General Dentistry Services
General dentistry services are necessary to screen for potential concerns and maintain the health and beauty of your smile. Dr. Ruiz has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontics. He and his associate Dr. Kwon work with a dedicated support staff to help you achieve and maintain a world-class smile that gets noticed for the right reasons.
Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, we are able to protect your oral health conveniently and comfortably, and our office proudly emphasizes patient education and safety. We utilize the most advanced treatments to help our patients achieve optimum dental heath and provide comprehensive general dentistry procedures designed to maintain that health. Dr. Ruiz can determine if dental implants or other services are an appropriate option and create an individualized treatment plan designed to meet each patient's individual appearance goals.
We provide a complete range of general dentistry services, including:
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Minimally Invasive Dentistry using Veneers and Onlays
Just like in other areas of medicine and surgery, dentistry is having a revolution of using less invasive techniques. New materials such as better porcelains and adhesives allow Dr. Ruiz to repair and restore badly broken teeth without resorting to traditional methods like crowns, which can require destroying over 70% of the tooth’s natural structure. Using veneers and onlays not only preserves your natural tooth structure, it can restore your smile with superior esthetic results as well. Unfortunately for their patients, many other dentists do not know these techniques or how to properly utilize them.
Great esthetic results can be achieved with minimal work. The days of many veneers are gone; these cosmetic improvements were done with 2 veneers and one bonding
Dr. Ruiz is a pioneer in this field. He has developed, published articles about, and teaches these techniques to dentists all over the country. Having successfully treated our patients with these less-invasive procedures for over 10 years, our practice offers our patients superior experience and expertise with these techniques.
A comparison between tooth preparations for an Onlay vs. a traditional Crown. Note how the Onlay preparation preserves much more of the tooth's natural structure, meaning less destructive drilling & excavation, and less pain with a more natural result!
Regular Check-ups and Professional Cleanings
Regular periodic check-ups and professional cleanings help to keep your mouth in the best shape possible. They also allow us to catch any problems early in their development, which can end up saving you thousands of dollars in the future if left undetected or untreated.
When it comes to professional teeth cleaning, the truth is that many people need professional hygiene visits more than twice a year, depending on personal history as well as how rapidly each individual develops plaque buildup.
No matter how diligent you are you can’t help but leave a little plaque on your teeth even after you brush and floss. The problem is, that when plaque stays on your teeth for any length of time, it starts to harden and become “calculus.” As a concerned Dental Office, we provide full service treatment to all of our patients. We have dedicated and well qualified hygienists to maintain and educate you on your healthy smile, along with our cosmetic rehabilitation procedures to enhance and add beauty to your smile.
Fluoride Treatments
Professionally applied topical fluorides can help combat tooth decay and prevent dental disease. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of teeth, meaning that it can actually help re-create tooth structure. Moreover, new tooth mineral that is created in the presence of fluoride is actually a harder mineral compound than existed when the tooth is initially formed. This remineralization is more resistant to dissolution by acids. Fluoride also decreases the rate at which oral bacteria can produce acids that lead to decay and cavities. Ask how our professional fluoride treatments can help improve your oral health.
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment
Plaque buildup on the teeth eventually turns into a hardened material known as calculus. When this happens, the tooth begins to separate from the gum structure and gaps are formed which harbor bacteria. These bacteria release acid that both dissolves the teeth and further damages the gums. Regular professional cleaning removes calculus that can't be removed by even the most diligent brushing and flossing alone.
In cases where gum disease has progressed, we perform special procedures to help restore gum tissue and prevent further problems. Additionally, there is evidence of a strong corrolation between dental plaque and the plaque that can affect your heart and circulatory system. This means that keeping your teeth and gums healthy can also be part of the plan to keep you and your heart healthier as well!
Root Canals or Endodontics
No one likes to hear that they need a root canal procedure. We honestly wish that we never had to perform them. Nonetheless, there are situations where the decay of a tooth has advanced into the deeper structure of the tooth and its roots. In these cases, the tooth often must be drilled out, cleaned and sterilized, and filled to prevent further pain and problems. This is called endodontic therapy. We strive to make this experience less stressful by utilizing the most advanced technologies and providing comfort dentistry amenities. Your wellbeing is our top concern!
White Fillings
Our office offers metal-free fillings to meet that desired natural look of a healthy mouth. Today many patients are concerned about removing their old unnatural silver fillings and replacing them with new beautiful white composite fillings that are extremely strong and exceptionally beautiful.
State of the Art Dental Technology
Our state-of-the-art dental center utilizes the latest dental technology to maximize your safety, comfort, and overall results. Dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic and general dentistry procedures can be enhanced through the use of technologies such as:
Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric X-Rays
Our practice uses one of the few fully digital panoramic tomography x-ray systems in the United States to produce sharp, clear images while reducing radiation exposure by as much as 90 percent. Dr. Ruiz can utilize these x-ray techniques to view the roots of teeth, the position of unerupted teeth, and a two-dimensional measurement of the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth to make thorough evaluations of each patient's condition for the most successful treatment planning.
Drill-less Dentistry
Air abrasion technology offers a quick, painless alternative to traditional filling techniques. Using a stream of air and aluminum oxide particles, the air abrasion system gently removes minor tooth decay without the need for injections or drilling.
Intraoral Camera
A tiny device that allows both patients and doctors to view an enlarged image of the mouth, an intraoral camera not only assists with detecting and diagnosing dental concerns, but also offers patients a better understanding of their needs and allows them to be more in control of their dental experience.
Comfort Technology
Our practice offers a number of services and amenities to maximize your comfort throughout your dental visit, including Nitrous Oxide, 3-D video goggles, headsets, and pillows and blankets. Our ultimate concern is always your safety and comfort.
Find out more by taking our Office Tour!
Laser Dentistry
Dr. Ruiz performs gum reshaping, teeth whitening, and more with the precision of laser dentistry technology. An extremely comfortable and effective approach to various soft tissue treatments, Dr. Ruiz is pleased to offer his patients the option of laser dentistry.
Same-Day Onlays and Crowns
We have invested in the E4D System for our in-house dental lab. This system is the most advanced computer-assisted design and milling (CAD-CAM) system in the world. We are able to create dental onlays and crowns in-house in about an hour. What this means to you is less waiting, fewer shots, no need for multiple appointments or return visits, and no more annoying temporary crowns!
Made of natural-looking and durable porcelain, crowns and onlays are molded to fit over an entire tooth, improving the look of chips, cracks, stains, and other imperfections. By protecting the tooth from further damage, porcelain crowns can eliminate the pain associated with decay or injury and make speaking and chewing much more comfortable. Also, because porcelain crowns can be carefully created to blend with surrounding teeth and securely placed over the injured tooth, you can be completely confident in your appearance.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are a type of fixed dental restoration that uses adjoining teeth to anchor the structure. This example shows superior results for one of our patients using this technique.
Veneers & Whitening
With the latest in technology, our new contact lens thin “smile shaper” veneers may be the solution for creating your perfect smile! Veneers are used to resurface teeth and make them appear straighter. For some people, they are an excellent alternative to orthodontics. These thin veneers are remarkably durable, and there is no need for removal of sensitive tooth structure as in the past.
Cosmetic Improvement
Used to conceal stains, chips, and misalignment and create a breathtaking smile, dental veneers are expertly applied by skilled cosmetic dentist J. Luis Ruiz, D.D.S. to improve the overall look of teeth. Patients can achieve outstanding results with the simple, effective porcelain dental veneers treatment.
Instant Orthodontics
Porcelain dental veneers can also function like "instant orthodontics," producing an immediate straightening effect, eliminating gaps, and correcting minor bite concerns. Many porcelain dental veneers patients find that the results of their instant orthodontics are exceptionally beautiful and natural-looking.
“I am so pleased with the look of my new veneers. They feel so natural. No one knows that they are not my real teeth. Thank you Dr. Ruiz for my new beautiful smile!” – Valarie S.
Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
An incredibly convenient and simple way to make a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your smile, the Zoom! Teeth Whitening System utilizes a powerful, professional-strength bleaching gel and special whitening lamp to remove stains from teeth, making them an average of eight shades lighter in a single, hour-long visit. Zoom! Teeth Whitening can transform your smile, creating a healthy, attractive appearance that looks completely natural.
Orthodontics and Invisalign®
Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, DDS, FAGD has been recognized as an Invisalign Innovator and Premier Provider, placing him among the top 5% of Invisalign practitioners in North America since 2003. Each year, Align Technology, Inc., the inventor of Invisalign, a clear, removable method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, will award Premier Provider status to a select group of Invisalign practitioners in the U.S. and Canada. To qualify, doctors must demonstrate an exceptional level of Invisalign experience and meet Invisalign clinical education requirements.
Using a series of clear plastic trays or aligners, the Invisalign system can correct problems with alignment and spacing to create a more even, attractive smile. The revolutionary option gradually straightens teeth without the discomfort or embarrassment associated with traditional orthodontic treatment. The flexible trays are removable and virtually invisible, so Invisalign patients can enjoy the results of orthodontic treatment without the hassles of metal brackets and wires. Additionally, Invisalign is so effective, patients typically complete treatment in as little as one year.
“I feel very comfortable and everyone is very nice. I never felt any pain during any treatment. I was always relaxed, I’ve been to many of dentist but Dr. Ruiz is at the very top of my list. I have a lot of confidence in his ability and he keeps updating his education and equipment.” – John K.
TMJ & Occlusal Treatment
What is Occlusal Disease?
Occlusal Disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, and the number one cause of fillings and crowns breaking and needing to be replaced. Occlusal Disease is a very serious condition that causes unnatural wear and damage to your teeth, often requiring expensive repairs. Damage isn't limited to your teeth. Occlusal Disease can also affect the tissues that support your teeth, and lead to facial pain and headaches.
Occlusal Disease is a generic term (like Periodontal Disease) that covers a number of pathological conditions associated with the bite, jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Dr. Ruiz is a prominent researcher in the field of Occlusal Disease, and he can assess your signs and symptoms to see if you suffer from this condition. With his help, you can prevent costly consequences.
How is Occlusal Disease treated?
Occlusal disease has many causes. Dr. Ruiz can discuss all of these factors; but the two main problems are having an unbalanced bite and premature tooth wear from involuntary teeth grinding (bruxism).
Even for people who grind their teeth uncontrollably, having a balanced bite is beneficial. Less damage is caused when you have an even bite that disperses forces more uniformly. In addition, wearing a mouth guard is the most basic way to protect the teeth from damage. Feel free to ask Dr. Ruiz for more details.
Can Occlusal Disease be cured?
Occlusal Disease is often due to chronic conditions that can't be permanently eliminated; but it can be controlled to avoid painful consequences and long-term damage.
At what age should Occlusal Disease be treated?
The sooner the better! Signs and symptoms of Occlusal Disease are evident early in life, even in children. Basic preventive measures and early treatment prevent needless pain and suffering, and lead to long-term dental health.
Questions to help determine if you have Occlusal Disease
Are your teeth sensitive to heat or cold?
Do you grind or clench your teeth?
Do have notches on your teeth, especially near the gums?
Do you ever wake up with tired facial muscles?
Do your front teeth look thin, worn-out, or chipped?
Have you ever had teeth or dental work fracture or break?
Do you suffer from jaw pain?
Do you have unexplained headaches?
Dental Implants
Patients may be candidates for dental implants, a revolutionary treatment option that permanently replaces one or more missing teeth. The dental implant procedure starts with the surgical placement of a small titanium post. The post, which is positioned in the jawbone, serves as a substitute tooth root. After healing, a natural-looking artificial tooth is placed onto the post. Dental implants can:
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increase chewing ability |
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prevent further bone loss |
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improve speech |
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protect remaining teeth |
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eliminate gaps |
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improve overall appearance |
Dental implants provide a fully functional smile with a youthful and healthy appearance. Thanks to their lasting impact, dental implants can also increase self-confidence and quality of life.
“Before I had my teeth fixed I was very conscious of my smile, but now I try to smile and show off my new smile to everyone!” – Nicole A.
Full-Mouth Rejuvenation & Rehabilitation
In some rare cases, a patient's dentition needs to be completely rehabilitated due to caries, periodontal disease, or Occlusal disease causing excessive wear of teeth. Before any procedure is ever started, Dr. Ruiz will do a very comprehensive evaluation of the condition, perform a smile design, and will develop blueprints for the new, healthier, and most beautiful smile possible. Let Dr. Ruiz's extensive experience help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
