Baban Mahal DDS

Consider cosmetic dentistry for self-improvement month

September is the month of self-improvement, and thanks to Dr. Baban Mahal and her team in Granite Bay, CA, patients have access to aesthetic services to assist in improving their smiles! If you are located in the community and are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you are not alone! With cosmetic treatments, patients can cover and fix imperfections that may negatively impact their smiles.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

The field of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of the smile. This can be done through a number of different procedures, all designed to improve the look of the teeth and gums. These treatments are often considered elective, which means that they are not always covered by dental insurance plans. However, in some cases, such as when the procedure is needed for functional purposes, insurance may cover a portion of the cost, so do not hesitate to ask about aesthetic dental work with Dr. Baban Mahal!

What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?

There are several advantages that come with improving the appearance of your smile. For one, you will likely feel more confident in yourself. This can translate into other areas of your life, such as work or social situations. You might find that people respond to you more positively when you have a transformed smile. Additionally, cosmetic dental procedures can help to improve your oral health. For example, procedures like teeth whitening can remove surface stains that make it harder to keep your teeth clean. These enhancements will improve your self-esteem and maybe even cause you to smile more!

What are some cosmetic dentistry services available with Dr. Baban Mahal?

Orthodontics (including ClearCorrect aligner trays)
Dental implant placement and restoration
Porcelain veneers
Same day dental bridges and dental crowns
Cosmetic fillings for tooth decay
Professional teeth whitening

How do I find out if I am a candidate for cosmetic dentistry treatments?

Dr. Baban Mahal and her team of professionals in Granite Bay, CA, work directly with patients to help them plan ways to improve their smiles. If you are considering aesthetic dental work and want to learn more about your options, call the office at 916-800-5001 to request a consultation appointment.

What to consider when shopping for home dental supplies

Dental Care, Health Maintenance & Cleanings

At the practice of Dr. Baban Mahal, patients in the area of Granite Bay, CA, have access to a knowledgeable and skilled dental professional that can assist in helping those interested in achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness. When it comes to keeping the mouth clean, patients have a variety of tools at their disposal in order to achieve the results they desire. Our team of professionals can educate you on the tools you need to use at home between dental visits to avoid the development of problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Use the right instruments to maintain a healthy smile!

Below are a few of the tools used to achieve oral health:

It is best that you pick a toothbrush that is comfortable for you to use and that will reach all of your teeth. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed or if you have recently been ill.
When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to protect the teeth from cavities and can be beneficial in protecting the smile from decay and disease.
Mouthwash can help to remove food and plaque from your teeth and gums. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as this can dry out your mouth. If you have certain dental health concerns, such as bad breath or periodontal disease, your dentist may make a mouthwash recommendation for you or provide a prescription.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. Be sure to floss daily, using a gentle back-and-forth motion.

Learn more about oral healthcare

Taking care of your mouth is important for overall health. Be sure to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly to keep problems at bay. By choosing the right products for your mouth, you can help to keep your smile healthy and bright! In Granite Bay, CA, patients are welcome to call 916-800-5001 to request an appointment with Dr. Baban Mahal and her team to discuss your dental health and wellness.

Straighten the smile with ClearCorrect® orthodontics

ClearCorrect®

At the practice of Dr. Baban Mahal of Granite Bay, CA, patients in the community can seek treatment with a provider experienced in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. One way in which the smile can be improved is with proper alignment. Patients with gapped or crooked teeth may find themselves feeling embarrassed or self-conscious when socializing with others due to the appearance of their smiles. With the use of ClearCorrect® aligners, patients can enjoy orthodontic treatment without metal appliances covering the smile for months, or years, at a time!

What is ClearCorrect®?

Dr. Baban Mahal describes the ClearCorrect® treatment as one of the many aligner therapy treatments for straightening the smile. Instead of using brackets glued to the teeth and metal wires for alignment and adjustment, the patient instead uses a series of aligner trays, two weeks at a time, for gradual enhancement. Patients progress through their series and attend regular evaluations with their dentist to monitor changes and ensure patient compliance. ClearCorrect® is an excellent alternative for patients with mild to moderate malocclusion.

How can ClearCorrect® straighten the smile?

ClearCorrect® can straighten smiles in a variety of ways. One way is through the use of aligners that are made with 3-D imaging and computer technology. These aligners gently move teeth into place one tooth at a time while still allowing patients to eat, brush and floss normally during treatment. Aligners may also be removed for special occasions, and cleaning is easier than ever! Additionally, ClearCorrect® offers a combination of cosmetic improvement and oral health benefits that other corrective treatments cannot provide. By using clear aligners instead of metal brackets and wires, you can avoid the discomfort, irritation, and inconvenience associated with braces. Patients also don’t have to feel embarrassed about appliances on their teeth in the same way they do with traditional orthodontia.

If you’re interested in learning more about how ClearCorrect® can straighten your smile, call us today to learn more. Dr. Baban Mahal can be reached at 916-800-5001 to request a consultation appointment to find out if you are a proper candidate for the ClearCorrect® treatment.

How long does it take to obtain porcelain veneers?

Veneers

Everyone wants to enjoy the benefits that come with a beautiful smile. However, if your smile is imperfect, you may find yourself feeling much more self-conscious about the way you look when socializing with others. At the practice of Dr. Baban Mahal, we are committed to ensuring you have access to cosmetic dentistry procedures that help you improve the appearance of your smile–including porcelain veneers.

Understanding how porcelain veneers work

Dr. Baban Mahal describes porcelain veneers as facings that are bonded over the front of a tooth to cover one or more imperfections. This may include permanent staining, chips and cracks, or even gaps between the front teeth. They work because they cover the problem while matching the rest of the smile thanks to customization. They are typically chosen over other options, including composite resin bonding, orthodontic work, and porcelain crowns. Your dentist can help you decide if veneers are best for your unique needs.

How long does it take to obtain porcelain veneers?

There is a process required in order to obtain porcelain veneers that you will learn about when you start their journey. Dr. Baban Mahal and her team will first evaluate you to determine if you are a good fit for veneers before preparing the tooth. A very thin portion of enamel is removed and roughened to ensure the final veneer will bond to the tooth. An impression is made, creating a mold of the natural tooth to ensure proper fit. A ceramist fabricates the final veneer with the dentist’s information to create a restoration that best fits the size, shape, and color that you need. A temporary may be placed until your restoration is back at the dental office and ready for bonding. The entire process can take a week or two to complete–but you will enjoy your new restoration for many years with proper care.

Request your visit with Dr. Baban Mahal today

Granite Bay, FL patients considering enacting their smiles with porcelain veneers are welcome to connect with our team to learn more. Dr. Baban Mahal’s front office team can be reached by calling 916-800-5001 and booking an appointment at 6049 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 9.

Five Tips to Improve Oral Health

Dental Care, Health Maintenance & Cleanings

Oral health is essential to preventing dental problems. However, dental issues can also affect other parts of your body. For example, bacteria in the mouth may lead to respiratory and digestive diseases. The good news is that office visits can improve your health and well-being.

What Are Some Signs I Should Improve Oral Health?

You have red or swollen gums
You have tender or bleeding gums
You experience worsening breath
You have sensitive teeth
Your teeth are getting loose
You experience pain when chewing food
Your bite feels uneven
Your gums are receding

Five Ways To Improve Oral Health

The foundation of excellent dental health is prevention. However, it’s not too late to incorporate healthier habits! Start smiling brighter today.

Brushing

Proper brushing is the first step to good oral health. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Also, ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste can help fight cavities. Replacing your toothbrush every three months is a good rule of thumb, or sooner if the bristle is worn.

Flossing

Daily flossing is a necessary component of excellent hygiene while removing hard-to-reach plaque. Plaque hardens teeth over time and forms tartar. Only a professional can remove tartar once it develops.

Mouthwash

Using mouthwash daily is another step to improving your smile. When searching for a good mouthwash, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard for killing bacteria safely and effectively.

Diet

A healthy, balanced diet can positively impact your teeth and gums. Limit sugary food items and drinks. Instead, say yes to fibrous fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Reducing snacking throughout the day can also help combat tooth decay.

Cleanings

Last but not least, regular examinations and cleanings are a big piece of improving oral health. Maintaining teeth and gums can help prevent cavities and diseases. Routine x-rays are also suitable for preventing and diagnosing dental problems.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Call us today at 916-800-5001 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mahal. Our practice serves Granite Bay and the surrounding areas of California.

Know the Signs of Tooth Decay

Dental Care, Health Maintenance & Cleanings

Our best health is maintained when we take care of all parts of the body. This includes the smile. Having a healthy smile means you are more likely to love the appearance of this facial feature. It also means that there is less of a chance that you’ll experience dental pain of any kind. Oral health is also integral to general health because a healthy mouth has fewer harmful bacteria creating inflammation and infection in the mouth and beyond. You may take great care of your teeth via daily brushing and flossing. Still, you should know how to recognize the signs of tooth decay so, if you notice them, you can address the issue before a full-fledged cavity forms. We’ll discuss some of the most common signs here.

The signs that a cavity may be forming include:

Tooth sensitivity. If you can normally eat hot or cold foods with no discomfort and, suddenly, that ice cream or hot soup causes pain in a tooth, it could be that a cavity is developing.
Pressure. Sometimes, when a cavity is just forming, a tooth may not hurt but may feel pressure when biting or chewing.
Toothache. This is the symptom we usually associate with cavities. A toothache for a minor cavity may feel like throbbing or aching pain that lasts more than a couple of days.
Gum inflammation. Where there is a cavity forming, there are bacteria. Bacteria don’t stay put at all times, they may move from the decayed part of the tooth to the gum line. Here, their acidic byproducts cause redness, swelling, and maybe even some bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.
Spotting or pitting. A brown or dark spot on a tooth may be one of the first indications of a worsening cavity. Where the spot is, eventually a pit will form as the tooth degrades bit-by-bit.

Treating Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common problems treated in dental offices around the world. It is also one of the most preventable dental conditions. If you’re brushing and flossing daily and still struggling with cavities, talk to your dentist. Perhaps there are ways you can improve your oral hygiene practices to make them more efficient. Maybe you can benefit from more frequent professional cleanings or dental sealant treatment. If you are noticing even one of the signs of tooth decay that we’ve mentioned here, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental exam. The earlier that care is provided for a forming cavity, the more conservative it can be and the more tooth structure we can save.

We provide friendly, professional care that seeks to prevent tooth decay. When necessary, Dr. Mahal performs restorative treatment to address this issue as conservatively as possible. Contact our Granite Bay office at 916.800.5001 to schedule your visit today.

I Brush My Teeth Twice a Day and Still Have Cavities. Why?

Health Maintenance & Cleanings

We all know that healthy habits pay off in innumerable ways. When we eat well, we reduce our risks for various medical conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol. When we brush our teeth as we’re taught by our dentist, we expect to have less of a problem with cavities. This is the general expectation of dentists, hygienists, and their patients. So, when you brush twice a day and still feel a cavity coming on, what gives? We’ll discuss that here.

How Do Cavities Form?

Our teeth are made of various minerals. The mere act of eating can disrupt the mineral content of teeth to some degree. Usually, this is not enough to result in a cavity, provided that we are putting nutritious foods into our bodies. Ideally, the pH in the mouth stays relatively neutral. When the pH leans more to the acidic side, which happens after we eat, the natural mineral content of our teeth declines. Fortunately, it usually takes only about 30 to 60 minutes for the pH to return to its more neutral state. This is key to avoiding cavities. One of the reasons a cavity may form is that the mouth isn’t given sufficient time in between meals, drinks, and snacks to return to its normal pH. To allow the body to engage in its own cavity-preventing activities, it is beneficial to leave hours of space in between meals and snacks and to avoid prolonging these activities. For example, if you drink soda or juice, enjoy the beverage within a few minutes rather than over an hour’s time. Then, wait at least an hour before drinking or eating again (with the exception of water). To make matters worse, when we eat starchy foods and drink sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, debris from these items may stay in the mouth. Bacteria that live in the mouth consume the sugars and starches and then produce acid that eats away at the outermost layer of enamel that covers teeth. To reduce this effect, sip water frequently throughout the day.

How Can You Help Re-mineralize Your Teeth?

The body naturally works against de-mineralization of the teeth by producing saliva! This fluid acts as a buffer that helps to flush out harmful particles and bacteria. Furthermore, saliva contains some of the minerals that are found in our teeth, such as calcium and phosphate. Often, though, this is not enough to counteract the loss of minerals that occurs due to the types of foods we eat or our genetic predisposition for tooth decay. This is why dentists recommend that their patients use fluoride toothpaste every day. Many cities’ public water supplies have added fluoride, as do the majority of bottled water products. The consumption and use of fluoride fortify the mineral content in saliva, which then helps to build decay-resistant enamel.

Is There a Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?

You’ve most likely heard from your dentist or hygienist that you should brush your teeth twice a day. Some people think that they should brush after every meal. This generally isn’t necessary and may actually be harmful. Dentists typically encourage patients to brush their teeth in the mornings after waking so that the bacteria and plaque that began to accumulate overnight can be washed away. Brushing first thing in the morning also introduces fluoride into the saliva before the first meal of the day, washing teeth in a layer of protective minerals before the acids from breakfast form in the mouth. If you prefer to brush after meals, it is important that you wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Brushing too soon could remove beneficial minerals right along with the debris from your meal. As an alternative, rinse the mouth with water or chew some sugarless gum to help promote increased saliva. The second time that we should brush our teeth is at night right before bed. This is recommended because it cleanses the mouth before a prolonged period of acid exposure. So, while you can brush any time of day that suits your schedule, the ideal timing is right after waking up and right before going to bed for the night.

Are you struggling with cavities even though you brush twice a day? Contact our Granite Bay dental office at 916.800.5001 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahal. Together, you can develop an oral care program that meets your needs.

handsome young man in eyeglasses looking at camera and smiling

Love Your Smile a Little More

Dental Services

A beautiful smile is something to behold. It is a feature about yourself to love. If your smile isn’t in its very best condition, guess what, it could use that much more TLC! Whatever your current dental situation, regular visits with your dentist are a must. Here in our Granite Bay general and cosmetic dentistry office, we help patients fall in love with their smiles all over again. Here, we discuss some of the ways that you can do the same.

An Ounce of Prevention

Hands down, loving your smile means taking excellent care of your teeth and gums. Doing so doesn’t take very long, only two minutes in the morning and about double that every night before bed. The thing is, it’s easy to get so busy in life that we forget the critical nature of oral care habits. All it takes is a lack of daily brushing and flossing for plaque and tartar to build up on teeth. When this happens, we’re looking at a future of decay and infection. Conversely, all it takes to prevent the pain and stress of cavities and gum disease are those daily habits. We might suggest:

Set daily reminders in the form of notes on the mirror or alarms on your phone to create a consistent oral care habit.
Set a timer for two minutes every time you brush, or brush as long as one of your favorite songs.
Use “flavored” dental floss to make the practice more enjoyable. This may help you stick with it.
Be mindful of your diet! Where possible, cut back on highly-processed, high-sugar foods and beverages.
Sip water throughout the day, especially after meals and other beverages.
See your dentist every six months.

Managing Dental Problems

The vast majority of people who see their dentist every six months and take good care of their teeth every day are able to avoid uncomfortable dental problems. We want this for all of our patients. However, in the unfortunate event that a tooth gets infected or the gums become inflamed, we’re here to help. Dr. Mahal also performs cosmetic services that can correct issues like discoloration, misalignment, and more.

Loving your smile looks different for you than it will for anyone else. We can provide the unique services that you need to love what you see in the mirror. To schedule a visit, contact us at 916.800.5001.

Simple Steps for Consistently Healthy Teeth

Dental Services

Every time a new year rolls around, we sense the opportunity to become more of our best selves. Often, people have the goal of becoming healthier or losing weight. Very often, about 80% of the time, the New Year’s resolutions don’t live to see another month, let alone the entire year. According to research, the primary reason so many people “fail” to keep their resolutions is that they are too lofty. Another reason is that they simply feel too challenging. Here, we take the goal of improving oral health and we break it down into three easy steps.

Build Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry

Our smile is a major part of our self-image. It is, to some degree, our calling card, exhibiting to people around us how we feel and how confident we are with ourselves. According to studies, though, a large portion of the population hides their smiles. We do so because of discoloration. Because a tooth or teeth are crooked. We hide because one tooth stands out from the rest in some way, or because we’ve lost a tooth. There are a myriad of reasons one might hide their smile, and one good reason to address the issue that is causing concern. Cosmetic dentistry treatments aren’t nearly as involved as most people think. Some of the ways that we help patients regain confidence and satisfaction with their teeth include:

Clear Correct teeth straightening
Teeth whitening
Veneers
Tooth-colored fillings
Orthodontic treatment

Correct Dental Problems with Restorative Dentistry

What we do and do not do on a daily basis is the foundation of our health and wellness. When it comes to our smiles, our habits can literally make or break us. Generally, people are pretty good about brushing their teeth before starting their day. Brushing before bed, however, might not be a priority. It may seem unnecessary or simply be forgotten even when intentions are good. At night, we should brush our teeth for two minutes and then spend another couple of minutes flossing. These two habits alone go a long way to prevent unnecessary inflammation and decay. Your smile is worth an extra five minutes a day. And should problems develop, we can correct them quickly with restorative treatments like tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and, in more severe cases, tooth replacement.

Maintain a Healthy Smile with Preventive Dentistry

If you’ve had a history of dental woes, it may not feel possible to avoid them in the future. The truth is, though, that the majority of our most common dental problems are preventable. Here, we look back at those daily habits and how we can improve them. Beyond that, it is necessary to maintain regular dental visits. These appointments involve a thorough examination of the teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken once or twice a year to observe areas that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Preventive dental visits also involve a comprehensive cleaning using vibrating, ultrasonic, or rotating instruments that quickly remove debris and plaque. The dentist or hygienist will also spend time carefully removing tartar that has hardened on teeth. The cleaning wraps up with flossing and recommendations for home care.

Get your new year off to a healthy start! Contact our Granite Bay dental center at 916.800.5001 to schedule your exam and cleaning, cosmetic service, or restorative care.

Should I Get a Bridge or a Dental Implant?

Crowns & Bridges, Dental Implants

Tooth loss can significantly affect appearance as well as chewing function and, as a result, can degrade your sense of self-confidence. Historically, missing teeth have been replaced using a dental bridge. In more extreme cases of oral disease, a dentist may recommend full dentures. Today, we have the option of replacing missing teeth, even a single tooth, using dental implants. Technically, a dental implant functions very differently than a dental bridge. If you are exploring your options for tooth replacement, it is important to understand the difference so you can make the most confident decision for your long-term oral health.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made fixture that is attached to healthy teeth surrounding the gap. In the gap, a pontic sits on top of the gums. The pontic is an artificial tooth that is fused in between two crowns. It looks and feels natural once it is bonded into place. To fit a dental bridge, the dentist must reduce the two healthy teeth that will anchor the fixture. These teeth are covered with the crowns that hold the pontic and stabilize the bridge as a whole. The primary advantage of a dental bridge is that this treatment has a lower up-front cost than other options. The treatment process typically takes no more than a few weeks, and there are no special requirements in terms of bone density. The disadvantage of a dental bridge is that the force of chewing is not as evenly distributed across the teeth. The two teeth that hold the bridge may carry more strain. It is also important to note that a dental bridge does not address the concerns related to underlying structural problems that can occur after tooth loss. Mainly, the concern is that, without roots beneath the gap, bone loss occurs.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth. It is a tiny titanium post that the dentist inserts into the jawbone where the missing tooth’s roots once were. The dental implant serves two purposes. First, it acts as the primary anchor for a replacement tooth. Second, it serves as an alternate root system. When you chew, the force of mastication travels through the crown, through the dental implant, to the bone. This mimics what happens with natural teeth, and is integral to sustaining a healthy jawbone. The primary advantage of dental implant treatment is that the resulting stability for the artificial tooth is nearly 100 percent. It not only looks natural but it feels natural and it also behaves like natural roots would to stimulate ongoing bone regeneration. While crowns and other restorations sometimes need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years, a dental implant is expected to last indefinitely because it gets encased in natural bone. The disadvantage of this treatment, if you could call it that, is that it takes time for the bone to grow around the implant. The final restoration is typically not affixed to the implant until full fusion has occurred, and that can take up to six months. However, due to this fusion, dental implants can be ideal for the replacement of multiple teeth. Dental bridges and dental implants can be used together in this situation.

Your tooth replacement options are better than they’ve ever been. To learn more, schedule a consultation during which you can sit down with Dr. Mahal and get all of your questions answered. Contact our Granite Bay, CA office at 916.800.5001.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?

What are some cosmetic dentistry services available with Dr. Baban Mahal?

How do I find out if I am a candidate for cosmetic dentistry treatments?

Use the right instruments to maintain a healthy smile!

Learn more about oral healthcare

What is ClearCorrect®?

How can ClearCorrect® straighten the smile?

Understanding how porcelain veneers work

Request your visit with Dr. Baban Mahal today

What Are Some Signs I Should Improve Oral Health?

Five Ways To Improve Oral Health

Brushing

Flossing

Mouthwash

Diet

Cleanings

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Treating Tooth Decay

How Do Cavities Form?

How Can You Help Re-mineralize Your Teeth?

Is There a Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?

An Ounce of Prevention

Managing Dental Problems

Build Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry

Correct Dental Problems with Restorative Dentistry

Maintain a Healthy Smile with Preventive Dentistry

What is a Dental Bridge?

What is a Dental Implant?

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916.800.5001