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What Are Dental Sealants?

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dr. Cynthia StephensonImage: dentistofwalnutcreek.com Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, is the owner of a dentistry practice in Walnut Creek, California, which she established in 2009. The clinic places a focus on preventive dental care, and Dr. Cynthia Stephenson is committed to pursuing new preventive opportunities and services in the industry. Dental sealants are one example of preventive dentistry…

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The Give Back a Smile Dental Program for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

The Give Back a Smile Dental Program for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Give Back a Smile Dental ProgramImage: aacd.com The owner of a dental clinic in Walnut Creek, Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, has served patients in the San Francisco Bay area for more than twenty years. Through her business, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson supports numerous local and national charities including Give Back a Smile, an organization that provides extensive dental treatments to survivors of…

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The 2016 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Conference

The 2016 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Conference

American Academy of Cosmetic DentistryImage: aacd.com A dentist with more than two decades of experience in the San Francisco Bay area, Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, is the owner of a general and cosmetic dentistry practice in Walnut Creek. Dr. Cynthia Stephenson holds membership with a number of dentistry associations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Established in 1984,…

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Symptoms and Treatment of TMJ Syndrome

Symptoms and Treatment of TMJ Syndrome

Dr. Cynthia StephensonImage: dentistofwalnutcreek.com Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, is the owner of a general and cosmetic dentistry practice in Walnut Creek, California. At the clinic, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson and her team provide a wide variety of services including TMJ treatments. The temporomandibular joint, better known as TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. When an…

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About Tooth Extractions

Dr. Cynthia StephensonImage: dentistofwalnutcreek.com Dr. Cynthia Stephenson performs oral health procedures ranging from dental screenings to tooth extractions at her medical office in Walnut Creek, California. Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson enrolled at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she earned her DDS. Dentists may recommend that patients have teeth removed if the teeth…

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Oral Health Problems - Gum Disease

An experienced dentist, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson operates her own oral health care private practice based in Walnut Creek, California. On behalf of her patients, Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, delivers state-of-the-art treatments for conditions like gum disease and other common issues. When dentists encounter gum disease during routine patient exams, it means that they’ve noticed how bacteria growing on oral tissues have caused damage to the gums and teeth. Usually, patients with the condition experience symptoms like gum inflammation, receding gum line, and bad breath. Without treatment, gum disease causes the gradual detachment of the gums from the teeth that they protect. In severe cases, the condition can result in loose and even lost teeth. 
 Dentists have developed effective treatment options for gum disease. Scaling and root planing, for instance, involves a thorough cleaning of the gums to remove plaque and tartar. The procedure restores the surface of teeth, encouraging gum reattachment. 

 Patients can reduce their risk of gum disease by maintaining good oral health habits like brushing and flossing and putting an end to bad habits like smoking.                            

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Tooth Replacements - Implants

Tooth Replacements – Implants

Dental ImplantsImage: dentistofwalnutcreek.com Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, delivers a high professional standard of dental care to patients in and around Walnut Creek, California, and is experienced in installing dental implants. Dr. Cynthia Stephenson underwent surgical implant training during her residency at Albert Einstein Hospital. When patients lose their teeth and dentists are unable to…

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Dental Sealants Explained

Dr. Cynthia StephensonImage: dentistofwalnutcreek.com At her private dental practice in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson maintains a comprehensive selection of dental services for patients of all ages. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, stresses the importance of preventative dentistry, a practice that typically involves treatments such as topical fluorides, caries control fillings, and…

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Give Back a Smile's Lab Challenge

As the leader of a top-rated dental office based in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson offers a full range of dental and oral health services. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, is a longtime supporter of Give Back a Smile, a charitable program sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF). Dedicated to restoring the smiles of adults who have suffered injuries to the front eight teeth as a result of domestic or sexual violence, Give Back a Smile relies on the support of its national volunteer network. Through its laboratory fundraiser program, Give Back a Smile encourages US-based dental laboratories to participate in the Lab Challenge. Participating labs put aside a portion of proceeds from units fabricated and donate the funds to the AACDCF, typically in amounts anywhere between $1 and $20 per unit. At a donation rate of $20 per unit, it takes only 20 units sold to restore one smile to a person in need. To learn more about Give Back a Smile’s Lab Challenge, visit the official website of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at www.aacd.com.

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Proper Flossing Technique for Healthy Gums

Dr. Cynthia Stephenson performs general and aesthetic dentistry in Walnut Creek, California. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, educates her patients on the importance of oral hygiene and periodontal care, which involves flossing every day. In terms of flossing technique, begin by measuring out approximately 18 inches of floss and wrapping most of it around one middle finger, then wrapping the rest around the other middle finger. When cleaning the upper teeth, use the forefinger and thumb of each hand to hold the floss. Cleaning the lower teeth is typically easier when you guide the floss with only the forefinger of each hand. For both upper and lower teeth, insert the floss gently between each pair of adjacent teeth to avoid irritating the gums. After bringing the floss to the gum line, curve it around one tooth and move it up and down gently to clean the space between the tooth and the gum. Repeat the process with the other tooth in the gap. Once you finish flossing between all teeth, rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles and plaque. The gums can sometimes bleed when you first start flossing -- this is normal! Over time, plaque will disappear and gums will stop bleeding.

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Dentist/ Owner

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What Causes Tooth Stains and Discolorations?

A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson has undergone extensive training in aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Cynthia Stephenson offers Zoom! and BriteSmile professional whitening treatments to transform the appearance of teeth that are discolored.  There are two types of tooth discolorations: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains affect the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. These types of stains are usually a result of poor oral hygiene, smoking, or consuming dark foods and beverages such as berries, red wine, coffee, and tea.  Intrinsic stains happen at a deeper level, affecting the dentin layer of the tooth. Sometimes these discolorations occur during tooth development, such as when a person is exposed to too much fluoride in the water supply or takes the antibiotic tetracycline before all of the adult teeth erupt. Trauma to a permanent tooth can also cause deep discoloration.  Professional teeth whitening can remove extrinsic stains, but intrinsic stains often do not respond to the bleaching agents. If the whitening treatment does not produce the desired results, the dentist may need to cover the stains with cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers.

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The Link Between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Cynthia Stephenson owns and operates a dental practice in Walnut Creek, California. Dr. Stephenson prioritizes the role of oral health in medical disease evaluation and treatment, and her office works with area physicians to coordinate care for all types of patients. The link between oral health and cardiovascular health is not completely understood. While medical experts advocate caring for both your mouth and your heart to ensure good overall health, it is not clear whether a causal relationship exists between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is a factor in both oral and heart disease. Gum disease, for example, occurs when the gums become inflamed due to bacterial growth. Inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis—hardening of the arteries due to plaque build-up—also contribute to heart disease. A team of periodontists and cardiologists recently reviewed over 120 medical papers on the link between oral and heart health and compiled a comprehensive report in order to educate medical practitioners and the public on the subject. The report found that gum disease is a specific risk factor for coronary artery disease, and some studies also demonstrated a link between gum disease and stroke.

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Since 2009, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson has offered quality dental procedures for individuals in and around Walnut Creek, California. Well versed in general and cosmetic services alike, Dr. Stephenson remains dedicated to providing a comfortable atmosphere for her patients. In addition to offering pain medication both before and after treatments, she extends extra touches, such as warm blankets, iPods with noise-canceling headphones, aromatherapy towels, lotions, and more. Additionally, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson has fitted her office with state-of-the-art equipment, including intraoral cameras and digital radiograph machines. A member of industry groups, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the San Francisco Dental Society, she takes pride in treating individuals with the latest techniques available in her profession.Restorative procedures available from Dr. Cynthia Stephenson's office include composites, better known as white fillings, which match the color of the teeth and offer a high level of resistance to staining. She can also remove older silver fillings and replace them with more natural looking ones. For individuals with missing teeth, she can install implants, which anchor to the jawbone and allow patients to once again chew all their favorite foods. Dr. Cynthia Stephenson additionally offers crowns, bridges, and dentures, as well as wisdom or problem teeth extractions. When recommending cosmetic procedures, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson evaluates all aspects of an individual's smile, including gum exposure, tooth texture and position, lip support, and structure of the facial bone. She can then provide services, such as bonding or veneers, or she can lift the gums to minimize the amount that shows during a smile. Other cosmetic offerings include at-home or in-office whitening procedures.Dr. Cynthia Stephenson holds a BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a DDS from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. The recipient of the Robert Woolcott Top Clinical Operative Award, she completed her postdoctoral training at Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia.

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Dr. Cynthia Stephenson: What to Expect from a Comprehensive Exam

From comprehensive general dentistry to aesthetic procedures, Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, provides her patients with a range of services for oral health. Visit www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com for more on Dr. Stephenson and her practice. A typical comprehensive exam is scheduled for 1 ½ hours, during which time patient and dentist go over the most important aspects of the patient’s oral health needs. A comprehensive exam may include a discussion of current preventive practices, taking oral x-rays, an overview of dental history, and a thorough periodontal, extraoral, and intraoral examination. The dentist will also address any concerns a patient may have before receiving an examination and will work with the patient in order to create the most comfortable atmosphere possible. Following the exam, the dentist will offer a summary of the exam and discuss any issues that may need immediate attention. In addition, the dentist will talk to the patient about preventive measures that will assist in maintaining oral health between appointments.

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Dr. Cynthia Stephenson: What to Expect After Restorative Treatment

Based in Walunt Creek, California, Cynthia Stephenson, DDS, has practiced in the Bay Area for almost 20 years. For more on Dr. Stephenson and her practice, as well as information on dental hygiene and care, visit www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com.  Following a restorative treatment, patients will experience an adjustment period over the course of several days as they grow comfortable with the new position and shape of their teeth. Patients may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold as their teeth and gums begin to heal. The amount of sensitivity a patient will experience is usually linked to the complexity of the initial restoration.  Proper at-home care following almost any dental procedure is an important step to facilitate healing and to ensure long-term oral health. A dentist will offer a complete at-home treatment plan to help patients care for their teeth; this plan may include a list of foods and substances to limit or avoid and a daily plan for brushing and flossing.

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Improving Smiles with Gum Contouring Article Recommended by Dr. Cynthia Stephenson

With advances in cosmetic dentistry, a range of solutions is available for individuals who want to perfect their smile. Patients can change the appearance of their teeth through orthodontics, bonding, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening. There are also solutions for individuals who want to correct uneven gums.

Gums that cover a large portion of your teeth may make them appear small. This condition may be caused by genetics, a health problem, or prescription drugs. On the other hand, with a high gum line, teeth appear long. This condition may result from gum recession, in which gum tissue pulls away from a tooth and exposes the tooth's root, creating a risk for tooth decay and tooth loss. Gum recession may be a sign of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bone. After a proper diagnosis and planning, I treat patients with gum contouring in the office or refer patients to a periodontal specialist, orthodontist, or in unusual cases, an oral surgeon. The patient and I will review how the new gum line will appear and how much gum will be removed or reshaped. At the time of surgery, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area. A scalpel or laser device will be used for the surgery. Laser instruments have the advantage of preventing excessive bleeding by sealing the blood vessels. In particular cases, bone at the front of the tooth's root will be removed during gum contouring for the best long-term outcome. Depending upon each case, the healing process may take a few days or a few weeks. I advise patients on the use of appropriate painkillers, the best diet, and a personalized dental-care routine. About the author: A leader in cosmetic dentistry since 1995, Dr. Cynthia Stephenson maintains a commitment to continually learning the latest techniques in this specialty area. Dr. Stephenson operates her high-tech dental office in Walnut Creek, California. Dr. Stephenson was one of only four UCLA School of Dentistry graduates selected for an esthetic dentistry mini-residency.