Brentwood area dentist encourages patients to consider professional teeth whitening for real results

Teeth Whitening BrentwoodA beautiful, dazzling smile exudes beauty and confidence. Over the years, the natural tooth enamel, which is porous in nature, may begin to stain and discolor due to foods and drinks. Some patients may naturally have darker teeth because of genetics. Whatever the reason, a whiter smile is often desired by these patients who want a more attractive look. This is when procedures such as professional teeth whitening are considered.

What makes professional whitening different?

While there are several over-the-counter treatment options for patients who want to brighten their smiles, many of these fall short of providing desirable results. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury and his team work closely with patients to determine if they may be better suited for professional-grade products. These products are higher in concentration for faster and longer-lasting results than anything available at the local drug store.

What types of whitening are available?

Dr. Jamil Alkhoury offers two whitening options for his patients – the take-home whitening kits and the in-office power bleaching. Both are quality ways to achieve the results desired without wasting money on subpar kits available at the local drugstore. The in-office power bleaching allows patients to brighten their smiles within just a few hours with a full cleaning and whitening session. The results are long-lasting and easy to achieve. The take-home kits include trays that are custom made using impressions of the teeth. These are utilized in the privacy of one’s own home with professional-strength gels.

If you are ready to take the first step in enhancing your teeth and enjoying a more brilliantly beautiful smile, now is a great time to get started with a professional team. Contact Brentwood Family Dental today by speaking with our front office team and booking a consultation visit. During this time, the dentist will provide a full evaluation and discuss with patients whether they are appropriate candidates for whitening. Call (925) 344-5296 and make an appointment.

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, the revolutionary treatment for receding gums in Brentwood CA

Gum Rejuvenation

Healthy gums are not too red. They don’t bleed when you brush them. Yet another sign of gum health is how they fit around your teeth. If this tissue securely supports your teeth, your gums are probably free of disease or other trauma caused by the likes of aggressive brushing and flossing.
If, however, your teeth appear to have grown longer over time they may be pulling away from the bone. Your teeth may become more sensitive, but that’s just the start. Since you now have a space between your gums and your teeth, damaging bacteria can build up in these pockets. If the condition goes untreated, gum disease can progress and cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or they may become so decayed that an extraction is required.

 
A better treatment

 
Extractions should always be a last resort. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury will not only prevent such damage, but he can help you regain the tissue that was lost. Unlike invasive surgical procedures, which transplant tissue from another part of the mouth to the gums to build up a recessed gum line, regenerative techniques actually encourage the body to create more tissue on its own.

 
Brentwood Family Dental’s approach to re-stimulating the production of lost tissue is known as the Pinhole Surgical Technique™. Dr. Alkhoury creates tiny pinholes in the tissue, which allows him to shift the recessed tissue over the exposed tooth roots. These roots are exposed as the gums pull away, causing the sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink as they don’t have a protective enamel covering like the crown or top of the tooth above the gum line.

 
This procedure is done without the use of a scalpel. No stitches are needed and there is no need to remove tissue from one area and place it in another area, affecting more than one part of the mouth. Since the procedure is no noninvasive, the long healing times, discomfort, bleeding and other complications of treatments such as grafting are eliminated. Since blood supply and availability of the protein collagen is so robust in this area, it’s hard to even tell a small hole was made in the tissue the following day.

 
With a procedure so focused on minimizing discomfort, there is no reason to avoid treatment any longer. Treatment means you also avoid complications arising form this progressive condition. Call 925-344-5296 to schedule an examination at Brentwood Family Dental and start the process of getting your mouth healthy again.

Improving smiles in Brentwood with LaserProx

LaserProx

Today you don’t have to live with uncomfortable, obvious metal wires and brackets to get a straight smile. In the Brentwood area you have options outside of Invisalign to inconspicuously and comfortably fix crooked teeth.

 

Invisalign is mentioned by many practices as the alternative to traditional straightening techniques. You may have heard about how the aligners are clear, so no one has to know you are straightening. You may have also assumed that because these aligners are removable, the process is easier. The truth is Invisalign takes about as long as conventional braces — an average of 12 months.

 

Dr. Jamil Alkhoury offers a faster way to safely and effectively straighten teeth: LaserProx™. Whereas other dentists have to be trained on techniques such as Invisalign, Dr. Alkhoury intimately knows the LaserProx™ procedure because he trademarked it.

 

You can see dramatic results with LaserProx™ in just three to four months. The treatment process itself is designed around your comfort, so the technique minimizes unwanted side effects or complications.

 

The metal wires and brackets used for traditional straightening can irritate the gums and other delicate tissues such as the inside of the cheeks. While Invisalign’s plastic aligners are smooth and, accordingly, advertised as comfortable, the nature of these aligners directing and guiding forces to straighten your teeth can cause discomfort. Your teeth, jaws, and other soft tissues may feel so tired and sore there may be the temptation to take the aligners out, yet it’s recommended that Invisalign patients wear aligners for at least 22 hours a day to achieve proper straightening.

 

Dr. Alkhoury has eliminated the discomfort associated with repositioning teeth with proven lasers. The energy from laser light has been used for decades in dental and other medical settings, including as a noninvasive, low-risk way to cut through tissues without a scalpel.

 

In this case, laser energy is directed to the treatment area to reduce inflammation caused by the very nature of straightening — moving the teeth into proper place.

 

LaserProx™ combines this proven therapy with thin, lightweight orthodontic wires to gently and quickly reposition teeth. This combination of modern, effective approaches and products gives Dr. Alkhoury’s solution to straightening teeth an advantage over both conventional braces and those marketed as the preferred, subtle, and comfortable alternative to “brace face.”

 

You can benefit from being so close to this new approach to fixing alignment-related concerns. Call Brentwood Family Dental to find out more about Dr. Alkhoury’s LaserProx™.

The Success of Dental Implants in Brentwood, CA

Dental Implants

You don’t have to live with missing teeth. You can get a tooth that has fallen out or had to be pulled back, or at least you can get a new tooth that functions and looks like the one you lost. The tooth may actually look better if you were suffering from noticeable signs of decay such as created discoloration or poor shape.

 

Bridges and dentures used to be the only options to fill in missing spaces. Today’s patients with tooth loss can benefit from advances in the materials used to make new teeth, as well as advances in how those new teeth are made.

 

In the past, options to replace missing teeth only took into account the part of the tooth that could be seen above the gum line, the crown. Dental implants, however, restore the various parts of a tooth that make the whole, resulting in a lab-made tooth that looks and functions just like your natural tooth.

 

Teeth to last a lifetime

 

Large fillings may need to be replaced with dental crowns. Dental crowns and bridges may get worn and need replacement. Dentures may need to be relined for comfort. Dental implants, however, have a very high success rate of 97 percent. By treating your new tooth just as you would your natural ones with proper brushing and flossing, your dental implant-supported teeth can last a lifetime!

 

It’s no coincidence these replacement teeth last, because they are built on a strong foundation. The dental implant itself is the artificial tooth root. The crown is your artificial tooth. The implant and the crown are connected by a small post or “abutment.”

 

Many providers might stretch the dental implant process over several months, breaking it down into multiple time-consuming and costly steps. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury, however, has the expertise and onsite technology to safely and properly place these parts of your tooth in one step, what he calls “tooth in a day.”

 

You also benefit from Dr. Alkhoury’s unique approach to implant-supported teeth. Before he was designing teeth, Dr. Alkhoury was channeling his natural artistic talents into painting. You can see some of his works on this website. The result of this marriage of artistry and science are teeth that function beautifully and also look naturally beautiful. Call Brentwood Family Dental to find out if you dental implants are the best way to replace your missing tooth or teeth. 925-344-5296.

Get that gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted with a Smile Makeover from your Dentist in Brentwood

Smile Makeover

Your smile makeover may require different treatments and procedures than your friend’s  smile makeover. While your needs for dental treatment are unique, both you and your loved one can share in many of the same benefits that come with a smile makeover.

 

When you’re happier about how you look, you’ll feel more confident. Chances are you’ll be less likely to retreat from social situations. Studies have shown that individuals who force a smile (even when they don’t feel like it) immediately get an emotional lift and instant stress relief. Conversely, if you’re caught up in trying to hide chips, cracks, discoloration or other concerns you won’t get those stress-busting and mood-boosting benefits.

 

You’re also in luck because Dr. Jamil Alkhoury approaches all patients and procedures aesthetically. When you hear the word “dentist,” you probably don’t think of “artist.” Yet Dr. Alkhoury was a painter before he earned his degree in general dentistry. Dr. Alkhoury in turn really has an eye for your teeth and the improvements that can make your smile better, especially if you have noticed wear or shifting with more birthdays. He also has an eye for details that others might miss. It’s these so-called “little things,” down to elements such as how light reflects off of the tooth, that can add up to a restoration or new tooth structure that most resembles the natural tooth.

 

Since Brentwood Dental Center also has a number of technologies onsite, you can benefit from equipment that helps Dr. Alkhoury and his team see fine details that might otherwise be missed with the naked eye. Another benefit of onsite equipment is the ability to quickly make restorations without compromising the quality and precise fit of your new teeth.

 

You can have a new smile in just 20 minutes. Using equipment onsite, Dr. Alkhoury will smooth those chips, reshape unsightly teeth, close gaps, or even make teeth look longer by using a tooth-like material or composite resin.

 

Depending on your needs and even the severity of chips, discoloration, spacing issues or other concerns, Dr. Alkhoury may also recommend other treatments including:

 

 

A “smile makeover” is different to every patient. Let’s work with you to develop a plan. Call 925-344-5296 to schedule an initial consultation.

What Brentwood diabetes patients need to know about oral health

Many diabetes patients are surprised to learn that their medical condition increases their risk of gum disease. While common, gum disease can be dangerous to both your oral health and your overall wellness. To understand the connection between gum disease and diabetes, it helps to first understand gum disease. There are several forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is the most common and occurs when the gums begin to become infected with unnecessary germs and bacteria. When it’s not treated, gingivitis can grow into full-blown periodontitis. At this stage, pockets begin to form between the gums and the teeth. These pockets can become infected, painful, and filled with pus. It can lead to loss of gum tissue, loose teeth, loss of bone density in the jaw, and more.

 

According to the American Diabetes Association, the connection between gum disease and the diabetic condition is a two-way street. That means that individuals who have diabetes are more at risk for gum disease and also that those with gum disease may be at higher risk of diabetes. This is because serious gum disease can affect the glucose levels in a patient’s blood stream, which, over time, can lead to diabetes. Further, diabetic patients have a greater risk of bacterial infections and are less able to fight an infection once it invades the gums.

 

The good news is that armed with this information patients with diabetes can take proactive measures to ensure that their oral health stays in good condition. The most critical step is to ensure that your blood glucose levels remain controlled. Next, and nearly as important, is to take great care of your mouth. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and be sure to floss every night. This helps keep the bacteria out of your mouth. Finally, it’s important to maintain a consistent schedule of visits with your dentist. Not only do these appointments allow for a thorough cleaning and examination of your mouth, it also gives you the opportunity to discuss your health with your dentist.

 

For more information about how diabetes and oral health are connected, contact Dr. Jamil Alkhoury of Brentwood Family Dentistry today.

Alter the Look and Feel of your Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry in Brentwood

When you’re unsure about your smile, it can affect your self-esteem and your overall wellbeing. Often times, patients who feel that their teeth are misaligned, discolored, missing, cracked, or misshaped will hide their smile behind closed lips, their hands, or just not smiling as often as they would like.

 

You don’t have to hide your smile. Through cosmetic dentistry available with Dr. Jamil Alkhoury, you can get back the smile you once had or achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.  Dr. Alkhoury has been working with patients in the Brentwood, CA, area to give them the smile and appearance that they want and deserve. Some of the services offered by Dr. Alkhoury include:

 

Teeth Whitening: Perhaps the easiest and most requested way to improve the appearance of your smile is to remove years of stains and discoloration through professional teeth whitening. The take home trays allow you to whiten your teeth on your own time and in the privacy of your own home. You simply wear the trays for an hour a day for two weeks to achieve gradual whitening. Once you get the initial results you want, keep the trays nearby for touch ups whenever you feel the discoloration is coming back.

 

Veneers: Veneers are a good solution for patients who have a number of cosmetic issues such as alignment, discoloration or misshaped teeth. Veneers are thin strips of porcelain that are attached to the front of the tooth, giving you the appearance of straighter and whiter teeth without multiple treatments over many months or years.

 

20 Minute Smile: Dr. Alkhoury is not just skilled at dental techniques, he has esteemed artistic skills that are called upon to transform teeth that are stained, out of alignment, have too much space, or are broken or cracked. Dr. Alkhoury uses tooth-colored, composite resin to disguise those imperfections and give patients a reason to smile again.

 

If you’re hiding your smile, it’s time to call Brentwood Family Dental. Dr. Alkhoury will meet with you to discuss your desired results, your budget and your timeline. Then, together, you will determine the right treatment plan to achieve your desired results.

Dealing with Premature Tooth Loss in Kids in Brentwood

Losing a tooth as a child can be an exciting time and a rite of passage for most children. When the new tooth pushes the primary or baby tooth out, some wiggling or a good bite of apple can lead to a lucrative visit from the tooth fairy. However, when a tooth – either a primary tooth or a permanent tooth – is lost prematurely, it can lead to oral health problems for the child.

 

In childhood, premature tooth loss is typically due to trauma, such as a fall or getting hit in the mouth with a baseball. While many parents think that losing a baby tooth isn’t a big deal because they child would have lost it eventually, it actually can affect spacing of the permanent teeth. Without the baby tooth, the permanent tooth is also more likely to come in crooked or out of alignment.

 

Parents often ask what they should do if a child loses a tooth. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury has been providing regular and emergency dental care to patients of all ages in Brentwood, California for many years. He indicates that parents should attempt to save the tooth and get to a hospital or dental office immediately. Not only is time of the essence when trying to replant a lost tooth, but the area needs to be examined for bone fragments or other damage to the tissue of the mouth. On route to the hospital, the tooth should be placed into milk, if possible, or water.

 

As with most childhood accidents, losing a tooth can’t always be prevented. However, there are some things that parents can do to help minimize the risk. First, understand that the tooth roots and gums of a child are still developing. This is why children tend to lose permanent teeth more frequently than adults. Ensure that children always wear a mouth guard while playing sports, establish proper dental care habits, and have an emergency dental care plan that includes important phone numbers and information about what to do in the case of a tooth loss situation.

The Importance of a Regular Dental Check Ups and Good Oral Care Habits in Brentwood

Good Oral Care Habits

Your smile is important. Not only is it a critical part of your appearance that can improve your self-esteem and confidence, but your mouth and teeth also give you the ability to eat and to speak. Keeping your smile looking good can improve your confidence which leads to better business and professional relationships. Meanwhile keeping your mouth healthy has a direct impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Many studies have shown that gum inflammation or infection of the mouth can reach your bloodstream and lead to health concerns such as strokes, heart disease, and diabetes. By ensuring that your mouth says free of tooth decay and gum disease, you can improve your chances of better overall wellness.

 

Dr. Jamil Alkhoury of Brentwood Family Dental is committed to helping patients improve the health of their mouth by providing them with the skills and knowledge that they need to care for their teeth and gums. This includes education about potential oral health problems, tips for how to avoid those problems, advice about proper nutrition, and help mastering techniques such as brushing and flossing. Further, through regular dental checkups, the team can help ensure that a patient’s at-home oral habits are working and can quickly spot any trouble areas before they progress into bigger problems.

 

Dr. Alkhoury works with patients of all ages – from children who are just cutting their first set of teeth to adults who have been brushing for many years. As a family practice, Dr. Alkhoury is able to develop relationships with the families that come to him for dental care. He understands the family history and builds a trusting relationship with the entire family.  He and the Brentwood Family Dental team are available to help parents learn how to help their children adopt good oral care habits, while also ensuring that their own mouths, and bodies, stay healthy.

 

If you live in the Brentwood area and are looking for more information about keeping your family’s oral health in top shape, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alkhoury call our office today.

Respected dental practice in Brentwood offers teeth whitening options

Many over-the-counter teeth whitening products promise brighter smiles. However, the safest and most effective whitening methods are found in a dental office. At Brentwood Family Dental, we provide options for attaining a brighter smile that are tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient.

 

We take the time to examine the mouth, teeth, and gums before recommending the best treatment for a patient. There are several reasons teeth become discolored including the consumption of certain foods and beverages, the natural process of aging, and smoking. Black teas and coffee, white and red wine, sports drinks, carbonated beverages, berries, and sauces are among the stain culprits that can leave a smile looking dull. Permanent stains can be left by medications such as tetracycline or excessive fluoride (fluorosis). When these stains are more difficult to remove with whitening, we may recommend another treatment.

 

We understand many of our patients are busy. Some patients need brighter smiles before attending a reunion or professional engagement. Our in-office whitening procedure may be most appealing to them. In about an hour, they can walk away with smiles up to eight shades brighter.

 

The Zoom! whitening system is utilized during our in-office treatment. We carefully protect the gums before applying a bleaching gel to the teeth. We then utilize a special light to activate the bleaching agents. We repeat this process a few times during the appointment to achieve optimal results.

 

Our take home system is another option we offer patients. Although the process takes about two weeks, patients can whiten their teeth in the comfort of home. After a consultation, we will take impressions of the mouth. These are used to customize whitening trays. We provide whitening trays and bleaching gel with instructions for achieving the best results. Patients can count on smiles up to four shades brighter.

 

For permanent tooth stains, we may recommend our 20 Minutes Smile. This involves placing composite resin on the affected teeth. The material blends naturally with the smile. Another treatment is porcelain veneers. These wafer thin shells can be placed over permanently stained teeth.

 

The Brentwood Family Dental team would love to help you attain the smile you desire. To schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Jamil Alkhoury, call 925-344-5296.