Most people don’t look up dental treatment options in Encino because they’re curious about procedures. They look because a tooth hurts, a smile bothers them, or someone told them they need something and they’d like to understand it. So this guide starts there, with what you’re actually noticing, and works toward the treatments that may fit.

At The Dental Office Encino, Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard see these situations every week. One caveat up front: the right option depends on what’s really going on in your mouth, which is why an exam always comes before a recommendation.

“My Tooth Hurts or Feels Sensitive”

Tooth pain has a few common causes, and the treatment depends on how far the problem has gone. A smaller cavity is usually handled with a tooth-colored filling, placed after the decay is removed so the tooth is sealed and blends in.

If the damage is larger, an inlay or onlay may make more sense. These custom restorations strengthen a tooth with a big area of decay without covering the whole thing. When the infection has reached the inner part of the tooth, a root canal removes the diseased pulp and fills the space.

You don’t have to figure out which one you need. Pain that lingers, or shoots when you eat or drink, is simply a reason to come in.

“I Cracked or Broke a Tooth”

A crown covers a damaged tooth, holds a cracked one together, and can treat decay or mask discoloration. We work with metal, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and the material is chosen with where the tooth sits in mind. Metal and PFM tend to suit back teeth, while porcelain is often used for teeth that show.

With our CEREC system, a crown or onlay can often be designed, made, and placed in a single visit, without a temporary. If something breaks suddenly, call us. We offer same-day attention for toothaches and dental emergencies.

“My Gums Bleed or Feel Tender”

Bleeding gums are worth taking seriously, even when they don’t hurt. For early gum disease, scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes debris from the pockets around the teeth.

For more advanced gum disease, we offer LANAP, a laser treatment for periodontitis. Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard both list laser periodontal treatment among their specialties.

“I’m Missing a Tooth”

A gap is more than a cosmetic issue. Missing teeth can let the neighboring ones drift out of position over time, which changes your bite and makes chewing harder.

You have three main options. A dental implant replaces the root with a titanium post in the jawbone, topped with a crown, bridge, or denture. A bridge fills the gap using a false tooth supported by crowns, implants, or both. Dentures replace most or all of the teeth and can be removable or fixed.

Which one fits depends on your age, how many teeth are missing, any other damage, and your budget. We go through those with you instead of steering you toward one.

“My Jaw Is Sore, or I Snore”

Waking up with a tight jaw or worn-looking teeth can point to clenching or grinding. A custom night guard protects your teeth, gums, and jaw while you sleep.

We also make oral appliances for TMJ disorder and for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea or chronic snoring. These are custom-made, which is why they start with a conversation and an exam.

“I Don’t Love How My Smile Looks”

Cosmetic options range from small to total. Bonding and contouring use composite resin to improve chips, gaps, and minor flaws. Porcelain veneers cover the front of teeth to address stains, chips, or uneven shapes. A smile makeover combines several treatments into one plan.

If it’s alignment that bothers you, clear aligners use a series of removable trays to move teeth gradually. We also offer teeth whitening services, and we’ll explain your options at a visit.

“Another Dentist Gave Me a Treatment Plan, and I’m Not Sure”

If another dentist gave you a treatment plan and you’re not sure about it, that’s a fair reason to get a second look. We offer second opinions: we examine you, give our own diagnosis and treatment plan, and explain whether we agree with the original recommendation. Nobody should feel pressured into treatment they don’t understand.

Choosing Between Dental Treatment Options in Encino

You should walk out of a consultation knowing what’s happening in your mouth, what your options are, and what each one involves. Ask about timelines, what recovery looks like, and what happens if you wait.

You can also ask what else is on the table. Sometimes the answer is a simpler fix than you expected.

Cost and Insurance

Coverage depends on your plan, and we’ll help you review your benefits before treatment begins. We accept PPO indemnity plans, so call and tell us which one you have. For costs insurance doesn’t cover, we offer payment options, including financing through CareCredit.

If you’d like to know more about how we work, you can see the full range of care we offer in Encino.

Ready to Talk Through Your Options?

Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard have served Encino patients since 1991, and they’d be glad to look at what’s going on and help you make a plan. We’re at 17071 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Encino, CA 91316.

Call us at 818-300-0333 or book an appointment online and we’ll find a time that works for you.