General Dentistry

Tooth fillings are substances used to restore teeth that have been compromised by cavities. They prolong the life of your natural teeth. Fillings fill in openings on a tooth after a cavity is removed or a crack has occurred.

Fillings are made of various materials such as silver and mercury amalgam or composite resin, and they have different strengths. Advances in dentistry have made fillings less obvious than ever before. Dr. Nguyen will help you select the most appropriate option for you.

Tooth extraction may be necessary for several reasons. An extraction is commonly performed when a tooth is impacted or when teeth need to be removed prior to orthodontic procedures (such as wisdom teeth).

You may need to have a tooth removed if it is broken, cracked or decayed beyond repair, or when a tooth is so badly positioned that straightening is impossible. Tooth extraction may be required when root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not an option.

Our dentists typically perform fillings and extractions with local anesthesia. If you desire, you can be sedated with nitrous oxide to help make the procedure more comfortable.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about tooth fillings and tooth extractions.

A root canal is a natural cavity within the center of a tooth that contains nerves and pulp. If the pulp becomes infected by an untreated cavity, a root canal procedure is performed to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

During a root canal, the tooth’s nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

El Portal dentists are mindful of the anxiety caused by the prospect of having a root canal and we offer nitrous oxide for sedation to put you at ease.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about root canals.

A crown is a tooth covering designed to restore a tooth's strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are used primarily to replace old, large, broken fillings or teeth that have been fractured, chipped, or discolored. They may be used in conjunction with root canal therapy, bridgework, and dental implants.

Crowns are created in a lab based on molds of your teeth and gums. Crowns are made of various materials depending on the strength requirement and desired appearance. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.

A bridge is a prosthesis that spans the distance between a missing tooth or teeth and is anchored to the remaining teeth on either side. These teeth are usually covered with crowns that hold the bridge securely in place.

Dr. Nguyen will prepare your bridge using models to assess the best way to accomplish the procedure. Once he has determined what is right for you, the teeth that will be used to attach your bridge are reshaped, from which impressions are taken and then sent to our dental technician.

While your permanent bridge is being fashioned, Dr. Nguyen will cement a temporary bridge in place for you to wear to protect your teeth and gums. On your next visit, he will remove the temporary bridge and place your permanent bridge, checking and adjusting for any bite discrepancies. When Dr. Nguyen is satisfied that your new bridge is functioning properly, he will then cement it to your teeth.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about crowns.

If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or traumatic injury, you may be a candidate for full or partial dentures. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that can restore your ability to eat and speak. They provide a natural-looking smile while enhancing your facial appearance.

Full dentures are appropriate for people who have lost all of their teeth on their upper or lower jaws, whereas partial dentures are suitable for a series of extracted teeth. Partial dentures are held in place by attachments to adjacent natural teeth. The adjacent teeth are typically crowned to increase stability.

Dentures are made of various materials to simulate the appearance of your natural teeth and gums. Thanks to advances in dentistry, dentures today are designed to be comfortable and functional. We will specifically match the color of your teeth and gums to that of your custom made dentures. Professionally made dentures are composed of premium long-lasting products, low-staining teeth, and high-impact acrylic bases. With proper care, your dentures should last for a very long time.

Please visit our patient education library to learn more about dentures.

El Portal Dental Group uses the EVA digital intra-oral X-ray system. With up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, our digital X-ray system uses a small sensor placed in the mouth to take and relay X-rays directly to the dentist’s computer, where you both can review the results.

Another benefit of digital X-rays is the ability to magnify an image. The image can be enlarged for optimal viewing, which can enhance diagnosis. In addition, this process is also better for the environment. It doesn’t use photo chemicals and traditional film, thus eliminating waste.