We are excited to take your dental experience to the next level with our newly revamped website. Over the years, Thomas Blake, DDS, has built a sterling reputation for providing top-tier dental care to Santa Barbara, CA, residents and visitors. Now, we have breathed fresh life into our online presence, making it easier than ever for you to access information about our superior services and your oral health.
Dive into our website and discover the expansive range of dental specialties offered by Dr. Blake. We've comprehensively explained why our practice stands head and shoulders above the rest. We've also provided critical patient information, such as our practice policies and instructions for post-procedure care.
Proudly affiliated with prestigious organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Santa Barbara/Ventura County Dental Association, Dr. Blake attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry, San Francisco, back in 2001. Since then, he has continuously honed his skills and stayed abreast of dental advancements through ongoing education.
At the heart of his practice is biomimetic dentistry, a unique approach that seeks to retain as much natural tooth structure as possible during procedures. Coupled with biocompatible materials and composite fillings, this approach prioritizes both safety and strength for our patients.
We're delighted to share that the Santa Barbara Independent has honored us with the 2023 Best of Santa Barbara: Living Well award. This award is a testament to our commitment to excellence and a tangible symbol of the trust and recognition our community places in us.
But what sets us apart is our culture. As Dr. Thomas Blake says, "When you come into our practice, you’ll immediately notice the difference. We maintain a beautiful, calming space with comforting patient amenities. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond our physical location and incorporates advanced technology, materials, and techniques."
Our services include Preventive Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Full-Mouth Reconstruction, TMJ and Snoring Therapy, Digital Dentistry, and Dental Emergencies with same-day appointments on weekdays."
Visit Thomas Blake, DDS Today!
Visit us at 1515 State Street, Suite 1, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, or call us at 805-962-5000. Let Thomas Blake, DDS, be your trusted partner in dental health, providing top-notch, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Explore our website today and begin your journey to a healthier, brighter smile! journey to a healthier, brighter smile!
A dental hygiene cleaning is necessary to remove the soft biofilm (plaque) and calcified buildup (tartar) from the teeth both above and under the gum line. This helps lower the overall bacteria levels in your mouth and bloodstream and helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss. The hygienist uses special instrumentation to eliminate these bacterial colonies with efficiency.
During a dental cleaning the pockets in your mouth are measured, the measurements indicate the health of the gums and bone. Pockets measuring 1-3 millimeters without bleeding are considered healthy. Pockets measuring 4mm and above with bleeding indicate a level of periodontal disease. Your cleaning will be tailored to the specific state of your dental health. The types of dental cleanings are detailed below:
Prophy:
The word prophy is short for prophylaxis. The definition of prophylaxis is action taken to prevent disease. This type of cleaning is appropriate when a patient has healthy pink and firm gums with minimal plaque and tartar present. When the pockets are probed, the pockets measure 1-3mm with little to no bleeding and no bone loss on the X-rays. This is a preventive procedure and is typically performed every 6 months.
Scaling in the Presence of Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is reversible. Bacteria has caused an infection in the gums and the result is inflammation and bleeding. In the case of gingivitis, the infection is active but has not spread from the gums to the surrounding bone, therefore it is reversible. The dental cleaning will eliminate the buildup on the teeth as well as below the gum line. Topical anesthesia may be used to provide comfort and facilitate a thorough cleaning. If all of the bacteria and buildup are not removed, the infection will spread to the surrounding bone, which is called periodontitis. Scaling in the presence of gingivitis is typically performed every 3-4 months until the disease process has been reversed. Once the gums are healthy the recall interval will be extended to 6 months and a regular prophy will be appropriate. It is important that thorough home care is maintained to reverse the gingivitis.
Scaling and Root Planing:
Scaling and root planing, commonly known as “Deep Cleaning,” is indicated when periodontal disease is present and bacteria have caused an infection that has spread to the bone and surrounding tissue. If left untreated, this infection leads to tooth loss. During the root planing your hygienist will use local anesthesia to numb the area to clean deep under the gum line to the base of the pockets to remove bacteria and calcified deposits from the root surfaces. After treatment, periodontal maintenance visits are set every 3-4 months and oral hygiene must be kept meticulous. Although bone cannot regrow, the gums can reattach and the inflammation can subside leading to a stable periodontal condition.
Periodontal Maintenance:
Periodontal maintenance is performed after a patient has had scaling and root planing, gum grafts, gum surgery or dental implants. This type of patient requires more frequent maintenance to ensure the treatment they have undergone is properly maintained to improve the long-term prognosis. During the maintenance visits, we will probe the periodontal pockets and take X-rays to monitor the health of the gums and bone.
If you are in need of a dental cleaning, we welcome you to reach out to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Thomas Blake. Please call 805-962-5000 and a member of our team will get you scheduled as soon as possible.
Diluted Hypochlorite (Bleach) Rinse to Control Periodontal Disease in Adults
Research by Jorgen Slots, DDS
Deep pockets with bleeding suppuration on brushing or scaling indicate a periodontal infection is present. This infection places you at risk for serious medical diseases and tooth loss. Oral bacteria biofilm forms on teeth and implants. This initiates inflammation and can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth/implant loss.
Rinsing with a diluted hypochlorite (household bleach) solution can help control periodontal disease and improve your oral health. Click the bleach rinse study link to learn more about this treatment from Dr. Jorgen Slots’ research summary.
Diluted Hypochlorite (Bleach) Rinse Instructions
For Periodontal and Dental Implant Disease:
Dilution: 1 teaspoon in an 8-ounce cup of water of unscented 6% household bleach.
Directions: Rinse for 30 seconds every other day.
- Do not use undiluted.
- Dilution should taste no stronger than chlorinated pool water.
- Use under the supervision of a dentist.
- Do not swallow.
- Avoid breathing vapors.
- Store away from children.
- Avoid contact with eyes or skin.
- Do not use it while pregnant or nursing.
- Will stain clothing and fabric.
In the event of an accident call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Our dentist in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Thomas Blake, is pleased to provide a sodium hydroxide solution oral rinse to help manage gum disease. We invite you to give us a call at 805-962-5000 to make an appointment to learn more. Call today!
Article Source:
Published article in the Journal of Periodontal Research, Periodontal effects of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice-weekly oral rinse. A pilot study.
It is now October, and in less than three months, your remaining dental benefits for 2019 will run out. Think about it; instead of additional dollars in your paycheck, your company offers to help you fix your teeth.
Your employer benefits from the tax deductions, and you do not have to pay taxes on the money, because dental care is a health benefit. You work hard for this dental benefit!
Dr. Thomas Blake and our dental team want you to know that we work hard to make sure you receive every dollar you are entitled to. I have included a breakdown of the treatment that was presented to you in the past.
We would love for you to have this dentistry done now and enjoy improved dental health. Most dental benefit plans are based on a “use it or lose it” system. If you have been putting off treatment, please call Thomas Blake, DDS at 805-962-5000 to reserve an appointment before your unused benefits expire!
Here at Thomas Blake, DDS, we endeavor to use our new blog as a regular means for publishing valuable content for our community through monthly blog posts. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, we’re able to further explore some of the most important topics pertaining to our industry and area of expertise here on our website through these articles.
Each profession tends to be its own little niche, which is a good thing because it creates a unique space for our services and a place for you to learn and implement helpful ideas that can benefit you and the people you care about.
We’re excited to share this ongoing knowledge base of blog articles with this online community. These blogs provide timely and relevant information that’s conveniently accessible online. Indeed, we hope that this community will use the valuable information found in our regular blog posts, because they are an effective way for us to reach out to you on a monthly basis, while you still enjoy the comforts of your own home.
If you have any questions or want more information, we invite you to call our team at Thomas Blake, DDS in Santa Barbara, California, today at 805-962-5000. We look forward to helping you in any way we can, and we thank you for the opportunity!