No one likes to think about tooth loss, and yet if we do, we likely imagine getting a tooth knocked out or having deep cavities. Gum disease rarely comes to the forefront of oral health, but it's so important as it's the leading cause of tooth loss in the US, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Your dentist in Santa Cruz, CA, Dr. John Baron, carefully tracks periodontal health and offers the latest in gum disease therapy if problems occur.

How gums get sick

While heredity and diet do play roles in gum health, poor oral hygiene and tobacco use are leading causes of periodontitis. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they are developing gum problems when they miss or discount signs such as:

• Puffy, red gums
• Streaks of blood in the sink after brushing
• Chronic bad breath
• A "long tooth" appearance
• Gum tenderness
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Exposed tooth roots
• A change in dental bite or in how a denture fits

How do all these symptoms start? The real culprit is plaque--that sticky substance left over from our carb-loaded American diets. Plaque collects on and between teeth. Quickly, it hardens into calculus, or tartar, a troublesome residue which only a dental hygienist can remove. Also, both plaque and tartar are infiltrated with harmful bacteria. These microbes cause both cavities and gum disease.

Periodontal therapy procedures

They're a priority at Dr. Baron's dental practice. With every six-month check-up, Dr. Baron's skilled hygienist scales teeth and the gum line, removing plaque and tartar. Combined with your careful brushing (twice a day) and flossing (once a day) at home, you can have healthy gums.

However, if gum disease has begun, here's what your Santa Cruz dentist and his team can do:

1. Perform a deep scaling and root planing, removing embedded tartar and plaque from below the gum line and instilling antimicrobial medication

2. Use laser technology to debride gums, sealing them to tooth roots to promote quick healing without cutting or suturing

3. Gum grafting or recontouring--taking gum tissue from other areas of the mouth to cover exposed tooth roots or removing excess gum tissue as needed to install a crown or expose more tooth structure (in the case of a gummy smile)

Healthy gums for a healthy you

The CDC says that about 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease to one degree or other. That means their systemic health is at risk, too. So your at-home and in-office preventive care remains your best bet for great oral health.

Contact us

To learn more about gum disease and its impact, or to schedule your semi-annual check-up and hygienic cleaning, please contact Dr. Baron's Santa Cruz, CA, office at (831) 426-9200.

You could now get a brand new dental restoration in just one trip to the dentist.

We know that our patients lead busy lives and that trying to schedule dental visits can be a royal pain. Of course, it’s also important that you get the dental care you need to keep your oral health on track. If you require a dental crown you may worry that you’ll need to come back for multiple appointments but our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist, Dr. E. John Baron, has some good news: Now you can get a dental crown created and placed in just one visit.

If you are dealing with a tooth that is severely damaged or decaying you want a restoration that will be able to protect the tooth and restore it so that it is as strong as it can possibly be. In most cases, the best option is to place a dental crown over the tooth. Of course, in the past, getting a dental crown often took multiple trips to the office to prep the tooth, take impressions and measurements, wait for the crown to be made and then to come back in once the crown is made so that it can be fitted.

Now, CEREC technology makes it possible to prep your tooth, create and make your crown right here in our office, and then cement the crown into place in just one visit. Here are some of the benefits to getting CEREC crowns from our Santa Cruz general dentist:

An Improved Appearance

Having a cracked, damaged, or even a cosmetically imperfect smile can certainly put a damper on your appearance. You may feel less confident whenever you open your mouth to speak or even to smile at a colleague or friend. Luckily, by getting a CEREC crown you’ll feel confident again in your smile in no time.

A Natural Restoration

We pride ourselves on creating restorations that look as natural and real as possible, and CEREC crowns are no different. We take digital images of your tooth, which provide a far more precise measurement of the damaged tooth. This means a dental crown that fits perfectly. Plus, we choose the color of the porcelain before the milling machine chisels out your crown, so we can offer you a restoration that most closely matches the shade of your tooth.

We Save You Time

Since CEREC crowns can be made and placed in just one visit this completely does away with needing to come in multiple times to our office. Plus, you won’t need to get a temporary crown placed over your tooth, which can be annoying and often crack or fall off before getting your permanent crown. Now, you can sit in our dental chair and get a new restoration in about one hour. This saves our patients a lot of time and hassle.

Do you have questions about getting CEREC crowns in Santa Cruz, CA? Want to find out if this is the best approach for improving your oral health? Then call our office today to learn more about CEREC crowns and to schedule a consultation with us.

If your dentist recommends a root canal, you may feel anxiety leading up to this simple and common procedure. However, there is no reason to fear a root canal. Proven by many years of use to be effective and safe, a root canal can repair your decayed or damaged tooth and even save the tooth’s structure, avoiding extraction. Find out more about root canal therapy and how it can benefit you with Dr. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA.

What does root canal therapy do? 
Root canals repair damaged or decayed teeth which would often otherwise require extraction. The tooth’s inner pulp chamber, which houses the nerves which allow the tooth to feel pain, becomes infected and, in turn, causes a toothache. The root canal clears the inner tooth of the damaged tissue and removes the root, eliminating the toothache. Removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth preserves the tooth’s outer structure below the gumline, allowing the tooth to continue to stimulate the bone in which it lies and preventing extraction-related issues like shifting teeth or bone atrophy.

Do I need a root canal? 
If you have a toothache, there is a good chance your dentist will suggest a root canal. However, your dentist may also recommend a root canal to avoid a toothache or other complications in the future. If your dentist catches a problem early, a root canal may be necessary to correct the issue and avoid complications down the road. Root canal therapy can also help save a tooth which has been damaged by trauma or injury.

Root Canal Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA
Lowering your chances of requiring a root canal is as easy as keeping your teeth decay-free and healthy. This means a strong at-home oral care routine and regular trips to see your dentist for preventative routine dental examinations and cleanings. Brush twice daily and floss at least once to ensure that you remove decay-causing plaque from the teeth before it can harden into tartar and cause decay. See your dentist at least twice a year to catch dental problems early and keep your teeth in the best condition possible.

For more information on root canals, please contact Dr. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA. Call (831) 426-9200 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Baron today!

There are plenty of things you'd like to share with the world, but your orthodontic treatment probably isn't one of them. Until recently, everyone knew you were straightening your teeth the moment you opened your mouth and flashed your metal braces. Luckily, there's a more subtle option available today. Our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist, Dr. John Baron, explains how you improve your smile without wires and brackets, thanks to Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a completely wire-free orthodontic system. Gentle pressure exerted by removable aligner trays improve the position of your teeth. The trays are designed in our Santa Cruz office using CAD/CAM technology and digital images, impressions and X-rays. Each set of trays in the series is worn for two weeks before it's replaced with another set. Because the trays are made of clear plastic molded to fit your teeth, they're virtually invisible.

Can Invisalign handle an overbite?

Invisalign corrects the same orthodontic problems that ceramic or metal braces do, including overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites. It also addresses crowding and spacing issues. Most people who need braces and have mild to moderate orthodontic issues can benefit from Invisalign.

How long must I wear the aligner trays?

You'll wear the trays 20 to 22 hours every day, although you can remove them for a few hours if you're attending a special event or participating in a sport. The trays are also removed when you brush and floss your teeth. If you're an adult, you may only need to wear your aligner trays for about a year to accomplish your treatment goals. Teenagers usually need to use the trays for about the same amount of time that they would wear metal braces.

Do I have to stop eating certain foods?

Food restrictions are a fact of life when you wear ceramic or metal braces. Gum and other sticky foods become hopelessly tangled in the wires, while hard foods can break the wires. Because you'll take out your trays before you eat, no food restrictions are necessary with Invisalign.

Are you ready to improve your smile with Invisalign? Call our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist, Dr. Baron, at (831) 426-9200 to schedule an appointment.

Dental implants literally have changed the face of dentistry over the past 30 years. How? Well, dental implants in replace missing teeth from root to crown, and they support multiple prosthetic (artificial) teeth by way of fixed bridges and full and partial dentures. Could you qualify for dental implants from Dr. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA? Read more here about these restorative dentistry wonders.

The basic dental implant

It has three parts: a titanium metal screw, a post and a lifelike porcelain crown. Dr. Baron inserts the titanium screw directly into the patient's jaw during a simple, in-office surgery. After many weeks of healing, he attaches the post and crown.

What makes the dental implant so special? Traditional tooth replacements just rest on top of the gums. As time goes on, the gums and jaw bone underneath deteriorate. Remaining teeth that adjoin the empty tooth socket actually weaken and drift toward the open space.

However, in the case of a dental implant, the bone adheres to the device via osseointegration. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says osseointegration provides both a structural and a functional connection. In other words, the fully integrated dental implant looks like a real tooth and acts like a real tooth, too. In fact, the more an implant is used for biting and chewing, the stronger the bond between the jaw and the device becomes.

Qualifying for dental implants in Santa Cruz

Implant dentists such as Dr. Baron use dental implants to replace single teeth, multiple teeth in a row or even an entire set of teeth. So if you need fixed bridgework or dentures, you may qualify to receive dental implants.

Dr. Baron carefully evaluates his prospective dental implant patients. He looks for strong systemic and oral health and sufficient jaw bone to support the devices. If the jaw bone is weak, he may use augmentation procedures to build it up.

Living long-term with implants

Expect your dental implants to last for the rest of your life, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They simply need regular flossing (once a day) and twice daily brushing just as your natural teeth do.

See Dr. Baron semi-annually for cleanings and check-ups. Disciplined oral hygiene keeps implant sites free of harmful tartar and plaque which can cause peri-implantitis, an infection that can threaten implant retention. Dr. Baron likes to see his patients quit smoking as well.

Support your smile

If you're missing teeth or anticipate an extraction, consider the benefits of dental implants. Contact E. John Baron DDS in Santa Cruz, CA for a personal consultation today. Call (831) 426-9200.

Sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz, California helps create a relaxed and calm experience for those that are fearful of dental work. With the use of sedatives, fearful patients can have a series of dental treatments in just one visit that would otherwise take them several visits. Different sedatives are used by Dr. E. John Baron fitting the needs of each particular patient.

Sedation Dentistry Options

Conscious sedation is one option that administers a sedative such as nitrous oxide to a patient. During the dental work, the patient is alert and awake but is slightly relaxed. Local anesthesia is another option that injects medication into tissue or is applied topically to eliminate any sense of feeling during procedures. Both are these are recommended for more minor procedures.

For more severe treatments or for severe cases of dental phobia, Dr. Baron may suggest the help of an anesthesiologist that puts a patient under for procedures. Oral conscious sedation is another option where patients take something orally. All of their bodily functions remain the same and they are able to breathe on their own. The patient may experience some amnesia on what happened.

Patients that are scared of the dentist oftentimes are hesitant to undergo any type of dental procedure, even an exam or cleaning. This puts them at risk of tooth decay and other future dental issues that could have been avoided with preventative dental care. However, with sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz, California, patients can get the check-ups and procedures they need in order to maintain their oral health. These sedatives make procedures seem fast, anxiety-free and relaxed.

To learn more about what sedation dentistry can do for you, call Dr. Baron’s office at 831-426-9200 today to schedule an appointment.

Tooth loss can really bring your smile down, but our Santa Cruz, CA dentist can change all that.

I’m sure we can all agree that no one wants to deal with tooth loss, but for millions of Americans, this situation is all too real. If you hate what tooth loss has done to your smile and you wish you could get your smile back, then find out how our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist Dr. John Baron could help provide you with the next best thing to natural teeth.

What are dental implants?

These titanium posts may not seem like much to look at but they are actually going to replace your missing tooth’s roots. That’s right! When we position the implant into the jawbone the implant will naturally combine with the bone and tissue over the course of several weeks to become one resilient structure from which to support an artificial tooth or teeth.

Implants can be a great way to replace a single missing tooth or even all of your teeth. If you are a denture wearer who hates how your dentures fit and wants a more reliable option, then it’s time you considered getting dental implants, which can better support your dentures and prevent them from moving and shifting around.

Who is a good candidate for implants?

Many adults looking to replace one or more missing teeth will be thrilled to hear that most people end up being ideal candidates for this restorative dentistry. Here are some of the factors we will need to consider to make sure that dental implants are right for you:

Your oral health: Teeth and gums must be healthy and free of decay or gum disease. We will need to make sure that those with gum disease have their condition under control first.

Your general health: While those with long-term health conditions like heart disease and diabetes can still get implants we will want to make sure that you have any chronic health problems properly under control with medications and other treatment options. Having a healthy immune system is imperative for this treatment to be successful.

Your age: Adults are the best candidates for implants, but teens and children aren’t. The jawbone will need to fully develop before we can place an implant.

Habits: Smoking and bad oral hygiene are two issues that can have detrimental effects on both your oral health and the health of your implant. Smokers are more likely to suffer from implant failure than non-smokers. Those who don’t properly care for their teeth and gums may also find themselves dealing with implant complications.

No one should have to deal with an incomplete smile and, with amazing options like dental implants, you don’t have to. If you want to learn more about getting dental implants in Santa Cruz, CA, then give us a call today.

It’s important that you correct a bad bite to prevent future oral health issues.

In an ideal world, you would have a perfectly aligned bite in which your upper teeth just fit slightly over the lower teeth. Unfortunately, this isn’t often the case. While you may not even notice whether or not you have a bad bite it’s still something that our Santa Cruz dentist Dr. John Baron should correct. A well-aligned mouth makes it easier to clean, prevents wear and tear on teeth and reduces your risk of a TMJ disorder. Find out what we can do to improve your bite.

A bad bite, also referred to by our Santa Cruz general dentist as a malocclusion, can easily be detected during your routine dental exam (this is why it’s so important that you come in every six months for cleanings and exams). For those with mild to moderate bite issues we can often correct them with these treatment options:

Tooth reshaping: If teeth are pretty close to being properly aligned but still not ideal then tooth reshaping may work for you. Irregularly shaped teeth can be reshaped to help redistribute the pressure placed on certain teeth. You will bite down on a special paper and move your teeth back and forth over the paper. The paper will leave behind markings on your teeth where they touch. From there we will then smooth these areas to reshape the tooth.

Orthodontics: This is one of the most common ways to treat a malocclusion. Through traditional braces and retainers, we can help reposition the teeth and jaws to improve your bite. This can take anywhere from one to two years to complete. While this treatment is more common for children and teens, adults can also get orthodontics to correct a bad bite.

Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night then you could certainly benefit from wearing a custom night guard while you sleep. Even though it won’t actually realign the jaws, this special appliance can   provide additional protection to prevent wear and tear on teeth.

Do you have questions about braces and want to know whether they are right for you? If so, then it’s time to call our Santa Cruz dental office and schedule a no-risk consultation. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain!

Find out how this simple treatment can go a long way to saving a tooth from irreparable damage.

No one wants to hear that they need a root canal. While a root canal may sound like a bad word, it is truly a great dental treatment that can prevent a tooth from needing to be extracted (and I think everyone can agree that they don’t want to have to deal with having a permanent tooth removed). Find out more about getting a root canal in Santa Cruz, CA, from our very own dentist Dr. John Baron.

A little background about your upcoming root canal procedure in Santa Cruz, CA, is always helpful. Inside the tooth is a structure known as the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, tissue and blood vessels. You could say that the dental pulp is the feeling part of the tooth. When something is wrong, whether it’s severe decay or trauma, the pulp is the area of the tooth that sounds the alarm and causes you pain. Pain is a warning sign that something isn’t right with your tooth and that you need to seek immediate care.

But why do I need a root canal?

A root canal is necessary if the pulp has become infected or inflamed. While a toothache doesn’t always signify that you need a root canal, it can often be a telltale sign that you will need one. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the diseased tissue inside the tooth and protect the tooth from further damage (all while eliminating the source of your pain). A root canal is an important procedure because it can actually save the tooth.

Once the dental pulp has been removed and the inside of the tooth has been thoroughly disinfected, we will refill the inside of the tooth and seal up the root canal to prevent bacteria from reentering. Most of the time a tooth that has had root canal treatment will also require a dental crown to protect it from further damage and to make it 100 percent strong again.

Whether you have questions about a root canal or you just need to schedule your next routine visit, turn to our Santa Cruz, CA, dental office for all of your dental needs. We are here to give you a smile that you will always be proud of.

In a normal case, getting a permanent crown will take about two or three appointments. Patients are happy to learn that Dr. John Baron offers CEREC Same Day Crowns at his Santa Cruz office. It is a convenient service that allows patients to walk out of the dentist’s office with a new smile with a relatively short wait compared to traditional crowns. Learn more about CEREC and find out if you’re a candidate for this treatment. 

What Is CEREC?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a dental technology that allows your dentist to create and install a permanent custom crown in just one appointment—thus the nickname of “Same Day Crowns.” Using CAD/CAM technology, a machine can take an impression of the tooth and create a crown out of ceramic or porcelain material while you wait.

The Convenience of CEREC
Some patients don’t have the time in their schedules to come to the dentist’s office two or three times for a permanent crown. Since CEREC crowns can be designed and made in one appointment by your Santa Cruz dentist, there’s no need to take multiple days off of work or to wait while wearing a potentially uncomfortable temporary crown. This is the ideal solution for business professionals and patients who need their smiles to be perfect at all times for their jobs.

The CEREC Appointment
After your dentist confirms that your tooth is healthy enough to support a crown, the necessary tooth enamel will be removed so that the crown can fit. Next, an impression will be made with the CAD/CAM camera so that a custom crown can be crafted. After about an hour, you’ll walk out of the office with a brand new bonded crown that will last for up to 15 years (longer with good care).

Ask Your Dentist About CEREC
Same Day Crowns will help you if you need a convenient option for restoring your smile. Call Dr. John Baron at (831) 426-9200 today to schedule a CEREC consultation at his Santa Cruz, CA office.

Dealing with dental anxiety? Our Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. E. John Baron, can help!

Does the idea of seeing the dentist have your stomach in knots? Not sure the last time you visited our office because of anxiety or fear? Everyone should be visiting their dentist for regular checkups to make sure their mouths stay healthy and free of problems. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while due to a dental phobia, then find out if sedation dentistry could make your next visit a breeze.

What is sedation dentistry?

This technique uses sedative medications to help patients stay relaxed and calm during their dental treatment. Whether you are having multiple procedures performed at once or you just hate the idea of a regular dental cleaning, there are many sedation dentistry options to quell your fears. Sedation dentistry can be administered in either of these two common forms: Oral medication (anti-anxiety medications) and inhalation sedation (sometimes referred to as simply “laughing gas”)

If you aren’t sure which sedation dentistry is right for you then it’s a great time to chat with your Santa Cruz sedation dentist to see what might work best for your needs.

What are the advantages of sedation dentistry?

There are numerous benefits attached to sedation dentistry, including:

• A painless experience: With sedation dentistry calming your nerves it’s easier to apply anesthesia to give you an easy, pain-free dental treatment. With sedative drugs you can enjoy getting the care your smile requires without fearing pain.
• Feeling relaxed: There are patients who can’t sit in one position for long periods of time. There are patients with conditions like chronic pain or neck problems that make sitting in the dental chair a real issue. But sedation dentistry can ease them into the procedure and help them relax.
• Time-saver: Maybe you need to have multiple procedures performed. You could keep coming back for multiple visits or you could tackle them in one fell swoop. That will most likely mean a longer time at our office. To make the long process easier, we recommend sedation so we can fix all your issues without needing you to come back several times.

If sedation dentistry has piqued your interest and you think that it might be able to tackle your dental stress then call Dr. Baron in Santa Cruz, CA today to find out more. Our goal is to give you a stress-free and pleasant dental experience.

How Invisalign orthodontic treatment can help your smile

You want a straighter smile, but you don’t want anyone to know. You don’t like the look of metal brackets and wires. You want another option to achieve a straight smile. Well, now it’s here; it’s called Invisalign, and it is the modern, virtually invisible way to a straighter smile. Dr. John Baron, in Santa Cruz, California wants you to know how Invisalign can improve your smile discreetly.

Dr. Baron wants you to know Invisalign is a truly state-of-the-art method of orthodontic treatment. Besides being discreet, Invisalign has many other advantages when compared to conventional orthodontic treatments. According to the makers of Invisalign, you will experience:

• Increased comfort, because Invisalign is smooth plastic, not metal
• Increased confidence, because Invisalign is virtually invisible
• Increased satisfaction, because you can eat the foods you love
• Increased convenience, because you can remove the appliance if you want
• Increased oral health, because you can brush and floss normally

Your Invisalign treatment begins with Dr. Baron creating your first set of appliances, called aligners. You wear these for two weeks and then move on to another set of aligners. Every two weeks you change to a new set of aligners, as your teeth gradually move into correct position. The entire process takes between nine and fifteen months. That’s all there is to it! There are no metal wires or brackets to injure your cheeks or gums. The best part is only you and Dr. Baron will know you are straightening your teeth!

Just like conventional orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can correct major functional and cosmetic issues with your smile including closing gaps, crowding, and overlapped teeth. Major bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite can also be remedied with Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign offers the most discreet, comfortable teeth straightening available. When it comes to your smile, why wait? A straight smile is just a phone call away. Dr. John Baron, in Santa Cruz, California can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. It’s time to try Invisalign and improve your smile discreetly. Call today!

What is Scaling and Root Planing? The truth about scaling and root planing.

You realize you haven’t been to visit the dentist in a long time. You think you might need a cleaning but just aren't sure what kind of cleaning. Dr. John Baron, your family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Cruz, California, has the answers you are looking for.

Over time, if plaque and toxins are allowed to accumulate, your gums become inflamed causing gingivitis or gum inflammation. If you don’t have your teeth cleaned regularly, a hard substance called calculus or tartar will form on your teeth, above and below the gumline. This hard substance is a perfect surface for plaque to cling to.

This process, in turn, begins to cause periodontal or gum disease. If untreated, you begin to lose the soft tissue and bone around your teeth. The damage is going unnoticed because to you, your gums just bleed a little, and you don’t worry about it. You might not even know this is happening and then suddenly, you start to lose teeth.

The secretive nature of periodontal disease is exactly why you need to visit Dr. Baron regularly, so he can monitor the state of your gums and teeth, and his highly skilled hygienists can provide you with excellent dental cleanings.

Scaling is performed using hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning devices to remove the hard deposits attached to your teeth, both above and below the gumline.

If you are beginning to have periodontal disease, you will most likely have a pocket, a crevice around your teeth where you have lost bone and soft tissue support. After removal of hard calculus, you may need root planing.

Root planing typically utilizes different instruments than scaling, with blades that are a bit longer, to get to the bottom of periodontal pockets and literally “plane” the root surfaces smooth. A smooth root surface is better able to remain clean and free of plaque.

At the office of Dr. John Baron, in Santa Cruz, California, the goal of scaling is to stop inflammation in your gums and eliminate bleeding. The goal of root planing is to hopefully reduce the depth of the pockets around your teeth by giving you back a healthy tissue-to-tooth attachment. He wants you to have a healthy mouth that you can easily clean yourself by daily brushing and flossing.

So if you regularly go to see Dr. Baron, you are doing a lot to protect your oral and general health. On the other hand, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, give Dr. John Baron, your family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Cruz, California a call today. Find out what regularly cleanings and periodontal therapy can do to protect your mouth. Don’t give bacteria another day to hide!

No one looks forward to a tooth extraction, but sometimes a tooth removal is necessary to protect your oral and overall health. E. John Baron DDS INC., your Santa Cruz dentist, explains why a tooth extraction is performed.

Space issues

Teeth may need to be removed if you have an overcrowding problem and are getting braces. Removing a few teeth will provide enough room for the remaining teeth to move into place. Some people are born with extra teeth. Because these extra teeth can prevent other teeth from descending, they must be extracted.

Infections

Dental abscesses can often be treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, extraction may be the best option to protect your health. Infections can occur if you have severe tooth decay or gum disease, if bacteria enters your tooth through a chip or crack, or if prescription medications, such as cancer drugs, weaken your immune system. If you do have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics for a few days before the tooth can be removed because infections can interfere with pain medication.

Wisdom teeth

Many people don't have room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, the third set of molars. If you have pain or develop a cyst or infection, your dentist will recommend removal. Removal is no different than extracting any other tooth when your wisdom teeth have broken through your gums. If your teeth remain below your gums, they are impacted and will require surgical removal.

Broken teeth

Injuries can fracture and break teeth. Although your dentist will do his best to save the damaged tooth, removal might be the best option. Missing teeth can be replaced with a bridge, dentures or dental implants. Failing to replace teeth can affect your bite and can even lead to further tooth loss in the future.

Got a tooth that concerns you? Call Santa Cruz Dentist E. John Baron DDS INC. at (831) 426-9200 for an appointment.

Brushing your teeth is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria, avoid cavities, limit unnecessary trips to your Santa Cruz dentist Dr. John Baron, and keep your mouth feeling clean and healthy. It is easy to do, and it takes very little time. One question you may have about brushing, however, is "How often should I brush my teeth?"

Brush Your Teeth Two Times a Day

Both the American Dental Association and your local dentist at E. John Baron DDS, INC. in Santa Cruz recommend that you brush your teeth at least two times each day. While you could brush your teeth at any time of day, most people choose to brush once in the morning and once at night to space out their brushing for maximum effectiveness. Plus, by making brushing an important part of your morning and evening routines, you are less likely to forget.

Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

While twice a day is the general standard for brushing your teeth, if you are able to brush after every meal, that is even better. Every time you eat or drink, you expose your teeth to sugars, acids and other food particles. The longer these particles stay on your teeth, the more time they have to wear away at your enamel, causing cavities and other dental problems. By brushing your teeth after every meal, you help prevent this from happening.

Of course, brushing after every meal is often not very practical for most people. If you are unable to brush after every meal, brushing twice a day should be enough.

Special Circumstances

Unfortunately, there are special circumstances in which more frequent brushing will be necessary. For example, people who have braces  will need to brush after every meal to keep food particles from getting stuck in their dental appliances. People who want or need a bright, white smile should brush after every meal as well, especially if they ate foods which are known to stain the teeth.

For most people, brushing twice a day every day is sufficient. If you are worried that your dental needs may be different, however, speak to your Santa Cruz dentist to know for sure. Dr. Baron would be happy to help you find a brushing routine that is just right for you.

If you've been searching for a new dentist in the Santa Cruz area, look no further than E. John Baron, DDS.

Choosing a dentist can be overwhelming, especially with all the choices in the Santa Cruz area. However, Dr. E. John Baron, who operates a general and cosmetic dentistry practice in Santa Cruz, consistently receives glowing reviews and ratings online from satisfied patients. Here's what sets Dr. Baron apart:

He has a long history of success.

For over four decades, Dr. John Baron has been providing top-notch dental care. He served as a captain in the United States Air Force Dental Corps and has operated private practices since 1974. In that time, he has earned a number of accreditations and memberships in elite organizations such as the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Monterey Bay Dental Society.

He continues to strive for improvement.

Even though Dr. John Baron is one of the most well-established dentists in Santa Cruz today, he continues to attend continuing education seminars to keep himself informed of the latest technologies, products and procedures in the ever-changing dental industry. His practice includes up-to-date services with the patient's convenience, safety and comfort in mind, including same-day crowns, laser therapy for periodontal disease, and digital X-rays.

He has a top-notch staff.

From the front desk to the dental chair, Dr. Baron's team of professionals has the competence and friendly attitude to keep patients coming back for any and all of their dental needs. They, along with Dr. Baron, help to make their Santa Cruz dental patients feel welcome and calm any fears they might have about procedures.

It's time to learn for yourself why Dr. E. John Baron's patients continue to give him 5-star ratings. Contact our Santa Cruz office today for an appointment!

Gum disease is a very serious oral health issue affecting many millions of Americans each year. When gums become diseased, a condition known as periodontitis, your dentist will need to treat this disease before it leads to tooth loss.

Depending on what your dentist offers, there are different surgical techniques to treating gum disease including traditional scalpel procedures and now treatment using lasers. Santa Cruz dental patients have the option of laser surgery.

What is the Goal of Periodontal Therapy?

When your gums are inflamed or diseased, periodontal therapy will be necessary to restore healthy gum tissue. The lack of healthy gum tissue can cause tooth loss. Laser periodontal therapy is an FDA-cleared procedure that may make periodontal therapy more comfortable for the patient.

What is Laser Periodontal Therapy?

This type of laser procedure performed by your dentist can remove diseased gum tissue to help restore healthy gums. Lasers can also remove decay, bacteria, and plaque buildup. Laser therapy treats both gingivitis, which is often the precursor to gum disease, as well as the periodontitis itself.

What are the Advantages of Laser Therapy?

The reported advantages of laser therapy over traditional scalpel methods include less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery time. Santa Cruz patients choosing laser therapy may experience a less painful procedure overall with less need for anesthesia. Laser therapy may also reduce anxiety because patients won’t hear the sound of that dreaded dentist drill.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Periodontal Therapy?

If you’re interested in the use of laser therapy versus traditional scalpel methods of periodontal surgery, ask your dentist which method may be right for you. Your dentist may have a preferred method of treatment, or your unique oral history may make you a better candidate for one technique over another. Dr. E. John Baron of Santa Cruz, CA offers laser periodontal therapy to combat a variety of gum issues. Schedule your appointment today to find out if laser therapy is right for you.

Find out how CEREC crowns are a step up from traditional dental crowns.

Whether you’ve suffered severe dental damage due to an accident or if severe decay has weakened your tooth, your Santa Cruz dentist has probably recommended that you wear a dental crown to preserve it. However, getting your dental crown is now even easier when you opt for CEREC crowns.

About CEREC Crowns

CEREC crowns are a fast and easy way to restore a damaged or weak tooth with a dental crown. In the past, you would have to see your Santa Cruz dentist two times in order to fully restore your tooth. The first visit would typically require us to take impressions and then shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. While the permanent crown was being fabricated we would have you wear a temporary crown in the meantime. Then during the second visit, usually about a week later, we would bond the permanent crown to your tooth. However, now we restore a damaged tooth in only a single, one-hour visit thanks to CEREC technology.

The CEREC Crown Procedure

When you come in for your CEREC crown you won’t deal with the same messy, putty-like impressions that you may have had in the past. With our CEREC technology we now use a camera to take the exact images we need of the tooth. These photos are then uploaded into a 3D image on our computer where we then use our CAD software to design a dental crown that will look and feel just like your original tooth.

Once the design phase is complete, we will use the CAD technology to actually fabricate the crown while you wait. Once the crown is made, we will permanently cement it over the top of your tooth. The whole process takes no more than one hour to complete.

The Benefits of CEREC Crowns

The major advantage to getting CEREC crowns is that you can completely fix a weakened tooth in only one hour. Furthermore, you don’t have to waste time and money with multiple visits just to replace your tooth. Also, the camera allows us to take exact measurements of your tooth to create a dental crown that’s as realistic as possible.

If you want to find out more about CEREC crowns and whether they could protect your smile then contact your Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. E. John Baron, DDS.

Your Santa Cruz dentist offers sedation dentistry to calm your dental fears.

Does the idea of going to the dentist make you bite your nails? Maybe it’s a bad experience with another dentist or just the sound of the drill that has you cancelling your dental appointments time and time again; however, routine dental checkups are vital to a healthy smile. During these visits we can clean your teeth and make sure that there are no signs of gum disease or decay. The more often you see your dentist the quicker we can pinpoint problems and treat them quickly and effectively. However, dental anxiety is real and afflicts millions of Americans. If you are crippled by dental anxiety in Santa Cruz, find out how sedation dentistry could help you.

What is sedation dentistry?

Your Santa Cruz dentist uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during your dental visit. While some people may call it “sleep dentistry”, this term isn’t technically correct. After all, you will generally still be awake while under the effects of sedation dentistry; however, you will feel anxiety-free.

There are different levels of sedation from minimal sedation, in which you are fully awake but just relaxed, to deeper forms of sedation in which you may not remember parts of the procedure and you may be only slightly conscious but easily awakened.

What are the different forms of sedation dentistry?

Oral sedation is often the most common way to provide patients with minimal to moderate forms of sedation. Oral sedation is often used as an anti-anxiety medication, and is a member of the Valium family. The pill will be taken about an hour before your dental procedure and you may feel drowsy or sleepy after taking it.

Another common form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen and delivered to the patient through a mask placed over the nose. Your dentist controls the level of nitrous oxide you receive during your treatment to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. An added benefit to this treatment is that the effects wear off quickly so you may be able to drive yourself home afterwards.

Who can get sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz?

Sedation dentistry can be offered for any dental procedure, no matter how small. Even if the idea of a routine dental cleaning has you nervous, we can offer you sedation dentistry. It doesn’t just have to be for major dental procedures.

While sedation dentistry is also great for those with dental anxieties, it can also be used for those who have trouble sitting for long periods of time, those with sensitive gag reflexes and those with special needs.

Let sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz make your next visit to the dentist a breeze. Call us today to schedule your much-needed appointment and let us know that you’re interested in getting sedation dentistry.

The Dental Fears Research Clinic reports that about 5 percent to 8 percent of Americans will avoid seeing their dentist due to fear. A whopping 20 percent have enough anxiety surrounding the dentist that they only go when it’s imperative. There are a variety of reasons why someone may not see their dentist; however, whether getting a dental cleaning or having root canal therapy, sedation dentistry can make any trip to the dentist a breeze. Before you start doing online research on sedation dentistry, here are some of the top five myths you need to know about.

Myth #1: Sedation dentistry can’t be offered for all dental services.

Myth #2: Sedation dentistry is only for those with dental anxieties.

Myth #3: Sedation dentistry will put you to sleep.

Myth #4: Sedation dentistry is dangerous.

Myth #5: Sedation dentistry is still experimental.

Visit E. John Baron DDS, INC. Today!

Keep decay away with these healthy tips.

When it comes to taking care of our smiles, prevention is key. Luckily, we have a host of different ways to protect our teeth from decay and infection. Whether you’re teaching your child to adopt hygienic habits or you’re looking to find the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the tried and true ways to maintain a healthy smile.

Your Diet Effects Your Teeth Too

Oral Care Instructions

Protect Your Smile

Schedule Routine Checkups

• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Schedule regular dental visits
• Be smart with food choices

The healthier your teeth and gums, the happier you will be with your smile. It’s time to take action this month and set out for better oral health now and into the future.

Care About Your Oral Care

• Brush twice a day/two minutes each
• Floss at least once a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste

Communicate With Our Santa Cruz Dentist Office 

Do You Want Something to Really Smile About?

It’s not farfetched to say that everyone in Santa Cruz wants a nice smile? It’s because a smile is a wordless expression used to connect to people, display emotion and improve facial esthetics.

• Veneers
• Implant Dentistry
• CEREC - Natural-looking porcelain dental crowns and bridges
• Dental bonding
• Teeth whitening 
• Tooth-colored composite fillings 

You’re In Luck: Dentistry in Santa Cruz for Multiple Dental Imperfections

Dr. John Baron—Your Dentist in Santa Cruz—Invites You to Review Us Online!

 

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