Thousand Oaks Dental Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry: Dr. Vikas Luthra

Products And Services

• Family Dentistry

  We understand that it can be difficult to find a trustworthy dentist in the Thousand Oaks community. If you want the best oral health care for your family, it is important to find an experienced and skilled team of dental professionals that will help you create healthy smiles for everyone in your family. The team of dental professionals at Thousand Oaks Dental have years of experience in improving the health and aesthetic value of their patients’ smiles. Our focus on patient care and commitment to continuing education ensure the best treatment possible for all members of your family. At Thousand Oaks Dental, a general dental examination and tooth cleaning can help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. It is important to receive preventative care and have your dentist treat any problems as soon as they arise. Modern dentistry has made dental procedures comfortable and pain free. Your first dental visit will include a thorough history of your teeth and examination. Your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay. Your gums and soft structures in your mouth will be examined for signs of infection or disease. X-rays may be taken of your teeth, gums, and bones to provide more information about their structure and health. Dental X-rays are a painless procedure. It simply entails that you gently bite down on a “bite wing” film placed on your teeth. X-rays do not hurt, but require that you remain motionless while the pictures are taken. Dental X-rays emit no more radiation than watching television or spending a day in the sun. As a precaution, a lead apron will be placed on your body. Women that are pregnant should inform their dentist. They should only receive X-rays for emergency situations. In some cases, a dentist may take a panoramic X-ray. This type of X-ray shows a complete image of your upper and lower jaw in one picture. The image provides more information about your teeth alignment and bite pattern. A full-mouth series of radiographs (FMX) may also be taken. Your teeth may be cleaned at your first visit or during a following visit. Your dentist or a dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth. Special instruments will be used to carefully remove plaque and tarter from your teeth. Your teeth will be flossed and polished. When your examination is complete, your dentist will make recommendations for your home oral health care and a treatment plan. Your dentist may suggest a particular type of toothbrush or cleaning product. Your dentist will let you know how often you should have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined. This can vary from person to person and is usually every six months to a year. You may need to make an additional appointment for a treatment, such as having a cavity filled. To ensure healthy teeth, visiting Thousand Oaks Dental at least twice per year is recommended. As a patient, when you visit Thousand Oaks Dental, you will experience all that modern dentistry has to offer. Our doctors provide a comprehensive list of dental procedures that will meet all your treatment needs. Our goal is to assist each patient in achieving and maintaining long-term oral health and a confident smile. Some of the services we provide include: Dental Exams and Cleanings Crowns and Bridges Tooth Extraction Porcelain Veneers Dental Implants Sedation Dentistry Root Canal Treatment Gum Disease Treatment

  Link: Family Dentistry

• Dental Exams and Cleanings

  A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Vik Luthra, DDS and our dental team at your initial visit. At regular check-up exams, our team will include the following: Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease. Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments. Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc. PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following: Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease. Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. Give Thousand Oaks Dental a call today at (805) 497-3726 or schedule an appointment in our Thousand Oaks dental office.

  Link: Dental Exams and Cleanings

• Periodontal Care

  Gum disease is a serious problem that faces many individuals, and dentists find that most patients are not even aware that they have the disease until it is much too late. Gum disease is the number one cause for adult tooth loss; in fact, over 75 million Americans over the age of 35 suffer from gum disease. One of the important things to know about gum disease now is that there is a significant link between gum disease and medical issues, including an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, low birth weight, and other medical conditions. When patients don’t seek treatment for gum disease, they are risking not only their teeth and gums, but their entire health and well-being. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Dr. Luthra is a dental professional dedicated with treatment of the root causes of gum disease. There are typically two factors involved in gum disease. One is the inflammatory process caused by the irritation from the plaque and tartar building up on the roots. Second is the bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue. Together, these can result in the gums and bones shrinking and receding away from the teeth, resulting in loose teeth. There is a new way to test the bacteria in our mouths to find out specifically which bacteria is infecting the gums. This allows us to be much more specific in our treatment. Through the use of a simple swish of saline solution, we can pick up bacteria and test for the bacterial DNA to determine specifically which bacteria are causing the infection. This, in turn, allows us to be more specific and get better results during treatment. By using this method of treatment, we can oftentimes avoid surgery. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, or think that you may have it, call Thousand Oaks Dental today to schedule an examination and take charge of your oral health.

  Link: Periodontal Care

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  When it comes to appearance, your smile is front and center! Cosmetic dentistry combines the best dentistry practices with an artistic touch to give you a smile that is both beautiful and healthy. Thousand Oaks Dental offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services that dramatically change your life and restore your confidence. Extensive training with aesthetic dentistry procedures combined with advanced high tech equipment allow Thousand Oaks Dental to provide some of the most advanced cosmetic procedures in the Thousand Oaks area. By staying up to date with technological advancements, our cosmetic treatments continue to provide patients with healthy, beautiful smiles that change your entire outlook on life. It is important to understand that cosmetic dentistry is not magic, nor just about aesthetics; it also places a strong emphasis on treating any underlying conditions so that you can maintain excellent oral health for years to come. This balance between the functional and aesthetic sides of dentistry may make a cosmetic dental procedure one of the best options to treat your condition. Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments With Beautiful Results Thousand Oaks Dental offers a full range of cosmetic dentistry services. With years of cosmetic dental experience, our team has the skills to address any issue you may have while providing the finest aesthetic results. Some of the cosmetic dentistry services we offer include : Common Cosmetic Dental Problems Cosmetic dentistry can address a variety of oral health issues, including: Crooked teeth Discolored, stained, or dull teeth Gaps between your teeth Misshapen, twisted, or unevenly sized teeth Missing teeth Gummy smile Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth Smile Transformations You Can Afford Having a beautiful smile and natural-looking results require extensive training and an artistic touch. Our Thousand Oaks cosmetic dental team has dedicated their lives to the study and practice of advanced cosmetic dental procedures. At Thousand Oaks Dental we firmly believe that everyone should be able to achieve the smile of their dreams. Therefore, we work very hard to make sure that your desired treatment and results can fit into your budget. Please ask us about the many financing options that we offer. If you would like to learn more about the cosmetic dental services we provide, please call (805) 497-3726 or schedule an appointment today with Thousand Oaks Dental.

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening

  It's hard to imagine anything more appealing than a sparkling, white smile. Yet our teeth rarely stay as white as we'd like them to without a little help. Fortunately, that help is available right here at Thousand Oaks Dental. Teeth whitening done in a professional dental setting is a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. It's also perhaps the most economical cosmetic dental procedure. Depending on the whitening method you choose, results can be dramatic: in-office whitening, for example, can lighten teeth three to eight shades in a single hour. Professionally supervised whitening will work faster, and protect sensitive gums and tooth-root surfaces better, than over-the-counter whitening products. Having an oral exam before you begin any whitening process is an important first step, as we want to make sure your tooth discoloration is not the result of a dental condition in need of treatment. We also want you to be aware that it can be risky to have whitening solutions applied to your teeth by untrained personnel in shopping malls. If you have any questions about which whitening method would be best for you, we would be happy to answer them. Professional Whitening Methods Professional whitening makes use of high-concentration bleaching gels that are not available over the counter. In-Office Whitening — This technique offers the fastest results with the most powerful whitening solutions available. First, we will cover your gums and tooth-root surfaces with a protective barrier to ensure your safety. A thin plastic device known as a retractor will hold your lips and cheeks away from your teeth as we apply a professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel, which we will leave on for about an hour. When we remove the gel, the results will be obvious immediately. Take-Home Whitening — This is another effective way to whiten your teeth, though you will play a greater role in ensuring the best possible results and several weeks may be needed to achieve your desired level of whiteness. First, we will take a mold of your teeth and then have two thin, flexible plastic mouth trays custom-made for you — one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and then position the trays over your teeth. The trays are left in usually for about an hour at a time. Caring for Your Whitened Smile There are lots of things you can do to make sure your whitening results last as long as possible, and this will vary from person to person (six months to two years or even longer). First of all, please maintain your usual, conscientious routine of brushing and flossing every day, and keep up with your regular schedule of professional cleanings here at the dental office. Avoid foods and beverages that stain, including red wine, tea and coffee. If you smoke, use your newly whitened teeth as an impetus to quit — a good idea in any event! A minor touch-up every so often, either at home or here at the dental office, can keep your smile bright and beautiful for years.

  Link: Teeth Whitening

• Smile Makeovers

  A smile makeover uses several cosmetic procedures to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. Some examples of these procedures include Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening, Tooth Implants, and Dental Bonding. With a smile makeover by Thousand Oaks Dental, you’ll be confident because of your smile. Whether these issues have recently arisen, or if they have been around for years, we will work with you to deliver your winning smile! Beneficial for Patients Who Have: Misaligned or crowded teeth Missing Teeth A “gummy smile” Excessive gaps or spaces within the teeth Yellow teeth Worn-down teeth Together with Dr. Luthra, we can map out a comprehensive dental plan that will work for your needs and your budget. We will educate you on all of your options, so that no stone is left unturned. Click the links below to learn more about specific services to enhance your smile: Porcelain Veneers Teeth Whitening Aesthetic Restorations Thousand Oaks Dental is conveniently located in Thousand Oaks, CA and we are accepting new patients!

  Link: Smile Makeovers

• Dental Implants

  Thousand Oaks Dental Implant specialist, Dr. Vik Luthra, is proud to offer our patients Dental Implant treatments of the highest quality. Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacements for patients who have lost teeth or had teeth extracted. If you or someone you know is seeking a natural looking solution for tooth loss that can last a lifetime, we invite you to schedule an exam with Thousand Oaks Dental to find out how dental implants can work for you. What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is made up of three parts, making them the closest match to natural teeth. The components are the implant post, which takes the place of a root of a tooth, the abutment, and the crown. The Implant Post is similar to a small screw that is made of titanium, which is very friendly to the bone. The post fuses to the bone, creating a very strong bond that can last a lifetime when properly cared for. The Abutment is attached to the post after the implant post has fused to the bone. The abutment is a small metal cap that connects the crown to the implant post. The Crown is placed on the abutment that is very similar to any other crown that is done in your mouth on a tooth. It is color matched to neighboring teeth to provide a seamless smile that looks and feels natural. What does getting Dental Implants involve? Our doctors will perform a thorough exam which includes taking a 3D image to identify all the necessary information needed to make sure the implant process goes smoothly and all the options are taken into consideration. Understanding that every patient's situation is unique, Dr. Luthra will make sure he reviews all findings with his patient and all questions are answered. Our doctors specialize in implant dentistry. They are active in numerous professional associations and are committed to providing the highest level of personalized care to every patient. Dental Implants are the standard of care for patients that are missing one or several teeth. They can provide great stability for an existing denture that is feeling loose or can completely eliminate the need for a denture, and they never decay or need root canals. If you are missing teeth or are in need of teeth extraction and replacement, contact Thousand Oaks Dental to find out how dental implants can restore the health and function of your smile.

  Link: Dental Implants

• Dental Emergency

  Are you dealing with a dental emergency in Thousand Oaks? If you sustain an injury, or experience pain in your teeth or gums, it can cause serious issues or lead to infection. If you are experiencing any symptoms please contact our Thousand Oaks dental office immediately to determine if you need to be seen right away. Waiting too long can increase the chances of permanent tooth damage, as well as the need for more extensive treatment later on. Vik Luthra, DDS is an experienced emergency dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA. We understand that a dental emergency happens from time to time. Our office is here to help you through those emergencies in a timely manner. We make our very best effort to see emergency dentistry patients the very same day. When you call our office, we can provide advice over the phone for how to handle your situation until you can make it into the office. If Your Condition Requires Immediate Attention, Please Dial 911 What's Considered A Dental Emergency There is never a problem too big or too small for us to handle. Even if you’re considering whether or not to come in for a minor emergency, we can get you in to be seen to put your mind at ease. Some of the most common emergencies that are seen include: Pain, abscesses and infections Lost restorations (bridges, crowns, veneers, fillings) Orthodontic emergencies (broken brackets, cracked aligners, loose wires) Broken or cracked prosthetic appliances (dentures and partials) Cracked, fractured, chipped or broken teeth Tips For Dealing With Common Dental Emergencies Broken or missing crown or filling: It is unlikely that the restoration can be reused, but please save it if possible. Do not attempt to glue or reattach the dental filling or dental crown. Broken or knocked out teeth: If you have a broken or knocked out tooth, please contact our office immediately. Retrieve the tooth, if possible, holding it by the crown (the part that is normally exposed in your mouth). You may gently rinse the tooth with water to remove dirt, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments that may be attached. The ADA recommends storing the tooth in a small container with your own saliva or milk. Teeth have the greatest chance of being replaced in the socket within one hour of being knocked out. If it cannot be saved, our practice offers a full range of restorative dentistry services such as dental implants or dental bridges. Tooth Pain: One of the most common oral health concerns is a sudden toothache or tooth pain. There are a number of things that cause a toothache, our first suggestion may be to try brushing or flossing around the tooth to remove any trapped food or other particles. You may also try rinsing with warm water or a diluted salt solution. Broken Dentures or Broken Bridge: If possible, save the broken denture or bridge and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, dentures and bridges can be repaired. We will evaluate your denture or bridge and make the best recommendation for repair or replacement Contact Thousand Oaks Dental Dr. Luthra sets aside special time for emergency patients so we can get you in as quickly as possible. Contact us now so we can book the earliest possible appointment for you. We are your Thousand Oaks emergency dentist, and we are here for you!

  Link: Dental Emergency