General Dentistry

• Root Canal (Endodontic) Therapy
• Periodontics
• Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
• Preventive Dentistry
• Family/Childrens Dental Care
• Fluoride Treatments
• Sealants
• Dental Emergencies
• Scaling and Root Planning
• Extractions
• Mercury-Free Dentistry
• Snore Guards and Night Guards
• Oxyfresh^® Preventative At-Home Care
• CariFree Preventative At-Home Care

Root Canal (Endodontic) Therapy

Patients who have teeth with infected inner canals (or root canals) can have both health and function fully restored to their teeth with root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy. This treatment is a valuable defense against tooth loss, since it is an alternative to extraction of infected teeth. Our dentists use rotary NiTi files to quickly and precisely remove the infected pulp within the canal in order to save the tooth. Moreover, our dentists offer advanced techniques in sedation dentistry to enhance root canal therapy and other general dentistry treatments, so patients can receive needed dental care with minimal discomfort and stress.

The Root Canal Therapy Procedure

To perform a root canal treatment, we will first administer anesthetic, and then carefully remove the infected pulp from the root canal. Our dentists use rotary instrumentation with NiTi files for precise control when removing the infected pulp. If the tooth needs added support, we will place a post in the canal and secure it with dental cement. Then, we will fill the root canal with dental cement to add strength and cover the tooth with a dental crown to protect it.

Periodontics

According to the CDC, approximately 34 percent of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease, or gum disease. Given the prevalence of the disease, periodontal care is one of the more commonly provided general dentistry treatments at our office. Periodontal disease is the number one most prevalent disease in the world, yet it is the most preventable.

Periodontal disease is the infection of the gums, jawbone, and teeth by bacteria in built-up tartar. Initially, the disease causes inflammation, pain, and bleeding of the gums. As it progresses, the gum tissues around the tooth become corroded, forming periodontal “pockets” around the tooth.

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually necessitate extraction of the tooth. The disease has also been linked to strokes, heart attacks, complications in pregnancy, and other serious systemic health hazards. Periodontal general dentistry care can help curb the disease’s progression, remove and replace lost gum and bone tissue, and eliminate infection.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment (Soft Tissue Management – STM)

Non-surgical periodontal treatment allows our dentists to treat gum disease with minimally invasive techniques.

Our dentists provide regular scaling and root planing procedures, which remove tartar from the teeth to eliminate infection and allow the gums to heal. Scaling removes tartar below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth’s root to prevent future tartar buildup. They also perform subgingival irrigation, and may apply oral medications such as Arestin^®, an antibiotic which helps fight the infection that causes gum disease.

In addition, we help patients who are more prone to cavities by swabbing their mouth and running a general dentistry diagnostic test to determine which CariFree^® home care products are right for them. We also offer OxyFresh products and mechanical toothbrushes from Rotadent^® and Sonicare^® to help you care for your gums at home.

Since scaling and root planing do not require surgery, patients can expect minimized discomfort and shorter recovery times than surgical procedures. Contact Michael Fulbright, D.D.S. to learn more about periodontal treatments or other general dentistry options.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is often part of our non-surgical periodontal treatments and dental hygiene procedures. Laser techniques offer an advanced way to reduce bacteria and provide a strong seal to the gums while minimizing the healing process.

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Preventive Dentistry

According to the CDC, tooth decay is a general dentistry problem that affects more than 90 percent of adults over the age of 40. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. We want to help you keep your teeth healthy and decay-free for a lifetime. To prevent problems such as decay, cavities, and gum disease, our team provides the following Preventive options:

Regular Oral Exams

Regular general dentistry oral exams every four to six months allow dentists to detect tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. At the practice of Michael Fulbright, D.D.S., our use of dental technology, including an intraoral camera and digital x-rays, enhance our dentists’ ability to detect hidden problems.

Hygiene Appointments (Dental Cleanings)

Like oral exams, general dentistry cleanings should be scheduled every four to six months, in order to eliminate plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. In addition to keeping the teeth and gums healthy, regular dental cleanings can help keep the mouth healthy after periodontal treatment, endodontic therapy, placement of dental crowns and dental bridges, and other treatments. Laser therapies can often be utilized in dental hygiene appointments to reduce bacteria. Advanced laser techniques have become a very popular and beneficial option for our patients.

To schedule a dental cleaning, contact our office.

Laser Cavity Detection

Our dentists perform laser cavity detection, using the DIAGNOdent^® laser, to detect cavities hidden below the tooth’s surface. Early detection allows us to eliminate tooth decay early on and preserve as much of the tooth as possible.

Oral Cancer Screening with OralID™

The practice of Michael Fulbright, D.D.S. is pleased to provide oral cancer screening, a powerful tool in the early detection and treatment of oral cancer. This disease is typically asymptomatic in its early stages, and often goes untreated until it is too late. However, the OralID™ screening system allows dentists to detect oral cancer very early on, and treat it before the disease progresses.

OralID™ enhanced oral cancer screenings are two-minute procedures that utilize powerful fluorescence technology to detect oral cancer in its earliest stages. This advanced diagnostic technique can be part of your regular dental check-up and scheduled appointment here at our office.

Oral cancer is a devastating disease and, unfortunately, the number of people who develop it is on the rise. Early detection and treatment is crucial, and can dramatically increase the potential for survival. We are pleased to offer a state-of-the-art general dentistry oral cancer screening system that can help our dentists identify abnormalities in early stages, which can ultimately mean the difference between life and death. To schedule an oral cancer exam, contact Michael Fulbright, D.D.S.

Oraverse^®

Local anesthetics used in routine general dentistry procedures can often cause the treatment areas and part of the tongue to remain numb for hours, making it difficult to speak, chew, and talk. Oraverse^® can change that. Designed to reverse the effects of local anesthesia, Oraverse^® is injected into the numbed areas once treatment is complete in order to restore full feeling in the treated areas at a much faster pace.

With Oraverse^®, many patients have experienced a reduction of numbness in about half the time it usually takes for the anesthetic to wear off by itself, helping them speak, talk, and smile much more quickly after dental treatment. Dr. Fulbright is happy to offer this innovative new product for patients undergoing routine dental procedures.

Family/Children’s Dental Care

We offer a variety of pediatric and family dental services, including cosmetic, general dentistry, and restorative care. We make sure to make your child’s visits fun and enjoyable, teaching them how to take care of their teeth and gums at an early age. Dr. Fulbright and his entire team understand that children often feel anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist, so we do our best to provide them with the most comfortable treatment possible. With effective treatments, preventive care, and dental education, we can help your child maintain excellent oral health and a beaming smile for years to come!

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Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments help minimize the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Often performed after general dentistry teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments can also prevent bacteria from developing along your teeth and gums.

Sealants

Dental sealants provide a strong layer of protection for your teeth and help prevent cavities and tooth decay from developing in the future. These quick and easy general dentistry treatments apply a durable sealant material to the surface of the teeth to protect against bacteria that can enter into tiny crevices. A common procedure for children, dental sealants can be very effective at reducing the need for future fillings when combined with good dental hygiene routines.

Dental Emergencies

We understand that dental emergencies can arise at any time. Our experienced general dentistry team can provide immediate assistance if you are experiencing severe pain and discomfort from a chipped or broken tooth, infection, oral injury, or other issues. Please feel free to give us a call at (310) 593-2137 if you are experiencing a dental emergency

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Scaling and Root Planing

Our general dentistry team provides scaling and root planing treatments to treat gum disease and enhance protection against cavities and tooth decay. These non-surgical treatments remove tartar and plaque located deep within the gums and disinfect the soft tissues to prevent periodontal problems from getting worse. Once the procedure is complete, Dr. Fulbright uses a Diode Laser to seal the gums and reduce discomfort after treatment.

“Dr. Fulbright has provided dental care for me and most of my family for the past 4 years. His friendly, caring manner immediately puts you at ease and his incredible staff are just icing on the cake!”

Extractions

If a tooth is severely damaged from decay or injury and cannot be saved with root canal therapy, we can perform a safe extraction using advanced general dentistry techniques. An extraction is necessary if the damage poses a risk to your overall health, in addition to the health of surrounding teeth and gums. Dr. Fulbright will only need to extract a tooth as a last resort, and will do everything possible to save your original tooth. If an extraction is required, Dr. Fulbright offers a number of tooth replacement options, including dental implants, that can provide you with results that both look and feel like a natural tooth.

Mercury-Free General Dentistry

Our top focus at Fulbright Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry is our patients’ health and safety. Dr. Fulbright is proud to provide mercury-free composite material for tooth-colored fillings, which avoids the metallic-looking appearance common among filling materials of the past and can provide a more natural-looking blend with the affected tooth. Years ago it was common for mercury fillings to be used in the mouth; however as the field of general dentistry has advanced, we have learned that mercury may negatively affect the health of both patients and the environment. By eliminating this material from our Redondo Beach practice, we are staying true to our focus, while simultaneously minimizing environmental toxins and hazardous waste.

Snore Guards and Night Guards

Many people suffer from severe sleep apnea and cannot get a restful night’s sleep because of this condition. Our experienced general dentistry team offers several non-surgical treatment options to prevent snoring and sleep apnea from becoming worse. Some of these options include snore guards and night guards, which help to open up airway passages for improved breathing. Sleep apnea and snoring can be very serious conditions if left untreated. In fact, many people experience complete pauses in breathing for up to 10 seconds because their airways narrow during sleep. If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea or snoring, it is very important to have the condition diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

For more extensive information on adult and pediatric sleep apnea, please visit our website dedicated to sleep apnea and snoring treatment.

Oxyfresh^® Preventative At-Home Care

Our practice offers several general dentistry hygiene products from Oxyfresh which can help you maintain a healthy smile in between your dental visits. Some of these products include a cavity fighting kit, toothpaste, tongue scrapers, toothbrushes and mouth rinses.

CariFree^® Preventative At-Home Care

In addition to Oxyfresh products, we also offer CariFree^® at-home care dental products to keep your teeth healthy and clean on a daily basis. CariFree^® carries a line of products specific to general dentistry conditions such as cavities, plaque, dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and bad breath.

Schedule a General and Preventive Dentistry Consultation

If you need treatment for tooth decay, periodontal disease, or another dental problem, our dentists can provide the solution you need while making you as comfortable as possible. To schedule an appointment for a general dentistry treatment, contact our office today.