What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

Before and After Pinhole Technique 1

Most of my San Diego patients don’t think of their gums until they cause pain or discomfort. Other than chronic periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, gum recession is one of the top reasons that patients come to my office. When your gums recede, they…

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How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Close Up of Female Mouth Smiling

Dental implants are a long-term solution for San Diego patients missing one or more teeth. Unlike other dental procedures, placing a dental implant will provide patients with a lifetime replacement for their missing teeth. Dental implants include three parts: Implant: A small titanium screw that…

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Achieving Success with Dental Implants: Part 2

Carbon composite ultrasonic tips

Dental implants are now in wide use all over the world and are often considered the standard of care for the replacement of missing teeth. It is estimated that over 5.5 million implants were placed in 2006. According to a recent report by GBI research,…

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Achieving Success with Dental Implants: Part 1

Mature Couple Looking at a Magazine and Smiling

Dental implants are becoming increasingly common and scientific meta-analyses have demonstrated 97-99% long term success rates. However, there are some basic principles and guidelines clinicians should follow to achieve high predictability and long term stability. In addition to appropriate medical screening of patients, treatment planning,…

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How Effective are Locally Delivered Antibiotics?

Business woman Smiling At Camera

By Tina Beck, DDS, MS Locally delivered antibiotics are flourishing in the commercial marketplace. Flip through any dental magazine and you will see a barrage of marketing in regard to these products. The manufacturers lead us to believe that these are the magic bullet we…

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Sensitive About Sensitivity?

Case 1 Before and After Compressed 2

By Tina Beck, DDS, MS What do you do when a patient complains about root sensitivity? Do you have a desensitizing protocol? Here are some tips. First, it is important to recognize the cause of root sensitivity: Exposure of dentinal tubules allowing cold temperatures to…

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