What is the difference between a Family Dentist and my regular dentist?
Family dentistry, like general dentistry, provides services related to the general maintenance of oral hygiene and tooth health. The terms family dentistry and general dentistry are often used interchangeably, though there is a slight difference between the two.
Can I bring my whole family to see Dr. Chiang?
Some dentists restrict their practice to certain age groups. For example, pedodontists restrict their practice to providing dental care and treatment to young children. Family dentists, like Dr. Chiang, typically care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to older adults. Family dentists are responsible for ensuring that plaque buildup around the teeth is kept to a minimum, that tooth decay is eliminated and cavities are filled, and that gums remain healthy.
How often should we visit Dr. Chiang for a check-up?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist for a checkup a minimum of two times each year. Such checkups provide routine or deep cleanings to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay. If necessary, they also provide fluoride treatments to help coat the teeth, a procedure also important in the prevention of tooth decay. Preventative dental checkups can help with the detection of oral health problems long before the onset of symptoms.
Does Dr. Chiang provide Cosmetic Dentistry?
Although family dentists are typically associated with preventative and restorative dentistry, many dentists like Dr. Chiang pursue additional training in order to provide cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and “Invisalign” (invisible orthodontics). Family dentists who perform cosmetic procedures normally refer to themselves as family and cosmetic dentists.
I need to have root canal treatment. Can I see Dr. Chiang for that?
Dr. Chiang has more training than the typical family dentist, though he will occasionally refer some people to a dental specialist if specific treatments are required. Specialists may include orthodontists (for teeth straightening), endodontists (for more complex root canal treatments), periodontist (for tissue surgery or implant placement) and maxillofacial surgeons (for oral surgery).
Porcelain Restorations generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns and bridges fabricated with gold, ceramics or composites. During the first visit, Dr. Chiang prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, Dr. Chiang cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
What are dental crowns?
Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. In comparison, fillings are dental restorations that fill in or cover over just a portion of a tooth. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface.
Crowns can be made out of porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. Other terms that are used to refer to dental crowns are "dental caps" and "tooth caps."
Why do teeth need dental crowns?
Dr. Chiang might recommend placing a dental crown for a variety of reasons but, in general, most of these reasons will usually fall within one of the following basic categories:
To restore a tooth to its original shape.
To strengthen a tooth.
To improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The restoration can be made from gold, porcelain or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.
Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
What is a Dental Implant? 
A dental implant is one option for replacing a tooth. Implants are manufactured devices that are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as anchors for replacement teeth. Implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body.
An implant-restored tooth consists of several parts.
The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed in the upper or lower jawbone.
The abutment can be made of titanium, gold or porcelain. It is attached to the implant with a screw. This part connects the implant to the crown.
The restoration (the part that looks like a tooth) is a crown, usually made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), but also could be an all-metal or all-porcelain crown. The crown is attached either to the abutment or directly to the implant. It can be screwed or cemented onto the abutment. If the crown is screwed to the abutment, the screw hole will be covered with restorative material such as tooth-colored filling material (composite).
An implant looks and feels like a natural tooth. It fits securely when you chew and speak. A single-tooth implant is a free-standing unit and does not involve treatment to the adjacent teeth. With a dental implant, the surrounding teeth can remain untouched if they are healthy, and their strength and integrity may be maintained. The implant can stabilize your bite and help prevent problems with the jaw.
Emergency Treatment
There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to your teeth. One way to reduce the chances of damage to your teeth, lips, cheek and tongue is to wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities that may pose a risk. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. Cut tape using scissors rather than your teeth.
Accidents do happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
We reserve time in our daily schedules for emergency patients. Call our office and provide us with as much detail as possible about your condition. Remember, pain is a signal that something is wrong—a problem that will not disappear even if the pain subsides. If you’re concerned about visiting us because you have limited or no dental insurance, please ask us about convenient outside monthly payment plans. If that is something you are interested in, you can submit an application online and get an immediate credit decision—and the emergency care you need.
Tips for Dealing with Dental Emergencies
Bitten Lip or Tongue
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call our office immediately.
Jaw-Possibly Broken
Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Call our office or a hospital emergency department immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to our office as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!
Objects Caught Between Teeth
Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object using dental floss, contact our office.
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact our office.
Comprehensive New Patient Exam
The minute you walk in the door, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff. You will then be accompanied to the treatment room where Dr. Chiang will complete your Comprehensive Examination which will include:
Review of your medical and dental history
Clarify your concerns, wants and expectations and/or problems
A series of diagnostic X-rays will be taken to provide a detailed radiographic view of your teeth and bone condition.
Oral Cancer Screening- the insides of your cheek, your gums, the sides, top and bottom of your tongue, the roof and back of your mouth will be examined for normal and abnormal sores or lesions.
Complete Periodontal Exam- the gums and bone that surround your teeth will be evaluated for signs of hidden gum disease.
Comprehensive dental evaluation is recorded in your tooth chart showing your existing and needed dental work.
Tour your mouth with a “miniature video camera” at high magnification.
A “Treatment Plan” which is a written explanation of the complete findings about your dental health. We encourage you to ask questions because your input into your treatment plan is very important.
"Cleaning” of your teeth may be done depending on the results from this exam. Dental cleanings are done by our qualified staff members.
After your examination Dr. Chiang will review all finds; discuss your treatment recommendations and sequence; give you a customized written report and answer all questions to your satisfaction and understanding at your first visit.
Our Financial Coordinator will meet privately with you to cover your treatment and financial options and our fees
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TMJ Disorders
What Is Bruxism?
"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress.
If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked.
Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.
You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.
Dr. Chiang can fit you with a night guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax! Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling and even exercise may help reduce tension.
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Invisalign
What is INVISALIGN?
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and Dr. Chiang, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.
Am I a candidate for INVISALIGN?
Your initial consultation with Dr. Chiang, is offered free of charge. During this visit, you'll discuss the issues you have with your teeth and what kind of results you would like to see. Once Dr. Chiang decides your situation is suitable for Invisalign treatment, a treatment plan will be mapped out with your goals in mind. Then, impressions and pictures of your teeth will be taken for digitization purposes.
The impressions of your teeth will be digitized in order for your doctor to work with a computerized 3-D image of your teeth. Then, Dr. Chiang will plan your tooth movements throughout your entire treatment timeline. You'll be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth before, during, and after completion of the Invisalign process so you can see what your smile should look like when you're done with treatment.
How long does Invisalign take to work?
From Dr. Chiang’s precise treatment plan, customized aligners are created with advanced technology for you to wear at each stage of your treatment. While the number of aligners varies for each individual situation, a full set of treatment typically includes 20-30 aligners per arch.
Do I have to wear my aligners all the time?
You should wear your aligners at all times, with the exception of eating and drinking, in order to complete your treatment in the timeline determined by you and Dr. Chiang. You'll go in for occasional checkups, to monitor your progress and to receive your next set of aligners. During the entire treatment process, you'll be able to watch your teeth gradually moving into place. Your smile will, little by little, move into something you'd like to show off. The people around you will be sure to notice your new-found confidence.
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Porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain, about half a millimeter thick (the thickness of a fingernail) that are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a smile makeover. They create a beautiful result. Porcelain mimics tooth structure better than any other restorative material. It is harder than enamel, so it resists wear and can last for many years. Dental artists can manipulate the color and translucency to re-create the look of any tooth. A porcelain veneer resists stain better than tooth enamel.
What is the dental science associated with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneer technique is an offshoot of the basic science of cosmetic dental bonding. Dentists have had materials available to them for decades that are capable of creating a tenacious bond with tooth enamel. Porcelain veneer technique utilizes the bonding capability of these materials to securely attach a thin shell of porcelain (the porcelain veneer) to a tooth. Although porcelain is inherently brittle, when it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.
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White Fillings
What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)?
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
How is a composite placed?
Following preparation, Dr. Chiang places the composite in layers; typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, Dr. Chiang will shape the composite to fit the tooth. Dr. Chiang then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
What are the advantages of composites?
Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
What are the disadvantages?
After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.
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Periodontal Therapy
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that can lead to damage to the gums, tissue, and bone around your teeth. The destruction of tissue and bone causes "pockets" around teeth and can lead to tooth loss. In addition, although a causal relationship between periodontal disease and an elevated risk for systemic events has not been established, recent data suggest a possible association between periodontal disease and other health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low birth-weight babies. With proper treatment, you have a better chance of saving your teeth and controlling further disease progression.
What are the symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures
It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What is scaling and root planing (SRP)?
A. To treat periodontal disease, dental professionals use a common mechanical procedure known as SRP. Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the surface of the tooth and its root, and planing smoothes the rough areas on the roots of teeth to promote healing.
Why would you use an antibiotic to treat periodontal disease?
Even though SRP removes a great deal of the bacteria that cause periodontal infection, the instruments used during this mechanical procedure can’t always reach the bacteria that hide in the bottom of pockets or in difficult-to-reach areas. That’s why your dental professional may decide to add a locally administered antibiotic (LAA) such as ARESTIN®. ARESTIN® helps to kill the bacteria left behind by SRP.
How do I know if I'm at risk for periodontal disease?
There are a number of important factors that may put someone at risk for periodontal disease. It is important to talk to your dental professional about your specific risk factors. One important factor that can lead to periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing regularly, and regular dental cleanings help prevent plaque buildup and therefore help guard against periodontal disease. Other risk factors include a genetic predisposition, some prescription medications, diabetes, pregnancy, stress, smoking, grinding or clenching teeth, poor nutrition, diseases that affect your immune system, and tooth irregularities.
What is the best way to protect against periodontal disease?
Good brushing and flossing habits are vital to strong oral health. However, regular dental check-ups are critical to the prevention of more serious oral infections.
Are there any websites where I can receive additional information regarding oral health?
Yes. Please check out the internet websites for the following organizations: The American Dental Association (www.ada.org), The American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org), The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (www.adha.org), and/or The Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org).
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Soft-Tissue Laser Therapy
The evolution of laser technology in dentistry has been universally accepted as a tremendous adjunct to soft tissue therapies. This provides dentists with an extremely precise, non-invasive method for manipulating oral tissues. The use of the dental laser in dental surgery applications stops bleeding and seals lymphatic and nerve endings, thereby by-passing inflammation and the usual discomfort that is associated with inflammation during healing. The dental soft tissue laser is:
Faster and more efficient
Essentially painless
More sterile (laser tip sterilizes itself in operation)
Bloodless in most cases
Less invasive
Precise and conserves healthy tissues
Less painful post-operatively
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Teeth Whitening
Your smile is important. It's one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression
Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking.
Whitening can get your smile looking its best. Non-professional procedures and clinically unproven teeth whitening tips can often lead to unsatisfactory results, you should look for a whitening procedure that is:
Fast and convenient
Long lasting
Low sensitivity
Proven to be safe and effective
Performed by a Dental Professional
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Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction, full mouth rehabilitation and full mouth restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.
Full mouth reconstruction can help restore oral health and functionality.
Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists (performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).
The need for full mouth reconstruction may result from:
Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma.
Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite (occlusion).
How the Full Mouth Reconstruction Process Begins
If you think you need full mouth restoration or reconstruction, see your dentist for a comprehensive examination. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the extent of the problem and the treatment options that can be used to correct it. In particular, he or she will examine the condition of your:
Teeth: The condition of your teeth will determine what restorative procedures may be needed, such as porcelain veneers or full-coverage crowns, inlays or onlays, bridges or implants restored with a crown. In particular, your dentist will make note of any cavities and decay, tooth wear, cracks, short/long teeth, root canal issues and any tooth movement.
Periodontal (gum) tissues: If your gums are not healthy, you will most likely need scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. You may require more intensive treatments from a periodontist to ensure that your newly reconstructed teeth will have a solid foundation. Such treatments could involve soft tissue or bone grafts to build up your gums and underlying jaw bone. Your dentist will look for deep pockets, excessive or insufficient gum tissue, periodontal disease and bone density irregularities.
Temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and occlusion: A stable bite — one in which you are not in pain when you close your mouth or chew and one that does not cause wear or destruction of your teeth — is important to your overall oral health. Occlusal changes need to be taken into consideration when your dentist plans your restorations. In fact, you may require orthodontics (dental braces) or some other type of treatment (night guard or bite reprogramming orthotic) to correct occlusion before additional restorative procedures can be performed.
Esthetics: The color, shape, size and proportion of your teeth, and how they appear in relation to your gums, lips, mouth, side profile and face, are also important factors in full mouth reconstruction treatment.
The examination process requires records of your mouth, such as X-rays and photographs, impressions of your upper and lower teeth, models of your teeth that are made from the impressions and a model of your bite. Your dentist may also refer you to specialists (periodontist, orthodontist, oral surgeon) for a consultation in order to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Once your dentist has obtained all information relevant to your case, he or she will develop a comprehensive, step-by-step treatment plan to correct all of the problems in your mouth and complete your full mouth reconstruction. If you do not understand the procedure being described to you, ask for a detailed written description of the proposed treatment plan so you can review it. This can be helpful if you want to get a second opinion. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of the recommended procedures and treatments.
