FAQ

How many years does it take to become a dentist?

Persons interested in becoming a dentist usually have some schooling before entering dental college. Dental colleges often require a 4 year degree in sciences or arts. Some dental colleges will accept undergraduate courses specific to the preparation of dental school. Beyond the basic 4 year degree, dental college is another 4 years. If a person graduating from dental college would like to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, another 2 to 5 years is usually required.

What is an occlusion?

Occlusion is a word that refers to a person's bite and how the teeth come together when the mouth closes. Orthodontic dentists make adjustments and repair occlusional problems with the use of apparatus such as braces.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the practice of assisting a patient in relaxing before and during a dental procedure. A medication is prescribed for the patient and to be taken before the dental procedure. After the patient is settled into the dental chair, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) or an IV solution is administered for further sedation once the patient is in the exam room.

What are porcelain fillings?

Porcelain fillings are an holistic approach to dentistry. Porcelain fillings are used as opposed to mercury fillings to treat the holes in the teeth caused by drilling to remove cavities. Porcelain fillings contain no toxic substances and match the color of a person's teeth, leaving the filling almost invisible. Porcelain fillings are also used to replace existing mercury fillings should the patient and doctor agree on the procedure.

How does a person get a "Hollywood Smile" in Southern California?

The term "Hollywood Smile" refers to a smile that appears flawless. A flawless smile contains perfectly shaped teeth that are perfectly white while being the exact, aesthetically pleasing size for the smiling person's mouth. A Southern California cosmetic dentist can be consulted and help to determine what a patient would need to have the perfect smile. California cosmetic dentists can lighten with bleaching techniques, reshape with veneers, repair cracked teeth with crowns and adjust misaligned teeth with braces or Invisalign methods, just t name a few possibilities for procedures.