Our dentists

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), or gum disease, a more advanced stage known as periodontitis. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious problems like bone and tooth loss. Infection in your gums can spread to other parts of the body and has been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Fortunately, there are ways to manage gingivitis and gum disease. See your dentist to evaluate the type of treatment right for you based on the condition of your gums.

Dr. Luther

High canines can be the result of crowded teeth which restrict the room necessary for all teeth to grow in properly. The best advice I can give is to see a Western Dental orthodontist for a free ortho consultation. Braces can adjust the position of your teeth to allow movement of an upper canine and other crowded teeth into their correct position.

Dr. Luther

Extraction of wisdom teeth before starting braces is not always necessary, unless they are crowding the rest of your teeth and impeding proper alignment. Your orthodontist can determine if you can start orthodontic treatment without having them pulled. However, if your wisdom teeth are decayed, painful or you are unable to keep them clean, a consultation with your dentist is advisable first.

Dr. Luther

Your dentist will discuss your concerns with you prior to treatment and make every attempt to make you comfortable during treatment using the type of anesthesia and sedation best suited to your needs.

Dr. Luther

Dental sealants are a clear, thin protective coating that can reduce and prevent cavities when applied to your teeth.

Dr. Luther

Medi-Cal Dental typically covers orthodontic treatments deemed medically necessary for patients at least 13 years old and not more than 21 years of age. To qualify, a patient must be evaluated to determine the severity of their case and receive approval for treatment from Medi-Cal Dental. Orthodontic consultations are free at Western Dental, and we treat more Medi-Cal Dental patients than any other dental office in California, so we are experts on your coverage.

Dr. Luther

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is common but fairly preventable. The cause is usually poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis can lead to tooth and bone loss, and it's a risk factor for heart and lung diseases.

Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums. Treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases may require surgery.

Dr. Luther

Without knowing the specific pain medicine you used, I can tell you that some medications cause “dry mouth” that can increase your chances of tooth decay or gum disease, which can result in tooth loss. When taking medication, it’s important to be diligent in maintaining an oral hygiene regimen to minimize the effects of medications on your dental health.

Dr. Luther

Strong narcotics are not always required for dental pain. Your dentist will offer alternatives to opioids to diminish pain following dental treatment.

Dr. Luther

Yes, we can help you. If you have pain or broken teeth, you should consult your dentist who can develop a treatment plan that relieves your pain and restores your smile and your oral health.

Dr. Luther

If you are uneasy about dental procedures, sleep dentistry is an option for many patients. Sleep dentistry can range from deep sedation, or general anesthesia, recommended for tooth extractions and complex oral surgeries, to a kind of “twilight” sleep that will put you in a very relaxed state. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is another option for relieving anxiety during dental visits and is appropriate for patients of all ages, including children.  Your dentist can discuss what’s right for you.

Dr. Luther