Chewing sugared gum all day.
Cavities, a sore jaw, or weakened bridgework may result. If you must chew, select gum with Xylitol.
Drinking soda and energy drinks.
These sugary, acidic beverages are exceptionally efficient at eroding enamel.
Chewing ice or hard candy.
Your enamel is quite durable. But so are ice and hard candy, and head-to-head, from time to time they win, resulting in a cracked tooth.
Skipping flossing.
Maybe you think brushing is adequate. Following brushing with an attentive flossing job eliminates fragments of food and plaque between teeth.
Using a firm bristled toothbrush.
A soft-bristled brush is the best tool for the job. Save your firm brush for cleaning the grout around your bathtub.
Delaying dental checkups.
Don’t wait until you have a problem. Call 209-667-7889 to book a comprehensive exam and the best deep dental cleaning you can get anywhere. Our excellent hygienists really are the best!
Doctor Robert McCulla has been providing premium dental care in the Turlock area since 1986.
Gum disease usually responds favorably to treatment—especially if caught early. If you suspect gum issues, talk to Turlocl Dental Care today!
1. Which of the following are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?
a. Pregnancy
b. Underbite
c. Diabetes
d. Family history
2. Which of the items below are possible signs of gum disease?
a. Teeth that seem to be longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Loose teeth
d. Swollen gums
3. Which of the items below are possible health issues linked to untreated gum disease?
a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke
4. What percentage of individuals age 65+ have gum disease?
a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%
5. Which of the following procedures are used for gum disease?
a. Scaling and root planning
b. Soft tissue grafting
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery
Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t see any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.
Hi, I’m Doctor McCulla of Turlock Dental Care in Turlock. Gum disease usually responds favorably to treatment—especially if caught early. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or have been noticing issues with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 209-667-7889 today to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
John Donavan, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth,” WebMD, December 15, 2015, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#3, accessed March 20, 2017
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm, accessed March 20, 2017
“Diseases and Conditions Periodontitis,” Mayo Clinic, February 4, 2014, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20021679, accessed March 20, 2017
When you are enthusiastic about reaching a goal, the difference between success and failure often comes down to whether or not you follow a plan. Inconsistent effort is rarely effective.
Do you have a goal to improve your smile? If so, Turlock Dental can help you get there. Perhaps you have not thought much about your teeth in the past but lately, have noticed problems. These issues can be purely aesthetic such as tooth staining or a pressing hazard such as gum disease.
Do you have a vision for your smile?
Reverse gum disease
Whiten your teeth and restrict future staining
Replace missing teeth
Straighten misaligned teeth
Repair cracked teeth
Prevent tooth loss
A complete cosmetic dental smile makeover
Here at Turlock Dental Care, we are devoted to customized patient-focused care. This means that we create a personalized treatment plan for every single patient; after all, each patient is unique. Age, lifestyle, current status of oral health, overall physical health, and risk factors are all taken into account.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation and we will discuss your goals and concerns with you, carry out a comprehensive examination, and explain your options. You will leave with all of your questions answered and a personalized dental treatment plan.
Turlock Dental Care is located at 990 Delbon Ave in Turlock, California. Our services include sedation dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, and clear aligners.
If your oral health is currently suffering from a cavity, our composite dental fillings can repair your smile seamlessly. With a composite filling, also referred to as tooth-colored fillings, you can eradicate small to medium-sized cavities with expert precision and lasting support for many years to come. Consider the following advantages offered by our composite dental fillings at Turlock Dental Care:
– Composites do not need to be removed if they go bad, as they can be mended easily without the need to remove the originals.
– Composite fillings are mercury-free, which is required for those who may be allergic to mercury.
– Teeth can still suffer breaks and fractures with composites, but because composites are made of a hard, durable resin-based material, they help the teeth become more preventative of harm.
– If you take the time and attention to care for your teeth daily and maintain professional cleanings, your composites can easily last up to ten years.
– Composite fillings can overhaul cavities that are too small for dental amalgams to work effectively.
– Composite fillings are created to blend with the natural aesthetics of your teeth.
If you have cavities and would like to have them repaired by our team at Turlock Dental Care, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert A. McCulla. Our dental office is conveniently located in Turlock, California. Call 209-667-7889 today to have your smile restored with our composite dental fillings!
At Turlock Dental Care, we restore decayed teeth to create smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. Recent advances in both techniques and materials have made the impossible not only possible but affordable for everyone in Turlock as well.
Dr. Robert McCulla has been restoring teeth since 1983. Ongoing training is essential to remain at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry technology.
Decay is the most common Turlock dental problem and the second most common disease in the nation (number one is the common cold). If you have one or more teeth with decay, it’s time to take care of them.
Fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns are used to restore teeth for our San Jose cosmetic dental patients. Even the most basic procedure – filling a cavity – has evolved. There are several types of new materials available including porcelain and composite resin. Each has specific strengths and aesthetic considerations. Turlock patients who replace silver amalgam with tooth-colored fillings love getting the metal out of their smiles.
Inlays and onlays are more extensive restorations. There are two types: direct and indirect. Direct inlays and onlays are made in your Modesto cosmetic dental office on the spot and applied in one visit. Indirect inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab. They usually require a second visit but the results are well worth the extra trip.
When a patient has a tooth that cannot be restored with an inlay or an onlay, a natural-looking crown is the answer. At Turlock Dental Care, we create crowns that blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Let us show you some photos of patients who have received smile makeovers – you will not see any “Chiclet” crowns that stick out like a sore thumb. In fact, you won’t be able to tell which of our Turlock dental patients have crowns.
It’s not extremely comfortable. You have to put on the heavy apron, hold a stiff piece of film in your mouth, and sit really, really still while your dentist’s assistant takes X-rays. Is it really required? Absolutely! No question about it.
Your dentist can’t see everything that is going on with your teeth, bone, and surrounding tissue without x-rays. At Turlock DentalCare, we utilize advanced technology to assist our dental patients.
Cavities between teeth just underneath where adjacent teeth touch (interproximal cavities)
The position of wisdom teeth
How Often Should X-rays Be Taken?
This depends on the dental patient. A patient with no history of tooth decay, no current tooth decay, no braces, and no existing crowns, veneers, or bridgework is at low risk for cavities. A high-risk patient is in the opposite situation and may have one or more of the following: previous decay, existing restorations, braces, worn-away enamel, or chipped or cracked teeth. In addition, patients with an eating disorder or other medical condition may be considered high risk. People who haven’t had their wisdom teeth extracted also need to be monitored with X-rays more frequently.
Hello, I’m Robert McCulla of Turlock Dental Care, a reputable dental practice in Turlock, California.
The trustworthy team at Turlock Dental Care would love to help you with any of your dental needs:
Immediate remedies for any pressing dental issues
A gentle, friendly dentist
Experienced care for patients with chronic health conditions such as cancer or diabetes
A cosmetic dentist who seeks ongoing training on the latest procedures and materials
An inviting dental office with amenities that make your visit comfortable and pleasant
A dental practice in Turlock that focuses on preventative care
My team of dental professionals at Turlock Dental Care has been serving the San Jose area since 1986. We provide preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages.
We are located at 990 Delbon Ave, in Turlock, California. We offer comprehensive dental services including cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, and sedation dentistry. Our passion is providing exceptional care for our valued patients. To make an appointment, call us at 209-667-7889.
I look forward to being your Turlock dentist of choice.
Cracked teeth can be painful, unattractive, and expensive to repair. Today’s post in the Turlock Dental Care dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth whole and strong.
1. Don’t chew on hard substances. Mind-blowing, right? People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Watch out for stone fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the stone, you could damage a tooth.
2. It is vital to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, rec center flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth protector.
3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Locate a pair of scissors to open a package or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.
4. Most people know that grinding your teeth is harmful, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth? If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques and/or a mouth guard. Chronic head or jaw pain can be caused by teeth grinding.
5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to cracked teeth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.
If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.
Most dental patients know that cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry procedures improve your teeth. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, repair damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Do you understand how much gum shape adds or detracts from the appearance of your smile? At Turlock Dental Care, our dental treatments can have major positive impacts on your gums.
You Can Contour Your Gums
The shape and size of your gumline can make your teeth appear too large too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can repair gums that appear too low or too high to the teeth and customize them for the perfect smile.
People who are unhappy with their gums might want to think about gum contouring. Many dentists and periodontists offer gum contouring surgery.
Gingival Sculpting
This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring, or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. It is performed with a precision laser and is minimally invasive. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.
Gum Contouring Can Treat Gum Recession
Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss.
In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is ordinarily taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Gum grafts applied to exposed tooth roots protect teeth from continuing gum recession and decay and reduce tooth sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.
If you are seeking more specifics about gum contouring or other dental procedures, call Turlock Dental Care today at 209-667-7889 to schedule a consultation.
We provide quality dentistry to patients in Turlock and the greater San Jose area.
Visiting Turlock Dental Care in Turlock for twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings can seem inconvenient and unnecessary at times. But you may benefit in ways you never imagined.
A recent study showed that individuals who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who skipped appointments.
While the study could simply indicate that people who vigilantly schedule regular dental cleanings also adhere to healthy habits like exercising and eating right, there is extra evidence of a relationship between oral health and heart health.
Common oral ailments like inflammation caused by gum disease are linked to hardening of the arteries and other tissue inflammations which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Former American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco, MD, (who did not participate in the study described previously) said:
“Something as simple as having good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, and having regular cleanings – may be good for your heart and brain health.“1
While the study found that patients who schedule cleanings yearly glean the most health benefits, doctor McCulla of Turlock Dental Care recommends coming in for checkups and cleanings every six months to catch potential issues early, saving patients time and money. Regular dental cleanings also brighten and whiten teeth, making your smile look its best.
To schedule a deep cleaning with our trustworthy dental hygienist at Turlock Dental Care, call 209-667-7889 today!
1 ‘Getting Your Teeth Cleaned May Help Your Heart,’ WebMD Health News, November 16, 2011, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20111116/getting-your-teeth-cleaned-may-help-your-heart, accessed on November 29, 2011
Professional, knowledgeable dental staff. Front office is courteous and friendly. Highly recommended for general dentistry and Clear Aligner treatment.
Michael W.
Today was my daughter’s last day of wearing the aligners. She is a very pleased with her new smile and the fast results thank you so much to Dr McCulla and the staff for making this a very easy experience 😁
Crystal C.
This place is great! State of the art equipment. Friendly staff and they have cookies! ?? Fresh ones!
Vanessa P.
I have finally found a dentist/hygienist that I feel comfortable with. I was there today and felt relaxed the entire time and am actually looking forward to going back for more dental work. Weird, but true.
Carol S.
Wow what a great place: treated like a queen Staff are friendly and genuine care about my health.
Noreen S.
What a warm and professional office. It really shows that they care a great deal for their patients. Dr.McCulla is wonderful and has an amazing chairside manner.
Charlene T.
New Patient Online Offer
FREE Cosmetic or Dental Implant Consultation (including necessary x-rays)
~ OR ~
FREE Second Opinion
($199 value)
Call 858-201-4542 today to schedule.
If your oral health is currently suffering from a cavity, 
