral side of things. On a larger scale, there are many other health problems related to smoking. If you have already picked up the habit, it is never too late to stop. That mentality will just spiral you down further. You can contact your local Newport Beach dentist can provide you with even more detailed information.

What's the Deal with Root Canals?

Root Canals, also referred to as endodontic therapy, are needed when the internal tissue or pulp of the tooth becomes infected (The pulp is a soft tissue containing; vessels, nerves, and connective tissue). Once the pulp tissue is inflamed the nerve also becomes infected and this is what causes the pain you feel. After a dentist thoroughly cleans out the bacteria and removes the infected nerve, an artificial nerve is placed inside the tooth in order to restore normal function.

Damage, irritation, or inflammation of a tooth’s pulp is caused by:

• Deep decay (often from failure to maintain proper oral hygiene)
• Having multiple procedures performed on one tooth (e.g. cavity fillings)
• Improper cavity fillings that result in further decay
• Cracks or chips in the tooth
• Trauma to the face

Symptoms of decay that point to a root canal usually include:

• a severe toothache that usually responds to applied pressure
• sensitivity to hot/cold foods
• swelling of the gums
• darkening of the tooth’s enamel

Don't wait to see if your pain gets better in a few days. Those few days could make a difference. The earlier you see your Newport Beach dentist, the better chance you’ll have at saving your tooth and preventing unnecessary pain. Risks of untreated tooth decay may result in an abscess (which is a formation of pus around the infected tooth), nerve damage, and complete loss of the tooth that would result in an expensive and painful tooth extraction.

Read more information on our affordable root canal procedure and the steps involved in the process.

Dental Bridges (Part II) Reviewed By Newport Beach Dentist

There are various components involved before you go through by using a dental bridges procedure. Our dentist is going to look for proper bone structure in addition to making sure the affected person possesses healthy gums and no perio disease in advance of suggesting that procedure. The actual procedure is split into numerous visits. Among the first visits for the unwearied will include taking impressions from the teeth, hence the dental bridge would have a superb fit. Our dentist will enhance the shape the teeth with the intention that the dental bridge could be adequately placed devoid of causing harm to the adjacent teeth.

The entire dental bridge is made at a dental lab by using the impression which created at the dentist office; the specific shaping from the dental bridge would typically take about 3-7 days based on the dental laboratory. The treatment to essentially requires that we place the bridge on the affected individual’s mouth. The process itself repeatedly calls for such bridge to become cemented to permit for optimum strength. It could require repeatedly plan a post system sessions to ensure the gums as well as bones are currently in wholesome state in addition to check the dental bridges to permit for proper recovery.

Please click: Newport Beach Dentist if you have any questions about cosmetic dental procedures.

Newport Beach Dentist Reviews Dental Bridges (part 1)

A dental bridge is known as a remedial dental treatment which happens to be primarily utilized to replace omitted teeth. Dental bridges can often be in comparison with other cosmetic recuperation products comparable to dentures and lodge products. Once a person has missing teeth, it could brutally effect not just the aesthetic elements of one's physical properties, but additionally cause additional damaging consequences similar to misalignment of your teeth, TMJ, as well as gum disease that could be labeled as periodontal malady.

Dental bridges are usually used after there are a sequential volume of teeth which might be missing from a human beings mouth. When the particular person is investigated by a ordinary or cosmetic dentist, they’re then offered choices based on which actually teeth might be missing inc are they are subsequent of one another. If teeth are missing within ensuing fashion, the specific dentist will usually imply a dental bridge to shut the gap of your missing teeth.

If you have any questions about Dental Bridges or other Cosmetic dental treatments please contact us (949) 760-0363.

Newport Beach Dentist Reviews Sonicare Toothbrush

Our mission at Image Dental OC Newport Beach Dental Practice is to help patients maintain all year round.

Studies have shown that oral health can have a direct impact on the health of the rest of your body. Therefore, good oral hygiene is a commitment for life and should be taken as seriously as the rest of your health care. By using a Philips Sonicare toothbrush, you can be sure that your teeth receive the proper care they need.

Sonicare toothbrushes use high-velocity motion to clean out plaque between your teeth and along your gums. The brush heads are designed to be effective and gentle. The contoured shape allows the brush to fit perfectly with the natural shape of your teeth to achieve full coverage.

Sonicare toothbrushes have been shown to provide superior cleaning to manual and oscillating toothbrushes and create healthier gums and naturally whiter teeth in two weeks. In fact, Sonicare has been proven so effective that it is the most dentist-recommended sonic toothbrush in the world.

Our office offers Free Sonic Care Tooth Brush and Free Teeth Whitening*. For more information about our latest laser dental treatments or offers please call us (949) 760 0363 or click Newport Beach Family Dentist.
*Restrictions apply.

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Newport Beach Dentist Reviews Payment Options

Image Dental Orange County a Newport Beach Laser Dentistry practice provides patients with a variety of payment options to help ensure that your dental health is convenient.

At Image Dental Orange county, we accept Care Credit and all major credit cards. You can all treatments and dentist procedures on these cards.

In addition, we accept most Insurance companies and these companies include:

Delta Dental
Aetna
Cigna
Metlife
Guardian
United Concordia

Image Dental Orange County is committed to providing great service to the Newport Beach Community. To learn more about the practice click Lumineers Orange County or call (949) 760-0363.

Newport Beach Dentist Answers Pediatric Dentistry Questions

Newport Beach cosmetic dental practice reviews children's dental care.

What is the ideal age for children visit a dentist?

We recommend that children have their first dental examination as soon as their first tooth arrives and definitely before the conclusion of their first birthday.

How many check-ups should my child have per year?

We recommend your child to visit a dentist every 6 months – in order to foresee any future problems with cavities and alignment. Furthermore, each child might have different needs based on the shape and growth of the teeth.

If my child has aches and pain with their teeth, what should I do?

The first step is to call your dentist immediately and describe what is occurring. Furthermore you may clean the aching area with warm salt water and then apply a cold compress on the face if there is swelling. Some doctors may recommend children’s acetaminophen to lower the pain. 

For immediate information about newport beach dental care please call 949.760.0363 or click cosmetic dentist newport beach.

Newport Beach Dentist answers Questions about Adult Orthodontics and Braces.

As an adult could I wear braces to fix any irregularities?

Many adults believe that it would be too late in their lifetime to have corrective orthodontic treatments. However, adults can remedy problems such as gaps, overbites, improper jaw positions, under-bites, & crooked/crowded teeth. One difference between orthodontic treatments for adults and children may lie in the time and amount of treatment needed to make the corrections. Improving your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile may occur at any point in your life. Today, there are Invisalign treatments that will ensure that your braces are not as apparent.

Would I be able to take part in activities or sports while wearing braces?

We recommend that you have your dentist pick a mouth guard that is appropriate for your activity so that you do not suffer any injuries that will hinder your dental health.

Newport Beach Dental Practice Opens in the Bluffs Center

We welcome you to our Newport Beach Dental Practice...

Image Dental
1310 Bison Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.760.0363


We are conveniently located in Newport Beach off Macarthur and Bison Ave in the Bluffs center.

Dentist Newport Beach - Grand Opening in the Bluffs

Learn more about these Special Offers:

• Free SoniCare Toothbrush
• Comprehensive Cleaning & Exam
  
• Emergency Dentistry
  
• Free Teeth Whitening

At our office, your comfort level is of critical importance to us. The following is a list of some of the ways we hope to make your visit more enjoyable.

» Flat Screen Tvs and DVDs

» High Speed Curing Light to reduce chair time

» Mercury-Free Fillings for long term health

» Digital Imaging

» Laser Surgery

» Laser Care for Gum Disease

Call 949-760-0363 or click to Schedule an Appointment!

View Hours and Locations »

Welcome To The Image Dental Blog

Welcome to our website and thank you for visiting our blog. We specialize in Dental Care, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, Dentist for Children, Laser Teeth Whitening, Whitening & Bleaching, Orthodontics, Braces, Invisalign, and much more.

Located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA.