Mini Implants from Dr. Eric Meyer

While dental implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth, in Fullerton, CA, we use mini dental implants as an effective alternative in situations where regular implants cannot be used, such as in narrow spaces. Roughly half the size in diameter as conventional implants, mini implants are often used to replace smaller teeth in the mouth, as well as serve as a base for dentures.

Because mini implants are so small, often no incision is needed to place them in the gums. They can usually be inserted by Dr. Eric Meyer through the gum and into the bone directly, which eliminates much of the recovery time and allows the restoration to be placed immediately or shortly after. Like regular implants, mini implants are made of titanium. However, they are one solid piece, which give them roughly the same strength as a regular implant.

When used for dentures, four to six mini implants are placed along the gum line, and an entire set of uppers or lowers can be attached directly to the gums, which is advantageous to the patient since, unlike adhesive, implants do not shift or slip. This makes dentures more comfortable while eating, speaking and smiling.

If you want to know if implants or mini implants are the right solution for your missing teeth, call 714.879.7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our office, please visit www.fullertondental.com.

Sinus Lift in Fullerton, CA

If you lose posterior teeth, it causes an increase in force to be placed on your remaining teeth, which can affect both your bite and oral health. This is why replacing extracted teeth is so important. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution to filling gaps in patients’ smiles, but sometimes there is not enough room in the upper jaw for dental implants to be placed. This can be because of the position of the sinus or because of bone loss.

A sinus lift or augmentation, allows the sinus floor to be repositioned and bone added so that there is enough space for the implant to be inserted. For this procedure, Dr. Eric Meyer uses a variety of grafting materials to encourage bone to grow more quickly into the area and help stabilize the dental implant.

The bone used in a sinus lift may come from your own body (autogenous bone), a donor (allogeneic bone) or from cow bone (xenograft). During the procedure, the doctor will cut the gum tissue where the missing back teeth used to be in order to expose the bone. Then he will open a small oval window to the bone to gain access to where the sinus meets the jaw. The sinus is pushed up and away from the jaw, and granules of bone-graft material are then packed into the space where the sinus was, adding several millimeters of bone to the jaw.

Once the bone is in place, the tissue is closed with stitches and left to heal. Implants are usually installed four to nine months later while the grafted material meshes with your bone.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 714.879.7943. For more information about our practice in Fullerton, CA, please visitwww.fullertondental.com.

Perfect Your Smile in 2015 with Invisalign

As 2014 comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to accomplish in the new year, And we think getting the smile you’ve always wanted is a great resolution. At our office in Fullerton, CA, we offer Invisalign aligners so that you can straighten your teeth without committing to a mouth full of metal. By using a series of thin, clear, plastic aligners, Dr. Eric Meyer can guide your teeth into a smile you will be proud to show off without anybody even knowing.  

While regular braces are still best for the most serious cases of teeth straightening, Invisalign is great for cases of mild to moderate spacing or crowding. For these cases, Invisalign provides teeth correction that bypasses the discomfort, soreness and restrictive diet that those who have traditional braces must face.

A computer program will generate a series of aligners with small changes in each to straighten your teeth a little at a time. The trays are completely removable for easy eating and cleaning, so your teeth will not experience the same discoloration and plaque buildup that can normally occur with brackets and wire. In addition, you will be able to eat all the foods you like, such as popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, apples, carrots and corn.

If you think Invisalign might be the best option for achieving the smile you’ve been dreaming of, schedule an appointment at with Dr. Meyer by calling 714.879.7943. For more information about the orthodontic treatment or other services, please visit www.fullertondental.com.

What to Expect at your Next Dental Visit with Dr. Eric Meyer

At our practice, we value each and every one of our patients and strive to provide the high-quality dental care that will help them maintain optimal oral health. If you have scheduled an appointment with our office in Fullerton, CA, here is what you should expect.

During your first appointment, Dr. Eric Meyer will complete a comprehensive oral examination that includes a complete review of your medical and dental history, dental X-rays and intraoral photos. Additionally, he will provide you with an oral cancer screening, a periodontal health evaluation and an examination of your teeth and soft tissues. He will then discuss his findings with you and, if needed, help you develop a treatment plan that you are comfortable with.

Before your appointment, you can complete the new patient registration forms available at www.fullertondental.com/patient-forms/. Payment is expected at the time of your first visit, so have all your insurance information ready and co-pay if required. If you are responsible for financing our dental services, we work with CareCredit and can provide you with the information you need to apply.

We look forward to seeing you! To schedule an appointment or ask any questions, call 714.879.7943. For more information about our practice or services, please visit www.fullertondental.com.

Changes for a Healthier Smile in Fullerton, CA

Regular exams and cleanings with Dr. Eric Meyer are only a small part of a good oral hygiene routine. Everyday oral care habits also play a vital role in a healthy smile, and if you want to improve your oral health, here are some simple changes you can make.

1.      Brush better. Good technique and proper duration are essential for effective brushing. To maximize your brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and make sweeping circular motions away from the gums. You should brush for at least two minutes or for the length of a song.
2.      Floss. Dr. Meyer can tell you that flossing can actually do a better job of removing harmful plaque than brushing, and it only needs to be done once a day. So why aren’t you doing it already? It’s the key to healthier teeth and fresher breath.

3.      Chew sugarless gum. Sugarless gum is a great way to keep your smile fresh after a meal. Not only will it improve your breath, but chewing gum increases saliva production to help wash away the acids released by the bacteria in plaque. If the gum has xylitol, it even helps reduce decay-causing bacteria.

4.      Replace your toothbrush. How long have you been brushing with your toothbrush? As your toothbrush ages, the bristles fray and lose their cleaning ability. Extremely frayed bristles can even hurt your gums. Bacteria can also build up in the bristles of toothbrushes, so make sure you are replacing yours ever three to four months.

5.      Switch to tap water. Tap water is treated with fluoride, which is a safe and effective technique for lowering tooth decay across the nation. Plus, it’s basically free.

For more ways to keep your smile healthy, turn to Dr. Meyer in Fullerton, CA. To schedule an appointment, call 714.879.7943. For more information, please visit www.fullertondental.com.

Get your Smile Ready for the Holidays

The holidays will be here soon, and with them come countless parties, get togethers and pictures. Is your smile ready? If you’re looking to get your smile ready for the season, we can help. One of the easiest and quickest ways to get a dazzling, photo-ready smile is to whiten your teeth, and Dr. Eric Meyer offers both ZOOM! and BriteSmile whitening systems.

The ZOOM! and BriteSmile systems are chair-side whitening procedures that are done in our office, using a safe whitening gel combined with low-intensity light. The light activates the hydrogen peroxide in the gel, which can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades in only an hour! Unlike other whitening systems that involve multiple sessions and take-home trays, ZOOM! and BriteSmile produce results that are both drastic and quick, which makes whitening your teeth an easy way to improve your smile during this busy season.   

For the best results, patients should have their teeth cleaned prior to the whitening procedures since tartar and plaque can prevent the whitening gel from working in certain areas. By having your teeth cleaned, you are ensuing that you get an even, white smile.

To schedule an appointment in Fullerton, CA, call 714.879.7943. For more information, please visit www.fullertondental.com. 

Enamel Erosion and Fluoride

Tooth enamel is the semi-translucent, hard, outer layer of the teeth, and although it is the strongest substance in the human body, it is not impervious to everyday wear and tear or acid erosion. Tasked with protecting our teeth from the daily damage of biting and chewing, as well as from the temperature extremes of hot and cold foods, tooth enamel is important for keeping our teeth free of decay and pain. But if the enamel begins to erode, intervention is necessary for protecting your oral health.

Tooth enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors, from drinking too many soft drinks or fruity juices to not cleaning your teeth often enough. Other contributing factors include eating lots of sour foods or candy, dry mouth, acid reflux disease, bulimia, teeth grinding, heaving drinking and even brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or beverages. When the tooth enamel erodes, you may experience sensitive teeth, irregular or rough tooth edges, yellowed teeth and cupping or dents.

At our practice in Fullerton, CA, Dr. Eric Meyer recommends fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in our water and many of our foods and can help remineralize tooth enamel that has eroded and protect it from acid in the future. Especially important to children between the ages of 6 and 16, fluoride treatment is a common part of dentistry. The mineral can be applied as a foam, gel or varnish and is a much stronger dose than found in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

To see if fluoride can help you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Why Water is Your Teeth’s Best Friend

If you’re one of those people who don’t drink enough water, then you should know that the clear, tasteless liquid is actually essential for achieving good health. This is because your body is between 60 to 65 percent water, and the liquid is used for a variety of bodily functions. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate your joints, and staying hydrated helps it function better as a whole. In addition to these benefits, water is also an important player in your oral health. Many dentists even consider water to be teeth’s best friend.

One of the many benefits that drinking water can provide our mouths is that it can help prevent bad breath. In fact, one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria is provided a suitable environment in which to thrive, and this can cause bad odors. By drinking water, you can cut down on these smelly bacteria.  

However, bacteria in the mouth do more than smell. The bacteria that cause bad breath are also the cause of cavities and gum disease, so drinking water can help keep your mouth healthy in addition to less smelly. Water provides a great way to keep your teeth clean between brushings since it is able to wash away foods and liquids that can damage your teeth. While it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing altogether, drinking water with your meal or afterward can wash away the acid and particles that can erode enamel and attract bacteria.

Seeing a dentist is also a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine, and in Fullerton, CA, Dr. Eric Meyer has the skill and experience to provide the care you need for optimal oral health. Call 714.879.7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Food and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

If you’re determined to keep your pearly whites actually white, then you probably already brush your teeth daily and see your dentist periodically, but brushing can often times not be enough to keep your smile bright. This is because a lot of the food and drinks we consume can stain our teeth.

The staining power of food and beverages depends on two factors, and the first is the color of the food. Intensely colored foods and beverages tend to be the worst for our teeth. If you would be worried about spilling a certain food or drink on a white tablecloth, you can bet that it has the potential to stain your teeth. The color in food comes from chromogens, which are highly pigmented molecules that have the tendency to latch onto tooth enamel. The second factor that determines staining power is a food or beverage’s acidity level. Acidic food and drinks, even those that are not brightly colored, can promote stains by eroding the dental enamel, temporarily softening teeth and making it easier for chromogens to stick.

The top teeth-staining foods and beverages that you should avoid from whiter teeth are wine, tea, soda, sports drinks, berries, sauces and sweets. To minimize staining without forgoing your favorite foods and drinks, you can try using a straw, swallowing promptly and swishing with water. This minimizes the amount of time the acidic and colorful food is in contact with your teeth.

If your still unhappy with the color of your teeth after practicing good oral hygiene, you can also come to our practice in Fullerton, CA for teeth whitening services. Dr. Eric Meyer offers both ZOOM! and BriteSmile, which can whiten your teeth up to 10 shades in only an hour. To schedule an appointment, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Does Your Tooth Still Hurt After a Root Canal?

If you’re still experiencing pain after a root canal, you may be wondering why. Aren’t root canals meant to take your pain away? There are many reasons why your tooth may still be hurting. It is possible that the base of your tooth root (periapical) is still slightly tender or that your pain is caused by a temporary filling that is a bit too high. In these cases, taking OTC painkillers, preferably ibuprofen, may be all you need to alleviate your pain while your root canal heals.

However, if you’ve had a root canal at our practice in Fullerton, CA and are still experiencing pain that is severe or persistent, you should call our office immediately. The dentist may need to prescribe you an antibiotic to make sure the infection does not remain, or he may need to perform retreatment.

At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Eric Meyer will want to know what type of pain you are experiencing. Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold? Is it the tooth root that is sensitive or the gums that are over the tooth? Is it a constant ache, or does it only hurt when biting? Is there any swelling, drainage or pus? The answers to these questions will give Dr. Meyer the information he needs to diagnose your pain.

Root canals don’t always work, and there are many reasons for this, including fractures of the root, convoluted or twisted root structures and failure to protect the root canal after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need further treatment. If the root canal was successful, it should feel normal most of the time.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer in Fullerton, CA, call 714.879.7943. For more information about the dentist and his services, visitwww.fullertondental.com.

Dental Implants

If you have teeth missing or are in need of an extraction due to decay, disease or injury, dental implants provide an attractive and long-lasting solution for filling the gaps in your smile. While bridges and dentures can also solve the problem of missing teeth, these alternatives either require alteration to the teeth adjacent to the gap or are not permanent fixtures in the mouth. At our office in Fullerton, CA, Dr. Eric Meyer uses dental implant restorations to help patients achieve a complete smile that they can be proud of.

The implant process can take between three to six months to complete, and the first step is to implant a titanium screw in the jawbone through an incision in the gums. This screw serves as your replacement tooth root and keeps your jaw from deteriorating or changing shape. Once the screw is in place, the gums are sutured and the bone is left to heal around the implant. This healing process is called osseointegration, and while it takes place over the next several months, you may receive a temporary crown for easier speaking and eating.

Once the jaw has healed, an abutment will be placed on top of the implant to serve as the foundation on which your permanent crown will be fixed. The tooth restoration is then custom made for your mouth and is either screwed or cemented in place so that you may enjoy a complete smile that both looks and feels natural.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Intraoral Camera

Dental technology has greatly improved the diagnosis of dental issues over the years, making early treatment of decay, infection and disease possible. With advancements, such as intraoral cameras, dentists can view patients’ teeth easier and more accurately, which helps them diagnose dental issues earlier and treat them with less invasive methods. At our office in Fullerton, CA, our patients’ oral health is important to us, so we use intraoral cameras and other top-of-the-line technology to keep them smiling.

The intraoral camera is an effective tool for viewing patients’ teeth and mouth from different angles. This allows us to see the mouth from angles that were not available even a couple years ago. The camera connects to a monitor that lets us see the structures of the teeth more closely and with better accuracy than traditional methods. These digital images allow the patient and insurance companies to see what the doctor has seen, which lets you understand your oral health better and gain procedure acceptance from your insurance company more easily. In addition, by using digital intraoral cameras and digital X-rays, instead of traditional dental X-rays, your dentist can limit your exposure to radiation.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Apicoectomy

If root canal therapy is unsuccessful and your infection either returns or persists after the procedure, it is often because of a problem near the apex of the root, making an apicoectomy necessary to save your tooth from extraction, and Dr. Eric Meyer has the skill and experience to help you in Fullerton, CA.

An apicoectomy removes the tip or apex of the root of your tooth and replaces it with a filling. This is not to be confused with a root resection, which is when an entire root is removed, not just the tip. Before we recommend an apicoectomy, a second root canal is usually considered because it is a simpler and less-invasive procedure. Advances in technology allow the dentist to detect whether one of the tooth’s other canals is the source of the infection. If this is the case, a second root canal is carried out.

However, if an apicoectomy is necessary, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. The local anesthetic that is used contains twice as much epinephrine as the anesthetic for a filling. This ensures that your blood vessels are reduced to reduce bleeding and allow your dentist to accurately see the root. Then the dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the root of the infected tooth. About 3 to 4 millimeters of the canal are cleaned of inflamed tissue and then the area is healed. An X-ray is usually taken before the gums are sutured to give Dr. Meyer a better look at the area.

If your tooth pain persists or comes back after root canal therapy, come to our office. Call 714.879.7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Bone Grafting

In some cases, our patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaw to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago can now receive dental implants. In Fullerton, CA, Dr. Eric Meyer performs bone grafting to increase the amount of bone in his patients’ jaw to allow for future implants.

There are several bone grafting techniques, but they can all be grouped into two types. The first type of bone grafting is the most extensive type and is performed only by an oral surgeon. Always done as a surgery separate from dental implant placement, this first type of grafting makes large changes to the shape and size of the dental ridge for the sake of implants, which are usually not implanted until several months later.

The second type of bone grafting is usually performed if the jaw has enough bone for implant placement but not enough to completely cover the sides of the implant. These grafts are usually small and performed when dental implants are placed.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you’re looking to receive dental implants, we can make it happen. To schedule an appointment, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.

Screening for Oral Cancer

Being screened for oral cancer is an important part of maintaining your oral health and should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. At our practice in Fullerton, CA, we take oral cancer seriously and are dedicated to keeping our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk in developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so it is especially important for you to receive regular screenings if you partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer.

Screening for oral cancer can be done during routine checkups by Dr. Eric Meyer, who uses ultraviolet light to help him spot abnormal tissue in your mouth. Abnormal tissue can then be tested to see if it is cancerous or not.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and at our office, we strive to protect all our patients. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Dentures

Dentures are an option chosen by many of our patients in Fullerton, CA. Available in both full and partial, dentures serve as a removable replacement for missing teeth.

Conventional full dentures are one type of full dentures. They are used after all of a patient’s teeth are removed, but only once the gum tissue has healed for a few months. During that healing time, the patient would have no teeth in place. Immediate full dentures are more popular since patients do not have to be toothless for any period of time. For this type, Dr. Meyer takes measurements of the patient’s mouth prior to removing the teeth. Then when the teeth are removed at the next appointment, the dentures are immediately placed in the patient’s mouth. With this method, a follow-up visit is required so that the dentures can be refitted and tightened since the jawbone changes shape slightly as it heals with no teeth.

Partial dentures are an option for those who do not need all their teeth removed. This type is very similar to bridges, except they are removable instead of permanent.

Whichever dentures our patients choose, they take some time getting used to, and even though they are not real teeth, dentures should still be cared for as if they were. To ensure your dentures last, be sure to brush them before removal and place them in room temperature water or cleaning solution overnight.

To find out if dentures are the right choice for you, schedule an appointment with our office by calling 714-879-7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Scaling and Root Planing

At our practice, we actively strive to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and retain their original teeth. By offering scaling and root planing to treat early gum disease, Dr. Eric Meyer can restore the health of your gums and save your smile.

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. As bacteria collect in your mouth, they will attack your teeth and surrounding gums. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it will become a more serious periodontal disease that destroys your gum tissue and leads to tooth loss. If it is not treated, the disease can even cause a loss of bone mass in your jaw.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into more serious periodontal disease. The procedure allows the dentist to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar that is causing your inflammation.

The procedure is incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our office in Fullerton, CA by calling 714-252-7414. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Electric Handpieces

While you might not think to ask what type of tools your dentist is using, the type and quality of tool matters, and at our practice, Dr. Eric M. Meyer uses electric handpieces for quality dental care in Fullerton, CA.

There are basically two types of handpieces used in dentistry: air-driven and electric. Electric tools, which are what we use, are much stronger than air-driven ones because a motor is used to spin the bur, not air. With a stronger force created, Dr. Meyer can removed decay more quickly and cut down on the amount of time needed for a procedure. Often used to prepare teeth for restorative procedures, electric handpieces offer many benefits.

Whether you are getting a filling, crown, bridge or inlay/onlay, we are dedicated to providing the best dental care possible with state-of-the-art tools. By using the best equipment in all his dental procedures, the dentist ensures that all his patients are comfortable and their oral health is well cared for.

While you may not know the difference between dental tools, you will be able to feel the difference that top-of-the-line tools afford Dr. Meyer.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 714-879-7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Teeth Extractions

Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons, including decay, infection and impaction. If decay reaches too deeply into the tooth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, teeth may need to be removed. Teeth are also extracted if there is not enough room in the mouth. When teeth are impacted, it can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, so they are removed before damage is done. At our office, Dr. Chris Meyer can help you with tooth extractions in Fullerton, CA.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, the dentist may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, and a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Chris Meyer can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Sedation Dentistry

If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety, there are options available to make it easier for you. Between 5 percent and 8 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia, but you shouldn’t let your oral health suffer because of fear. At our office, we offer a safe environment, where we are able to comfort patients through various sedation methods.

We can sedate patients through oral Nitrous Oxide, intravenous sedation, anxiolysis and oral conscious sedation. None of these methods will put you in an unconscious state, just a deep state of relaxation during your treatment. Sedation is mainly used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia, not necessarily because of pain.

The most common sedation method utilized throughout the dental industry is Nitrous Oxide (N2O). N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. Dr. Eric Meyer will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. Within a few short minutes, you will begin to feel the effects. N2O wears off quickly and there is no “hangover” effect. IV administration is also becoming a popular tool for dentists. IV sedation is administered through the veins, which allows for quicker effects and less recovery time.

The final method utilized by our office is known as oral conscious sedation. It is as simple as taking an aspirin, you will not be “knocked out”, but you will feel more relaxed. Because some patients have trouble with needles and gas, Dr. Meyers provides them with an oral sedative, such as valium. This is utilized for patients with mild to moderate anxiety as it is not as powerful as other sedation methods.

To set up an appointment, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visitwww.FullertonDental.com.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two procedures that use the tooth structure as a base for restoration. Often called partial crowns, both inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth while restoring its shape and working to prevent further damage. At our office in Fullerton, CA, we use these procedures to repair teeth when decay is too extensive to support a filling but not extensive enough to use a crown.

When there is no damage to the cusps of a tooth, Dr. Eric Meyer uses an inlay for restoration, bonding it right on top of the tooth. Made of porcelain, inlays are both strong and natural-looking, providing an attractive solution to repairing your tooth. Onlays are used when damage is a little more extensive and are used to repair part of the cusp of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays can be created at a lab out of porcelain, gold or composite resin. Fabrication normally takes between two to three weeks, and during that time, you will be provided with temporary restorations while you wait. Once they are ready, they will be cemented in place.

To ensure that your teeth get the best dental care available, schedule an appointment with our office by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Panorex

At the office of Dr. Eric Meyer, we use panoramic digital radiography to provide high-quality care to our patients in Fullerton and the surrounding area.

Panorex is an X-ray machine that is capable of capturing more of the mouth structure than a traditional, dental X-ray and can, therefore, identify many issues. To take the X-ray, you will sit in a chair with your chin on a small ledge. Once positioned, the machine will rotate 360 degrees around your head, capturing X-rays of your teeth, head, sinuses and bone, which allows Dr. Meyer to see any potential problems and ensure that everything is functioning properly. The panorex can also view specific types of structural problems, including infections or asymmetry.

In addition to clearer and more comprehensive images, the panorex and other digital X-rays also produce up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional dental X-rays. This is because the digital sensor is much more sensitive to radiation than film, so less is needed to form an accurate image. While traditional X-rays are considered safe by professionals, those who receive X-rays frequently or who are concerned about radiation will feel more comfortable with digital radiography.

With Dr. Eric Meyer, you know that you will receive the best dental care available with state-of-the-art technology in Fullerton. Panoramic, digital X-rays are only one way that we act with our patients’ best interest in mind. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

What is Rotary Endodontics?

If you’ve had a root canal to save an infected tooth, it probably didn’t occur to you to ask what types of tools your dentist used. However, if your dentist used the old, manual file for removing the infection, the procedure may have been more nerve racking than if rotary endodontics technology was used. That’s why Dr. Eric Meyer uses these tools in our office in Fullerton.

Providing a smoother, more comfortable experience during root canals, rotary endodontics technology allows Dr. Meyer to remove the infected pulp in the inner root canal more quickly, more smoothly and with less chance of complications. These electric instruments prove superior to the traditional, stainless steel files. They are made of nickel titanium, which is much more flexible than stainless steel, so it can be inserted into the curved root canal without damaging the passageway.

In addition, the tools are much quieter, without the grinding noise that other tools produce, which can help with your nerves during the procedure. This is why both the doctor and patients prefer this technology. While the manual method works adequately at saving teeth during root canals, rotary endodontics tools are much less scary and are easier to use.

We prefer to use this technology at our office in Fullerton, CA because we always put our patients’ first and the tools are smoother, quicker and more consistent than the traditional method. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943. For more information about our practice, our services and our technology, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Bonding for your teeth

Dental bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable cosmetic and restorative procedures. Called bonding because tooth-colored resin is bonded to your teeth, this process is used to repair chipped, unevenly shaped or discolored teeth. It can even be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings in situations where only a small filling is required.

Bonding is achieved by applying incredibly strong resin to the tooth that you would like restored. Then the resin is shaped and polished until it matches your surrounding teeth. Not only can this procedure be accomplished in only one visit, but this process also allows you to keep most of your tooth’s original enamel, making bonding preferable to veneers or crowns in many cases. Once the right color resin has been chosen for your smile, your teeth will be slightly abraded to roughen the surface. Then a conditioning liquid will be applied to help the bonding material adhere.

The putty-like resin is then applied to the tooth and molded and smoothed until it is in the proper shape. It is hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the bonding material has hardened, Dr. Eric Meyer will trim and shape it even more and then polish it until it shines like a tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for one tooth.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your smile quickly and effectively. To schedule an appointment with our office in Fullerton, CA, call 714-879-7943. For more information on our services, visit www.FullertonDental.com.