General:
Digital X-rays
Digital x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool in dentistry. They allow a dentist to see through tissue, tooth, and bone to catch any issues that might be present but not visible to the naked eye. The modern digital sensor uses less radiation to get a more precise and more accurate image.
Exams and Check-Ups
Dental exams and check-ups are routine assessments of the head, neck, and oral cavity to find any problems or issues. Most people should get a dental check-up once every six months as a preventive measure to help catch any minor dental issues before they become a big problem. During an exam, the dentist would do a visual and tactile check and use a variety of other tools such as dental x-rays to help find the source of any pain or discomfort that might be present.
Dental Emergencies:
Toothaches and other dental emergencies are not confined to business hours, and they can happen any time of day or night. We try our best to accommodate same-day or after-hour appointments for emergency cases. Please call us for availability.
Oral Cancer Screenings:
During your oral exam, Dr. Shahrokh will examine your head, neck, and mouth to look for signs of oral cancer, such as lesions, discolored patches of tissue, and other such indicators. This helps give you peace of mind and ensures that all issues are addressed as soon as possible. If we find a potential problem, we will refer you to a specialist who can fully diagnose and give you the treatment you need right away.
Sealants:
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They “seal” any minor grooves on the teeth and prevent any food or bacteria from getting in. While they are not substitutes for daily brushing and flossing, dental sealants are great at preventing cavities from forming.
Nightguards/ Sports Guards:
Removable mouthguards help prevent wear and tear on your teeth during the night or while playing sports. If you find yourself grinding your teeth during the night, you may need a mouthguard.
Extractions:
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which a tooth is completely removed from its socket. Dr. Shahrokh prefers to save natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes, other therapeutic methods such as dental fillings or dental crowns aren’t enough. If your tooth has been badly damaged past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. Dr. Shahrokh may recommend tooth extraction if you have- severe tooth decay (cavities), a fractured tooth, impacted tooth, crowded teeth, severe gum disease, tooth luxation, or other dental injuries.
Hygiene Program:
Basic Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
The hygienist will do a light scale and polish above the gum line, and then she will apply a fluoride varnish to help strengthen your teeth.
Gingivitis treatment:
If plaque has been sitting on your teeth for a long time, it starts the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease, called gingivitis. This is when the disease process is only limited to the gum area and is entirely reversible. It is indicated for patients who have swollen, inflamed gingiva, generalized suprabony pockets, and moderate to severe bleeding on probing. Removing plaque, calculus, and stains from supra-gingival (above the gum line) and subgingival (below the gum line) tooth surfaces when generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation will help reverse this disease process. That is, of course, in the absence of periodontal disease, which is the more advanced stage of gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
As periodontal disease is left untreated for a more extended period, it turns from gingivitis to periodontitis. At this stage, there has been some attachment loss between the teeth and bone and gums around the teeth. This is a slow-moving but irreversible process, and to prevent it from progressing, further scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are needed. To diagnose this stage of the disease, we use a visual exam, digital x-rays, and periodontal pocket charting. Typically, the pocket depths should be less than 3 mm. If they are 4 mm, it’s a big warning sign, and any measurement of 5mm or higher is a sign of periodontal attachment loss. As the pockets get deeper, more bacteria can settle down on the tooth surface and cause more damage. The purpose of scaling and root planing is to remove as many bacteria as possible and help gum tissue return to a healthy state. We usually use local anesthesia, ultrasonic scalers, and hand scalers to achieve this. By scaling the plaque buildup and root planing the tooth, we leave a smooth surface for the gingival tissue to heal and hopefully re-attach to the tooth surface.
Periodontal Maintenance:
Once you have periodontal disease, it does not go away; but it is something you have to maintain. You have to brush and floss regularly, and we recommend a rigorous maintenance schedule at the office. We usually recommend that a patient with a history of periodontal disease come back for follow-up cleanings every 3-4 months. The hygienist will scale about 2-3mm below the gum line, which are surfaces that are hard for you to reach or can’t reach at all. Then she flushes out the pockets with an antimicrobial agent that kills that bacteria and applies fluoride varnish to help strengthen your teeth. Periodontal maintenance is necessary to help maintain your gum health and the bone level around your teeth.
Restorative:
Tooth-colored fillings
Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to midsize fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer their fillings to look more natural.
Dental Crowns
A crown, otherwise known as a dental cap, is a restoration procedure that completely encompasses a tooth or implant. Crowns are typically needed when a cavity is too large to be fixed by a regular filling. Usually, if there is more than 50% loss of the tooth structure, a standard filling can’t restore the tooth. This would cause the restoration to fail, leading to further decay and, in some cases, fracture of the tooth. That is why a dental crown would be a better choice because it provides better protection, strength, and predictability of the outcome. Dr. Shahrokh will discuss what type of crown is best for your situation.
Dental Bridges
When there is a significant gap or a missing tooth between teeth, a dental bridge can close that gap and provide the missing chewing surface that was lost. A bridge comprises two crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap and a third crown that would fill the space. It is all one piece, and it bridges one tooth to the other; that is why we call it a bridge.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that’s placed into your jaw to hold a prosthetic tooth (crown) or bridge. However, when most people use the term “dental implants,” they’re talking about the combination of the implant (the artificial tooth root) and the prosthetic tooth. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason and prefer not to wear dentures.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic), nylon, or metal. They fit snugly over the gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate potential problems caused by gaps. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth on either side of the opening may grow into the space at an angle. Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced. Therefore, you may require complete dentures (a full set), which replace all your upper or lower teeth, or partial dentures – which replace just one tooth or a few missing teeth. Dentures may help prevent problems with eating and speech. If you need complete dentures, they may also improve the appearance of your smile and give you confidence.
Full Mouth Reconstructions
As the name implies, full mouth reconstruction refers to rebuilding and replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. Full mouth reconstructions combine esthetics with the science of restorative dentistry to improve the mouth’s health, function, and beauty.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that relieves pain caused by an infected nerve or an abscessed tooth. During the root canal process, the inflamed or dead nerve is removed. The tooth’s canals are then cleaned and disinfected, and an antimicrobial filling is placed inside the tooth to fill and seal that space. This will prevent the tooth from getting another infection.
Cosmetic:
Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is a multi-step treatment that addresses multiple cosmetic concerns. This comprehensive procedure enhances the beauty and the health of your smile. Dr. Shahrokh uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure your smile matches your expectations.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign is a clear aligner alternative to metal braces for teens and adults. This alternative gives you the ability to have a better, brighter smile without needing braces. Invisalign can treat crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, under bites, cross bites, and open bites. Dr. Shahrokh has been trained extensively on the art and science behind clear aligners and would be able to recommend the best course of action in utilizing clear aligners to achieve the best results for your smile.
Veneers and Cosmetic Crowns
Veneers are thin coverings placed on the front part of the teeth. Veneers look natural and can correct various dental problems, including stained, chipped, or worn teeth.
Teeth Whitening
The thickness and smoothness of your teeth’s enamel are affected by your genes. Additionally, enamel contains pores that can pick up stains, and pellicle, a thin coating that can form on your teeth, also pick up stains. The most common reasons your teeth can become yellow include: Utilizing tobacco products, drinking beverages like black tea and coffee, dark and light sodas and white and red wine, and eating foods like berries, tomatoes, curries, and soy sauces. Teeth whitening is the process of lifting the color from your teeth. During in-office whitening, we apply a few layers of high concentrated whitening gel on your teeth, slowly removing the colors and stains from your teeth and revealing the actual color of your teeth.
Dr. Ali Shahrokh, a distinguished graduate in Chemistry from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, brings over a decade of expertise to his dental practice in San Diego. Committed to improving oral health and well-being of his patients, he utilizes advanced procedures and equipment in a serene dental studio. Dr. Shahrokh's dedication to excellence and extensive experience makes him a trusted authority in the field, providing cutting-edge dental care to his patients.
