Dental Treatment Irvine, CA

Conditions We Treat | Irvine dentist

Dr. Levine treats all of her patients with compassion and respect. She doesn’t believe in “one size fits all” dentistry, but rather creates a personalized treatment plan to meet each patient’s needs and goals.

Dr. Levine has seen the difference that a healthy smile can make in a person’s life. In some cases, she is able to treat problems that have bothered patients for years, restoring a person’s oral health, as well as their self-confidence. She also believes strongly that every person deserves compassion and respect, so her patients feel comfortable and at ease when visiting her. She treats most of the common problems that can arise with the smile, including the following:

Cracked Teeth

When a tooth is cracked, the patient may experience pain when chewing or sensitivity to heat and cold. Treatment alleviates these symptoms, and also protects the tooth from further damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, a cracked tooth may be treated using dental bonding or a crown. If left untreated, the inner tooth structures may become damaged, requiring root canal therapy or even extraction of the tooth.

Yellow or Stained Teeth

Many common factors can cause staining of the teeth, including certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, red wine, and curry), aging, certain medications, and poor oral hygiene. Teeth whitening can remove surface stains and restore brightness to the smile. Porcelain veneers can conceal stains along with other cosmetic problems (such as chipped teeth or teeth that are too small). For small areas of staining, dental bonding may provide quick and effective treatment.

Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, may have a variety of causes, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, infection (including gum disease), or metabolic disease. Many patients are bothered by the social stigma that can be attached to this condition. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Levine  thoroughly reviews each patient’s medical history, conducts an examination and recommends a course of treatment fitting with the diagnosis.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. In the early stage, known as gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. As it progresses to the later stage, known as periodontitis, the structures that support the teeth (surrounding bone and gums) are damaged. This can cause teeth to become loose and, in severe cases, require extraction. Early treatment of periodontal disease is crucial to prevent tooth loss. In most cases this includes a deep cleaning (several visits),, more frequent professional cleanings, and instruction in effective home hygiene methods, such as the use of a water flosser. In more severe cases, laser intervention or surgical procedures may be necessary.

Toothaches

Tooth pain may indicate a variety of problems, including tooth decay, a cracked tooth, a cracked or missing filling, an infected tooth, problems with the bite, or gum disease. Early treatment may avoid severe damage to the affected tooth. For pain that is persistent or severe, visit Dr. Levine as soon as possible.

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint where the jawbone meets the skull. It moves as the mouth opens and closes. When this joint is damaged or dysfunctional, this is known as TMJ disorder (TMJD, or TMD). Patients may experience a variety of symptoms, including pain in the jaw or face, stiffness of the TMJ, locking of the joint, and clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth. This common condition affects nearly 15% of adults in the U.S. It is often caused by chronic teeth grinding or a misaligned bite, though it can also result from facial trauma.

Treatment can help to restore normal function of the joint and relieve discomfort. Treatment methods include physical therapy, oral appliances, and muscle relaxants.

Are you looking for an Irvine dentist?

If you are experiencing any of these problems, or another oral health problem, Dr. Levine wants to help. Treatment may be able to relieve your discomfort and restore your smile along with your self-confidence. Please call 949-727-9600 or email our Irvine dental practice today to schedule your consultation.