Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients who visit our cosmetic and restorative dental clinic in Ventura, Los Angeles County.
If you have a specific question you would like answered, please call the Anacapa Dental Art Institute at (805)988-8985 or click here to contact us online.
To view the answer to a specific question, click on one of the links below.
What is a Prosthodontist?
What dental procedures does a prosthodontist perform?
How is a Prosthodontist different from a "cosmetic dentist"?
Will the Prosthodontist complete all of my required treatment?
Why is it so important to maintain dental health?
How can I maintain my smile as I age?
What can I do to improve the health and appearance of my smile?
What are the main benefits of dental treatment?
Why do teeth seem to darken when people age?
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Who is a candidate for Cosmetic Dental treatment?
What is the most popular Cosmetic Dentistry treatment undergone by patients?
What are some of the results Cosmetic Dentistry treatment can achieve?
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
Most prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school in a program accredited by the American Dental Association, based either at a hospital or a university.
The training includes review of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.
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What dental procedures does a prosthodontist perform?
Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including: crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants.
In addition to restoring dental implants with restorations, many prosthodontists are trained to surgically place implants as well.
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How is a Prosthodontist different from a "cosmetic dentist"?
The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include "cosmetic dentistry" as a specialty.
Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years.
Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.
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Will the Prosthodontist complete all of my required treatment?
The prosthodontist is best viewed as the "architect" of your dental project. He has the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite.
Often other dental specialists may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and he will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.
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Why is it so important to maintain dental health?
Maintaining your teeth and gums, as you age is an important step in sustaining your general health and well-being. Whilst exercising, eating right and regular health checks are important – looking after your teeth and gums is also essential. Good dental health will help you to lead a long, happy and healthy life.
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How can I maintain my smile as I age?
Routine visits to Dr. Jivraj are of paramount importance. Visiting us every 6 months for a thorough examination and clean, will enable us to detect any dental problems early and limit the extent of the problem. It is also essential to brush at least twice each day (after breakfast and dinner) and floss once a day. This will help to prevent decay and gum disease. Speak with our team during your next visit, for more information on preventive care and hygiene.
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What can I do to improve the health and appearance of my smile?
If your teeth become damaged, lost or simply worn over time, there are a number of options available to treat these problems. If teeth are lost, then Implants, Dentures or Bridges may be an option for you. If a tooth needs rebuilding, then Crowns, Inlays or Onlays could be the solution. For cosmetic changes, Tooth Whitening, Veneers and Bonding are amongst some of the treatments that you could consider.
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What are the main benefits of dental treatment?
Achieving optimal dental health has the power to change your life for the better. Just a few of the major benefits, dental treatment may provide patients include
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Improved oral health and general well-being
- Improved facial appearance
- Improved comfort
- Improved speech
- Improved dietary habits
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Why do teeth seem to darken when people age?
Teeth may seem to darken as plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as we age. Staining from coffee, tea, soft drinks, certain medications and smoking can also occur. Changes in dentin may cause teeth to appear a little darker as well.
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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic Dentistry is the ultimate mixture of art and dental science. These procedures endeavor to create beautiful, esthetically pleasing smiles; utilizing the latest restorative technologies and materials.
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Who is a candidate for Cosmetic Dental treatment?
Previously, little could be done to attain the smile you always dreamed of. The treatments available to treat chipped, stained or crooked teeth were limited. Yet, today with the vast range of Cosmetic Dental treatments available, every smile can be esthetically enhanced.
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What is the most popular Cosmetic Dentistry treatment undergone by patients?
ZOOM! Tooth Whitening is probably the most popular Cosmetic procedure available today. This is the case as Tooth Whitening can be the quickest, most effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Lightening teeth 8 to 10 shades within just one consultation; ZOOM! can transform the effects of aging and discoloration.
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What are some of the results Cosmetic Dentistry treatment can achieve?
Cosmetic Dentistry can accomplish many results, including:
- Rejuvenate discolored / stained teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Reduce the over-crowded nature of teeth
- Straighten overlapping or crooked teeth
- Cover chips
- Conceal blemishes
- Replace missing teeth
- Repair breakages
- Replace Amalgam Fillings with Tooth-colored Restorations
- Gum Re-contouring for gummy smiles
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