We approach oral/dental health as an integral part of your general health. Our mission is to provide the highest level of comprehensive, evidence-based, oral health care based exclusively on current scientific research. We pride ourselves with personally knowing each patient and strive to meet their oral health needs in the most comfortable, positive, and friendly environment.
Our office is equipped with the most current and cutting-edge technology. Digital x-ray technology that significantly reduces your exposure to radiation as well as small digital cameras to document and show our progress on flat screen monitors. Additionally, we use laser technology to enhance comfort and ensure long term success. We have incorporated digital scanners that scan your teeth and replace the traditional impression materials.
From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll be welcomed by a caring staff in a relaxed, stress-free environment where the whole family can feel at ease.
Our team consists of dedicated individuals who are kind, friendly, and caring. Our staff is here to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit to our office.
Dr. Rafaat received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1996. He then graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2001. Which was the first dental school in the world and it is ranked as one of the top 10 dental school in the United States.
In addition, he completed an advanced general residency program that deepened his education in treating more complex cases. He is a member of California Dental Association, American Dental Association and Orange County Dental Society.
We accept Dentical, Medi-Cal and most PPO insurances. Please contact our office to verify acceptance of your plan. We accept check, cash, and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard). Patients portions will be due the day of the appointment. However, we are willing to work with you if there are special circumstances.
Dr. Rafaat has been handling dental emergencies throughout his entire career as a dentist. He and his caring, knowledgeable staff are well-equipped to handle any dental emergency you may have.
Call our office at (562) 656-2020 and we will get you right in.
We accept Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal, Delta Dental, Humana, Aetna Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Guardian, Principal, Ameritas, Anthem, Anthem FEP Blue, Blue Shield of California, GEHA, Liberty Dental, UnitedHealthCare, United Concordia, Careington PPO, and most PPO insurances. Please contact our office to verify acceptance of your plan. We accept check, cash, and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard). Patients portions will be due the day of the appointment. However, we are willing to work with you if there are special circumstances.
Dr. Rafaat can help you select the right cosmetic and restorative services on his menu to make your smile a showstopper and ensure that you have excellent oral health, including:
Everything you need to know in one place, so booking and getting care feels easy from start to finish.
Finding a reputable dentist begins with gathering recommendations from people you trust. Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues for their suggestions, as personal experiences can provide valuable insight into a dentist’s care style and office environment. Your primary care physician or a local pharmacist can also be excellent sources for referrals to trusted dental professionals in the area. Alongside personal recommendations, using online search engines can help you compile a list of potential practices. A search for a “dentist near me” will yield numerous options, allowing you to visit their websites to learn about their services, team, and philosophy of care.
Once you have a list of potential candidates, it’s important to do a little more research to ensure they are a good fit. Read through online patient reviews and testimonials to get a broader sense of the patient experience, paying attention to comments about chairside manner, wait times, and the helpfulness of the staff. Before making a decision, verify the dentist’s credentials to confirm they are properly licensed and in good standing with state and national dental boards. Many offices are also happy to answer questions over the phone, which gives you a chance to gauge their customer service and confirm they meet your specific needs. This information was provided by Charles E. Boren! You can check them out here: https://charlesborendds.com/.
A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth that is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. At its core, it consists of a small, screw-like post, typically made of titanium or zirconia, which is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This metal post acts as an artificial tooth root, providing a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth. Over time, through a process called osseointegration, the jawbone fuses with the implant post, ensuring it remains securely anchored and does not slip or shift while eating or speaking.
Once the implant has successfully bonded with the jawbone, an abutment—or connector piece—is attached to the top of the post. This component holds the final restoration in place, which is usually a custom-made crown that matches the color and shape of your existing teeth. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, support a bridge for multiple missing teeth, or even stabilize dentures. Because they are integrated directly into the bone structure, dental implants not only restore your smile but also help preserve facial structure by preventing the bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are missing. Special thanks to William M. Schneider, DDS for answering this question!
Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their proper position. The process begins with a consultation where a dental professional takes a precise digital scan of your mouth. Using advanced 3D technology, they map out the exact movements your teeth need to make to achieve alignment. Based on this plan, a sequence of aligner trays is fabricated specifically for you. Each tray is slightly different from the last, designed to apply controlled, gentle pressure to specific teeth to guide them toward their final destination.
Patients typically wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. For the treatment to be effective, the aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and performing daily oral hygiene routines. As you progress through the series of trays, your teeth move incrementally until they reach the desired alignment. This system offers a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, allowing you to straighten your smile with removable appliances that are virtually invisible to others. Thank you to Premier Smiles for sharing this answer with us!
All-on-4 dental implants provide a comprehensive solution for individuals who need to replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth. Rather than using a separate implant for every missing tooth, this technique strategically places just four titanium posts into the jawbone to support an entire set of prosthetic teeth. The procedure is distinct because the two back implants are inserted at a precise angle, which maximizes contact with the existing bone. This clever positioning often allows patients with lower bone density to avoid the need for complex bone grafting procedures before receiving their new smile.
Once these four anchors are securely in place, a permanent, custom-made bridge of teeth is attached to them. Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on the gums and can slip or require adhesive, this fixed restoration functions very much like natural teeth. The secure fit restores your ability to bite and chew a wide variety of foods comfortably and allows you to speak without worry. By integrating directly with the jawbone, the implants also help stimulate the bone tissue, preserving facial structure and preventing the deterioration that commonly happens after tooth loss. Special thanks to our friends at Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry for sharing this information with us!
