Specialty Dental Services in Santa Cruz, CA
Why race across town to dentists you don’t know? We provide comprehensive, specialized dental care in one familiar place.
Dr. Matiasevich can help if you have bad breath. Contact us today for an appointment to learn more.
Dr. Matiasevich provides services for all kinds of teeth removal from basic retained baby teeth to more complicated wisdom teeth removal. If you do need a tooth removed we also offer Cosmetic Surgical Extractions. This is a way of removing teeth by preserving the adjacent bone and replacing the tooth with a synthetic bone graft (no human bone components). This prevents the bone and gum tissue from receding after healing.
Bone loss after an extraction can lead to unsightly defects that are then difficult to correct later even with high-end cosmetic or implant dentistry. Conservation and regeneration of the bone affords the patient more options for replacement at the time of extraction or at a later date.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Infection
The number one reason wisdom teeth are removed is due to infection. If there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt properly they collect food and debris around the tooth which can oftentimes be very difficult to clean properly. However, if not cleaned the tissue around the wisdom teeth becomes inflamed leading to periodontal disease and bone loss which may or may not be painful.
Crowding
Wisdom teeth can erupt into the mouth in an abnormal way causing teeth to shift or prevent other teeth from erupting properly. This can lead to bite issues in the mouth.
Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth can destroy the surrounding bony support of the adjacent teeth. In addition, their inability to erupt properly can lead to infection but also does not allow them to chew properly.
Pain
Some wisdom teeth as they erupt cause pain in the jawbone or back of the mouth.
The best time to remove wisdom teeth is before the roots of these teeth are fully formed. This generally occurs in the late teen years. Removal of wisdom teeth at this time in one’s life reduces the amount of complications and post operative healing. Delayed treatment generally is harder on the patient as the bone around wisdom teeth gets harder with time and the roots can form completely, sometimes around the nerve of the lower jaw.
As part of the advanced treatment for your gum and bone disease, we will be using a LASER to further improve the result of your care and to increase the long-term success of saving your teeth. Laser therapy is the exciting next step in the evolution of treatment to prevent further destruction from the bacteria infecting your mouth.
Why a laser?
- Provides benefits not possible with other regimens
- Faster healing
- Reduced risk of infection
- Decrease in post-care sensitivity
- Less bleeding
- Less post-treatment discomfort
- Improves long-term result of care
What can I expect?
As with all care, local anesthesia is used for your comfort. A high frequency ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove gross deposits on the teeth and root surfaces and to flush bacteria from the gum pockets around the teeth. A low wattage laser, which is safe for the delicate gum tissues, further eliminates the bacteria in the infected gum lining and pocket. Hand instrumentation removes any remaining minute deposits that bacteria can re-infect. Finally, a localized antibiotic is placed in the pocket to further reduce infection. This combination therapy gives your body the best chance possible to heal from the destructive processes destroying your bone.
What happens after laser treatment?
Following your care, our hygienist will continue to monitor you closely and retreat any trouble sites that may require special attention. Your long-term success hinges on BOTH the initial laser treatment AND regular maintenance and aggressive intervention in any further problem areas. There have never been better odds to save your teeth and avoid gum surgeries.
How much will my benefits cover?
Care for your gums is expensive. However, replacing all of your teeth is an even more expensive and time-consuming venture. In the long-term, preventing tooth loss is the more economical choice. For gum and bone disease treatment, your dental benefits will cover a portion of your care. We will provide an estimate to you and will work with you to fit your care into your budget and schedule. In addition, we can help arrange financing to help you get your care in an expedient manner. If you require an exact estimate of your out-of-pocket expense, the appropriate paperwork can be sent to your benefit carrier.
We look forward to helping you keep your teeth as healthy as possible!
Night Guards
Dr Matiasevich has extensive training in Occlusal Disease, Bruxism and TMJ Dysfunction. If you are in need of a bite or night guard, we can provide you with a solution. Night guards are custom made from the patient’s teeth and made of a dense hard acrylic with a soft internal lining that goes against the teeth. They act to protect your teeth, jawbones and muscles in order to reduce the symptoms of teeth grinding, clenching and/or jaw pain.
Whether it is the popular NTI or a more traditional full coverage night guard, Dr Matiasevich will discuss your options and help you make the best choice for your needs.
Occlusal Disease
Occlusal disease is a very serious condition that causes unnatural wear and damage to your teeth, often requiring expensive repairs. However, the damage is not limited to your teeth. Occlusal disease can also affect the tissues that support your teeth, and lead to facial pain, headaches, and TMD.
Common signs and symptoms of occlusal disease:
- Teeth that are sensitive to heat or cold
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth (bruxism)
- Notches on your teeth especially near the gums
- Front teeth that look thin, worn-out or chipped
- Waking up with tired facial muscles
- Teeth or dental work that fractures or breaks
- Jaw pain
- Unexplained headaches
Although occlusal disease has many causes the two main problems are having an unbalanced bite and premature tooth wear from involuntary teeth grinding (bruxism).
Dr. Matiasevich has advanced training in occlusion, TMJ, and bite disorders and can help you avoid costly consequences.
Even for people who grind their teeth uncontrollably, having a balanced bite is beneficial. Less damage is caused when you have an even bite that disperses forces more uniformly. Just like tires on your car, if properly balanced, you will have a longer tread life, so having your bite balanced will mean a healthier future for you and your teeth. In addition, wearing a mouth guard is the most basic way to protect the teeth from damage.
It is estimated that over 80% of the adult population suffers from periodontal disease. Dr. Matiasevich’s office offers a wide range of periodontal services including deep cleanings (scale and root planning), periodontal surgery, perio protect, laser hygiene, and perio-medicine (dna and bacteriologic studies and treatment).
SCALING & ROOT PLANING
sometimes referred to as a “periodontal” or “deep” cleaning is a method of treating periodontal disease by removal of plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth. A local or topical anesthetic may be used to reduce any discomfort.
PERIO PROTECT
Perio Protect is a medial device that delivers doctor chosen medication directly to the source of your periodontal disease. Perio Protect trays are worn as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing for minutes each day. The trays fit right over your teeth, are painless, easy and effective.
LASER HYGIENE
Laser dental hygiene is a tool used in our office to sterilize infected gum pockets. The use of the laser is painless, promotes faster healing and reduces inflammation.
PERIODONTAL SURGERY
Removal of plaque, tartar, and disease from the gums and bone as well as modifying the bony support of teeth by reshaping the attachment of the gums and bone.
PERIODONTAL MEDICINE (DNA AND BACTERIALOGICAL TESTING).
Several studies link chronic inflammation from periodontitis with the development of cardiovascular disease. By using a sample of your saliva, DNA and bacteria can be analyzed and a custom treatment plan developed that is specific to the periodontal infection present in your mouth.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding bones. This chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue and bones is the cause of 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons. Over the past decade, medical evidence has weighed in that these infections create more risk for heart disease, heart attacks, brain attacks (stroke) and diabetes. Many of our patients are currently in periodontal treatment, and together with dedicated home care and professional continuing care appointments, we can look forward to improvement and a halt to the advancement of their gum disease.
As part of your examination, we perform a risk assessment. We measure your gums to gauge the extent of disease by measuring the “pocket” depth around each tooth and whether infection is present (bleeding). X-rays detail the condition of the bone supporting your teeth. Advanced disease symptoms include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from the teeth, loose or separating teeth, puss between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way your teeth fit together, or a change in the fit of a partial denture. By the time any pain appears, it is usually too late and the disease is often untreatable.
Harmful bacteria are the primary cause of gum disease and genetics (certain genes related to how the body deals with inflammation) can also play a role. Poor nutrition, smoking and spit tobacco, high stress, and immune system problems are also more prone to problems and require aggressive intervention.
Treatment will be prescribed specifically for you. We can arrest the disease by “deep cleaning” and flushing the pockets with bacteria reducing medication. In addition, there are antibiotics for specific pockets that are resistant to treatment along with laser treatment. Treatment requires the skill and special instruments of a hygienist. The number of appointments you will need is dependent on the degree of your gum disease, and how your immune system responds to treatment. A local anesthetic will be used to make your treatment more comfortable, and nitrous oxide is also available. Following this treatment, periodontal (supportive) maintenance visits at intervals customized for your situation are necessary to prevent further problems.
We are proud of our soft tissue maintenance program. We want all of our patients to benefit from optimal oral health, and have the opportunity to enjoy their teeth and have improved whole body health their entire lifetime.
HEALTHY TEETH, HEALTHY HEART
Recent studies have linked periodontal disease with overall health risks including heart attacks and strokes. Learn more about Healthy Heart Dentistry, and this quick and easy screening exam.
Pinhole Surgical Technique™ AKA: Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™
Dr. Matiasevich is proud to provide a revolutionary new treatment for receding gums. The Pinhole Surgical Technique™, also known as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, requires no cutting or sutures and little downtime.
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is a new minimally invasive option for treating receded gums and sensitive teeth. The recovery time for Pinhole Surgical Technique™ is much quicker than with the traditional procedure for gum grafting.
Dr. Matiasevich is among the first group of 85 doctors in the world to be trained and certified in this new procedure. Gum recession can be caused by heavy-handed teeth-brushing, gum disease, or the normal aging process. Receding gums can make anyone look older, cause tooth sensitivity, and may lead to tooth loss.
The Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™, invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, has been shown on a number of television news stories and covered in newspaper articles across the country. This new technique allows Dr. Matiasevich the ability to treat multiple teeth in one visit restoring a healthy, natural-looking gum line and smile with minimum inconvenience and minimum pain.
Actual Patient Photos
A root canal is a procedure where the nerve of a tooth is removed because of infection, pain, decay, fracture, or abscess on a tooth. The goal of root canal therapy is to preserve the tooth in order to avoid extraction and more costly replacement alternatives.
Root canals have been stigmatized by the fact that historically the procedure was done over a number of very painful appointments. However, it is now possible to do a root canal in less than an hour with virtually no pain or discomfort. Most root canals generally require a crown after completion.
How does root canal therapy save my tooth?
- An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
- The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
- Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
- A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
- The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
- In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth.
Why people trust Dr. Matiasevich as their Santa Cruz sedation dentist
Feel safe. Dr. Matiasevich has helped thousands of anxious patients achieve comfort with their dental experience and most even overcome their fears.
Trust His Experience. As a general dentist offering sedation dentistry, Dr. Matiasevich helps anxious patients every day. He stays up-to-date with all the latest advances in patient comfort.
Be Comfortable. Dr. Matiasevich is known among his patients as being gentle and easy to talk with. He enjoys connecting with his patients and you will be hard-pressed to find another practitioner who is as easy going and concerned with your well being as Dr. Bob. Now that you know you will have absolutely no discomfort and virtually no memory of the experience, there is no reason to delay your treatment. Call our office today and let us tell you how this service could be of benefit to you or someone that you know.
Is the fear of the dentist holding you back from achieving a beautiful smile?
Sedation dentistry may be the ideal solution for you if:
- You’ve had a bad experience at the dentist.
- You dread going to the dentist for any reason.
- You have difficulty keeping your mouth open.
- You need a lengthy or invasive treatment.
- Have you been putting off going to the dentist because you are too afraid that it might hurt or will take too long?
If this sounds like you, then you will be excited to hear that we offer sedation dentistry!
Sedation provides a way of getting dental work done while totally relaxed and completely comfortable. During the procedure you will be very sleepy but you will be conscious and able to verbalize all of your needs and wants. You will be constantly monitored throughout the procedure. It is also important to remember that the sedatives used are amnesiacs and that you will have little or no memory of the procedure when we are done.
I am a white knuckle patient because of traumatic dental experiences as a girl. Dr. Bob Jr. is understanding, patient, and so gentle. His “chairside manner” is wonderfully positive. And his staff is also very helpful and kind to this very nervous lady.
-Jayme
I was very frightened, having implant surgery, and a bridge that had been in my mouth for 30 years had to be replaced. The process has been relatively painless, and I’m looking forward to having teeth again…I just feel like I’m in the best hands in the world with Dr. Bob.
-Barbara
In addition to offering a wide variety of I pod music, as well as videos, blankets and pillows, Dr. Matiasevich’s office, offers many amenities to help you relax and overcome your dental fears.
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) which has the added benefits of making time go by faster and immediately being out of your system by the time you leave the dental chair so there are no lingering effects.
We offer oral conscious sedation. This allows you to virtually sleep through your dental appointment by taking a tiny pill before your visit to help you relax and making the numbing process more profound and comfortable.
In addition, we also offer OraVerse, which is an anesthetic reversal agent that reverses the numbing feeling associated with dental work that many patients hate.
Overview
A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a musculoskeletal problem, which occurs as a result of injury or imbalance of the jaw joints, jaw muscles or teeth. Contributing factors to TMD include jaw postural imbalances, abnormal bite (malocclusion), abnormal joint function, and trauma or illness such as arthritis.
TMD is not just one disorder, but a group of conditions that painfully affect the TMJ and the muscles that open and close the mouth. The American Dental Association estimates that 10-14 million Americans have TMJ disorders; 80% of these are women between 24-50 years of age.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of TMD are noises and/or pain in the area around the ear and temple. Pain complaints may involve the chewing muscles, supporting ligaments, the jaw joints, the jaws or even the teeth. Other related signs and symptoms may include: headache, neck ache, ear pain, jaw fatigue, facial pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and eye pain.
Critical functions of chewing, swallowing, speaking and even breathing can involve the jaw joints and jaw muscles. In severe cases of TMD, the jaw can actually lock open or close compromising these functions.
Treatment
Using state of the art technology, Dr. Matiasevich will be able to give you a definitive diagnosis of your problem and the appropriate treatment. Diagnosis is the key to successfully treating your jaw joint, head, neck and facial pain.
Treatment of TMD is focused on correcting skeletal asymmetries to stabilize the injured parts of the body and then using physical therapy to rehabilitate those structures. Treatment is generally broken into two phases:
Phase I
The purpose of this phase is to reduce muscle spasms, TMJ swelling and dislocation if possible and generally to reduce pain. In addition, Phase I therapy should try and restore normal range of motion (opening and closing of the jaw).
Treatment modalities may include the use of intra-oral splints or orthotics, exercises, medications, injections of local anesthetic, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatment.
Phase II
The purpose of Phase II therapy is to correct the discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. Treatment modalities include occlusal (bite) adjustments, orthodontics, orthopedics, reconstruction of the teeth (crown, bridge and implants), prosthetic dentistry including overlay partials, complete dentures, partial dentures, surgery or a combination of the above.