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Caramel Apples Are the Epitome of Autumn Goodness | Huntington Beach Dentist

If you ask me, there is nothing nicer than a crisp autumn walk, enjoying the leaves on the trees changing from green to gorgeous yellows, oranges and reds. And if there is ever a perfect snack to accompany this lovely season, it’s the apple. The trusty apple is with us throughout our lives, from apple sauce as babies to apple pies as adults. But there is something about a caramel apple that really sets off the season off on the right foot. And thankfully for us, the apple is one of our smile’s best friends.

Now, it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, but it also greatly improves our smile. It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. Now, it’s not a substitute… Apples are a healthy snack but shouldn’t replace your daily dental hygiene routine. These are just natural ways that you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat.

But during this most bewitching of holidays upon us, what would be better than a homemade caramel apple as you take your family trick-or-treating? Look no further – here is a recipe that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also give your smile a real treat.

To find out how to make the perfect Halloween sidekick, the caramel apple, click here.

If you would like to find out more about the health benefits of apples, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth? | Huntington Beach Dentist

We begin to get baby teeth around our first year. They fall out and our permanents come in. But many of us forget the third set of teething that we need to undergo at some point in our young adult lives, generally emerging at some point between the ages of 17 to 25 – wisdom teeth. Now, if you have seen any type of media regarding wisdom teeth, it is rarely a pleasurable experience.

Some people have wisdom teeth that emerge without any problems and line up with the other teeth behind the second molars, making it simple, easy experience. For many of us, this is the exact opposite of the case. The case many of us experience happens because our mouth is too crowded for third molars to develop normally. These crowded third molars become trapped (impacted), which can become very painful. Wisdom teeth (third molars) become impacted because they don’t have enough room to come in (erupt) or develop normally. It is at this time you will likely take a trip to the dentist, because you will possibly need them to be extracted.

An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge so that some of the crown is visible (partially impacted), or it may never break through the gums (fully impacted). Whether partially or fully impacted, the tooth may:

  • Break gums at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
  • Come in at an angle toward the back of the mouth
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth
  • Develop straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone

If you find that your wisdom teeth may be coming in, make a plan to visit the dentist to find out if you need to have them removed.

If you would like to find out more about wisdom teeth, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Choosing the Right Type of Braces | Huntington Beach Dentist

In a world full of perfect smiles, those of us that don’t fall in line have a reason to feel like they aren’t up to snuff. If you happen to decide that straightening your teeth is the way to go, you have a decision ahead of you – the type of braces you will be using to improve your smile.

Now, not everyone qualifies for every type, so you may not have much of a choice. A consultation with your orthodontist is required, but here is a quick rundown of the types of braces available:

Traditional. Stainless steel braces are the most inexpensive types of braces. The main drawback to metal braces is that they’re very visible. They’re also known to cause irritation in the gums and cheeks while you adjust.

Ceramic. Ceramic braces are made to blend in with your teeth, but at a much higher cost. They’re built to withstand stain, but the ties can easily stain. Unfortunately, ceramic braces are much more sensitive and are prone to breaking or chipping.

Lingual. Even more inconspicuous than ceramic, lingual braces are tucked behind the teeth. The main problem with lingual braces, aside from the cost, is that they’re not ideal for most cases. These braces can also get in the way of the tongue, causing speech problems and/or injuries.

Invisible. Invisible braces are not like your conventional braces wherein you have brackets mounted to your teeth. Instead, you wear custom-fitted aligners or rubber trays for 20 hours a day, removing them only when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. The main advantage of these braces is that they require less frequent dental visits. The biggest drawback is losing the trays – replacing them can be quite costly.

If you would like to find out more about braces, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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The Many Benefits of IV Sedation | Huntington Beach Dentist

When we need to have a dental procedure done, it never ceases to make us nervous. For some, it is such an issue that they suffer from dental anxiety, especially when it comes to surgery. But these days, there really isn’t anything to fear – the dental industry understands that patients are nervous and have developed IV sedation as an option prior to the procedure, so you can rest at ease. Not only will sedation help ease you enough to calm your nerves, but it will also help your dental professional get the work done with the least amount of resistance. Here are some reasons you may want to mention IV sedation during your next dental procedure:

  • IV sedation kicks in right when it’s first administered, and the drug dosage can be altered to fit each individual patient.
  • A safe level of deep sedation can be reached with IV sedation, as where oral sedation and inhalation sedation can be unpredictable. IV sedation is safe and effective.
  • Certain treatments can be performed at a fast pace and with fewer office visits with the help of IV sedation.
  • With IV sedation, your gag reflex is greatly diminished. If you are using IV sedation for gag reflex, then your dentist may try inhalation sedation first.
  • IV sedation allows patients to be conscious, while also relaxing them. This allows them to cooperate with the dentist instructions and be relaxed at the same time.
  • Recovery time is typically shorter with IV sedation. This is mostly because the drug dosage can be tailored.

As you can see, you don’t need to worry about that dental procedure you’ve been dreading. There’s no reason to let your dental anxiety or sensitive gag reflex keep you from visiting the dentist.

If you would like to find out more about IV sedation, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Why You Should Consider Opting for Veneers | Huntington Beach Dentist

When something happens to damage their smile, many patients become self-conscious about what can be done to repair the damage, especially if the fix is still fairly obvious to those around. Thankfully, we don’t have to think about things like this because we have veneers to repair.

Porcelain veneers offer superior benefits over other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. The fingernail-thin shells, which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a list of the top ten reasons you should really consider asking your dentist about your veneer options:

Discrete. Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.

Whiten stains. When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.

Straighten flaws. Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.

Fix chips and breaks. Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.

Fills gaps. Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.

Youthful. A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.

Conservative. Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.

Protection. Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.

Stain-resistant. Porcelain is stain resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.

Gum-friendly. Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

If you would like to find out more about porcelain veneers, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know About Periodontal Surgery | Huntington Beach Dentist

No one wants to have surgery, especially when it’s happening inside our mouth. If there is extensive bone loss with deep periodontal pockets that prevents thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth, pocket reduction surgery is indicated. During the pocket reduction procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth. Once the teeth and roots are clean, the tissue is secured back into place. Tiny fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or bone from a bone bank are placed where bone was lost. These grafts aid in the regrowth of bone & restores tooth stability. Here are some of the more common questions:

Will it hurt?

You should feel little or no discomfort during the procedure. Following surgery, the affected area will be tender or sore, but most patients resume their normal routines the day after surgery.

Will I be able to speak and eat normally after surgery?

You should be able to speak normally after the anesthetic has worn off, but you may need to avoid chewing certain foods for a bit.

When will I need to return to my periodontist?

Usually, patients return for post-surgical treatment in five to ten days to remove any stitches and cleanse the surgical area.

Will I ever need surgery again?

In most instances you will not need surgery in the same area again. However, in certain cases, re-treatment or additional surgery may be needed.

What can I do to help control the disease?

Nothing will help you maintain the results of professional treatment better than daily removal of plaque by proper brushing, flossing and other cleaning methods recommended for you.

If you would like to find out more about periodontal surgery, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Preventing Gum Disease Is Easier than You Think | Huntington Beach Dentist

Gum disease is one affliction that we all try to avoid but is one of the most common of all dental maladies. Most of us will have developed some form of gum disease in our lifetimes, but prevention isn’t as difficult as one might think. In fact, with proper dental hygiene and an examination by your dental professional you chances are quite minimal. Here is what you need to know:

Brush your teeth. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush for two minutes twice a day. And if you have a toothbrush handy, make it after every meal. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. The least favored of the dental hygiene tasks, flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things healthy by replacing your sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing are recommended, along with regular dental visits. Because whether we like it or not, taking preventative measures is the key to good dental health. It is our responsibility to look after our teeth, not our dentist. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, avoid waiting and make a dental appointment as soon as possible. By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you will not only save a significant amount of time and money, but your will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

If you would like to find out more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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When Gum Recession Becomes Unbearable | Huntington Beach Dentist

We’ve all heard the saying “long in the tooth”. It is generally used to describe someone in their later years, but gum recession is something that can affect us at any time in our lives. Why? Because gum recession can be caused by a lot of things – periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, crooked teeth, body piercing in the lips or tongue and so on. When diagnosed with receding gums or if you’re already showing signs, your dentist may recommend a procedure known as Pinhole Surgical Technique. It’s an incision-free procedure that can help turn back the clock on your gums and make your smile beautiful once again.

You need to know that gum recession is serious. Because when gums recede, the root structure of the affected teeth is left exposed. This makes your teeth and gums more susceptible to dental problems such as tooth decay and many others.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a procedure that restores your gum lines without requiring the use of scalpels and stitches. This makes it one of the most comfortable and convenient gum recession procedures today. PST can be performed for any number of affected teeth by manipulating the connective tissues and repositioning your gums. More importantly, though, the PST requires patients to have little to no downtime at all and the results are evident almost immediately! More than that, however, PST has a lot of benefits, included of which are the following:

  • Natural-looking, long-lasting results
  • No need for the use of invasive surgical tools such as scalpels
  • No need for the use of sutures, which are known to be uncomfortable
  • Faster recovery times for patients as compared to grafting
  • Far less discomfort for the patients during and after treatment

If you would like to find out more about Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact Dr. Rudy Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Straightening Things Out with Invisalign | Huntington Beach Dentist

When it is best to get those crooked teeth fixed with braces, you have a couple of options these days, both traditional and invisible. It may seem like getting invisible braces is the obvious choice, but unfortunately, not everyone qualifies. While it depends on your particular case, invisible braces are a discreet way to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign aligners gradually move your teeth into position. Patients prefer Invisalign over braces because they are clear, unlike traditional braces which require metal wire and metal brackets. Patients with braces frequently have to visit their local orthodontist for checkups, while Invisalign users do not have to undergo the time-consuming appointments as often. With Invisalign, there are fewer food restrictions because the aligners can be taken off for eating. Patients with braces not only have trouble eating with braces, but constantly have to deal with food particles getting trapped in between their brackets.

Because flossing and brushing with braces can be a hassle to many individuals, patients run the risk of not properly cleaning their teeth. The lack of thoroughly maintaining good oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, which can eventually cause tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in a large amount of painful side effect such as gum bleeding and tooth loss. For this reason, Invisalign is more favorable because it allows patients to achieve maximum oral hygiene by easily flossing and brushing teeth.

If you would like to find out more about Invisalign, contact Dr. Rudy Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Root Canals: Our Friend, Not Our Foe | Huntington Beach Dentist

Are you afraid of getting root canal therapy? You really shouldn’t be. Instead of dealing with that toothache, it may be time to face the facts and schedule a dental visit. Because root canal therapy actually relieves pain, it does not cause pain. The pain comes from the infection in the root canal. The endodontic treatment removes the infection and leaves you feeling better after the procedure. The best part is you get to keep your natural tooth.

But what exactly is a root canal? It is a procedure that treats the inside of your tooth. If you have an untreated chip or cracked (or other trauma), it can expose the pulp which then can become inflamed and infected. Thus, the pulp inside of your tooth becomes damaged. Left untreated leads to the pain you’d feel with a toothache. This left further untreated can result in an abscess.

When your dentist performs a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed entirely from the inside of the tooth. After it is removed, your tooth will be cleaned and disinfected and sealed. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or a filling for protection.

But don’t be scared – modern root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and may be completed in one or two appointments depending on the condition of the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, root canals relieve the pain that an infected tooth is causing. The procedure isn’t as grim as it is made out to be. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

If you would like to find out more about root canal therapy, contact Dr. Rudy Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.