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Blog Archive

Gingivitis 101: Recognizing the Early Signs of Gum Disease Apr 1st, 2023

You’ve read the stats and realize there’s almost a 50% chance you’ll develop gum disease. But how can you protect yourself from gingivitis? In this blog, Dr. Ryan Fait and our Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry team, located in Long Beach and Avalon, California, discuss the early signs of...

Get a Luminous Smile With Light-Accelerated Professional Whitening Mar 1st, 2023

The demand for a bright and white smile is skyrocketing. In the United States, the teeth whitening market climbed to over $6 million — and it’s only growing.  If you’re ready to join in the revolution of more radiant smiles, come see Dr. Ryan Fait and our team at Southern California General & Cosmetic...

Adult Tooth Loss Is Common: Here's How to Avoid It Feb 1st, 2023

Tooth loss isn't just a smile buster; it's a whole-health problem that affects everything from your teeth and gums to your ability to digest nutrients. It's estimated that one-quarter of adults over 65 have eight or fewer teeth, which is considered severe tooth loss. Worse, many cases of tooth loss could have...

4 Warning Signs of a Dental Emergency You Should Never Ignore Jan 17th, 2023

Broken bones and burns to fainting and high fevers — these are all hard-to-miss signs that it’s time for a trip to the emergency room. But when it comes to dental emergencies, you might be more tempted to write them off and deal with them yourself.  After all, isn’t a...

How Can A Dentist Help My Sleep Apnea Symptoms? Dec 1st, 2022

When sleep apnea disrupts your days and wreaks havoc on your nights, your first instinct probably isn’t to make an appointment with your dentist.  In this article, Dr. Ryan Fait and our team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach and Avalon, California, shed light on...

How the Dental Implant Process Works to Restore Your Smile Nov 1st, 2022

Every year in the United States, more than 2 million implants are placed in people who want to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants offer many advantages over dentures and bridges, including a more natural feel and a very secure fit.  As a top-ranked dentist in Long Beach and...

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Root Canal Oct 2nd, 2022

Perhaps you need a root canal. For most, hearing those words is panic-inducing. However, a root canal is nothing to fear. When decay and infection (and the accompanying tooth pain) set in, a root canal is usually the best way forward.  Dr. Ryan Fait and our team at Southern California General...

My Crown Fell Off: What Should I Do? Sep 8th, 2022

Even if you keep up a diligent oral hygiene routine, your teeth can still succumb to injuries, decay, and the gradual effects of time. And that’s where crowns come in.  Crowns quickly cover imperfections and effectively restore your smile in one treatment. Crowns also come in handy in other ways....

Why Dental Implants Might Be a Better Choice Than Dentures Aug 7th, 2022

Historians have found evidence of dentures dating back to 2500 B.C. Then, dentures were made out of animal teeth. Fast forward to the 16th century, and we see Japanese physicians who once fashioned false teeth out of wood. Even our first president had a set of dentures made of ivory, gold,...

Understanding the Different Treatments for Sleep Apnea Jul 5th, 2022

It’s just a bit of snoring, right? Why would you get treatment for a problem you’re not even awake to experience?  What most people don’t realize about sleep apnea is that it’s much more than a snoring problem. Sleep apnea is a significant sleep condition that makes it nearly impossible...

Can I Professionally Whiten My Teeth at Home? Jun 5th, 2022

If wishing made it so, our bright, white smiles would last forever. However, the truth remains that your smile is constantly under attack. Everything from the inevitable effects of time to the things we eat and drink cause our smiles to gradually discolor over time.  But just because your smile...

Why Invisalign® Might Be Right for You May 8th, 2022

It was just 20 years ago that Invisalign® first hit the market and made cover orthodontics the gold standard. But with the decades-long buzz, many people still don’t know if Invisalign is an option for them.  That’s where we come in.  At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in...

Recognizing the Signs of Sleep Apnea Apr 8th, 2022

Lots of people snore, and the reasons are many. If you snore, it could be due to your sleep position, a little too much alcohol, weight challenges, or nasal congestion to name a few of the most common culprits. But loud snoring is also a symptom of sleep apnea, a...

The Importance of Professional Teeth Cleaning Feb 1st, 2022

Nearly one-third of Americans go without seeing a dentist every year. Not surprisingly, more than 40% have mouth pain, 80% have at least one cavity by age 34, and nearly $45 billion in productivity is lost due to dental emergencies requiring unexpected dental care, according to the Centers for Disease...

How to Start Your New Year With Your Best Smile Ever Jan 1st, 2022

Millions of people make New Year’s resolutions every year. They set their minds to losing weight, getting more organized, improving their finances, and kicking countless other habits. Sadly, 80% of them ultimately fail (often within the first few months).  But if fixing your smile is on your list of things...

The Importance of Emergency Dentistry Dec 1st, 2021

Because dental emergencies are often a matter of if and not when, Dr. Ryan Fait and our team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry have compiled this brief guideline highlighting some of the reasons you should be aware of emergency dentistry and its many benefits. What’s an emergency dentist?...

What's the Link Between Dentistry and Sleep Apnea? Nov 1st, 2021

When you come to the dentist, you may expect to leave with a whiter smile and a new toothbrush. But you might not expect to leave with a warning about a sleep disturbance.  Dr. Ryan J. Fait and our team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry don’t stop at...

The Many Benefits of Dental Implants Oct 1st, 2021

You’ve seen them advertised on TV and billboards, your friends who have them rave, and now you’re curious if dental implants live up to the hype. We’re here to tell you that they do.  Whether you’ve recently lost your tooth or you’re looking to upgrade your current tooth replacement method,...

Why Is Zoom!® Better Than Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products for Teeth Whitening? Sep 1st, 2021

Whether we like it or not, our smile is often the first thing people notice — and it tells them a lot. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that your smile has the most significant impact on how confident, capable, and attractive you appear, far exceeding how you dress,...

Does Sugar Really Harm Your Teeth? Aug 1st, 2021

Since you were young, you’ve been told how bad sugar is for you, and for good reason. From diabetes and brain functioning to weight gain and acne, sugar can wreak havoc on your body. It even harms your teeth and gums. Dr. Ryan J. Fait and our team at Southern...

Our Best Oral Hygiene Tips Jul 8th, 2021

You probably can’t count the number of times you’ve heard the mantra: brush and floss your teeth every day. But is that all there is to it?  Not by a long shot.  Dr. Ryan Fait and our team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach and...

Common Oral Health Issues in Seniors Jun 14th, 2021

Getting older has its perks. As the years go, on you gain experience, store up countless memories, and get access to great discounts at restaurants and movies.  But there are some inevitable downsides of aging. Creaky joints and wrinkled skin are likely some of the first things that come to...

Can Your Dentist Tell If You Don't Floss? May 18th, 2021

How many times have you sat in a dentist chair and promised that you’ve been keeping up with your dental hygiene routine? How many times have you said it with fingers crossed behind your back? If you’ve been fibbing about flossing, you’re not alone: 73% of patients lie to their...

What's Included in Cosmetic Dentistry? Apr 14th, 2021

When you look at a picture of yourself, are you smiling with your mouth closed? Do you tend to hide your mouth when talking or laughing for fear of exposing your smile problems? If so, you’re not alone.  Nearly 57% of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh or talk,...

Take These Steps Immediately When Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out Mar 16th, 2021

From professional hockey players to kids on the playground, teeth get knocked out all the time. It’s so common that nearly five million children and adults lose their teeth from trauma every year.  The good news is that even though it can be a scary experience, knocking out your tooth...

6 Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea Feb 16th, 2021

Sleep apnea is a serious and growing problem in our country. In fact, the American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that nearly 22 million Americans go to bed with sleep apnea every night. What’s more concerning is that 80% of cases often go undiagnosed. People living with sleep apnea are quick...

When Do You Need Bone Grafting? Jan 17th, 2021

When your dentist tells you that you need bone grafting, it’s understandable to have many questions. But you’ll be happy to know that bone grafting is actually a routine procedure utilized in dentistry for many years.  Dr. Ryan Fait and our experienced team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry...

Going Undercover With Versatile Veneers Dec 13th, 2020

Correcting your smile problems isn’t something people do out of vanity. Instead, investing in your smile can have a significant impact on the way you relate to the world.  Studies show a beautiful smile gives you more confidence, makes your first impressions more memorable, and might even help you land...

Make Your Smile Dazzle for The Holidays With Professional Teeth Whitening Nov 19th, 2020

From now until the end of the year, you’ll undoubtedly be invited to gatherings with friends and family. While you reunite with loved ones this time of year, you’ll want your smile looking its best.  Dr. Ryan Fait at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry knows how frustrating it is...

When It's No Longer Wise to Hold Onto Wisdom Teeth Oct 7th, 2020

Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth removed when they arrive around the ages of 18 to 24.  However, as time goes on, your wisdom teeth may develop complications or become painful and uncomfortable. At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach, California, Dr. Ryan J....

Professional vs. Home Teeth Whitening Aug 1st, 2020

There are a few options for achieving vibrant, white teeth. You can pick up an over-the-counter solution at the nearest store, or you can opt for a whitening treatment from a professional dentist. Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, led by Dr. Ryan J. Fait, recommends that you seek professional...

Broken Teeth vs. Fractured Teeth Jul 1st, 2020

We all want a perfect smile, but sometimes dental emergencies happen. Often, teeth can become damaged from an accident or other trauma, like a sports injury.  At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Fait and our dedicated team are here to cover all of your dental care needs, including...

Emotional Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry After a Car Accident Jun 1st, 2020

Having a beautiful smile is fantastic, and it’s what our patients and team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry strive for. In stressful times, it may seem less important to have a beautiful smile, especially after a car accident when there are more immediate health concerns. It’s normal to...

Five Dental Emergencies and How We Can Help May 1st, 2020

Life is unexpected, and dental emergencies can occur at any time. When an injury or sudden trauma creates a dental emergency, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Not every injury is a dental emergency, therefore it’s important to know what qualifies so you can get adequate medical attention. Southern...

How COVID-19 Can Impact Your Oral Health Apr 1st, 2020

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and having an impact on nearly all aspects of life. When it comes to your oral health, the stay-at-home orders around the country are likely limiting your ability to receive routine dental care. At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in...

Need a Root Canal? Here's What to Expect Mar 1st, 2020

A root canal is a common dental treatment used to save your tooth after it has become infected or severely decayed. The first sign of infection might be a mild toothache that won’t go away. You might also find that drinking hot or cold beverages triggers a distinctly sharp pain....

3 Facts You May Not Know About Invisalign® Feb 1st, 2020

Today Invisalign® is one of the most popular and effective orthodontic treatments available. Perhaps you’ve already heard, Invisalign aligners have a clear appearance that makes them virtually unnoticeable during treatment. As an alternative to traditional metal braces, you can remove Invisalign aligners when necessary — a feature our patients appreciate...

Are You Keeping Your Partner Up at Night? Learn About Our Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Solution Jan 1st, 2020

About 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, which means a lot of noisy sleepers and a lot of tired people. However, sleep apnea shouldn't stop you from sharing a bed with someone, and it shouldn't prevent anyone from getting a good night's sleep.  In Long Beach, California, Southern California...

How Dental Implants Can Boost Your Confidence and Improve Your Oral Health Dec 23rd, 2019

Missing teeth may not only cause you discomfort and embarrassment, they can also cause a host of dental problems. If your missing teeth cause you to feel uncomfortable and even concerned for your health, dental implants can be a great way to solve the issue with a solution that’s both...

8 Reasons to Consider Professional Teeth Whitening Sep 17th, 2018

We’ve all seen the billboards, the magazine ads, the TV commercials where everyone’s smiling, having a great time, and they all have perfect pearly-white teeth. For most of us, that gleaming white smile isn’t a reality, but with professional teeth whitening it can be. At Southern California General & Cosmetic...