Accepting Dental Emergencies!
General and Preventive Dentistry
Dental Exams and X-rays
Cavity Fillings
Cavities are just another word for tooth decay. Left untreated, these can lead to painful toothaches and even loss of teeth. You can avoid these problems by getting your teeth checked regularly and having any cavities filled.
We use the latest advances in composite resin materials for cavity fillings. These materials can be color matched to your teeth, so your smile retains its natural look.
Composite resin fillings bond to your tooth better than the old style metal amalgam fillings, letting us remove less tooth material to fix a cavity.
Mercury Filling Removal: Also if you have old mercury fillings, we can help you by removing those properly and replacing them with more natural tooth colored fillings.
Let us help you achieve your signature smile.
Meet Dr. Lori Bagai, DDS
Dr. Bagai graduated with honors receiving a degree in dental surgery from the University of Calcutta, India in 1990. She has been very blessed to have been influenced by Mother Teresa since childhood in Calcutta and has helped out in many ways in all her causes including dentistry.
She has received honors and awards in branches of oral pathology, microbiology, oral diagnosis and dental radiology. After moving to Southern California, she was a dedicated volunteer dentist at M.E.N.D., a non-profit organization created to provide services that meet the basic human needs of individuals who reside in the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
She has also opened her beautiful state of the art dental office to indigenous people of Orange County, one Saturday a month, to provide them with free dentistry. She works closely with Western Service Workers Association in this cause.
Dental Bonding
What Our Patients Are Saying
★★★★★
"I want to give my biggest thanks to Smile Smart! A special thanks to Thu for helping me out when I recently came in. Fully recommend everyone to come here! Great experience!"
Andrew R.
★★★★★
"Dr Bagai and her staff are fantastic. I've been going to her for years and am very pleased with the service and results. They are a very friendly group on top of it all! I highly recommend going to her."
Sean B.
★★★★★
"They were wonderful, comprehensive and gentle. All my questions were answered and it was a great cleaning. Will be coming back from my follow up fillings."
Josh S.
Extractions
Your natural teeth can last you a lifetime with proper care. However, when trauma or decay occurs, you need to see a top dentist right away and fix your teeth so you keep them healthy as long as possible.
While we do everything possible to save your teeth in these situations, sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a tooth. Common reasons why tooth extractions are necessary include:
- Wisdom teeth become impacted and push on other teeth
- A tooth becomes too decayed to fill the cavity or cap with a crown
- A tooth is broken too badly for a crown to be used
- An extra tooth blocks another tooth from coming in properly
- Baby teeth have not fallen out so that adult teeth can come in properly
Root Canals
A root canal treatment can sound scary. But when a tooth becomes infected due to an injury or a deep untreated cavity, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth and preserve your health. The infected tooth material must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading—potentially even becoming life threatening.
The purpose in doing a root canal is to save the tooth, rather than extract it.
The procedure involves removing the infected tooth material, called pulp, then cleaning and sterilizing the area. Once this is done, a sterile material is used to fill the hole and seal it against future infection.
The shape of the tooth is then restored using a filling or a crown.
If you suffer from tooth pain when you chew or experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods even after the heat or cold is gone, you may need a root canal.
Gum Disease Care
Are your gums red and swollen, or do they bleed when you brush your teeth? This is not how your teeth are supposed to be, and maybe be signs that you have gum disease. While in its mild stages, gum disease simply causes bad breath, if left to progress to far it can even lead to losing your teeth.
Gum disease is caused by your gums becoming irritated and inflamed. Bacteria grows on a sticky substance called plaque which forms on your teeth about 4 to 12 hours after brushing. The bacteria produce acid which eats at your tooth enamel and can cause irritation to your gums. Left untreated, the plaque can spread to below the gum line and become a serious threat to your teeth.
Regular dental care let us catch gum disease in the early stage so it can be treated right away, ensuring your teeth remain firmly fixed, as they should be.
Pinhole Gum Surgery
- No sutures, so less discomfort
- You recover faster from pinhole gum surgery than from grafting
- No donor tissue required
- No cutting with scalpels
If you have receding gums, protect your teeth from decay. Schedule an appointment to find out how pinhole gum surgery can benefit you. Or you can call us at (714) 744-1242 .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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How often should I visit my dentist for a checkup?
Generally, it is recommended that you visit your dentist at least every six months to have a routine cleaning and checkup. Your specific needs will vary depending on your oral hygiene. Dr. Bagai can provide personalized advice during your visit.
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What can I expect at my first Smart Smile visit?
You will receive a thorough dental examination including X-rays, if needed, and a cleaning. Dr. Bagai is going to discuss with you your dental history and any concerns that you may have. He will then develop a treatment plan tailored for your specific needs.
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What are signs that I may need a dental filling?
A. Common signs of a need for a filling would be tooth sensitivity, discomfort when eating or drinking and visible holes or dark patches on your teeth. We recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
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How can I improve oral hygiene at my home?
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, and using antibacterial mouthwash are all part of maintaining good oral health. A balanced diet, and avoiding sugary foods can also help to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
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What should I do if there is a dental emergency
Schedule Emergency VisitIf you have a dental emergency, such as a severe toothache or a cracked tooth, call our office right away. Our emergency dental services are available to deal with urgent problems.
Patient Reviews
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