Welcome to Washington Dental in East Los Angeles. Irrespective of whether it is time for your regular checkup or you are interested in our innovative orthodontic care, be assured our team is committed to ensuring your experience is as stress-free as possible.

Our team of professionals includes dentists, technicians, and hygienists who are experienced and trained to meet your oral health needs. This is done through ongoing training as well as continuing education in modern equipment and techniques.

From our friendly customer care, highly-advanced technology, our serene décor, and comfortable atmosphere we‘ve created, you will feel comfortable from the beginning of your visit to when you leave. Our facility offers only the best because that is what we believe our well-esteemed patients are worth. Whether you need a thorough hygiene visit, extensive restorative procedure, or drill-free filling, we can handle all your dental needs on-site in comfort and safety.

We understand that oral health is fundamental to your overall health. Therefore, we strive to offer our clients comprehensive and lifetime care. We will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that not only solves your immediate needs but also establishes preventable measures that make sure your smile lasts forever.   

Service We Offer

At Washington Dental, we believe in offering extensive treatment and qualified dental services that address both long and short-term dental care needs. We discuss all your exam findings as well as treatment recommendations with you. This helps you understand your oral health status and the type of treatment required.

Dental Care for Children

We love helping children in keeping their smiles healthy. Not only do we schedule appointments for children as young as two years of age but also provide the care and gentle hands that children require.

Dental Implants

When a tooth is lost as a result of an accident or decay, a dental implant may be the best solution. A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is integrated with your bone to replace the damaged or missing tooth's root.

Cosmetic Dentistry

There are very many ways to change, shape, and sculpt the appearance of your smile to make you more beautiful and confident. We offer tooth whitening, crown, dental implants, composite restoration, and veneers. Other services provided by our dentists are discussed in detail on this page.

About Us

With a convenient office location in East Los Angeles, our dental professionals offer comprehensive dental care to patients in a relaxing and warm atmosphere. When you walk into our office, you will notice the difference between our dental practice and most others. We have patient amenities such as internet bar and parking, as well as contemporary designs that make you feel comfortable and relaxed.   

Moreover, our practice provides extended hours to allow working professionals to visit our office before and after working hours. We also provide competitive pricing and accept most insurance plans.

Who We Are

More often than not, a trip to a dentist can be intimidating. At Washington Dental, we are working against this trend, and are committed to providing friendly and warm dental treatment in a welcoming environment.

As a renowned company in East Los Angeles, your comfort is our priority. Whether it's our customer support staff, cosmetic dentistry staff, emergency crew, or pediatric specialists, you can expect outstanding expertise and experience. For many years, we have brought a team of highly trained specialists to offer a new experience in dentistry.

What We Do

At Washington Dental, we combine the warmth and friendliness of practice with the latest techniques and advancement of modern dental practice. Through one-on-one visits with our dentists and personalized patient education, we are committed to helping our patients in making the right decisions. We understand the role of maintaining a healthy smile in your quality of life and overall wellness. That is why we offer free digital x-ray and dental exams to all our new patients.

How We Help

Washington Dental was founded with the belief that addressing dental treatment and care in a friendly and comprehensive manner is the only way to improve your oral health and earn your trust. Unlike most dentists, we offer a wide range of services under one roof. We have specialists in:

  • Family dentistry,
  • Cosmetic dentistry,
  • Emergency dentistry,
  • Dental Insurance, and
  • Pediatric dentistry.

Washington Dental Services

Smile with confidence by booking an initial appointment with us. We offer comprehensive dental services to patients of different age groups. Our skilled team is dedicated to offering the most effective dental care possible to you and your family and would love to become your dentist. By using the latest technological advancement, we make sure our patients receive the best. Let us keep your family's smile beautiful and healthy from childhood to retirement and beyond. Below are some of the services we offer:

Free Dental Exams

Regular dental exams are a significant part of preventive health care. During the exam, our dentists will clean your teeth as well as check for gum disease and cavities. A dental exam comprises of checking your mouth, face, and neck for abnormalities. It could also include x-rays among other diagnostic procedures.

The dentist will also discuss oral hygiene habits, diet, and demonstrate proper flossing and brushing techniques. Other topics could include possible cosmetic options and lifestyles that affect your oral health.

Digital X-Rays

We also use digital x-rays to monitor, diagnose, and treat oral diseases that are almost invisible to the naked eye. We offer different types of x-rays. The type of x-ray needed depends mainly on the kind of care you want to receive.

The dentist will cover you with a lead apron to protect you from radiation, then insert a small plastic apparatus in your mouth and then ask you to bite it. Continuous x-ray images of the target area will be taken until we obtain images for the whole mouth. This process is not painful and less time-consuming.   

White Tooth Fillings

Unlike other types of filling, white fillings blend in the appearance of your natural teeth. To treat a cavity created by plaque decay or bacteria, we will remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill it. We will then apply the composite filling as a series of layers so that the final result is healthy, natural-looking, and durable.

Terms and Questions

Dental Implants

Despite the improvements in dental care, thousands of people suffer tooth loss as a result of periodontal disease, accident, or decay. One of the best available treatment options is dental implants.

A dental implant replaces the missing tooth's root. It provides a strong foundation for permanent or removable teeth that match natural teeth.

Advantages of a dental implant include improved appearance, improved comfort, improved speech, easier eating, and improved oral health, among others.

How Successful is a Dental Implant?

The success rate of a dental implant procedure varies depending mainly on where the implant was done. However, with proper care, an implant can last a lifetime.

What To Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Just like any surgery, you will experience discomfort. Local anesthesia or IV for oral sedation can be used to reduce any discomfort. Most patients report implants are less painful compared to tooth extraction.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants Costs?

Currently, dental implants aren't covered by dental insurance. However, coverage under your medical policy may be possible depending on your insurance plan and the cause of tooth loss. For more information on how your needs relate to insurance, contact our insurer and our customer support.

Dental Implant Preparation

Your dentist will ask you to follow the following pre-operative instructions:

  • Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Use prescribed antibiotics a few days before the procedure
  • Take a substantial breakfast on the day of the procedure. However, if you have the implant done under IV sedation, you should not consume anything after the night before the procedure.

Main Phrases of Dental Implants Procedure

  1. X-rays

The dentist will use dental x-rays for prognostic and evaluative purposes. Different types of dental x-rays used include panoramic x-rays, x-rays, and 3D CT scan.

  1. Impressions

The dentist will then take your mouth's impression, which is a model of your teeth, surrounding tissues, and gums. They will decide the correct size of the metal or plastic impression tray and then fill it with a liquid that could be either polyvinyl siloxane or alginate.

You will then be asked to bite the impression tray. The liquid will set after a few minutes, becoming a solid mass. The impression tray will then be removed before being taken to a laboratory for processing.

It's worth noting that impression can cause discomfort to patients who experience difficulties while swallowing or have an acute gag reflex. The best way to go about it is by sharing your fears with the dentist.

  1. Tooth Extraction

The next step involves extracting the tooth if it still exists. It takes a few minutes to pull the tooth, but you'll feel some tugging and pressure as the dentist wiggles your tooth out.

You should not smoke, blow your nose, split excessively or drink using a straw for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Doing so could lead to unnecessary pain or a dry socket.

  1. Implant

Once the existing tooth is taken out, the dentist will drill a hole in the jawbone. Moreover, in cases where suturing will be necessary, they may make an incision in the gum. This exposes your bone. The dentist will then insert an implant into the jawbone. It will serve as the new tooth's artificial root.

This step takes approximately two hours, and you can get back to your normal job after the procedure. Nevertheless, you should consume soft foods for a week.

  1. Abutment Placement

As the jawbone heals, it bonds with your dental implant. This could take a couple of weeks. It is hard to tell how long it will take since it varies with patients. Once the dentist determines the implant is stable, an abutment that acts as a connector to the crown is placed on top. The abutment is made tighter using a dental torque wrench to ensure it does not fall off when chewing.  

There are instances where abutment could be placed simultaneously with the implant. However, be sure to talk over this option with the dentist prior since abutment extends the gum line and will be visible.

  1. Permanent Crown

Finally, a permanent crown will be attached to voila and abutment.

Dental Bridges

As the name suggests, a dental bridge bridges a gap created by a missing tooth/teeth. It is made of a false tooth that is held by abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. The false teeth could be made from porcelain, alloys, gold, or a blend of these materials.

Advantages of Bridges

  • Hinders left behind teeth from drifting out of position
  • Makes eating easier
  • Maintains your face's shape
  • Restores speech ability and smile

What are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

  • Traditional

A traditional bridge is used when a patient has natural teeth on both sides of the gap. It consists of false teeth being held by crowns that have been cemented onto abutment teeth.

  • Cantilever

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional dental bridge. However, it requires only one natural tooth next to the gap.

  • Maryland Bridge

Maryland dental bridge uses two natural teeth each on both sides of the gap. It employs a porcelain or metal framework that is fused onto the abutment teeth.  

  • Implant-supported Bridge

This type uses dental implants that are surgically placed for each missing tooth.

Dental Bridge Procedure

During your first appointment, the abutment teeth are prepared for a crown. The preparation consists of taking away a portion of enamel to create room for the crown. Then your teeth impressions are made. The dentist will then make you a temporary bridge that protects the exposed gums and teeth.

During your second visit, the temporary bridge will be taken off, and a permanent bridge will be checked if it fits. Once the permanent bridge is fixed, the dentist will temporarily cement it for a few weeks to ensure it fits well before cementing it permanently.

So how much does a dental bridge cost? It depends on the number of teeth, placement complexity, materials used, and additional dental treatment like gum disease.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that straightens a patient's teeth without using the traditional metal braces. It involves putting on custom-made, clear plastic aligners that shift teeth into the right position.

The cost of aligners depends on the extent of alignment you require and the number of aligners you need throughout the treatment.

How Do you Know Tooth Extraction Is Necessary?

Tooth extraction is a procedure where a tooth that is causing pain gets removed. Although many people require this procedure, very few know much about it. To get a better understanding of tooth extraction, here is a guide.

There are several reasons why a dentist may prescribe tooth extraction. They include:

  • When a tooth is impacted and stops growing naturally
  • To create room in your mouth for tooth alignment
  • When a tooth is badly damaged and cannot be repaired

To know if you need an extraction, visit a dentist for a dental examination. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, have the tooth removed as soon as possible. Next, the dentist will conduct an X-ray to determine the type of treatment you require. You could also be asked about your medical and dental history as well as a list of allergies.

If your tooth is already exposed, the dentist will perform tooth extraction using local anesthesia. If it is broken or partially exposed, the dentist will recommend surgical tooth extraction that uses strong anesthesia. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions about diet if you undergo the surgical procedure. Also, make sure you have someone to take you home after the procedure.

Expect to experience pain and swelling after the procedure. Swelling is normal and can be reduced by placing ice packs on the swollen areas.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over teeth to cover the teeth. They restore the teeth's size, strength, shape, and improve their appearance. When cemented, a crown fully encases the visible part of a tooth that lies above and at the gum line. A permanent crown could be made from metals, stainless steel, all ceramic, and all resin.

Typically, a dental crown can last up to fifteen years. Its life span depends on your oral hygiene practices, amount of wear and tear the dental crown is exposed to, and your personal mouth-related habits.  

General Dentistry FAQs

  • Why Should You Visit a Dentist Regularly?

Most people only visit a dentist when they have a problem. While you may feel you are saving money, it ends up costing you more time and money. This is because most dental conditions such as tooth decay don't have signs and symptoms until they reach advanced stages of the ailment.

  • Why Should You Floss? Isn't Brushing Enough?

Flossing removes all the bacteria that a toothbrush cannot reach. If you fail to floss, you will have plaque between your teeth that eventually hardens into tartar. Request your dental professional to show you how to floss at your next appointment.

Contact Us For More Information

A smile is the most valuable attribute any person can have. It is the first thing people see when you enter a room. It also boosts confidence. Why risk that to just anyone? Our expertise at Washington Dental in East Los Angeles helps us suggest the best treatment plan for you and your loved ones. From family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, we've got the technology and knowledge to offer a wide range of services that meet all your needs under one roof. Call us today at 213-765-0004 for more information. We have 3 convenient locations to help serve you: Carson Dental Office, Downtown Los Angeles Dental Office, Lomita Dental Office.