A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.

Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.

Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

A healthy, beautiful smile leaves a lasting first impression. Keeping your smile looking its best takes diligent care, and sometimes help from a trained cosmetic professional. Dr. Jonathan Kalika and his associates offer cosmetic dental services in Mesa.

If you have cracked, chipped, discolored, or uneven teeth, we have a solution for you. Contact Dental Center of Mesa and schedule a cosmetic consultation.

Treatments we offer include:

Bonding and white fillings repair chipped teeth and fill small cavities. This composite, tooth-colored filling easily blends with the color of enamel, making for a natural-looking restoration.

Porcelain crowns and bridges are life-like restorations that resemble natural teeth. Crowns restore the structure of treated or damaged teeth, and bridges replace a small section of missing teeth.

Veneers cover imperfections on teeth and create a uniformly beautiful smile. This procedure changes the size, shape, and color of teeth using thin porcelain shells that are placed over the tooth’s enamel.

Teeth Whitening brightens the smile by several shades using professional grade material. We offer both an in-office and take-home option, allowing patients to whiten their smile at their convenience.

Gum Contouring reshapes the size of teeth to make them even. This procedure addresses issues like gummy smiles or uneven teeth.
Same-Day Crowns and Lab-Quality Restorations

Depending on what the patient needs and desires, we provide them with reliable, convenient solutions. Whether looking for immediate results or undergoing a meticulous, thorough treatment plan, our practice is equipped to provide everything patients need to achieve their goals.

We offer same-day crowns as well as lab-produced restorations. This gives our practice the flexibility to provide crowns in one visit when needed or to produce a high quality veneers or restorations from our local prosthetic technician.
Experience Quality Service

We work hand-in-hand with patients, developing treatment plans to reach each person’s goals. We look to improve the patient’s quality of life using reliable, affordable dental care. We give patients options in their care and educate them on the different benefits of each service we offer.

Dental Center of Mesa also offers second opinion cosmetic evaluations. If you’re wondering if a procedure is right for you, Dr. Kalika and his associates offer their professional opinion at no cost to the patient.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Next Treatment

Our motto is to do it with love or not at all. Dr. Kalika and his team are dedicated to helping patients improve their health and beauty with personalized treatments.

We strive to deliver affordable cosmetic enhancements to our neighborhood. Call Dental Center of Mesa and schedule an appointment with Dr. Kalika for reliable cosmetic dental services.

Our teeth are susceptible to infection, damage, and other complications. Many of these issues are progressive and worsen if they are not addressed by a professional. Dental Center of Mesa provides restorative care to people in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and other surrounding areas.

A functional, comfortable smile is the goal of our restorative services. Based on a patient’s need, Dr. Kalika and his associates recommend procedures, such as:

Tooth fillings are a basic, but effective restorative service that helps teeth with minor chips or decay. The composite resin used to refill the affected area is natural-colored and may be applied to a variety of surfaces in teeth.

Same-day crowns are convenient for patients. They are nearly, if not equally, as strong as crowns created in a lab, enclosing a tooth previously affected by heavy discoloration or minor breakage.

Bridges are useful when a tooth has been dislodged or extracted, but surrounding teeth are still healthy. They can replace up to several teeth with a custom-made device that prevents the progress of certain dental issues attributed to absent teeth.

Partial and full-dentures are personalized prosthetics assembled from the measurements taken by one of our doctors at Dental Center of Mesa. These dentures can replace a small section (partial) or full arc of teeth with a comfortable appliance.

Root Canal therapy refers to removing the infected interior (called pulp) from a tooth. It is a crucial restorative procedure designed to preserve the original tooth and prevent extraction.
Dental Implant Restoration

One of the most durable options for tooth replacement is a dental implant, designed to restore both the root and the crown. The implant consists of a titanium post that fuses with the jawbone, providing a strong anchor for a prosthetic crown. Crowns are attached to the post, for a natural, life-like and beautiful restoration. Dental implants can support crowns for multiple teeth, a single tooth or a full arch of teeth. Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation

Delaying restorative treatment can often lead to more invasive dental work. We treat a wide range of issues as trusted dental specialists. Let us help you achieve a smile that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with ease; call Dr. Kalika and his associates to schedule an appointment today!

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions*). Orthodontic treatment is provided by an oral health care provider known as an orthodontist, who has completed two to three years of additional training beyond dental school.

Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patient’s smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontia not only as a medical necessity, but for cosmetic reasons as well.

Whether it’s traditional braces or custom made removable appliances, orthodontics can help you have the healthy, straight, beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for!

Give us a call today and schedule your orthodontic consultation!

*Malocclusion is the technical term for teeth that don’t fit together correctly. Malocclusions not only affect the teeth, but also the appearance of the face. Most malocclusions are inherited; however some are due to acquired habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. The spacing left from an adult tooth being extracted or an early loss of a baby tooth can also contribute to a malocclusion.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists with advanced training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various head and neck conditions and injuries. After four years of dental school, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes four to six years of additional formal training in treating the craniomaxillofacial complex. This specialty is one of 9 dental specialties recognized internationally and by the American Dental Association (ADA).

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can diagnose and treat a wide variety conditions. The following are just some of the many conditions, treatments and procedures oral and maxillofacial surgeon deal with on a daily basis:

TMJ, Facial Pain, & Facial Reconstruction
Dental Implants
Tooth Extractions & Impacted Teeth
Wisdom Teeth
Misaligned Jaws
Cleft Lip & Palate
Apicoectomy
Oral Cancers , Tumors, Cysts, & Biopsies
Sleep Apnea
Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Whether your dentist refers you to our office, you have pain or symptoms causing you concern, or you simply have questions you would like answered, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We are here to answer your questions and provide the treatment you deserve!
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The term “periodontics” refers to the dental specialty that pertains to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease that affects the gums and jawbone. The gum tissues serve to surround and support the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors teeth firmly in place. Periodontists have completed several years of extra dental training and are concerned with maintaining the function, health and aesthetics of the jawbone and tissues.

Reasons for periodontal treatment

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which begins with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults living in the developed world, and should be taken very seriously. Periodontal disease (often called gum disease) is typically signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but in some cases has no noticeable symptoms.

Periodontal disease generally begins when the bacteria living in plaque cause an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth, causing them to become irritated and painful. Eventually, this infection will cause the jawbone to recede and the tooth to become loose.

There are several reasons why periodontal treatment may be necessary:

Moderate/advanced gum disease – This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone has begun to recede.

Localized gum recession – The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area. Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly. Immediate treatment is required to prevent further spreading.

Before crown lengthening – The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure.

Ridge augmentation – This procedure, often called “recontouring” may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before embarking on treatment, a periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.

In the case of mild/moderate periodontal problems, the focus of the periodontist will be on curing the underlying bacterial infection and then providing advice on the most appropriate home cleaning methods.

Sometimes a deep scaling is needed to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth and tissues. Where periodontal disease is advanced and the jawbone has regressed significantly, more intensive cleaning may be recommended and loose teeth that cannot be saved will be removed.

The periodontist is trained in all aspects of dental implant procedures, which can restore functionality to the mouth when teeth have been affected by periodontitis.

Because periodontal disease is progressive, it is essential to remove the bacteria and calculus build up to halt the spread of the infection. Your dentist will be happy to advise you on effective cleaning methods and treatment options.

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the complex structures found inside the teeth. The Greek word “Endodontics” literally means “inside the tooth” and relates to the tooth pulp, tissues, nerves, and arterioles. Endodontists receive additional dental training after completing dental school to enable them to perform both complex and simple procedures, including root canal therapy.

Historically, a tooth with a diseased nerve would be removed immediately, but endodontists are now able to save the natural tooth in most cases. Generally, extracting the inner tooth structures, then sealing the resulting gap with a crown restores health and functionality to damaged teeth.

Signs and symptoms of endodontic problems:

Inflammation and tenderness in the gums.
Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold foods.
Tenderness when chewing and biting.
Tooth discoloration.
Unexplained pain in the nearby lymph nodes.

Reasons for endodontic treatment

Endodontic treatment (or root canal therapy) is performed to save the natural tooth. In spite of the many advanced restorations available, most dentists agree that there is no substitute for healthy, natural teeth.

Here are some of the main causes of inner tooth damage:

Bacterial infections – Oral bacteria is the most common cause of endodontic problems. Bacteria invade the tooth pulp through tiny fissures in the teeth caused by tooth decay or injury. The resulting inflammation and bacterial infection jeopardize the affected tooth and may cause an abscess to form.

Fractures and chips – When a large part of the surface or crown of the tooth has become completely detached, root canal therapy may be required. The removal of the crown portion leaves the pulp exposed, which can be debilitating painful and problematic.

Injuries – Injuries to the teeth can be caused by a direct or indirect blow to the mouth area. Some injuries cause a tooth to become luxated or dislodged from its socket. Root canal therapy is often needed after the endodontist has successfully stabilized the injured tooth.

Removals – If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the socket, it is important to rinse it and place it back into the socket as quickly as possible. If this is impossible, place the tooth in special dental solution (available at pharmacies) or in milk. These steps will keep the inner mechanisms of the tooth moist and alive while emergency dental treatment is sought. The tooth will be affixed in its socket using a special splint, and the endodontist will then perform root canal therapy to save the tooth.

What does an endodontic procedure invlove?

Root canal therapy usually takes between one and three visits to complete. Complete X-rays of the teeth will be taken and examined before the treatment begins.

Initially, a local anesthetic will be administered, and a dental dam (protective sheet) will be placed to ensure that the surgical area remains free of saliva during the treatment. An opening will be created in the surface of the tooth, and the pulp will be completely removed using small handheld instruments.

The space will then be shaped, cleaned, and filled with gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a biocompatible material that is somewhat similar to rubber. Cement will be applied on top to ensure that the root canals are completely sealed off. Usually, a temporary filling will be placed to restore functionality to the tooth prior to the permanent restoration procedure. During the final visit, a permanent restoration or crown will be placed.

If you have questions or concerns about endodontic procedures, please contact our office.

In recent years, laser dentistry has superseded many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more precise and less painful. This newer style of dentistry utilizes intense beams of light projected by a dental laser. Dental lasers can be used to perform a wide variety of treatments, including soft tissue shaping and removal.

The FDA deemed laser dentistry to be safe for public usage in 1990. Since then, many dentists have incorporated dental lasers into everyday procedures – reducing bleeding, anxiety and post-treatment recovery times. The beauty of dental lasers is that they damage far less of the surrounding tissue than traditional techniques – which means less discomfort and pain.

Here are some of the other benefits associated with laser dentistry:

Faster healing and tissue regeneration.
Preservation of more of the natural tooth.
Reduced bleeding during and after treatment.
Reduced need for anesthesia.
Reduced need for stitches and sutures.
Reduced risk of bacterial infections after procedures.

How can laser dentistry help me?

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and plays an important role in a growing number of common dental procedures. Though laser dentistry is most notably associated with cosmetic treatments, it is equally effective for preventative purposes.

Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

Tooth preparation – Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling. Lasers can now completely eliminate the need for drilling and anesthesia. Lasers also successfully kill oral bacteria around the surgical site.
Reshaping soft tissue – Dental lasers can dissolve soft tissue to expose more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening), reshape soft tissue to make “gummy smiles” more attractive, and remove uncomfortable soft tissue folds caused by denture wear.
Frenectomy – Lasers can improve speech and the feeding habits of babies, children and adults by untying the tongue.
Tumor removal – When benign tumors have formed in the soft tissue areas of the mouth, a dental laser can completely remove them without causing pain.
Whitening – Lasers can greatly expedite the tooth whitening process by increasing the activity of the particles in the peroxide bleaching solution.
Biopsy – Lasers are sometimes used to perform a biopsy on suspicious areas of soft tissue. This biopsy procedure can be performed instantly and with great precision.

How are laser procedures performed?

Different types of dental laser have been created to treat different conditions. Each laser uses a different wavelength of light, which predicates its best use. The most common types of dental laser are carbon dioxide lasers and diode lasers, which are usually employed to treat soft tissue problems. The dentist will decide which type of laser is best to use after conducting X-rays and a thorough examination.

The laser beam is extremely bright, and special glasses will be provided to protect the eyes. The dentist will then direct the beam at the affected area and carefully dissolve the soft tissue, harden the filling or whiten the teeth.

The procedure will take far less time than conventional methods, and cause far less anxiety and discomfort. The only real disadvantage of laser dentistry is that it can prove to be more expensive.

Prosthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, planning and executing restorative and cosmetic treatments. Dentists who choose to specialize in prosthodontics must complete three or four more years of dedicated training following dental school.

A prosthodontist is in essence an architect, who formulates a comprehensive treatment plan and informs the patient as to what is possible. Missing or defective teeth can be extremely detrimental to self-esteem and self-confidence. Using the latest technology, a prosthodontist is able to fill these gaps with functional, natural-looking teeth that boost confidence and enhance the smile.

There are many reasons why a prosthodontist may be consulted, including (but not limited to):

Creation of partial or full sets of dentures.
Desire to whiten the teeth or improve the aesthetics of the smile.
Filling gaps created by one or more missing teeth.
Interest in dental implants.

What treatments can the prosthodontist perform?

Prosthodontic treatments are designed to be functional, long lasting and pleasing to the eye. These procedures can only be completed on generally healthy teeth. Issues like gum disease need to be controlled before prosthodontic treatments can begin.

There are an ever-increasing number of hi-tech prosthodontic treatments available including the following:

Dental Implants – Implants are designed to replace the natural teeth in the best possible way. Titanium roots are implanted in the jawbone in the same way as natural tooth roots. Implants look and feel the same as natural teeth.

Dental Veneers – Veneers are porcelain/ceramic covers that are bonded to the natural teeth. Veneers can instantly solve problems like uneven teeth, stained teeth, and chips and damage caused by general wear and tear.

Dental Crowns – Prosthetic crowns are generally made from porcelain, metal or a combination of the two. They have been designed to mimic the natural crown (surface of the tooth) and can last for up to a decade, and possibly longer.

Dental Bridges – Conventional and cantilever bridges are used to support a prosthetic tooth. The natural teeth can support the bridge if they are in good condition, or dental implants may be used as anchors.

Complete Dentures – A complete set of dentures can be created for people who have no teeth due to gum disease or trauma. Complete dentures restore functionality to the mouth and make chewing and speaking easier.

Partial Dentures – Where many teeth have been lost, removable or fixed partial dentures can prove to be an excellent option. They enhance the aesthetics of the smile in addition to improving chewing abilities.

What other problems can a prosthodontist treat?

In addition to performing the treatments described above, the prosthodontist is also adept at treating problems with the jaw (TMJ), alleviating severe snoring, managing sleep apnea, and reconstructing the teeth following oral cancer treatments. Generally, the prosthodontist works in combination with other dental health professionals to ensure the best possible restorative results are achieved.

Pediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree. At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD). Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.

One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene. They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education – Pediatric dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, pediatric dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, pediatric dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Intervention – In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our office.

Patients experiencing a dental emergency would do best to receive prompt attention. Dental Center of Mesa offers emergency dental care to help minimize patient discomfort and preserve the integrity of their smiles.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, call our office at 1-480-951-3333.
What constitutes a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are cases of extreme toothache, tooth loss, or tooth damage that require immediate attention.

For example, avulsed teeth can be reattached if kept in good condition and reinserted into their sockets within a period of a few hours.

Severe toothache can interfere with everyday life. Patients may find it difficult to eat or speak, and may not want to be seen in public if they’re experiencing intense swelling.

Emergency Care Services from Dental Center of Mesa
Jonathan Kalika, DMD is experienced in providing emergency care services. Our office offers emergency services all day, every day. We do charge a small fee to open the practice during off hours. But we do make time to see emergencies during regular business hours as well. We give emergency cases priority.

Our goal is to return emergency patients to their normal state as soon as possible, even if that means just to relieve pain. We can refer to pharmacies that supply the needed medications to treat/prevent infection as well as minimize discomfort during the healing period. We can also provide emergency root canal therapy to treat toothaches and save your teeth as much as possible.

Call Dental Center of Mesa for your Emergency Dental Care Needs

If you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, call the office of Dr. Kalika in Mesa, Arizona. We treat emergency cases in Mesa and the surrounding communities. We look forward to helping you reach optimal oral health!