I'm Sorry to Tell You That I'm Leaving Go Dental

After almost three years at this amazing dental office, I am so sorry to tell you that I am leaving Go Dental. I have an opportunity to step away from dentistry a bit in order to concentrate more on my family. I am looking forward to spending more time with my two energetic, hilarious daughters. Or... they might wear me out, and I'll be begging Dr. Go and Dr. Monti to hire me again, lol!

The wonderful doctors, staff, and patients at Go Dental have become my dear friends, and I'm so grateful for the time that I have spent here. I am proud of the quality of their work and how much they care for patients.  I consider myself lucky to have been a part of such a special office. To all of the awesome patients that I have helped to care for...thank you and see you around town! Don't stop going to everybody's favorite Valencia Dentist just because I won't be there!

Best wishes,
Dr. Regan Lawrence

Happy Heart Month!

The month of February is often associated with Valentine’s Day chocolates, flowers, and romantic cards, but did you know that it’s also American Heart Month?

A healthy heart may seem unrelated to a healthy smile, but research shows that there is a significant association between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease. The Journal of Periodontology has published numerous longitudinal studies that show a strong causal association between severity of periodontal disease and coronary heart disease and stroke. Inflamed, irritated, and unhealthy gums can put you at risk for very serious heart conditions, including heart attacks.  

When gums are inflamed, bacteria from the mouth have a way to get into the bloodstream. Once there, these bacteria can attach to platelets (blood clotting cell fragments). Clumps of bacteria and platelets together form aggregates that attach to blood vessel walls, leading to the blockage of arteries and heart disease.

Keeping gums healthy not only prevents periodontal disease (and therefore bone and tooth loss) but also lowers your risk for a heart attack. Regular dental cleanings and proper at-home care can get your mouth and heart in great shape -- catch two birds with one worm!

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but there is still time to spread awareness about healthy hearts and smiles!

If you have any questions on dental health, you can contact your favorite Valencia Dentist on our website!  Go Dental - Valencia Dentist

Root Canals: Friend or Foe

It’s a moment that nobody ever wants to face:  The dentist pulls back in their chair and utters the unspeakable words, “I think you’re going to need a root canal”.  Your face feels flushed, your hands begin to shake, and your eyes begin to well with tears.  Then it’s - “OMG, A ROOT CANAL!!!”

Root canals are one of the most dreaded procedures the entire world.  It makes me cringe when I hear the expression, “I would rather have a root canal than _________” (fill in the blank with the most unpleasant, demeaning, disgusting activity known to humankind). Contrary to popular belief, root canals have come a long way and they are no longer the painful, time consuming procedures that they used to be.  In fact, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between getting a root canal and getting a simple filling.

My favorite thing to tell patients is that our Valencia dental practice loves performing root canals. That being said, our dentists understand

that our patients don’t share the same enthusiasm. We love doing them because, professionally, they are one of the most challenging procedures to do, and honestly, we are really good at doing them. But we will try to avoid performing root canals because we know that patients cannot stand going through them.  

So how do we determine whether or not a Root Canal is necessary? If the nerve of a tooth has died or has even been compromised, it must be removed. Generally, we will access the nerve by creating an opening from the top of the tooth. The nerve and blood supply is then removed with small instruments which are fractions of millimeters in diameter. Once the nerve of the tooth is removed, we widen the tooth space where the nerve once was. This space is called the “root canal”, and clearing it out enables us to fill the tooth with a special filling material. Even though the tooth’s nerve and associated blood supply is no longer present, the tooth structure can last for many many years provided a crown is placed on it.  

So you can see why root canals can be associated with pain; we are essentially working on an exposed nerve. That is why anesthesia is so important. Without it, the patient would be in a great deal of discomfort. If you are really anxious, your body may lower the effectiveness of the anesthetic so we have options like nitrous oxide and twilight sleep available for you.

Our doctors have invested a lot of resources to acquire the latest root canal therapy equipment and to become experts in the most advanced techniques. Root Canals used to take 3 appointments of 2 hours to complete but now we can complete most procedures in just one appointment of 1 ½ each. The procedure not only is completed faster but it is also far more accurate, resulting in greater success rates.

Many emergencies that we see with our new patients are from root canals that have been done poorly in the past. Like I mentioned before, root canal procedures are one of the most difficult procedures to perform in dentistry. Not every dentist has the ability and resources to perform root canals with excellent long term results. When we see cases of failed root canals, we have a great team of root canal specialists that we can consult.  

From all of as at Go Dental, we truly hope that you never need a root canal. But if you do, rest assured, you are in great hands.

Sincerely, 

Your Valencia Dentist

Dr. Christopher Go

Flossing: To Do Or Not To Do

More often than not, we find that patients at our Valencia dental office aren't flossing like they are advised to, despite our best efforts to remind them of flossing’s importance. Because of this, we decided to sit down and ask ourselves, “What is it that turns people off about flossing?” and to come up with reasons why flossing is just as important as brushing.

Contrary to popular belief, flossing is a significant factor to not only your oral hygiene, but your overall health as well. Here is the mystery with flossing: there is a strange connection between flossing and heart health. We dentists don’t know why this connection exists; we just know that it does. When you floss, you are removing bacteria from under your gums that can cause problems to heart and immune health. We bet you didn't think flossing can actually keep you from getting sick, did you?

Often, patients also believe that if they brush their teeth twice a day and use mouth wash, they've done a sufficient amount of work to keep their mouths healthy. Sadly, this isn't true. While mouth wash and brushing your teeth are extremely important, they only clean the surface of your teeth. Flossing gets all the bacteria and tartar that’s stuck in-between your gums and your teeth.

Many patients refuse to floss their teeth because they claim it causes bleeding. There is a little bit of irony in that statement. The bleeding is actually caused by not flossing and is called gingivitis. When you don’t floss, your gums become week and in turn, are more likely to bleed. As you floss more and more, you gums’ health will improve and you will be less prone to the bleeding.

To make sure you floss right later tonight, here are some expert tips:

• Nylon or PTFE are the best types of floss to use
• Use 18 inches of floss per flossing
• For support, wrap one end of the floss around your right thumb and the other end around your left pointer finger
• Floss in a back-and-forth motion for best results
• Make sure to get in between your gums
• Visit your your Valencia dentist regularly

The Process of Tooth Decay

Patients who come in to see us for x-rays and a check-up often tell me, “I feel like I’m taking a test, did I pass?”.  (I guess it is called a dental “exam”, after all).  I think an important part of passing the exam is understanding the process of tooth decay.  Hopefully, this cheat sheet will help you pass your next visit with flying colors!

To start, the tooth is made of three different layers:  enamel, dentin and pulp.  The outermost part of the tooth that you can see is Enamel.  It is the hardest part of the tooth. In fact, it’s the hardest tissue in the body, making it difficult for bacteria and decay to penetrate it. The second layer, Dentin, is softer and more porous. Because of this, when decay reaches this layer, it quickly worsens and requires a filling.  The final layer is the nerve, or Pulp.  When decay comes close to or penetrates the pulp, you often experience pain the form of a “toothache”.

So how does bacteria penetrate this very hard Enamel layer to cause cavities? Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth to break down sugars in food that we eat.  These bacteria release acids which can create holes in your teeth overtime. We dentists call these holes cavities. In addition, every time we eat, our mouths become more acidic, which accelerates the decaying process.  

 This seems like a losing battle, doesn't it?  Do not fear, for there is hope!  Use this cheat sheet we at Go Dental in Valencia developed to prevent and even reverse tooth decay.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to reduce the activity of bacteria.  In addition, it has a very important role in reversing small cavities that have formed.  If the decay only reaches the enamel, fluoride replaces some of it and can prevent the decay from worsening. Oftentimes, these teeth may not need fillings and can be “watched” to see if the decay progresses. Mouth rinses and toothpastes that contain Fluoride should be used regularly.

Reduce Snacking

Eating frequently reduces the pH in our mouths and provides a more favorable acidic environment for bacterial acids to cause decay.  By avoiding several meals a day, there is less time for these acids to break down tooth structure.  Coffee, sugary drinks and sodas (including diet) should also be consumed around meal times, instead of slowly sipped throughout the day.

Floss and Brush

Flossing once a day and brushing at least twice mechanically removes bacteria and sugary foods from the tooth surface.  These actions disrupt the bacteria from forming plaques onto the tooth and prevent acids from penetrating teeth.

Visit your dentist regularly

An important part of health care is diagnosing problems at an early stage.  Cavities that are in Dentin (and therefore no longer reversible) should be treated early before they become toothaches or require larger, more expensive treatments.  Early decay can be kept at bay with the proper maintenance and we, at your Valencia dentist, are here to help with that. 

Becoming a Dentist

One of my favorite times of the years to to have all our college students come home and come and visit us for their bi-yearly check-ups.  Since we are connected to many of the pediatric dental practices in Santa Clarita, it’s fun to follow the kids development from their in junior high, high school and now their college years.  They change so much and it’s really fun to laugh with them about their younger years as we talk about what their plans are for their futures.  I’m always so jealous of them because truly the college years are the best years of their lives.
Inevitably, I am asked by some of our patients about what it takes to become a dentist.  I am always so thrilled to hear when any student is interested in dentistry but particularly when our patients ask because I like to think that we had a small part in their decision making process. So, I thought to start off the new year, I would give a little insight to our aspiring dentists, hygienists and healthcare majors as a whole as to what makes an ideal candidate in the eyes of dental school, medical school, hygiene school, nursing school, etc.

I must digress a little and let you know that the admissions process is a passion of mine.  During my undergraduate years, I served as a student advisor in the Office of Admissions at Washington University and when I was on faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry, I served on the admissions committee.  Deciding who should be admitted is an incredibly difficult and strenuous process from the admission committee standpoint.  Trying to judge who will be a “good” dentist or a “bad” dentist from a several pieces of paper is very very difficult and obviously not a good representation of the true character of the person.  But it’s the best we've got and the system stands to stay the same for the foreseeable future.

Of primary importance to any admissions committee will be your GPA and your test scores (in that order).  Let’s face it, the committee has to make sure that you are smart enough to handle the rigors of graduate school, and more importantly, your career.  Like all postgraduate programs, dental school has core classes that all applicants are required to take prior to being considered for admission to dental school.  Your GPA in these classes are the most important factor in the decision making process.  Test scores are important as well and I recommend that you take prep classes to help prepare you for the tests.


But should you past the GPA and test score requirement, what makes a good application to professional schools?  Surprisingly a non-science major can help.  Biology majors are a dime a dozen and do not differentiate you from the crowd of applicants.  An English major or a language major or even a music major - now that is something really different.  Admissions committees want to see a well rounded person not one that is only good in science.  But if you really love the sciences, then make yourself stand out by doing internships working with professors or companies that offer internships.  It’s not easy to get them so use whatever connections you have in order to secure a position.


Finally, do community service.  Show that you love working with people by working with people.  It doesn't have to be healthcare related - in fact it’s even more powerful if it’s not healthcare related. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, help inner-city kids with school work, assist the elderly population. These are all areas that show you have a compassionate heart and your profession will be more than a job to you.


Dentistry and medicine are fields which are constantly evolving.  No one knows what the dental landscape will look like 10 years from now.  The reality is that working hours continue to increase and salaries decrease.  But if you love what you do, you won’t mind the changes.  Because in the end, dentistry is really about serving others.

Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist

Recent Trends in Implant Dentistry

Gone are the days of ivory dentures and metal fillings. Modern dentistry has made leaps and bounds in perfecting implant dentistry, turning those loose fitting dentures of yesteryear into a snug and secure dental implant sure to last decades.

Many dentists, like your local Valencia Dentist, are trained in dental implants and have studied their wide varieties and uses. If you have any questions about the benefits of an implant, be sure to ask your friendly dentist. In the meantime, here is a quick rundown of recent implant trends and their benefits for you.

Dental Implants Have Immediate Results

In as few as 20 years ago, a dental implant (such as a crown) could take several appointments over weeks or months to complete. Modern dentistry can get you a full or partial bridge in the span of one appointment. Granted, the teeth are temporary until your finalized set is developed, but the implant and temporary placeholders are done on the spot, saving you time and money. If such a thing sounds appealing to you, make sure you discuss it with your dentist, as a few preliminary appointments are necessary to make sure you’re set for the procedure, including casting and molding your temporary teeth.

 

Dental Implants Have a Higher Success Rate than Previous Methods

Years of study and practice have developed very sophisticated and specialized tools, nearly ensuring a perfect implant. Any drilling and installing required has been refined to ensure bone fusion and durability over the long term. Many studies indicate that dental implants are more durable than root canals, crowns, or even removable dentures in the long term. And with the many refinements of the implantation procedures, patients who were initially told they were unable to receive an implant now have many options to restore their beautiful smiles. If you are healthy enough to receive any dental procedure, you are healthy enough to receive a dental implant.

 

Dental Implants are Becoming Common Procedures

More and more people are discovering the benefits of dental implants, and, as such, more and more people are getting the procedure done. Due to this, more insurance companies are looking to cover the procedure due to the durability and cost. This also means that any stigmas around ‘false teeth’ are becoming rarer, as it is a viable option to repair a smile.

Dental Implants Offer More Advantages than the Alternatives

Since dental implants fuse with your own bones, they can improve your appearance, your comfort, and most importantly, your self-esteem. They make eating and speaking easier, as they eliminate the sliding that denture wearers face. They are also permanent, and cannot slip out in inappropriate situations as the traditional denture can. Dental implants also boast exceptional comfort, as they are actually a part of you and your jaw. They are not held in place with pastes, glues, and powders like some traditional false teeth are.

 

Dental Implants Are Still Growing

The art of the dental implant is not yet set in stone. This is a good thing! Many of the amazing procedures done today are developed from after years of trials and tests. This means that the future of dentistry can only get better from the dental implant trends of today. Dentists and professionals continue to examine the long-term durability of today’s implants and any (albeit rare) complications faced by clients in order to perfect and adapt tomorrow’s dental implants. Dentures may be a thing of the past, and dental implants may be the go-to procedure for all clients dealing with tooth loss.

With all the current trends and developments in dental implants, no one needs to be self-conscious about their smile. Set up an appointment to speak with your friendly Valencia Dentist, where they have your smile on mind, and see if dental implants are right for you.