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Dr. Joseph Lee

Dentist

<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Traditional and Functional Orthodontics, Implants, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ Disorders) and Sleep Disordered Breathing</span></p>
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Dr. Joseph Lee
  • Mountain View, California
  • UCLA School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Do fillings hurt without anesthesia?

Fillings are typically done when decay is suspected to have reached the dentin, the layer of tooth beyond the protective outer enamel layer. The dentin layer is highly sensitive READ MORE
Fillings are typically done when decay is suspected to have reached the dentin, the layer of tooth beyond the protective outer enamel layer. The dentin layer is highly sensitive and anesthesia is typically required for comfort.

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

How successful are dental bone grafts?

There are different types of bone grafts. They can be highly successful, but they are technique sensitive.

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Should you floss before or after brushing?

You should floss before you brush. You want to brush away germs and plaque after it’s loosened by the floss. In addition, the fluoride in toothpaste needs to contact the surface READ MORE
You should floss before you brush. You want to brush away germs and plaque after it’s loosened by the floss. In addition, the fluoride in toothpaste needs to contact the surface you just flosses in order to help remineralize that portion of “damaged” tooth.

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Are you awake during dental implant surgery?

You have choices in different levels of anesthesia. You can have dental implants placed with a simple local anesthetic and be awake for the procedure. Alternatively, you can also READ MORE
You have choices in different levels of anesthesia. You can have dental implants placed with a simple local anesthetic and be awake for the procedure. Alternatively, you can also do conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. The majority of "average" implant surgeries can be placed while awake with a local anesthetic and most take 5-10 minutes to
place the implant. It is technically less traumatic than having a tooth removed. I have been placing them that way for a decade. If you are anxious, can't get numb easily, have a major implant surgery, or just don't want to be awake for it, you can choose deeper levels of sedation.

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can you get a mouth cyst removed at this time?

Yes, you can. You just need to find an office prepared to manage patients during this time.

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can I get a crown without a root canal?

Yes, you can get a crown without a root canal. A root canal is only performed if the nerve of the tooth is damaged, by any means. It is the "plumbing" system. A crown is done when READ MORE
Yes, you can get a crown without a root canal. A root canal is only performed if the nerve of the tooth is damaged, by any means. It is the "plumbing" system. A crown is done when the structure of the tooth itself is damaged significantly. Each treatment option should be addressed separately.

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can you get a cavity under a veneer?

Yes, as long as there is any part of your tooth that is natural, you can get a cavity. Only dental implant can’t get cavities. The source of the cavity can come from decay that READ MORE
Yes, as long as there is any part of your tooth that is natural, you can get a cavity. Only dental implant can’t get cavities. The source of the cavity can come from decay that wasn’t removed or decay that forms on any part of the natural tooth (usually at the junction of the tooth and veneer).

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

What happens if you don't have enough bone for dental implants?

If you need more bone for a dental implant, you can have some bone grafting done if you are a proper candidate. There are many techniques available and a qualified surgeon or general READ MORE
If you need more bone for a dental implant, you can have some bone grafting done if you are a proper candidate. There are many techniques available and a qualified surgeon or general dentist that places implants should be consulted.

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can a dental bridge be repaired?

Typically, a dental bridge cannot be repaired. Bridges made of zirconia are milled from blocks of material. Metal-porcelain bridges are a combination of cast metals and porcelain READ MORE
Typically, a dental bridge cannot be repaired. Bridges made of zirconia are milled from blocks of material. Metal-porcelain bridges are a combination of cast metals and porcelain that is baked in a furnace.

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS
Diplomate, American Board of Craniofacial Pain
Diplomate, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine
Fellow, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Mountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
74 W. El Camino Real
Mountain View CA, 94040
P: (650) 988-9458
F: (650) 961-6929
www.drjoelee.com

What helps swollen gums from dentures?

You should see your dentist. Any excessive rubbing of the denture against the soft gums will cause swelling and/or ulceration of the tissue. Your dentist should be able to use READ MORE
You should see your dentist. Any excessive rubbing of the denture against the soft gums will cause swelling and/or ulceration of the tissue. Your dentist should be able to use a paste to see where the denture is irritating the gum tissue.

Warmest Regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?

Typically, headaches related to wisdom teeth occur more frequently when the affected tooth is a lower one. You should have an evaluation from a dentist as soon as you can. Warmest READ MORE
Typically, headaches related to wisdom teeth occur more frequently when the affected tooth is a lower one. You should have an evaluation from a dentist as soon as you can.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Does cavity pain go away?

Cavities typically do not cause spontaneous pain. Spontaneous pain can happen when the nerve is affected. This may indicate that you might need a root canal. Proper evaluation READ MORE
Cavities typically do not cause spontaneous pain. Spontaneous pain can happen when the nerve is affected. This may indicate that you might need a root canal. Proper evaluation by a dentist should be performed.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

What kind of doctor should I see for TMJ?

A dentist who is very well trained to treat TMJ disorders. A dental TMJ specialist.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Can bad breath be caused by dental issues?

Tooth decay and gum disease are the two most common problems associate with bad breath. Dry mouth and acid reflux can also cause it. Warmest regards, Joseph J. Lee, DDS READ MORE
Tooth decay and gum disease are the two most common problems associate with bad breath. Dry mouth and acid reflux can also cause it.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Should I seek a periodontal consultation for my bleeding gums?

To start, you should visit a general dentist for a comprehensive initial evaluation.

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

What can sensitive teeth mean?

You could have gum recession, broken fillings, cracked teeth, or need a root canal. There are many other potential problems and you should visit a dentist soon for an accurate READ MORE
You could have gum recession, broken fillings, cracked teeth, or need a root canal. There are many other potential problems and you should visit a dentist soon for an accurate diagnosis.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

I need surgery on two impacted wisdom teeth. How long is the recovery after this procedure?

If the teeth are simple to remove and an incision isn’t made, then 1 week should be fine. However, if they are the “typical” impacted wisdom teeth, it could take 10-14 days to READ MORE
If the teeth are simple to remove and an incision isn’t made, then 1 week should be fine. However, if they are the “typical” impacted wisdom teeth, it could take 10-14 days to be able to really eat well.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS