Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is a double edged sword- it aims to both manage oral health and address any dental problems that could be affecting the look, feel, or functionality of the mouth. Restorative dentistry addresses more than just dental problems, it strives to provide you with a future of great dental health. This practice is a way of ensuring that your teeth and mouth are restored to their healthiest, most beautiful state through a variety of procedures.

Restorative procedures

Restorative dentistry includes a wide range of dental procedures that aim to keep your mouth looking and feeling beautiful and healthy. Some common restorative dentistry practices include:

●      Fillings- Fillings are used to fill in the space left behind by tooth decay or to fix cracked teeth. Fillings can be made out of a variety of materials, but all aim to keep teeth functional while preventing any further damage to the tooth. 

●      Root canals- Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure is used to salvage teeth that are greatly damaged due to decay or infection.  Root canals can greatly reduce pain caused by infection and aim to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

●      Crowns- Chipped, damaged, or cracked teeth can be treated with crowns, which cover the broken tooth and restore its functionality and appearance.  Crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, allowing them to keep your teeth looking great and feeling as strong as ever.

●      Bridges- If one or more tooth is missing, a bridge can often be used to take its place. Bridges are advantageous because they are permanent and they can keep other teeth from shifting around in the empty space left by the missing teeth. 

●      Dental implants- Implants are a great, and fairly new way of fixing missing teeth.  They are used to take the place of the roots of missing teeth, providing a foundation for replacement teeth.  Implants can be designed to match the look and feel of the surrounding teeth, which can improve the look, comfort, and functionality of the mouth.

Why should I choose restorative dentistry?

            Maintaining great oral hygiene can be difficult, especially if you have existing dental problems that affect the look, feel, and overall health of your mouth.  With the help of restorative dentistry, your mouth could return to its healthiest and most attractive state in no time at all.  Restorative dentistry can turn back the hands of time and ensure that your smile looks and stays at the top of its game.

For more information about restorative dentistry, contact the office of Dr. Cureton.  His friendly office staff will be happy to discuss restorative dentistry, as well as any other dental inquiries, with you.

Same Day Crowns!

Most people do not have time to come to the dentist twice. Dr. Cureton can quickly restore damaged teeth in a single with natural-looking ceramic crowns. Our state-of-the-art technology and in-office tools allow us to make your custom crown in a single office visit. No longer do you have to put in temporary crowns followed by another office visit for your permanent crowns.

Our Value:
• Single-visit convenience
• High-tech accuracy
• Natural, tooth-colored crowns
• Metal free
• Preserves more healthy tooth material
• Extremely precise for long-lasting, natural results

CAD/CAM technology has changed the way we are able to practice dentistry. Using our technology we are able to take live, full-color, video imaging of your teeth and surrounding structures. These images are used to create three-dimensional digital models. Using these models, we can design and fabricate your crown.

To learn more about Dr. Cureton or what his patients are saying about him – CLICK HERE. If you would like to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Cureton, please feel free to call us at 831-449-8363 and one of our happy staff will be ready to assist you. 

Choose the Right Salinas Dentist

At the office of Dr. Russell Cureton  we offer patients a comprehensive list of dental services designed to assist each patient in achieving and maintaining long term dental health. Dr. Cureton has been serving the Salinas Family Dentist for more than 25 years and is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles.

Some of the many dental services we provide include: general cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, crowns, periodontal treatments, root canal therapy, bridges, in-office and at-home teeth whitening options, extractions, implants (both placement and restoration), porcelain veneers and  Invisalign  braces.

High Standards

Dr. Cureton is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the Monterey Bay Dental Association. A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables him to provide the quality  dental services  our patients deserve.  We provide comprehensive treatment planning and use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to achieve your optimal dental health. 

Training & Expertise

As your Salinas Family Dentist, we want you to be confident knowing that we are a team of highly trained and skilled clinicians.  We pride ourselves in providing the care you need to keep your smile healthy.  To give you the best possible service and results, we are committed to continual education and learning.  We attend dental lectures, meetings, and dental conventions to stay informed of new techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment that a modern dental office can utilize to provide state-of-the-art dental care.  

A Positive Experience

Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as special individuals is vital to our success.  We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, and how we can make a difference in providing a relaxing and positive experience.  Dr. Russell Cureton  and his entire team are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make your visits to our Salinas family dental office as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

To learn more about Dr. Cureton or what his patients are saying about him – CLICK HERE. If you would like to schedule your first consultation with Dr. Cureton, please feel free to call us at 831-449-8363 and one of our happy staff will be ready to assist you.

Transform Your Smile With Veneers

Are your pearly whites looking anything but white?  Has your smile lost its dazzle and shine?  Are you dissatisfied with the gaps between your teeth?  If so, you might be an ideal candidate for one of cosmetic dentistry's greatest recent advancements: porcelain veneers. Did you know your Salinas Dentist, Dr. Russell Cureton is one of the most highly qualified Porcelain Veneer Dentists in Salinas?

            Veneers are extremely thin pieces of porcelain or resin composite material that are custom made to fit the needs of your smile.  The materials used are intended to mimic the shine and color of natural teeth so your smile looks as authentic and beautiful as possible.  Veneers feel and appear so realistic that you might even forget that they aren't the teeth you were born with!

            The application of porcelain veneers is a simple and minimally invasive procedure. Generally, the first step in applying veneers is preparing your natural teeth by removing some of the enamel that covers your teeth.  After the removal of the enamel, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so veneers can be made to perfectly fit your mouth.  Because the process of making your dream smile can take a week or two, you might need to wear temporary veneers until your permanent set is ready.  Once your veneers have been carefully made, your dentist will trim and bond them to your teeth with resin cement, leaving you with the smile you have been dreaming of.

Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental problems.  Most veneers are used for cosmetic purposes to change the color, shape, or alignment of teeth. Teeth that are discolored- either as the result root canals, stains, or any other reasons- can often be fixed with veneers.  Chipped, broken, and overly worn teeth can also benefit from having veneers applied.  Teeth that are misaligned, have undesirable gaps, or just don't seem to fit your face in a flattering way are also often good candidates for the procedure.

The benefits of porcelain veneers are plentiful.  First and, for many, the most important advantage of getting veneers is the added aesthetic appeal.  Veneers can transform worn and yellowing teeth into a gorgeous, superwatt smile. Teeth that you are truly proud of can increase your confidence and bring forth endless possibilities.  Veneers can also keep teeth strong, reducing the risk of needing further dental procedures like crowns in the future.  Lastly, veneers are designed to resist stains, so opting for this dental procedure can keep your teeth looking great without requiring too much maintenance.

Still not sure if porcelain veneers are right for you?  Contact Dr. Cureton´s office to schedule a consultation to discuss your options for upgrading your teeth. His friendly staff will answer all of your questions and help you to put the sparkle back in your smile in no time!

Tips for Elderly Dental Care

Aging can be stressful- but taking care of your teeth as a senior should be stress-free! Just like at any age, dental hygiene is of critical importance to seniors, but some might worry about how to maintain great dental hygiene at an older age. To help keep your mouth healthy and make sure your oral care is as free of stress as possible your Salinas Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Cureton, has some dental care tips tailored specifically to seniors:

Stay hydrated

The more hydrated a mouth the better- especially for older mouths. Mouths that are too dry can lead to the rotting of gums and teeth and can cause an overall disintegration of oral health. As you get older, your mouth makes less and less saliva, which can make it difficult to keep your mouth as moist as it should be. To maintain a healthy amount of moisture, seniors should drink plenty of water and cut down on their consumption of sugary drinks. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy can also increase saliva production and help keep a mouth hydrated and healthy.

Stop using tobacco products
Among the great dangers of smoking are several detrimental effects to your teeth and mouth. Throat and mouth cancers are very dangerous and are often caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. Yellowing and weakening of the teeth are also side effects of tobacco use. Smoking affects both the health and the appearance of your smile. To make sure your mouth stays looking and feeling great, stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Switch to a fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride can help protect your mouth and reduce the risk of cavities. To increase your oral health, check to make sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride or switch to a toothpaste that does. Adding a fluoride rinse is a good alternative to switching toothpastes.

Don’t grind your teeth

As you age, your teeth often get thinner and more brittle, which means grinding your teeth can lead to broken teeth. If grinding continues, teeth might even break all the way to the nerve- causing lots of problems and pain. To keep these problems from arising, stop grinding your teeth once and for all. For night grinders, purchase a night guard from your local drug store. These guards are easy to fit to your mouth and can yield immediate results.

Brush and floss regularly

At any age, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are great habits for keeping your entire mouth at its prime. Flossing is necessary for keeping your mouth healthy and free of gum disease, which can sometimes lead to tooth loss. Brushing your teeth regularly is equally important in order to minimize plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities and other dental concerns. To keep your mouth at the top of its game, be sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. If brushing or flossing becomes difficult due to arthritis or other health problems, your Fresno dentist recommends switching to an electric toothbrush and handheld flossers to make your oral hygiene routine stress and pain free.

Schedule regular dentist appointments

Regardless of your age, regular dentist visits are important, but as you get older the importance of seeing your Salinas Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Russell Cureton, at least once a year gets even greater. While you might be inclined to visit your dentist on an ¨as needed¨ basis, this can be dangerous as a senior. One side effect of aging is losing the sensitivity in your teeth, meaning you might not be able to feel pain in your teeth that might signify serious dental problems. Seeing a dentist insures that even the earliest signs of dental problems are detected and handled properly. Annual visits to the dentist are an important step in keeping your entire mouth looking and feeling young and beautiful.

Don’t let the stress of aging keep you from taking great care of your teeth. With a little extra attention and continuing your existing oral hygiene habits, your smile can continue to be a gorgeous, healthy, and youthful piece of you.

If you have questions or need assistance in taking care of your smile at any age, contact your Salinas Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Cureton's office.

9 Myths about Invisalign

Invisalign is a “new age” type of braces that many patients may opt for over traditional metal braces for a variety of reasons. The Invisalign treatment trays are clear so they are not noticeable, they are also removable so they are easy to clean and, a series of trays can be dispensed at each appointment so the number of appointment visits are reduced.  As many patients considering  improving their smiles are moving towards this option, there are many myths that Dr. Cureton would like to dispel.

1.     All dentists are equal in their knowledge of Invisalign treatment.

 

a.     FACT:  like any subject, there is much to know about treatment, thus the level of knowledge and experience of Invisalign treatment among dentists is varied.  Some dentists have been slow to adopt Invisalign treatment into their practices which limits their practical experience.

2.     Invisalign takes longer than traditional braces. 

a.     FACT:  certain orthodontic problems are more efficiently treated with traditional metal braces.  The majority of the time, however, treatment length time using Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces and may sometimes be faster.

3.     Invisalign results are not as good as traditional braces. 

a.     FACT:   if your treatment is done with a dentist that is experienced with Invisalign , the final product may be as good as with traditional braces.

4.     Invisalign trays make it hard to talk. 

a.     FACT:  the majority of people who use Invisalign do not have any problem speaking normally with their aligners in place.  As you become accustomed to the continued use of the aligners, your speech will adapt.

5.     Only adults can use Invisalign. 

a.     FACT:  many dentists make Invisalign available to their patients of all ages.  Patients as young as 12 years old have been treated with much success.   The only concern may be ensuring your child keeps their trays in at all times.

6.     Invisalign is only for minor tooth movement

a.     FACT:  Invisalign, in the hands of a skilled dentist, can be used to correct almost any orthodontic problem that traditional braces can. Experienced dentists  may even offer Invisalign treatment to their patients with severe crowding that requires removal of teeth or severe “overbites”.

7.     Only orthodontists can perform Invisalign treatment. 

a.     FACT:  all dentists can provide treatment with Invisalign with appropriate specific Invisalign training and knowledge of orthodontic treatment. 

8.     Invisalign is much more expensive than traditional braces. 

a.     FACT:  Invisalign treatment fees should be comparable to traditional braces’s fees.

9.     Invisalign treatment requires appointments every 2 weeks.

a.     FACT: with proper treatment planning, staging and education ,  a series of treatment Invisalign trays may be dispensed to the patient enabling patients to  go 1 to 3 months between appointments while progressing in their treatment

If you are in the Salinas Valley-Monterey Bay area, or even Gilroy or Hollister area and are considering braces for yourself or a family member, make sure to contact Dr. Cureton for a free consultation about how he can help you have the smile of your dreams.