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Patients who notice their teeth getting stained or dingy may consider the advantages of teeth whitening solutions. However, not all tooth whitening options are created equal. Additionally, over-the-counter products not done correctly can result in concerns such as poor results or burning of the soft tissues. Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh, dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry, encourage patients to learn how to avoid common mistakes when attempting to whiten the smile. Visit the dentist. Before going forward with over-the-counter whitening products, it is still important to schedule a visit with your dental team. Your dentist can assess your … Continue reading “What teeth whitening mistakes do San Francisco patients make with over-the-counter products?”

When the teeth have become dark, dull, or yellowed, it may be time to speak to a dentist about the benefits professional teeth whitening. San Francisco, CA area professionals, Dr. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh, are dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry who are readily available to assist patients in cosmetic treatment options such as professional teeth bleaching.   What is teeth whitening? You may have been through the local drugstore and seen at-home bleaching products in the oral health care aisle next to toothpaste and mouthwashes. However, many of these items are not very strong, resulting in little, if … Continue reading “San Francisco, CA area patients ask, “Can teeth whitening damage the gums?””

When patients in San Francisco, CA visit West Portal Family Dentistry to ask about cosmetic procedures for their smiles, they may be introduced to the idea of placing porcelain veneers. They are thin, ceramic restorations that are bonded over the front of teeth to disguise imperfections, including: Permanent staining Unusually shaped teeth Crooked teeth Gaps between teeth Fractured teeth Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh provide porcelain veneers for patients who want a natural-looking option for addressing aesthetic issues.   Are porcelain veneers permanent? Veneers are a fixed option. They are unlike solutions such as partial dentures, which are to … Continue reading “Are porcelain veneers permanent? San Francisco, CA area dentist educates patients on these restorations”

Many patients want a dazzling, whiter smile! When issues exist that result in dull or discolored teeth, San Francisco, CA area patients may start to consider the advantages of working with a dentist to enjoy high quality teeth whitening solutions. Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh of West Portal Family Dentistry provide the KoR Deep Bleaching System.   What is KoR? The KoR Deep Bleaching System is a professional treatment that can greatly brighten a smile in just one appointment. The process starts with a thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Then, specialized gel … Continue reading “Is teeth whitening safe? San Francisco, CA area dentist describes the process to maintain safety and results”

At West Portal Family Dentistry, Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh have a wide selection of restorative services available for patients ready to address missing teeth. There are several options available to San Francisco, CA area men and women for the replacement of teeth, including: Dentures Dental bridges Dental implants Many patients who want a permanent solution to their tooth loss are urged to consider the advantages of dental implants.   What are dental implants? Implants are titanium posts used by a dentist to replace one or more teeth. The implant itself is made of titanium metal which … Continue reading “San Francisco, CA area dental team describe how dental implants work”

Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh of West Portal Family Dentistry are excited to offer patients solutions to many of their oral care needs. There are times when certain problems occur and patients in San Francisco, California are urged to consider treatments such as root canal therapy, or “endodontic therapy.”   What is root canal therapy? Root canal therapy is a specialized procedure that is required to maintain the natural tooth structure and eliminate the requirement for removal. Most patients do not want to extract their adult teeth unless absolutely necessary as this would require them to consider tooth replacement … Continue reading “Reasons why a tooth may require a root canal in CA”

There are many times when a dentist in the San Francisco, CA area may talk to patients about considering dental crowns for the teeth. Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh of West Portal Family Dentistry encourage patients to ask questions about procedures and treatments that can enhance the smile. This includes crowns.   What is a dental crown? A crown for the teeth is a ceramic restoration custom fabricated for patients who need coverage of their natural tooth structure. It may also be used over a dental implant to restore the smile after tooth loss. This porcelain repair is made … Continue reading “Dentist in San Francisco CA explains situations in which patients may need a dental crown for the teeth”

San Francisco, CA patients who have been told they need a root canal treatment may automatically have a negative response to this. However, this procedure is nothing to be afraid of! Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh of West Portal Family Dentistry encourage patients to take the time to learn about this procedure and how it is performed to fully understand its benefits.   What is root canal therapy? Root canal therapy, sometimes known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that is performed to save the natural tooth. When there is a problem with the dental pulp of a tooth, … Continue reading “San Francisco, CA area dentists describe root canal treatment”

Patients in San Francisco, CA can schedule an appointment at West Portal Family Dentistry to learn about the benefits of same-day whitening with our KöR professional bleaching system. Brightening the teeth can be done within just a few hours, and continued brightening can be done over the course of several weeks.   What is KöR deep bleaching? KöR is a specialized, professional bleaching system that starts with an in-office power whitening. The treatment is done in about one hour, during which patients will undergo a thorough cleaning of the teeth prior to the procedure. Then, whitening agents pull both extrinsic … Continue reading “Professional teeth bleaching available for San Francisco, CA area patients”

Patients in San Francisco, CA who are faced with tooth loss have a variety of options to consider when it comes to replacement. At West Portal Family Dentistry, Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh may find dentures are best for certain patients. For patients seeking full or “complete” dentures, procedures may be required beforehand.   Preparations for dentures Full dentures are a wonderful way for patients to replace an entire arch of teeth. There are several factors that need to be considered before placing dentures. Patients consult with their dentists to discuss if they are right for dentures. Preparations may … Continue reading “San Francisco, CA dentist describes the procedure for denture preparation”