Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are more gentle on your gums and teeth. It’s more important to brush regularly than to have the strongest clean. Harsh brushes can also irritate the gums. Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. Therefore, there is no one brand we recommend more than another. We understand that selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste can be overwhelming for some patients. However, if you need further advice to make sure you are making the right choice for your specific oral health needs, feel free to ask us during an appointment, and we will be happy to help.

Our recommended frequency for dental check-ups is once every six months. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Feel free to schedule them as needed with us at our dental office in Burbank. Here are just a few ways regular checkups help prevent future dental problems: During a routine check-up, our team examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, tartar buildup, and enamel erosion. Each of these, when spotted regularly, can be fixed much more quickly and easily than when left unchecked. Additionally, we perform a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup, which needs to be done regularly to have the best effect on long-term oral health. However, six months is only a guideline. Depending on their needs and unique risk factors, some patients may require more frequent visits. For example, those with gum disease or frequent cavities are at higher risk and may be asked to come in more often.

Mouthwash is a useful addition to anyone’s daily oral hygiene routine. However, it is not a replacement for brushing or flossing. Instead, mouthwash can help freshen breath by killing the bacteria in your mouth, and slow plaque buildup. We recommend using an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry out your mouth and lead to other dental issues. We recommend mouthwashes containing fluoride, as this can help strengthen your tooth enamel over time and prevent cavities. If you need more advice, our team of dental professionals can help advise you on some good choices for mouthwash and how to incorporate it into your oral health routine.

As much as it is cliche for dentists at this point, flossing is essential to maintaining good oral health. This is because your toothbrush cannot get to all the plaque stuck in between your teeth and that sits on your gumline. Therefore, you must regularly remove this plaque to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. We understand that flossing is often the biggest hurdle in most patients’ oral health routine. Our team is here to help you find a flossing routine and tool that works best for you. Options include traditional floss, interdental brushes, and water flossers. We can also demonstrate proper flossing techniques to show how easy it can be to incorporate into your regime.

Root canals are a standard dental procedure for treating and saving a severely damaged or infected tooth. It’s a procedure to disconnect the nerves of the tooth. The pulp inside each tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These can become inflamed or infected due to deep cavities, a cracked tooth, or other trauma to the tooth. When left untreated, the infected tooth can spread further damage to the surrounding areas of the mouth, leading to more severe health problems. That’s why a root canal is necessary. The procedure involves a full numbing of the area before our dental professionals remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth, clean and disinfect the inside, and fill it with a special material to prevent future infection. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may recommend a crown over the tooth for additional protection. You can often feel the signs of needing a root canal when experiencing severe tooth pain, gum swelling, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold. At this point, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. With modern dental techniques and anesthesia, root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, and they can save your tooth from needing an extraction.

Of course, many people want the perfect smile for their senior photos. It’s a big part of feeling confident and can be a source of anxiety for many. However, many patients want to know if we can do anything to brighten their teeth for special days and photos. The good news is that we can. We can offer different teeth whitening treatments to remove stains and discoloration. If you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, or misshapen, we can also provide veneers or bonding, improving their appearance. Veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Bonding, on the other hand, involves placing a color-matched composite resin to the surface of teeth to reshape them and improve their appearance. Again, we can discuss the best options for you, including needs and budget, in the office.

A chipped tooth can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are many easy options to fix it. The best choice will depend on level of damage, budget, and cosmetic goals. Then, we can assess the damage and provide our recommendation. Dental bonding is the standard solution. It’s quick and cost-effective, able to repair a small chip. It involves applying a cosmetic resin to the tooth, and sculpting it to match the shape and color of the existing tooth. The material is then cured with UV light and bonded to the tooth. We might recommend a veneer or crown if the chipping is more significant. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain made to custom fit over the front of the tooth, covering any chips or cracks. A crown is the most extensive option, a cap covering the entire tooth, providing both cosmetic and structural support.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious problem. If your gums are bleeding, you can schedule an appointment with us at Brightcraft Dental & Laser as soon as possible to find the issue. Often, bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems if left untreated. Other common causes of bleeding gums include brushing too hard, a toothbrush with too stiff bristles, or improper flossing. But, again, we can determine the problem during an appointment and recommend the appropriate treatment. If it is gum disease, we recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This can remove plaque and tartar from the teeth along the gumline. We may also recommend some lifestyle changes to improve the condition of your gums.

Gum recession is a common condition and nothing to be ashamed of. It is caused by various factors and can be hard to prevent, including gum disease, brushing too hard, and grinding your teeth. In addition, gum recession causes your teeth to look longer than normal, increasing your risk of tooth decay. If you think recession is starting, you can discuss it at your next dental appointment at our Burbank dentist office. During our examination, we will assess the extent of the recession and determine the cause. Then, depending on the severity of the recession, we may recommend a variety of treatment options, including deep cleaning procedures, gum grafting, or orthodontic treatment.

You may have sleep apnea if you're experiencing symptoms such as snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, and irritability. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, our team can provide an evaluation to determine its severity through a sleep study. We can then discuss various treatment options, including mouth taping. This involves placing a small piece of tape over the mouth before sleep to promote nasal breathing and reduce snoring. While it may be helpful for many patients, it’s essential to discuss it with your dental care professionals to ensure it’s a good option for you. Other options include CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgery.

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to create a base for a custom-made crown to placed over top of it. These are used in cases where a tooth is missing or has been extracted to replace the tooth. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, the crown is attached to restore the missing tooth's function and appearance. Dental implants are a long-lasting, durable solution for missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, and most people would not be able to tell an implant from a real tooth.

Dental implants are an effective and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, but the procedure relies on jawbone density. If a patient’s jawbone lacks sufficient thickness, a bone graft may be necessary. During your initial consultation at Brightcraft Dental & Laser, we'll assess if a bone graft is needed using advanced imaging techniques. If required, we'll develop a customized treatment plan or explore alternative options. The bone graft involves taking bone tissue from another part of your body and combining it with grafting material to stimulate new bone growth in the jaw. After several months of healing, the grafted bone integrates with the jawbone, allowing for the placement of the dental implant. While the process may seem daunting, it is a routine procedure performed with care and precision by our dental professionals.

Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted when they are causing pain, at risk if causing infection, or pushing other teeth out of alignment. In some cases, wisdom teeth are impacted or trapped beneath the gumline, at risk of discomfort or causing infection. Getting one’s wisdom teeth extracted is a common procedure, typically performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia or sedation. The process involves a dentist or oral surgeon making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove it. After the extraction, there are some post-operative instructions for care and follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process at our burbank dental office.

Whenever a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or impacted, it may become necessary to extract it. In some cases, extraction is to prevent the spread of infection or to make room for other teeth in orthodontic treatment. Before discussing an extraction, our dental professionals will evaluate the situation fully. Then, we offer various options for tooth replacement if the treatment is necessary, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Each can help restore your smile and maintain your oral health. The procedure is very common and typically performed as an outpatient with local anesthesia or sedation. Your dentist will use special instruments to remove the tooth and root structure carefully. Then, you will be given post-operation instructions on how to care for the area and options for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing.

Yes! More adults than ever are getting orthodontic treatments to improve their smiles and their self-confidence with it. We offer various options for adult orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, Invisalign, and lingual braces attached to the back of your teeth. We’ll work with you to determine the best treatment options depending on your situation and goals. Orthodontic treatment can help to correct a wide range of dental issues, including crooked or misaligned teeth, overbite and underbite, and jaw misalignment. The length of time you’ll need the braces varies greatly case by case, and can only be determined in our dental offices in Los Angeles. However, we are committed to thoroughly evaluating and creating a personalized treatment plan to achieve your best results.

Many people are choosing between Invisalign® or braces these days. It can be a tough decision, but it’s important to remember that both are fully effective in straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. Invisalign® uses clear aligners that are nearly invisible over the teeth, making them a popular choice for individuals who want to maintain a fully natural appearance during the treatment. On the other hand, braces uses brackets and wires that are quite noticeable. Sometimes, these are necessary for individuals with complex dental issues. In any case, our experienced orthodontists will work with you to choose the best treatment plan based on your individual needs, preferences, and goals.

If you are experiencing discomfort or gum irritation from your braces, you can contact our office for assistance. We know that orthodontic treatment can sometimes get uncomfortable, and sometimes that’s part of the process. However, at other times, there are ways to help smooth out the experience to make it as comfortable as possible. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover up sharp edges and alleviate discomfort. Also, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, which can further irritate the situation. Finally, keep up a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing to keep any particles out of the way. By following these tips and getting assistance when necessary, you should be able to find relief from the discomfort.

Yes, digital dental x-rays emit very low radiation levels, making them quite safe. In fact, they use up to 80% less radiation than traditional film x-rays. In addition, our dental professionals take every precaution to ensure your safety and only recommend x-rays when necessary for an accurate diagnosis. These measures include using lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect your body from radiation. Another benefit to digital x-rays is a faster and more efficient exposure time, resulting in less time spent in the dental chair, meaning less exposure to radiation overall. Overall, the benefits of digital x-rays far outweigh any of the risks, which is why they are an essential tool for all dental offices for maintaining oral health.

We know that many patients seek a brighter, whiter smile to improve their self-confidence. That’s why we offer several safe and effective teeth whitening options to fit your unique needs at our burbank dental office. During an initial consultation, we will assess your teeth and recommend the best treatment option, including in-office or at-home whitening kits. Our professional-grade whitening products are stronger and more effective than over-the-counter options. In addition, we can ensure a more safe and even treatment.

It’s common for teeth to shift a bit after any you’ve completed orthodontic treatment, especially if you haven’t been consistent with your retainer use. However, it’s nothing to worry about. Our experienced orthodontists can evaluate your situation to determine how best to fix it. Depending on the severity of the shifting, the treatment may involve adjusting your retainer, clear aligners, or traditional bracesOf course, the goal is to pick the easiest treatment while still being effective. We’ll work with you to develop a customized plan to meet your unique needs and goals.

Yes. Regular dental cleanings help with bad breath by removing a large amount of the built-up bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis, commonly called bad breath, can be caused by numerous factors, but poor oral hygiene is chief among them. During your cleaning appointment, our skilled dental hygienists will thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, which should help with your breath. We also advise using mouthwash and brushing the back of your tongue regularly to help with bad breath. We can also offer more tips and recommendations in person if you have concerns about your breath.

You cannot glue your crown back on yourself. Any attempt to do so may damage both the tooth and the crown, so it’s very important not to attempt any at-home treatment. Instead, you should schedule an appointment with our office to reattach the crown. In the meantime, if you are experiencing sensitivity or discomfort, you can use a small amount of dental cement or petroleum jelly to cover the exposed tooth.

Unfortunately, dental crowns are made out of an entirely different material than tooth enamel, so they cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening methods. However, that doesn’t mean you have no options. We can do various cosmetic dental procedures to get old crowns white again, including porcelain veneers and dental bonding. We recommend scheduling a consultation so you can discuss your options with us and we can find the best course of action together.

Dental sedation is a safe and effective way for patients with dental anxiety or fear to get relaxed and more comfortable during dental procedures. There are several options for dental sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. These don’t put you to sleep, but rather change your mindset to be much more relaxed. Our experienced dental professionals will work with you to determine the best sedation option for you, considering your specific needs and desired comfort level to put you most at ease during the appointment.